COLUMN: The Big 12 finally feels like a functional family

[CascadeClone]

I could completely buy into that. Their complete change in game philosophy is going to play a huge factor in how well they can recruit and the level of success they have.

I would put the odds of Texas actually finding their place in the top 4 (Bama, Georgia, LSU) rotation far above OU. LSU is going to be a big force. Texas A&M needs a coaching change but could also factor into that layer between the top 4 and OU.

Yeah enrollment, endowment, and "athletic support" (for a lack of a better term) from boosters, the AD, just overall emphasis by the university -- create the floor/ceiling imho. Then the coach drives the program success around that.

The 4 you list (plus A&M, Florida, and probably Tennessee) all have more of that than OU. They would be on the next tier with Arky and Auburn. But with the right coach running the program, they CAN get to the top. Just tougher for them. They are going to get an idea of what it is like to be Iowa State, starting the race 50 meters behind everyone else.

 

[MartyFine]

 

[CloniesForLife]

TCU/Baylor and Tech at 3 and 4?

 

[Al_4_State]

I'd call OK State a bigger rival than KU. And it seems like our game with them tends to be bigger than KSU's game with them, even though that's a border battle.

 

[Al_4_State]

TCU/Baylor and Tech at 3 and 4?

Of course a TCU fan is going to put the Revivalry at the top. But I've never seen TCU/Tech be framed as much of a rivalry.

 

[Cyched]

I do wonder how much the TX schools dislike Houston. Could be potential for some heated games

 

[Al_4_State]

I do wonder how much the TX schools dislike Houston. Could be potential for some heated games

Houston has a very ambivalent and almost non-existent fanbase. Not holding my breath for fireworks there.

 

[jcyclonee]

No couch burner v couch burner in the top 12?

 

[madguy30]

It's cooled off but BU/ISU got pretty intense there a few years ago.

The current and future system is what needs to happen but I already miss the 10 team conference when if nothing else, playing every year made things interesting.

 

[clonedude]

How about BYU vs. Baylor?? Mormons vs. Baptists

 

[towny]

I'd call OK State a bigger rival than KU. And it seems like our game with them tends to be bigger than KSU's game with them, even though that's a border battle.

I don't think ISU/KU is a bigger rivalry than KSU/KU.

 

[Al_4_State]

I don't think ISU/KU is a bigger rivalry than KSU/KU.

It’s more competitive and has more on the line. It’s definitely more important to the rest of the league. Culturally, KU/KSU is bigger for Kansas as a state.

 

[towny]

It’s more competitive and has more on the line. It’s definitely more important to the rest of the league. Culturally, KU/KSU is bigger for Kansas as a state.

It would be interesting to get KU fans' opinion on that.

 

[JM4CY]

It would be interesting to get KU fans' opinion on that.

They would probably say neither is a rival. Their only rivals are Duke, Kentucky…. And maybe the Lakers.

 

[Al_4_State]

It would be interesting to get KU fans' opinion on that.

I’ve seen many acknowledge as much

 

[LarryISU]

They would probably say neither is a rival. Their only rivals are Duke, Kentucky…. And maybe the Lakers.

Before NIL, Kansas' only rival was whichever shoe company was paying recruits to go to other schools.

 

[t-noah]

They would probably say neither is a rival. Their only rivals are Duke, Kentucky…. And maybe the Lakers.

Every once in a while, you drop a nugget. Well done!

 

[t-noah]

Before NIL, Kansas' only rival was whichever shoe company was paying recruits to go to other schools.

Oh yeah! Now we are getting warmed up!

Careful, we love Kansas so!