SEC Hoops?

[Mr.B!!!]

I think the state legislature will make sure that OU and OSU are in the same conference, just like the state of Texas will put A&M and Texas in the same conference.

Where does the Oklahoma legislature get that authority from? Threaten to cut off funding maybe? Well, I don't think that is going to happen. Change the law to take power away from the Regents? That takes time, and would be heavily blocked by those advocating separation of powers. Here is the role of the Board of Regents:

To maintain academic independence from state politics, the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education was created in 1941 through constitutional amendment (Article XIII-A), governed by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The State Regents prescribe academic standards of all higher education in the state (for both public and private instututions). The State Regents also determine functions and courses of study at public colleges and universities, grant degrees, and recommend proposed fees within limits set by the Legislature. In general, the State Regents receive a single higher education appropriation from the legislature and have the constitutional responsibility to allocate those budget items to each Governing Board of Regents or Board of Trustees of a constituent agency.


Based partially on the above, and the intent of separation of powers to protect the state's universities from too much legislative interference, I'm guessing that without a constitutional amendment (which I believe would have to be voted on by the people), the Board of Regents for the University of Oklahoma would make the final decision for OU, and same would go for oSu as to what conference they might join. In any event, I don't think that this is an issue that an elected official would want to touch with a ten foot pole as they can claim they don't have the authority (and thus the responsibility) for anything that may happen.

I think it is better than 50/50 that oSu would be extended an invitation to join whatever conference OU was invited to, but that isn't a guarantee. Not sure where this aTm is handcuffed to UT thing by their state legislature comes from either. Certainly wasn't an issue with the formation of the Big 12, so it sounds more like conjecture more than anything. Ann Richards "pushed" Baylor on the B12, but in reality, the B12 wanted one more school, Baylor just had the most support. Truth is, nobody knows what will happen, let's just hope that oSu is extended an invite and it is all moot.

 

[campbest]

I think the state legislature will make sure that OU and OSU are in the same conference, just like the state of Texas will put A&M and Texas in the same conference.

Bingo.

Everyone keeps talking about Boren and Joe C, but they are not going to be the final decision makers. This proposed move doesn't just effect the athletic department, it's an entire shift for the institution as a whole, which will leave the final decision at the hands of lawmakers.

OU is not going anywhere without OSU, you can book that right now. Don't care if they were not in the same conference back in the mid 1900's, that has no bearing on 2010 and going forward.

 

[NickZepp]

Where does the Oklahoma legislature get that authority from? Threaten to cut off funding maybe? Well, I don't think that is going to happen. Change the law to take power away from the Regents? That takes time, and would be heavily blocked by those advocating separation of powers. Here is the role of the Board of Regents:

To maintain academic independence from state politics, the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education was created in 1941 through constitutional amendment (Article XIII-A), governed by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The State Regents prescribe academic standards of all higher education in the state (for both public and private instututions). The State Regents also determine functions and courses of study at public colleges and universities, grant degrees, and recommend proposed fees within limits set by the Legislature. In general, the State Regents receive a single higher education appropriation from the legislature and have the constitutional responsibility to allocate those budget items to each Governing Board of Regents or Board of Trustees of a constituent agency.


Based partially on the above, and the intent of separation of powers to protect the state's universities from too much legislative interference, I'm guessing that without a constitutional amendment (which I believe would have to be voted on by the people), the Board of Regents for the University of Oklahoma would make the final decision for OU, and same would go for oSu as to what conference they might join. In any event, I don't think that this is an issue that an elected official would want to touch with a ten foot pole as they can claim they don't have the authority (and thus the responsibility) for anything that may happen.

I think it is better than 50/50 that oSu would be extended an invitation to join whatever conference OU was invited to, but that isn't a guarantee. Not sure where this aTm is handcuffed to UT thing by their state legislature comes from either. Certainly wasn't an issue with the formation of the Big 12, so it sounds more like conjecture more than anything. Ann Richards "pushed" Baylor on the B12, but in reality, the B12 wanted one more school, Baylor just had the most support. Truth is, nobody knows what will happen, let's just hope that oSu is extended an invite and it is all moot.

