Longhorns at Aggies

[Andyzipp]

I know what the company line is from both administrations.  But I'm going to miss Thanksgiving games against Texas.  I will miss the tradition, the rivalry, the friendships and everything associated with this week.

Good luck to my Longhorn friends in the reconstituted Big 12 next year.  A little health and a little more experience, and you should be back competiting with OU for the league title soon. 

Just wait until A&M gets up by 10 points by half.  Your offense will be able to do anything they want at that point.

[Duke]

I know what the company line is from both administrations.  But I'm going to miss Thanksgiving games against Texas.  I will miss the tradition, the rivalry, the friendships and everything associated with this week.

Good luck to my Longhorn friends in the reconstituted Big 12 next year.  A little health and a little more experience, and you should be back competiting with OU for the league title soon. 

Just wait until A&M gets up by 10 points by half.  Your offense will be able to do anything they want at that point.

I have to admit it will be very strange not playing y'all on turkey day.  Sad to see Gray will be out along with Michaels but it should still be a good test for the Horn's D.

[drew corleone]

I overpaid for a ticket, but I didn't want to miss the last (ever?) game between these teams.

[MikeyBoy]

I don't think the reality has set in for me yet. I just can't imagine Thanksgiving without this game. Sad.

[Andyzipp]

I overpaid for a ticket, but I didn't want to miss the last (ever?) game between these teams.

At least until Dodds retires. 

[Fredia]

just sad once again money rears its ugly head,,,gighookem
the best little whorehouse in texas will become a classic

[JimR]

At least until Dodds retires. 

not just him. Aggies chose to leave. good luck to them.

[Andyzipp]

not just him. Aggies chose to leave. good luck to them.

I'm certain you are closer to the situation that I am, but some of the large UT donors I know are convinced that there are just as many alums who are unhappy with not playing (beating) A&M every year.  Of course, this wasn't about what the fans want.

On the other hand, A&M knew what it was getting into, and this was considered an acceptable risk. 

Good luck going foward...not that Texas needs luck.

[remy]

I still think this whole thing is ridiculous.  I'm neither a Longhorn fan nor an Aggie fan, but watching an entire century of tradition being thrown by the wayside... I don't know, whatever floats your boat, Ags.

[JimR]

I'm certain you are closer to the situation that I am, but some of the large UT donors I know are convinced that there are just as many alums who are unhappy with not playing (beating) A&M every year.  Of course, this wasn't about what the fans want.

On the other hand, A&M knew what it was getting into, and this was considered an acceptable risk. 

Good luck going foward...not that Texas needs luck.

i do not know any of the other kind. i'll miss the game, too, but this was aTm's choice.

[Andyzipp]

I still think this whole thing is ridiculous.  I'm neither a Longhorn fan nor an Aggie fan, but watching an entire century of tradition being thrown by the wayside... I don't know, whatever floats your boat, Ags.

Both sides have their fingerprints on this.

[Andyzipp]

i do not know any of the other kind. i'll miss the game, too, but this was aTm's choice.

You, I hope, know that I've been reasonable about this.  I'm in no way disputing that it was A&M's choice to leave.

[JimR]

You, I hope, know that I've been reasonable about this.  I'm in no way disputing that it was A&M's choice to leave.

Andy, you have been tremendously reasonable.

[Ty in Tampa]

I didn't go to either school but am a Longhorn fan through generations in my family. I will miss the game very much.

[ybbodeus]

Zipp, you have been reasonable, and I know it hasn't always been easy to be.  Shoot, I wish you would take over for Liucci.  My God, every time that clown gets on the radio, it leads one to believe that far too many aggie jokes have validity.

[Andyzipp]

Zipp, you have been reasonable.  I wish you would you please take over for Liucci.  My God, every time that clown gets on the radio, it leads one to believe that that far too many aggie jokes have validity.

In many ways, he's our Ketch.

[ybbodeus]

Well, when you put it that way, I guess Billy Boy could be worse, huh?  Fair enough.

[Andyzipp]

Well, when you put it that way, I guess Billy Boy could be worse, huh?  Fair enough.

Both spend a fair amount of time pandering to their respective fan bases.  I hope that both fanbases take them with a few table spoons of salt.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Would it be unreasonable to wish that the Longhorns have a good, if ultimately unsuccessful, game in what might be a final meeting between the two schools?

[Jacksonian]

Would it be unreasonable to wish that the Longhorns have a good, if ultimately unsuccessful, game in what might be a final meeting between the two schools?

I'm predicting they'll meet in the Cotton Bowl in January 2013.

[BizidyDizidy]

I overpaid for a ticket, but I didn't want to miss the last (ever?) game between these teams.

