Texas A&M vs. Arkansas: The Beginning of SEC Competition

In the days following Texas A&M's disappointing loss at the hands of Oklahoma State, the Aggies have dropped six spots in the polls and made an official move to the SEC. This change of conference by a valuable Big 12 university may set off a chain reaction across the nation, one such move having already happened in the Big East as Syracuse and Pitt have taken a  preemptive approach and jumped ship for the ACC just a week ago.

However, as the 14th ranked Aggies' change of conference finality washes over the rest of the nation, A&M must look forward to their next game in Dallas against former Southwest Conference rival 18th ranked Arkansas. 

The Razorbacks have won the first two clashes of the Southwest Classic in Dallas, but A&M comes into this game ranked higher and with renewed hopes of finally knocking off Arkansas. 

This will be the Aggies' first battle with an SEC team since rumors of their departure from the Big 12 started this summer. Watch for the game to be just as exciting as it is dramatic as the two foes face-off in Cowboy Stadium on October 1st.

Texas A&M's SEC Dream

The Kyle Field faithful have been patiently waiting since Colorado and Nebraska left last summer to make their move out of Texas' shadow and into the SEC. 

The Aggies bring a lot more to the SEC than many people give them credit for. Bill Byrne, Texas A&M's Athletic Director, has built a formidable athletic program in College Station. No other school in the NCAA can claim more national championships than Texas A&M in the 2010-2011 season, including a College World Series appearance, a Cotton Bowl loss to LSU, and an NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament visit.

Every year, A&M can compete with the best of the SEC in every sport, and those who say they aren't strong in football will be proven wrong as Mike Sherman continues to impress with his recruiting techniques and bowl appearances.

The SEC's Texas A&M Dream

 Mike Slive and the SEC have the last five football national championships but they still need A&M, much to the disbelief of critiques.

The Aggies bring huge TV markets in Dallas, Houston and San Antonio to the SEC footprint as well as a fresh recruiting ground in the fertile Texas high schools. A&M's AAU status is exactly what the Southeastern Conference needs to boost their academic reputation. This is the right fit for them and they know it.

Arkansas and LSU gain a new geographic rival that will be two thrilling games every season. Not to mention, the addition of A&M will make way for TV contact renegotiation, bringing in a potential of millions of dollars to each school. This move makes sense for the conference, making the equal share of revenue even more profitable.

The Beginning

It all starts next Saturday in Dallas. The Razorbacks and the Aggies both come in to Saturday's game with tough losses to conference foes. Whether it be the Texas A&M or Arkansas that comes out on top, this is the beginning of something beautiful. 

A&M's hundred year conference realignment move will more than last, giving each side exactly what it wants, and needs for that matter. The A&M-SEC love affair is now one of the greatest relationships in college football and will continue to evolve.