Texas A&M and SEC Expansion: What to Believe About Realignment
At some point, Texas A&M seems destined to end up in the Southeastern Conference, whether or not Baylor or any other member of the Big 12 likes it. It's all just a matter of timeโit may just take a little longer than expected.
With the Aggies going to the SEC, 13 teams would be left in the best conference in college football. Don't believe that the SEC would actually play with an uneven number of teams. They set the bar for college football and will not look stupid with seven teams in one division and six in the other.
Virginia Tech would make the most sense out of the 74 teams mentioned on a daily basis. The tradition of the program, television market, quality of football and fan base is large enough to join the SEC. Florida State is another great fit for the same reasons.
You should believe that Oklahoma is probably leaving for the Pac-12, which would eventually turn into the Pac-16. Oklahoma State and Texas Tech would be right behind them in the move, which would leave one team to get to 16. Texas would likely be the fourth team to join, but they would have to leave behind their new toy, the "Longhorn Network." Regardless, it would be the best fit competition-wise and in the long run.
Texas' possible departure for the Pac-16 would open the door for other teams and conferences to create super conferences: three or four 16-team conferences that are loaded and will beat up on each other. This would also force schools to travel farther to play conference opponents.
You should believe that once all five teams jump ship, the Big 12 will be destroyed. Every other team will be out to fend for themselves, and it won't be a pretty situation. A few of the teams will likely end up in a expanded Big East.
The Big Ten would likely get involved as well and add Missouri and possibly convince Notre Dame to hop on board. Pittsburgh is also a possibility if they don't join the ACC with Florida State or Virginia Tech leaving.
A lot of rivalries will die with a lot of teams moving. Some of the moves will benefit teams while hurting others.
You can also believe that this will be a major headache for quite some time and will cause a lot of problems.
What you shouldn't believe is anything in this article, because it can all change tomorrow.