It's all about money. It's better for the state financially if the 2 schools are in the same conference. You may not like OSU at all and I don't like them that much either. But that has nothing to do with it. I think OU, OSU, Texas, and A&M are all a package deal.

 

[Mr.B!!!]

It's all about money. It's better for the state financially if the 2 schools are in the same conference. You may not like OSU at all and I don't like them that much either. But that has nothing to do with it. I think OU, OSU, Texas, and A&M are all a package deal.

Why?

 

[campbest]

It's all about money. It's better for the state financially if the 2 schools are in the same conference. You may not like OSU at all and I don't like them that much either. But that has nothing to do with it. I think OU, OSU, Texas, and A&M are all a package deal.

I don't necessarily agree with this, could be the most lucrative deal only if there is a void for these four schools to fill. Unfortunately, I believe they will be split up into pairs.

 

[Mr.B!!!]

I don't necessarily agree with this, could be the most lucrative deal only if there is a void for these four schools to fill. Unfortunately, I believe they will be split up into pairs.

Yep, I'm not thinking that UT and aTm are that worried about what OU and oSu do at this point. In fact, I'm pretty sure that if they "package" up with someone, it will be with Tech over either OU or oSu.

Can I just say that I hate ESPN and the Big 10 right now? Their greed, along with a complete lack of leadership in the B12 (well, that and bending to the will of UT) has ruined an otherwise respectable conference.

 

[NickZepp]

I don't necessarily agree with this, could be the most lucrative deal only if there is a void for these four schools to fill. Unfortunately, I believe they will be split up into pairs.

Could be true, but I just think it's more likely they both end up in the SEC/Pac-10.

 

[SoonerNorm]

New Conference: OU, OSU, A&M, UT, Ark, LSU, Tenn, FSU, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, & South Carolina.

 

[campbest]

Can I just say that I hate ESPN and the Big 10 right now? Their greed, along with a complete lack of leadership in the B12 (well, that and bending to the will of UT) has ruined an otherwise respectable conference.

I really don't blame the conference heads, television networks, etc. Basically boils down to demographics and where the populations are located. Money is going to trump all in the end, it's inevitable without some sort of intervention. Either you get on the train and become proactive or you get left behind, complaining about the past.

 

[Mr.B!!!]

I really don't blame the conference heads, television networks, etc. Basically boils down to demographics and where the populations are located. Money is going to trump all in the end, it's inevitable without some sort of intervention. Either you get on the train and become proactive or you get left behind, complaining about the past.

The irony is that OU was the school that got the ball rolling in this direction so many years ago.

 

[152219]

I really don't blame the conference heads, television networks, etc. Basically boils down to demographics and where the populations are located. Money is going to trump all in the end, it's inevitable without some sort of intervention. Either you get on the train and become proactive or you get left behind, complaining about the past.

Agreed and hopefully Joe C and Boren have been proactive (which I assume they have been). Just want what is best for OU in the short and long term.

 

[Mr.B!!!]

New Conference: OU, OSU, A&M, UT, Ark, LSU, Tenn, FSU, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, & South Carolina.

I think that the existing SEC teams are pretty locked in. What makes me the MOST angry about this is that Weiberg (sp?) basically loaded up the B12 with crappy television deals, then left to start the B12 deal. Now, if things turn around with the Pac-10, then great

 

[152219]

I think that the existing SEC teams are pretty locked in. What makes me the MOST angry about this is that Weiberg (sp?) basically loaded up the B12 with crappy television deals, then left to start the B12 deal. Now, if things turn around with the Pac-10, then great

From what I've read, Weiberg actually tried to start a Big 12 network, but Texas and Nebraska shot it down because both wanted to start their own individual network.

