[BigCatDaddy]

Originally Posted by alnorth

That is going to depend entirely on the Big 12's stability and their next tier 1 contract.

If the Big 12 eventually falls apart, then I don't care how far their football program gets buried, leaving for the SEC is a smart move.

If the Big 12 cuts a very good tier 1 deal that makes their per-school payout competitive with the other major conferences and if they become stable for the long-term forseeable future, then leaving may become a tragic mistake, but we're talking 5-6 years out before anyone can even begin to conclude that.

It is a very tough decision that could have dramatic consequences if they make the wrong call, but there's no good way for them to predict what the "wrong call" is.

I'd think the correct move is to just stay with the Big 12, keep your ancient rivalries and your Texas recruiting pipeline intact, and rely on the probability that you'll be the first one thrown a lifeline if realignment apocalypse happens. The SEC is a sure thing now, but the only way MU gets left out years from now is if the PAC 12 goes to 16, the SEC stays at 14 forever, and the B1G stays at 12 forever. Possible, but very unlikely.

I agree.

Building up the Big 12 back up and playing in a conference title game every other year > buried in obscurity in the SEC