Not to mention a 1 game playoff for the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas.

[ybbodeus]

I'm predicting they'll meet in the Cotton Bowl in January 2013.

Good concept, but I think it might take a little longer than that for both but probably not as long as folks think.

[Andyzipp]

Good concept, but I think it might take a little longer than that for both but probably not as long as folks think.

Nope.  A&M has moved the campus to Lake Charles and will never win a game again. FACT!

[BudGirl]

Nope.  A&M has moved the campus to Lake Charles and will never win a game again. FACT!

Unless you play UH.

[Fredia]

i domt like the bridge going into lake charles so can they move elsewhere

[VirtualBob]

not just him. Aggies chose to leave. good luck to them.

Aggies chose to leave, but as far as I can tell it was UT that refused to continue the rivalry.  Too bad, but not to be laiid at the Aggies' doorstep.

[BizidyDizidy]

Aggies chose to leave, but as far as I can tell it was UT that refused to continue the rivalry.  Too bad, but not to be laiid at the Aggies' doorstep.

Couldn't fit the OOC game in the schedule, what with having to play the other 7 or 8 members of the Big XX

[sporadic]

Couldn't fit the OOC game in the schedule, what with having to play the other 7 or 8 members of the Big XX

I'm sure they will manage to squeeze in Southeastern North Dakota Military Academy as a non-conference opponent, though.  Not that there is anything wrong with that, but for either team to cite scheduling as a reason not to play is lame.

[ybbodeus]

My aggie cohorts here think the Texas based Big 12 schools (sans Texas) are hurting themselves by refusing to play them, but I told them I don't think they're looking at it beyond payday/gate.  If I'm Baylor, TCU or Tech looking at the soon to be former associate who just decided it wanted out of the agreement it signed a year before but trying to respond to their wishes to continue playing us every now and then???  Okay, maybe that doesn't apply to the bus foulers from Lubbock; sounds like a&m doesn't want to play them, either.  

Regardless, why would those three schools (or Texas for that matter) want to do anything to make showcasing a&m's program with in-state recruits more convenient?    

[VirtualBob]

I'm sure they will manage to squeeze in Southeastern North Dakota Military Academy as a non-conference opponent, though.  Not that there is anything wrong with that, but for either team to cite scheduling as a reason not to play is lame.

+1

[VirtualBob]

My aggie cohorts here think the Texas based Big 12 schools (sans Texas) are hurting themselves by refusing to play them, but I told them I don't think they're looking at it beyond payday/gate.  If I'm Baylor, TCU or Tech looking at the soon to be former associate who just decided it wanted out of the agreement it signed a year before but trying to respond to their wishes to continue playing us every now and then???  Okay, maybe that doesn't apply to the bus foulers from Lubbock; sounds like a&m doesn't want to play them, either.  

Regardless, why would those three schools (or Texas for that matter) want to do anything to make showcasing a&m's program with in-state recruits more convenient?    

-1

[geezerdonk]

= 0

[JimR]

Aggies chose to leave, but as far as I can tell it was UT that refused to continue the rivalry.  Too bad, but not to be laiid at the Aggies' doorstep.

i know you're never wrong...except for now.

[geezerdonk]

Neutral party - no axe to grind - just a college football fan. If A&M were remaining in the Big 12, wouldn't there continue to be a Turkey Day game? There may be nuances and complexities, but they don't change the answer to the question.

[DVauthrin]

Neutral party - no axe to grind - just a college football fan. If A&M were remaining in the Big 12, wouldn't there continue to be a Turkey Day game? There may be nuances and complexities, but they don't change the answer to the question.

Texas grad here.  If A&M never leaves the conference, the game never goes away.   But they chose to leave, and thus Texas will not schedule them in any sport anytime soon.   No need to give a rival that isn't in your conference more exposure in your primary recruiting zone.

Honestly, Texas not being willing to schedule A&M might be a blessing in disguise for the Aggies.  Instead of worrying so much about Texas, they get the chance to work on building a quality program and building a strong Aggie brand.

[WakePhil]

Texas grad here.  If A&M never leaves the conference, the game never goes away.   But they chose to leave, and thus Texas will not schedule them in any sport anytime soon.   No need to give a rival that isn't in your conference more exposure in your primary recruiting zone.

Honestly, Texas not being willing to schedule A&M might be a blessing in disguise for the Aggies.  Instead of worrying so much about Texas, they get the chance to work on building a quality program and building a strong Aggie brand.

Neutral party, and this is exactly how I see it.

[BizidyDizidy]

Texas grad here.  If A&M never leaves the conference, the game never goes away.   But they chose to leave, and thus Texas will not schedule them in any sport anytime soon.   No need to give a rival that isn't in your conference more exposure in your primary recruiting zone.

