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Tale of the Tait | Fan blogs | KUsports.com
1:06 p.m. Update:
A couple of quick thoughts regarding the news that TCU is being pursued officially as the 10th member of the Big 12.
One source told me Tuesday night that, with Missouri still in limbo, interim commissioner Chuck Neinas would be aggressive in moving forward to try to force Missouri's hand a little bit.
I think this news clearly does that. How the Tigers react to it will be up to them, but this is a clear sign from the Big 12 that the league is prepared to move on — and flourish — with or without the Tigers.
As for TCU itself as a good fit, there's no question that this makes the most sense, even more so than adding BYU or Louisville, both of which are still very much in the mix in terms of Big 12 expansion talks.
TCU is the best fit geographically and in football and brings with it continued strength in Texas. That might not be a big deal for the Texas schools but it is for the rest of the league, which depends so much on the Lone Star State to fill its rosters, particularly in football.
That's the other thing Missouri has to think about here. If they go to the SEC, they can kiss their recruiting ties to Texas good bye.
Here's an interesting note from the past about that. Years ago, when Arkansas and UT were in the SWC together, the Razorbacks had an average of 40 players from Texas on their football roster. In the years that followed after Arkansas left for the SEC and Texas joined the Big 12, Arkansas' list of football players from Texas on the roster dropped to below 10 on average.
That said, I've never thought Missouri was leaving and I still don't think they are. They had a chance to take their moment in the spotlight and feel the love and then return to the league in good graces and they blew it. Had they announced Tuesday that they were committed, the league would've smiled and said, 'Welcome back.'
But sources have told me that what MU pulled on Tuesday really angered a lot of the league and now if the Tigers come back, they'll do so with their tails between their legs and having lost a lot of their clout within the league. They'll also be a complete afterthought now that the Big 12 has moved ahead with expansion.
Missouri had a chance to play this thing right and gain a lot of love but they waited just a bit too long and now will be forced to do some serious damage control if and when they do recommit to the Big 12.
Stay tuned for more reaction regarding TCU...
12:59 p.m. Update:
Here's this from Oklahoma president David Boren, which pretty much mirrors what DeLoss Dodds said earlier. Isn't it nice to see these guys getting along!
"TCU is an excellent choice as a new member of the conference. They bring strong athletics and academic credentials and were enthusiastically and unanimously supported by (the Big 12) conference."
12:06 p.m. Update:
Here's this from TCU chancellor Victor Boschini Jr., regarding the news that the Big 12 has entered into negotiations with TCU to add the Horned Frogs as the 10th member.
"These discussions with the Big 12 have huge implications for TCU. It will allow us to return to old rivalries, something our fans and others have been advocating for many years. As always, we must consider what's best for TCU and our student-athletes in this ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics. We look forward to continuing these discussions with the Big 12."
Stay tuned...
11:41 a.m. Update:
Reaction from around the Big 12 about the move to add TCU starting to come in. Hoping to hear something from Kansas soon.
UT athletic director DeLoss Dods:
"Their commitment to academics and success on the field make them an excellent fit. With a solid budget and strong financial support, they have been proactive at improving facilities. Their close proximity to all conference institutions makes for a comfortable travel situation."
