There are cases I can make for a lot of western schools and I believe things can work out well with any of the ones we've mentioned.
Where I believe we're at as a conference is that we wouldn't want to lose our ability to make a big play with OU and/or UT if the opportunity arose, but we also don't want to sit around hoping that the B1G, ACC and SEC break up the Big 12 while leaving OU and UT for the Pac-12's taking. I think we should be more proactive than that while also making sure we leave space to have flexibility in adding them if we get that chance (and look more attractive to them when it comes time to make that pitch).
The move I'd push right now if I couldn't pull off something bigger: UNLV + Texas Tech
That gives us the Nevada/Las Vegas market that has a lot of value in the footprint along with seriously upgrading our basketball prestige. Realistic now since UNLV has invested so much in its medical school and other scientific research + faculty hires to really bring up their level on the academic side. Plus they now will have adequate facilities.
Texas Tech gives us access to Texas with its huge population, money, and passion for college sports. It also gives us a Tier 1 research university while putting a lot of pressure on the Big 12 falling apart. They are also UT's closest ally within the Big 12 and there would be a lot of political pressure within Texas to join up with TTU for a conference affiliation.
Where I believe we're at as a conference is that we wouldn't want to lose our ability to make a big play with OU and/or UT if the opportunity arose, but we also don't want to sit around hoping that the B1G, ACC and SEC break up the Big 12 while leaving OU and UT for the Pac-12's taking. I think we should be more proactive than that while also making sure we leave space to have flexibility in adding them if we get that chance (and look more attractive to them when it comes time to make that pitch).
The move I'd push right now if I couldn't pull off something bigger: UNLV + Texas Tech
That gives us the Nevada/Las Vegas market that has a lot of value in the footprint along with seriously upgrading our basketball prestige. Realistic now since UNLV has invested so much in its medical school and other scientific research + faculty hires to really bring up their level on the academic side. Plus they now will have adequate facilities.
Texas Tech gives us access to Texas with its huge population, money, and passion for college sports. It also gives us a Tier 1 research university while putting a lot of pressure on the Big 12 falling apart. They are also UT's closest ally within the Big 12 and there would be a lot of political pressure within Texas to join up with TTU for a conference affiliation.
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