I still don't think, despite all these rumors and speculation, that Notre Dame ends up anywhere other than the Big Ten. They will lose every rival they have while playing all their road games a thousand miles away from their campus (which is expensive, and hurts their ability to "travel"). It wouldn't make sense geographically, financially, or in terms of tradition (which is all they have at this point.) for Notre Dame to go anywhere else.

having said all that, how much of this has made any sense?

Does Missouri or Texas A&M actually expect to contend in the SEC?

It's not always about winning, Kris.

The Big 10 definitely makes more sense. Why are they so reluctant to join? Like you said, proximity and rivalries are already there, seems like it should be a no brainer.

Having said that, it seems like they are really intrigued by the ACC, and all the rumors seem to be saying that is where they end up. Who knows? For me, I wouldn't mind it b/c I'd love to have more football school join the conference. Or, if (and it's a big if) Clemson gets in invite to the SEC, I'd be all for that.

You get me, friend.

Not really, but it won't be too much different than the Big 12. It might take a few years to get SEC-type talent, but both schools will probably be bowl eligible most years with the occasional 10 win season.

They'll both compete well in the middle half of the SEC. No one can touch Alabama or LSU in the country right now. Unfair to expect it. They can beat anyone else though.

That's what I'm thinking. I don't think either team would be afraid of any other teams besides LSU, Alabama, and maybe Florida. It's not like they're coming from the ACC or Big East. The Big 12 has been one of the top two or three conferences for the past few years.

Last time Clemson played TAMU, Clemson won. I think the whole "ACC is weaker" argument isn't quite as it seems. I mean, yeah, it's not a power house, but a lot of the guys playing for ACC teams right now were also recruited by SEC schools. Yes, LSU/Bama would pretty much destroy most teams in the ACC, but the middle of the road teams and lower are no better / worse then the ACC teams like UNC, UVA, Clemson, FSU, and GA Tech. Put any of those ACC teams up against SCAR, UK, Vandy, Auburn (this year), UT, Florida, and I don't see a whole lot of difference.

I think it's generally agreed upon that the SEC and Big 12 have consistently been better conferences over the last decade. That's not saying there hasn't been great ACC teams our that every team in the SEC or Big 12 stacks up better. The ACC's lack of success in BCS games isn't exactly a ringing endorsement for the conference either (even though it's unfair to determine the strength of the conference based on game each year).

Another weekend, another epic Aggie collapse....

I have spent a lot of time on Mizzou's campus over the last several years and have caught a fair number of games, they are a legit program and have had some pretty good teams recently. They were too good for the Big 12 and its only a matter of time before Texas and Oklahoma head out too.

Definitely a season changer for Mizzou. They've been on the losing end of those type of games more often than not in their history. Great game. Hopefully the KSU/OU game is just as exciting.

So Mizzou now leading the SEC Far West division 1-0

Finally. Congrats on leaving the Big 12 soap opera, Mizzou.

http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/t ... rence.aspx

It's about time. Looking forward to some fun road trips in the next few years.

Now that Mizzou's move is finally official, I'd like to talk about how the SEC's divisions will be realigned. Auburn has said that it would volunteer to move to the East. However, Alabama opposes that, as they don't want Auburn to gain a recruiting advantage in states like Florida. Bama would prefer that they just send Mizzou to the East, geography be damned.

My preference is to send both Bama and Auburn to the East and move Vanderbilt to the West. The only downside is that traditionally, the East would become a Murderer's Row of divisions. However, given the current state of the East, making this move would actually even things out....

that doesnt sound like a good idea. LSU would be the only team in the west that has competed for a national championship in the last few decades. compared to Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida in the west (and moving Vandy out to boot!). no way.

Auburn would be fine. addinf Missouri would be ok with me. compared to the absurd travel that other conferences have to endure, the geography difference is no big deal.