I realize this is an ISU board, and that there is already a thread about Mizzou (Haith situation) today, so I apologize if this thread is offensive.
However, I know there has been a lot of talk about Mizzou potentially moving to the SEC with Texas A&M. From what I have read on this board, ISU fans want Mizzou to stay. I think you are going to get your wish.
Here's why.
1. I believe Mike Alden. He has said that the university has had no communication with the SEC. All of the officials from the SEC confirm this. IMO, A&M wants Mizzou to move with them to soften public criticism, and to create a new western front. They are trying to use Mizzou just as the Big 10 did last year. I don't think it's going to work because Mizzou will not make the first move in that direction.
2. The current chairman of the Board of the Big 12 is from Mizzou. His name is Brady Deaton. He has repeatedly stated that Mizzou is not leaving. The idea of Mizzou negotiating a conference transition while its president is serving as the Big 12 Chairman is a PR nightmare. I do not think Missouri officials want that kind of egg on their face.
3. Mizzou officials want to maintain a middle-America identity. This could continue in the Big Ten, but not the SEC. There is a huge cultural divide. It is possible that Mizzou will ride out expansionpalooza until the Big 12 completely folds or merges with another conference. This is a possibility on two fronts: Mountain West schools merge into the Big 12, or a combination of Big East/ACC and Big 12 schools merge.
No one is certain about anything relating to expansion, but everything out of Columbia, Kansas City and St. Louis is pointing to Mizzou staying. Mizzou is letting others drive this bus, trusting that the destination is desirable and profitable. Of course, this is maddening to me because I feel Mizzou should continue to flirt with other conferences or risk being left in the cold.
.
However, I know there has been a lot of talk about Mizzou potentially moving to the SEC with Texas A&M. From what I have read on this board, ISU fans want Mizzou to stay. I think you are going to get your wish.
Here's why.
1. I believe Mike Alden. He has said that the university has had no communication with the SEC. All of the officials from the SEC confirm this. IMO, A&M wants Mizzou to move with them to soften public criticism, and to create a new western front. They are trying to use Mizzou just as the Big 10 did last year. I don't think it's going to work because Mizzou will not make the first move in that direction.
2. The current chairman of the Board of the Big 12 is from Mizzou. His name is Brady Deaton. He has repeatedly stated that Mizzou is not leaving. The idea of Mizzou negotiating a conference transition while its president is serving as the Big 12 Chairman is a PR nightmare. I do not think Missouri officials want that kind of egg on their face.
3. Mizzou officials want to maintain a middle-America identity. This could continue in the Big Ten, but not the SEC. There is a huge cultural divide. It is possible that Mizzou will ride out expansionpalooza until the Big 12 completely folds or merges with another conference. This is a possibility on two fronts: Mountain West schools merge into the Big 12, or a combination of Big East/ACC and Big 12 schools merge.
No one is certain about anything relating to expansion, but everything out of Columbia, Kansas City and St. Louis is pointing to Mizzou staying. Mizzou is letting others drive this bus, trusting that the destination is desirable and profitable. Of course, this is maddening to me because I feel Mizzou should continue to flirt with other conferences or risk being left in the cold.
.