OK Sooner fans, not exactly a great week in the conference realignment game but that doesn't mean it has to end that way. Everyone assumes that conference realignment revolves around Texas but it doesn't. Follow me on a wild ride.
1. Get everyone in the conference to come up with a framework that ensures stability (model this after the B1G, SEC, and PAC 12). Once those rules are outlined (equal revenue share, no conference games on the LHN, no HS games on LHN) there is a vote to ratify. You vote NO and you are asked to leave the conference PERIOD.
2. The only school at this point that is unlikely to be in favor of this model is UT (cause everyone else is trying to get into leagues that already do this). The thing is UT has NOWHERE to go. The PAC 12 wouldn't take them a few days ago, the B1G won't take them with the LHN and neither will the SEC (although how funny would it be to see them follow A&M). The only possibility is the ACC where they have no rivals and a minimum 1000 mile+ drive for every away contest. That would also pave the way for a 16 team conference which after 5 years will fall apart under its own weight (especially if UT gets special treatment).
3. The last step is to get back to 10-12 schools. With Texas gone TCU is back on the table and Louisville would be a nice add as well (Thank you imploding big east). A&M could conceivably choose to stay but that is unlikely. For 2 more schools BYU, Air Force/SMU/Houston all make sense.
So what do you think? UT has been bullying everyone around like crazy but they overplayed their hand with the longhorn network. Is there anyone with the guts to stand up to them? Tell me why this won't work