Speculating Expansion Of The S E C

[GrayEagle]

It is believed that the Big 10 will be the first to expand and that the Southeast Conference will be right after them; adding so that each of those conferences have the same number of teams. But, the path to 14 or 16 teams for the SEC is not nearly as clear cut as it is for the Big 10.

If the Big 10 expands to 14 teams then I believe that the SEC will first try to get Texas (and that means also adding Texas A&M). That failing, then I believe that the SEC takes two from the ACC. I would expect that Florida State and Miami would be the two offered. Clemson and Georgia Tech are other possibilities if they are turned down by the Florida schools. The reason is intra-state rivalries...Clemson with member South Carolina and Georgia Tech with Georgia. I do not see Memphis, Southern Miss, Louisville or Cincinnati being a part of SEC expansion.

If the SEC is somehow successful in getting Texas and A&M then I believe that they will offer Oklahoma and one other (should Oklahoma accept) and expand to 16 perhaps even if the Big 10 stops at 14.

The Southeastern Conference should only take teams that are perennial Top 20-30 teams and will remain the number 1 conference (power rating wise) in the nation.

I don't know if anyone feels differently about what the SEC might do but it will be hard for anyone to not consider trying for membership. With the possible exception of Texas and Oklahoma, I believe that the rest of the "South" would jump at the chance.

[UNTflyer]

Florida State and Miami would be logical choices in order to secure the Florida 3-way Rivalry. And I suppose Texas would secure an annual matchup with Arkansas. LSU and Texas would make a fine west division rivalry game.

[MeanGreen61]

Florida State and Miami would be logical choices in order to secure the Florida 3-way Rivalry. And I suppose Texas would secure an annual matchup with Arkansas. LSU and Texas would make a fine west division rivalry game.

Don't beleive that Texas was opt for the SEC. They don't consider SEC members to be their "intellectual equal". Maybe the Big 10 or PAC 10 as they are predominately AAU members, but not the SEC.

Edited April 25, 2010 by MeanGreen61

[Legend500]

If the SEC's gonna head west, they need to go Big. Literally. Although I think a Florida expansion is the best option, they could also try to poach Texas, A&M, OU and Okie St. That would be quite a lot to swallow, but it adds a number of good games to the SEC schedule.