Conference Expansion: 5 Best Options for Missouri

The Missouri Tigers are the latest "it" team to be considered for the illustrious South Eastern Conference. They will be leaving behind the Big 12 for the sunnier skies and greener pastures of playing games against Tennessee, Ole Miss, Georgia and South Carolina. 

Missouri's chancellor got the "okay" from the governing curators this week to set the move into motion.

However, there is no timetable as to when the Tigers will move away from the Big 12 for the SEC.

But, what if the SEC falls through and they add someone else as their 14th team?

Well, that's why we are here, as we will take a look into what Missouri's options will be. 

Option 1: Move to Big East

The Big East is desperate for teams right now. They're a conference that is sinking, but as the old saying goes, "Desperate times calls for desperate measures."

Missouri could expect a huge offer from the Big East, if the SEC deal would fall through.

The move would make Missouri one of the best football teams in the conference while keeping the travel at a reasonable distance.  

Option 2: Move to Big Ten

From a geographical sense, this makes the most sense. The Big Ten already features the former Big 12 North division member, Nebraska. While it has games against teams close to Missouri like, Illinois, Northwestern, Iowa and Indiana. 

Moving to the Big Ten wouldn't make them an instant power, like a move to the Big East, but it will help make it easy for their fans to travel to games. 

Option 3: Move to ACC

The move to the ACC would have to be a last ditch effort, if the Big Ten and Big East would say thanks but no thanks to the Tigers. 

From a travel point, it is the furthest from Missouri, as games against North Carolina State, North Carolina and Duke would be their closest travel games. 

But, the move to the ACC would make Missouri as one of their better teams. 

Option 4: Stay in the Big 12

This would be a bad move from a pride stand point, since Missouri has made it clear that they do not want apart of the Big 12. 

But, if there are no other options, they might as well stay home right?

The Big 12 doesn't want to lose another team, so Missouri would be very welcomed to stay inside of the conference. 

Option 5: Head to the SEC

Missouri knows that the promise land is with the SEC. They have the okay to move there, it is just on the SEC officials to make the invitation to the school to become it's 14th member. 

It may not happen this year, or next but within the next three to five years, this Missouri team will be playing all of their football and other sports inside of the SEC. 

It's the smart move and it's the best move, for a school that wants to play football with the best schools in college football.

You can follow TJ on Twitter: @tjmclaoon