Conference Realignment 2011: Missouri inching closer to the SEC

It looks like WVU's only way out of the Big East now is the Big 12, following Pete Thamel's report in thes New York Times that Missouri's application to the SEC is "inevitable and imminent." This comes after the news earlier today that WVU is expected to vote "yes" to double the Big East exit fee.

Thamel goes on to write that once Missouri sends the application, it should be a done deal.

He writes...

After Missouri applies, the person said that it expects “no problems” with gathering enough votes among SEC presidents to become a member.

The Missouri board of Curators is expected to meet later this week, writes Thamel.

So, things are starting to move quickly, and expect the Big East to send out invitations this week. WVU will now have to either wait to become the 15th or 16th member of the SEC when the conferences go SUPER. They can hope for an invitation to the Big 12, which certainly looks better now. Or, they could stay in the Big East, with an uncertain future. The plot thickens...

Conference Realignment Update

A lot seems to be happening as we speak. The Big 12 is taking action, even while Missouri is still at a crossroads. Here's a look at the big rumors and actual stories today...

BIG NEWS: The Big 12 has reportedly invited TCU to begin play in 2012-2013 year.

-UPDATE: CBS is reporting that TCU has accepted the invitation, and will not be heading to the slowly decaying Big East.

Statement from TCU Chancellor, Victor Boschini Jr. from the Dallas Morning News

"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."

TCU is all but in the Big 12 it seems

ALSO, according to CBS Sports, Missouri doesn't have the votes to get into the SEC at this time. Some schools are holding out for a better option or a more geographically-friendly option to the SEC East.

The Big East has now lost Syracuse, Pittsburgh, and TCU...and UConn, Rutgers, Louisville, Cincinnati, and West Virginia are all looking to get out. John Marinatto is looking like a genius right now.

Things are moving a bit today, so we will try to continue to update you as much as possible.

WVU Fans Frothing at the Mouth…

Earlier today, Danks set up a link to a twitter search for “WVU SEC”. Its been a noisy day in that department…so I went to the ol’ tweeter to see what was doing, and mistakenly typed WVU SEC as my status.

Oops. Deleted three seconds later. In that three seconds, one follower ping’d “WHAT DO YOU KNOW” and I got two text messages on my phone saying similar things.

For what its worth…here’s something to check out..Leatherhelmetblog

Pretty interesting read, but…this is the internets people. Take everything with a grain of salt.

Comparing the Conferences: Where will WVU End Up?

The conference realignment talk continues to rule college football between the weekends. WVU has been linked to a possible move to the SEC this week, and have had links to the ACC and staying in the Big East in the past. Let's take a closer look of what these conferences look like, and the positives and negatives for all.

Scale: Very Poor, Poor, Fair, Pretty Solid, Solid, Excellent

Big East:

Football Competition: Fair

Football Recruiting Area: Fair

Basketball Competition: Excellent

Basketball Recruiting Area: Solid

Other Sports Competition: Solid

Conference Markets: Excellent

Best Market: New York

The Big East is certainly known for its basketball. Both Men's and Women's are very good. However, the Big East's best asset is the markets. The Northeast is the Mecca of news and publicity, and many of the teams are in or around New York, Philadelphia, and Washington. Teams are based from the Midwest, soon-to-be Texas, and the Eastern Seaboard. Sure, money isn't huge in football, but could be in the future with expansion.

Chance of Staying in Big East: 45%

SEC:

Football Competition: Excellent

Football Recruiting: Excellent

Basketball Competition: Fair

Basketball Recruiting: Fair

Other Sports Competition: Very Solid

Conference Markets: Fair

Best Market: Atlanta

Easily the best football conference in the nation. It would be very hard to say "No" to the big money sport. The football recruiting grounds are fertile. However, the markets aren't great, and basketball is top-heavy. Yes, the SEC gets serious football publicity, but it starts to dry-up quickly after that. For example...Who exactly calls SEC basketball games on ESPN?

