Texas Tech should be Proactive with Big 12 Expansion

When the Big 12 decided against expansion last year, a series of questions immediately came to my mind, including who actually reaped the benefits of the decision?

The Big 12 has been dominated by the interests of the University of Texas, and the University of Oklahoma since its inception. Those two conference powers continue to run the Big 12, and for some reason, the remaining eight universities continue to play along.

So who really made the decision?  In my opinion, only the two most powerful schools come to mind.

According to a recent ESPN article, expansion and realignment are likely off the table until the 2023-2024 time-frame due to expiring television contracts. Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt stated, “It’s not an active conversation among ADs nationally right now.” Hocutt currently chairs the College Football Playoff selection committee.

However, Texas Tech should seize this opportunity to control its own fate and to forge its own path. This could be the time to secure a position in a conference that is worthy of Texas Tech’s talent and potential.

Wielding Power in the Big 12

With the creation of the Longhorn Network, the University of Texas placed one more brick in its ivory tower reigning over the Big 12.  A move to expand the conference might dilute or weaken this foothold.

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The power of the almighty dollar is most assuredly a factor in decisions regarding the makeup of the conference.  The University of Oklahoma displays its own heft with its multiple National Championships, as well as success outside of the Big 12.  Clearly, these two football powerhouses rule the conference.

Both of these universities could easily decide to leave the Big 12 in search of a bigger and better stage.  In this dire scenario, Tech and the remaining Big 12 schools would be left to wither, leaving programs with very little recruiting power, or national recognition.

Logical reasoning leads to the assumption that the other eight universities in the conference continue to go along with the big fish in the pond out of, what seems like, fear of being left behind.

Raider Power

Raider power is stronger than these apprehensions and fears. Lubbock now has a quarter million people residing within its limits, and draws a strong following of fans and alumni from all over the state.

A permanent pipeline of support from the West Texas cities of Amarillo, Odessa, and booming Midland continue to contribute to a robust fan base. In addition, an ever-growing alumni base in the major metropolitan areas of Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston continue to increase the presence of Texas Tech miles and miles from its home base.

Texas Tech could certainly stand on its own and attract the attention of conferences such as the PAC 12, and the SEC.

In my mind, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State University have a unique opportunity to work together to court the SEC and the PAC 12. Instead of waiting for the other shoe to drop, Tech and OSU–both competitive programs–have no reason to shy away from a carpe diem sort of moment.

The SEC would probably argue that it is in great shape and does not need to add two more schools.  However, there is a long-held belief that four conferences comprised of 16 teams each is the direction NCAA football is heading.

The SEC could be the first to jump from 14 to 16 teams by expanding west with two competitive and well-supported athletic programs. Additionally, the PAC 12 could expand east, adding game times from the Central Time Zone, as opposed to late-starts and less-viewed kickoffs.

The University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma have served themselves well. It is time for the leadership of Texas Tech to do the same.  Our dedicated athletes, avid fans, and loyal alumni deserve it.