Southwest Conf to rise from the ashes?

[Left Seater]

So as re-alignment dominates the conversation today a new conf is being discussed and the SWC name attached to it.

This story will likely be published later this week.

Baylor, Rice, Houston, TCU, North Texas, and La Laf could join forces to form a new conf. Taco Tech would also be invited but they would rather hitch their wagon to Texas and OU. But if left out would be in. Tulsa, New Mexico, LA Tech also mentioned as outliers.

From the RICE point of view I think this is great. A local conf with competition more on our level. Costs are much reduced and the league would be an auto bid league in all but the BCS.

[txangler74]

That would be greatness. I hope Steve Orsini gets a call and takes notice.

[MuchoBulls]

Why would TCU want to be in a conference without an automatic BCS berth?

They are in one now, aren't they?

[Go Coogs']

This would be great news for Rice and Houston as they really don't share any true rivalry currently. Bringing back TCU and adding Baylor and Taco Tech would be huge for this conference. Stiff competition no doubt.

It's everyone from the old SWC with the exception of UT and aTm. This woulld bring attendence up for everyone with the exception of Taco Tech, but TCU and Houston are no slouches and Baylor is on the climb. Do it.

[indyfrisco]

Whatever happens, I hope Baylor and tceh are left out of whatever conference A&M and t.u. end up in. Personally, I want them to go to the Big 10 simply for selfish reasons so I can see A&M more on TV and more in person since much of their games are in decent driving distance for me.

[Terry in Crapchester]

I don't think TCU is likely. As I see it, the MWC is, at least potentially, a beneficiary of the demise of the Big XII. I also have to think that even if Taco Tech somehow gets screwed by Texas and aTm, the MWC would be an option for them.

A few other possible outliers that have occurred to me as possible members:

UTEP
Tulane
Louisiana Tech
Memphis (perhaps a little too far away from a Texas-centric conference)
Arkansas State (probably below the rest of this conference athletically, but if you're also considering North Texas and Louisiana-Lafayette, I suppose it's possible)

[txangler74]

Houston
Rice
SMU
Baylor
UTEP
UNT
Tulsa
LaTech
Tulane
ULL
Would be a nice start. Could add SoMiss and UT San Antonio starts football in a few years. Texas St is also looking at going D-1A.