Aggies are pissed enough to, hoo-doggie. They longed for their own identity and got that and more: they completely flipped the script on UT by bolting the Big XII for the SEC. The Aggie football program has lapped UT, who have flailed from coach to coach into mediocrity. A&M also knows it don't have the votes to prevent the SEC from inviting UT and OU--which drives them more mad. All the emotions are completely understandable. However, a working definition of "fool" is one who makes business decisions with her heart and not her head. The A&M Board of Regents has called a meeting for Monday at 6 p.m., Central Dixie Team. The agenda is,
"...discussion and possible action on contractual and governance issues relating to Texas A&M University and the Southeastern Conference."
That's plain, albeit partial, language. A natural reading is that the A&M BoR is going to talk about their options, and take "possible action" on leaving the SEC. It is clear that many Aggie hearts--and minds--are in the same place. What about those minds? Are there bidness reasons for A&M to leave the SEC? Yes. For one, Aggie football is the highest revenue-producer and the most profitable in the country. UT is second. In every way UT is looking up at A&M. For another, there's no exit fee A&M would have to pay the SEC (Since nobody leaves the SEC, you see.). UT and OU are on the hook for about $76M each for jilting the Big XII. Pocket change for UT (mebbe not the "Sooners."). Easily recouped in the extra bucks from the SEC's TV deals. A&M would get a one-time windfall of ~$17M from those exits fees, half of which would come from hated UT. Think Aggies would mind UT paying them $8M to not hang out? Ho ho ho.
Where would A&M go if they left the SEC in a huff? Back to the Big XII? Ho-ho-ho, would that be delicious? They would single-handedly SAVE the Big XII. They would be playing all of their traditional opponents from the old Southwest Conference and Big 8 days. They would be unquestioned top dog in the conference. They are more than a replacement for UT on the gridiron (although not OU). Rejoining the Big XII would mean less money, sure. The Big XII was the third-highest revenue per school conference with UT and OU. The revenue would be much less without them both, even with the addition of top money dog A&M. That reduced revenue now would only have to be split nine ways, not ten, though, and not sixteen ways in the SEC. Ho-ho-ho.
Of course, "discussion," reasoned, cool-headed, bottom-line focused discussion can temper inflamed hearts; "possible" action can remain in the fevered ether. But maybe...
*No "but maybe." A&M's prez released a statement Saturday night stating that they're staying.
