Also, I think eventually we?ll come to a point where the SEC (and probably the B10) begins to contract. The most obvious candidates are the 4 most recent expansion schools. If they had it to do over again, would they have really added Mizzou and Arkansas? What value do they bring to the league in today?s media landscape? And if Clemson comes on board, there?s really no point in being doubled up in a small state like SC. I?m sure they?d like to keep A&M, but word is they feel burned by the Texas deal. They may leave for the B10 on their own if offered.
Everyone will point to Vandy and MSU, but I don?t think they would give charter members the boot. Especially in vandy?s case, I think the league would like to keep the Nashville market in-house. It?s by far the best road trip destination in the SEC (though Austin will give them a run for their money). Though we may take it for granted, I think a lot opposing fans look forward to that trip, even if they know the game will be dud.
As discussed at the time, Missouri is actually a great TV market, they have both St. Louis and Kansas City, and probably draw a fair amount from Illinois.
Arkansas...they had name recognition and a pretty good brand in 1992, when I think TV was a bit less of a draw for the league. I mean...we also took South Carolina.
