The Big 12 should add some little teams

The Big 12 needs someone, anyone. A conference that was on the verge of being dismantled just last summer is again on the brink of losing a key member, and doesn't appear to have any sort of plan about how to remain intact. Sure, they can hope that the SEC doesn't actually invite Texas A&M, but with the Aggie brass sending a formal letter to the Big 12 asking about how to properly leave their current conference, the writing is  all over the wall.  The Big 12 has logical options within Texas, but may look too hard for a big name program.

What is Commissioner Beebe's ace up his sleeve this time around? Last year, the Big 12 didn't want to invite TCU because the private school in Fort Worth didn't provide enough of a benefit from a TV market perspective. “Who needs the Big 12?” TCU asked, and moved on to join the Big East to quench their BCS thirst. TCU was the Big 12's most logical geographical addition and also provided a high-quality football program, but they are likely no longer an option. SMU has already begun begging the Big 12 for an invitation, but in the same way that TCU offered little TV incentive, SMU offers even less TV cachet because they are just beginning to become competitive after the death penalty. Houston is another geographic fit that will not add a significant number of TV viewers.  At this point, however, with many beginning the countdown to 16-team superconferences, quantity may be more valuable than quality.

Rumors are swirling that the Big 12 is considering a run at BYU or Notre Dame, but those both seem to be long shots. BYU is entering their first season as a football independent and has the added support of ESPN and the BYU Television. If Notre Dame isn't going to join the established and thriving Big 10, what sense does it make to instead join the shrinking Big 12? Could the Big 12 remain at nine teams?  Perhaps, but most of the other BCS conferences are actively growing, not downsizing. The Big 12 will still have its two landmark programs in Oklahoma and college football's crown jewel, Texas. The Longhorns seem to be content with the status quo, equipped with their own TV network permitted by Beebe's Hail Mary plan last summer, so Bevo won't bail on the conference yet. 

The Aggies' departure does not require the same urgency as last year's Pac-10/12 invasion, but Beebe needs to begin working on a next step. Texas should remain his #1 priority, with the ensuing strategy of seeking solid programs, regardless of TV markets.