Daily Craig: University Up

HOUSTON – With both political conventions just about through with their business I think it is time to address the business of conferences involving COLLEGES. One would think the BIG 12 would at least have the smarts to have 12 members, but it does not. THE BIG 12 has 10. The tug of war lately involves the BIG 12 MINUS 2 trying to add 2 more to make it, oddly, THE BIG 12.  The U. OF HOUSTON wants to be NUMBER 11 BUT WOULD SETTLE FOR 12 if that is o.k. with at least 8 of the current LARGE 10.  This is not to be confused with the BIG TEN and it's 14 members.

The Houston addition makes many of us think to the glowing days of yesteryear when the U OF H got to join the SWC.  Bill Yeoman and Guy V's teams fit right in. In fact TEXAS and others had second thoughts as the COOGS kicked a few tails very early in the going. THE HANGUP now for what some called the U. OF WHO? ISN'T about team records or attendance figures, but rather RECRUITING. Football is the sport that has the likes of TEXAS, OU, TCU, and BAYLOR concerned.

Do we really believe OU and UT want UH to keep the guys from leaving the greater Houston area? THE PREZ OF OU said "we welcome a strong look at Houston if we expand". Sure he does. Ask OU'S football staff that question. Charlie Strong is lucky if he can take some talent from TCU let alone Houston. THE BIG 12 MAY VERY WELL EXPAND, but taking the school in the 4th largest city isn't a slam dunk or a 99 yard kick return. THE BIG 12 might like 2 more schools the current 10 can beat.