Chance of Going to SEC: 25%

Big 12:

Football Competition: Very Solid

Football Recruiting: Excellent

Basketball Competition: Fair

Basketball Recruiting: Fair

Other Sports Competition: Solid

Conference Markets: Solid

Best Market: Dallas/Fort Worth

Big schools, mostly based in a big state. The market is good. Several schools are in or close to some of the largest cities in the country. Football and basketball are competitive every year. However, the future of this conference is up in the air. There's a good chance this conference may completely dissolve, especially with Texas and Texas A+M leaving, and the possibility of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State bolting too.

Chance of Going to Big 12: 5%

ACC:

Football Competition: Solid

Football Recruiting: Excellent

Basketball Competition: Excellent

Basketball Recruiting: Very Solid

Other Sports Competition: Solid

Conference Markets: Very Solid

Best Market: Charlotte

It would be a nice fit for WVU. It makes sense geographically, and it would reignite a few old rivalries. The markets are good, even reaching New England. It's also competitive in both football and basketball. It's not as deep as other conferences, and there is the possibility of some teams leaving, but overall, it's a pretty good situation.

Chance of Going to ACC: 20%

Big Ten

Football Competition: Very Solid

Football Recruiting: Solid

Basketball Competition: Solid

Basketball Recruiting: Very Solid

Other Sports Competition: Solid

Conference Markets: Solid

Best Market: Chicago

This midwestern stronghold boasts tradition and consistent competition. The markets are solid, though stuck in the middle of the country. However, that still beats the west coast. Travel is not as wild as some other conferences, and many of the stadiums and arenas are cathedrals. The conference's biggest issue may be its stereotyped style of play. The word "boring" tends to come up a lot with football and basketball. Whether its fair or not is irrelevant. The bottom-line is the word comes up too often.

Chance of Going to Big Ten: 5%

Deep Thoughts, WVU Style

WVU to the SEC? Is this finally legit? Apparently it's a good possibility according to Dennis Dodd. The hot rumor places WVU against Missouri for the 14th spot in the SEC. It's interesting to compare the two schools. Both athletic programs are solid. Bot have ties to good markets. Missouri has the midwestern cities, and WVU has Pittsburgh and solid alum bases in Washington and Baltimore. Missouri is probably more desperate at this time, because the Big 12 is dying a slow, painful death. Meanwhile, the Big East may not be the best football conference, but it isn't going anywhere. So, which school is more attractive to the SEC? Only time will tell. Personally, I would love to be in the SEC. The football schedule would be unrivaled. However, being a Mainer certainly means I will always have a soft spot for the Big East. And, you can't beat the basketball angle. So, yes I'm torn.

A lot as been said about the offensive line. Most of it hasn't been positive. Even Dana Holgorsen finally came out and put them on notice during his weekly press conference. However, it's not just the line. The receivers didn't do enough on run plays, and the running backs were thrown around. The offense might be about speed, but that speed means nothing without a rushing attack or a healthy quarterback. Norfolk State should be a good test for the Mountaineers to right the blocking ship.

Nice Job, Big East! Now, do it again! Starting the season 8-0 is very nice for the conference, but respect will only come if this continues. Let's also not forget that four of the wins were over FCS opponents. This week is much of the same, with games against Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and UNC are on the docket. If the league can go 6-2 or better, look for a little bit more love.

It was nice to see the students actually stay past halftime for once. Well, they kind of have to now with the new "no re-admittence" policy. Sure, they were still slow to get in, but the sections remained full for the three quarters of play. I would still get rid of the "Senior Spirit Section", but it was a better showing for the students.

Devon Brown is a pleasant surprise so far. The Wake Forest transfer looked to be the most "ready" inside receiver, catching four balls for 42 yards. The senior wideout will probably get many comparisons to Jock Sanders and Darius Reynaud. He led Wake in receiving last season, and is poised to help the Mountaineers get back to a BCS Bowl. So far, so good for Brown.