Weiberg did leave the Big 12 with mediocre TV deals

 

[Mr.B!!!]

From what I've read, Weiberg actually tried to start a Big 12 network, but Texas and Nebraska shot it down because both wanted to start their own individual network.

Weiberg did leave the Big 12 with mediocre TV deals

And now he is the guy that we are going to be working with on this new deal.

Here is the best "status quo" solution I can think of...lose Mizzou, keep NU and try to get Utah to replace Mizzou. Tie in Pac 10 and Big 12, and to get more $$, throw in a couple of cross conference match-ups to be played home and home every year.

 

[campbest]

I agree that the Big 12 deal isn't as lucrative, but let's be honest, the Big 12 covers the least populated section of the country (of the major conferences). The market for such a lucrative deal doesn't exist outside of Texas; and if I am UT, why would I want to partner a TV deal when I can make more as my own network in the long run?

My biggest fear is that the administration becomes arrogant and takes the "We are OU" stance and refuses to make concessions when a good opportunity approaches. Twenty years ago program prestige weighed most heavily, now that doesn't matter as much, it's all about direct returns. OU athletics turns a profit, but a lot of that has been fueled by the success of the past 10 years and these things tend to operate in cycles.

 

[Mr.B!!!]

OU is one of the most visable and discussed programs in the country, and do not underestimate the following we have in North Texas. I think OU has three significant markets that it can lay reasonable claim to: OKC, Tulsa and most importantly, Dallas/Ft. Worth. Seems like our games are also rated pretty highly in comparison to many other teams.

 

[152219]

I agree that the Big 12 deal isn't as lucrative, but let's be honest, the Big 12 covers the least populated section of the country (of the major conferences). The market for such a lucrative deal doesn't exist outside of Texas; and if I am UT, why would I want to partner a TV deal when I can make more as my own network in the long run?

My biggest fear is that the administration becomes arrogant and takes the "We are OU" stance and refuses to make concessions when a good opportunity approaches. Twenty years ago program prestige weighed most heavily, now that doesn't matter as much, it's all about direct returns. OU athletics turns a profit, but a lot of that has been fueled by the success of the past 10 years and these things tend to operate in cycles.

The problem is that the Longhorn Network has never really taken off.

But I do agree with most of what you posted above.

 

[152219]

OU is one of the most visable and discussed programs in the country, and do not underestimate the following we have in North Texas. I think OU has three significant markets that it can lay reasonable claim to: OKC, Tulsa and most importantly, Dallas/Ft. Worth. Seems like our games are also rated pretty highly in comparison to many other teams.

I've lived here since '99 (following graduation from OU)...the OU contingent in this metro is very large. Not as high as some of the Texas schools, but large nonetheless.

 

[stoops4pres]

I think the state legislature will make sure that OU and OSU are in the same conference, just like the state of Texas will put A&M and Texas in the same conference.

Agreed. And if that is the case, it will be pretty pathetic that OU wouldn't be able to join in on a better opportunity (i.e. SEC) because of Ok. State's shortcomings.

 

[Sawyer]

I just hope the Big 12 stays together. There is no need to switch things up. In Football if you win the conference you go play for a national championship. In basketball if you are one of the top two teams in the conference you have an excellent shot at a #1 seed in the tourney. Nearly every team has a rivalry with history behind it. How could it get any better?

$1+ million per month is a lot of money and can do a lot of things for an athletic department.

If conference expansions were going to happen - and at this point, it's happening - the Big 12 and Big East are vulnerable. Not because they are bad conferences, but because the other conferences offer more money. As things stand right now, today, the Big 12 is a damn good conference. But will it be five years from now after the Big 10 and probably the SEC move to 14-16 teams? Maybe not. And if there are questions about the Big 12 and offers to move, any Big 12 team (aside from maybe UT) would be wise to take the offer.