Lawboy wrote:
I do not see the Big 12 taking TCU. They are a traditional SWC team, but they add no new markets to the conference. plus, their overall sports program is not nearly s solid as BYU's. BYU would travel better, sell more seats in Big 12 stadiums, add a larger national market. I know TCU wants in teh Big 12, and ther would be great pressure in Texas to get them that slot, but BYU is a much better fit overall.
Just like I have a hard time seeing the Pac 10 taking Boise State. If the Pac 10 doesn't thing BYU is research-oriented enough, I have a hard time believing that Boise State is--it's ranked as a "Masters University" in US News, which means it doesn't have enough doctoral programs. The University of Idaho and Idaho State have more doctoral programs and are both ranked as "National Univerities."
Even ignoring the academic issue, which may be a pretense, Boise State doesn't add much in terms of other athletics. BYU would be immediately competitive in all the sports the Pac 10 sponsors and that BYU offers varsity teams.