Old North Banter
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East Carolina Pirates: Tweeting to the Big 12

By John Woodcock

Nov 28, 2015; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates fans reacts during the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The Cincinnati Bearcats defeated the East Carolina Pirates 19-16. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates fans reacts during the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The Cincinnati Bearcats defeated the East Carolina Pirates 19-16. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; University of Houston Cougars running back Ryan Jackson (22) makes a long gain against the Southern Methodist University Mustangs to set up their second touchdown in the first half at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; University of Houston Cougars running back Ryan Jackson (22) makes a long gain against the Southern Methodist University Mustangs to set up their second touchdown in the first half at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /

The Texas Two Step:

Fans of the old SWC conference and fans of regional conference identities would notably probably point to Houston and SMU as the likely slam dunk expansion candidates. Both have histories with the southern schools of conference. Both also have sports success outside of football, which would be particularly important for SMU. SMU went 1-11 this year and recently hired Clemson coordinator Chad Morris to be its next coach.

The reason that the Big 12 would not do this is simple, Texas saturation. With Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor, and TCU, the state is pretty well covered. There would be no new markets opened up for the conference to make new money in.

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