If UT joins the Big 10, it might be the worst state decision since Texas joined the Union...

First of all, nobody is mentioning anything about the State Legislature stepping in to interfere with any of these discussions should this start to look like a done deal vs. some posturing.  Ann Richards forced Baylor's way into the Big 12 by threatening legal action back in the mid-90s.  You can't tell me that the colleges in Texas wouldn't be hurt by this move IF Texas were the only school involved in this move, which would then call legislators to want to be involved.  I don't think the Big 10 would be interested in taking Texas AND another Big 12 school if they are shooting for just being a 12 team pool since they have 11.  If they want to go Super 14, then that might be another story as three teams from Texas would allow for some flexibility for all parties.  If not, the Longhorns would have no incentive to play in-state rivalries on a continual basis with the Big 10 conference schedule and the strength of conference schedule.  Ultimately, if the courts don't help, then there is money provided solely to UT as well as a few others that the Legislature can tie up IF it got to the point where Texas wanted to press on despite legal threats.  This would be similar to Congress always threatening MLB with removing their anti-trust exemption.

Next, not only would the other Texas schools be affected by losing games, but Texas would basically be giving an open invitation to the Borg by allowing Big 10 schools to have 4-6 games a year inside the state of Texas to play AND recruit more freely.  Open up the borders and led the raiding begin.  There would probably be Div III schools in Texas upset over this. Again, another reason for them to ring the phones of the legislators in their district.

Third, we all know football is king, but the travel expenses for all of the other programs would be enormous.  You don't think Augie is scratching his head on how baseball travel is going to work? Let's not talk about the other sports because it's even worse.  Back to football, anyone who is thinking Michigan State or Indiana in the snow in November would be an easy game for Texas, you have to be kidding.  Travelling in the winter thru the Big 10 territory from Texas would be a nightmare.

Finally, if you argue that Texas gets all of this extra TV revenue (maybe $10 million more over what they presently make with the Big 12), what exactly is the net gain after all aspects of travel, etc. are figured in?  Is it worth it to draw the ire of the State Legislators (even if you win, what about any and all court costs involved), diminish rivalry games like TAMU and OU, and blow any political capital for just a few extra million bucks?  I just don't see this being a huge win for the UT program if we go this alone.

I know that everyone is talking about all of these conference doomsday scenarios that make Colt's fluke injury in the BCS championship look like a dream.  My optimistic self thinks ultimately Texas is using these talks to maybe shake some things up within the Big 12 in terms of haggling for more money and/or more influence with TV network deals.  Because if Texas is the only school for about three states before they hit their closest conference appointment, then maybe we are just as self-involved and selfish as everyone tries and portrays us.  There is something bigger than cutting & running vs. making a stand and building around being the centerpiece vs. being someone's new plaything. Maybe I am just naive...

Hook 'em...