Slightly back on topic but does anybody ever wonder about TCU's long-term benefit for the Big 12?
TCU has come darn close to obtaining helmet value in the last 10-15 years. It sounds crazy to say. Nationally they are known. I credit Gary Patterson but I'm hoping Chris Del Conte had something to do with that as well.
As of now, TCU deserves P5 membership. I mean, think about it, Wake Forest is P5. Just being in the State of Texas allows schools like Baylor and TCU to be somewhat competitive. If TCU was in Iowa it would have no chance.
I do believe that TCU/Baylor can still remain competitive for the longer haul, even if/when Texas rebounds. It's a big state. Granted, the SEC gets what it wants from Texas, and not just talking about A&M. But it's a deep well.
Moderate CFB fans in Texas enjoy the matchups between Texas schools, so TCU helps out in that regard. I know hardcore Aggies act disinterested but I know many Aggie girls that would enjoy playing Baylor and TCU, etc. They're not caught up in the "screw you" drama, they just want something fun. It's a solid point.
A&M is doing fine now as an SEC member, and I predict Jimbo will deliver. However, an A&M vs. Miss State matchup doesn't hold a candle to A&M vs. Texas Tech. I can enjoy A&M vs LSU, and A&M vs. Arkansas, but once it starts stretching beyond that, I don't care much.
Regional football is more passionate, and more fun. We'll see what happens when this current Big XII contract plays out, I'll bet Del Conte pulls off something awesome.