Honestly, Texas not being willing to schedule A&M might be a blessing in disguise for the Aggies.  Instead of worrying so much about Texas, they get the chance to work on building a quality program and building a strong Aggie brand.

Need a new theme song

[drew corleone]

Not to mention a 1 game playoff for the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas.

Funny guy.

[BizidyDizidy]

If I don't show my ass in the narrow window when Stanford is good, when will I

[Mr. Happy]

If I don't show my ass in the narrow window when Stanford is good, when will I

I'd love to see Stanford play LSU, and then we'd see if y'all are in fact any good.

[JimR]

I'd love to see Stanford play LSU, and then we'd see if y'all are in fact any good.

i think Oregon answered that question.

[BizidyDizidy]

Everybody loses to somebody (except LSU) - better that its oregon than tech. Also, I thibk our D matches up much better against a conventional offense. Would be a fun, albeit unlilely, game.

[JimR]

Everybody loses to somebody (except LSU) - better that its oregon than tech. Also, I thibk our D matches up much better against a conventional offense. Would be a fun, albeit unlilely, game.

just messing with you, Biz. Stanford is a very good team.

[Phil_in_CS]

Just wait until A&M gets up by 10 points by half.  Your offense will be able to do anything they want at that point.

We will be up more than that, and then have such an epic collapse it will make everyone's top five list for great come backs. Ags up 35-0 in the third, final Texas 63-60 in triple OT or something equally stupid.

I am going to miss playing Texas, but there's no way to lay the fault on anyone but A&M. We went for the money, and that means we won't play Texas again barring a bowl game.

[ybbodeus]

Stanford and LSU would be a head smacker.  Stanford doesn't have the skill set that the high-flyers out west and in our conference have, but by God they will hit you, whether on defense and on offense.  That said, I think LSU's defense might be too fast for the Cardinal offense to hit them, at least in open space. 

No, I don't see Stanford able to win a hypothetical game with the Tigers, but I don't think there are more than one or two teams in the nation that would.  I think LSU's going up against the first truly good quarterback it's faced this year in Wilson.  Am I overlooking anyone on the Tiger schedule?  Luck's better than Wilson, so it would be a good matchup to watch.

[sporadic]

Stanford and LSU would be a head smacker.  Stanford doesn't have the skill set that the high-flyers out west and in our conference have, but by God they will hit you, whether on defense and on offense.  That said, I think LSU's defense might be too fast for the Cardinal offense to hit them, at least in open space. 

LSU is both stronger and faster than Stanford.  I could see the game being pretty close for the first two or two and a half quarters then LSU absolutely having their way with Stanford on the O and D Line.  Stanford is a good football team, but from what I have seen they don't have the speed on offense to math up with LSU's D.  Of course, I could be completely wrong...my betting record would show that is a distinct possibility.

[Jacksonian]

Stanford and LSU would be a head smacker.  Stanford doesn't have the skill set that the high-flyers out west and in our conference have, but by God they will hit you, whether on defense and on offense.  That said, I think LSU's defense might be too fast for the Cardinal offense to hit them, at least in open space. 

No, I don't see Stanford able to win a hypothetical game with the Tigers, but I don't think there are more than one or two teams in the nation that would.  I think LSU's going up against the first truly good quarterback it's faced this year in Wilson.  Am I overlooking anyone on the Tiger schedule?  Luck's better than Wilson, so it would be a good matchup to watch.

They faced West Virginia's Geno Smith who has been ridiculous this year.  Darron Thomas at Oregon has been pretty good this year too.  But I wonder if it's the Arkansas quarterback making the difference or their group of receivers being so good?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

but from what I have seen they don't have the speed on offense to math up with LSU...

I tend to think Stanford has better mathletes than LSU, and would have no trouble mathing up to LSU in a mathematics competition.

[sporadic]

I tend to think Stanford has better mathletes than LSU, and would have no trouble mathing up to LSU in a mathematics competition.

oops

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Good game.

[Andyzipp]

Congrats. 

[remy]

Recap:

"Hey, I really don't want to win. You take it."
"No, no... this one should be yours."
"Absolutely not, I want you to win, really.
"Please, don't make us win this game."
"Oh okay, fine, we'll win... We're scheduled to lose next week anyway."

[chuck]

We're scheduled to lose next week anyway."

They were scheduled to lose this week, too.

[remy]

They were scheduled to lose this week, too.

Nah, not against a team that only plays two quarters.

[chuck]

Nah, not against a team that only plays two quarters.

They're going to need to play about six quarters where they're headed.

[drew corleone]

Loudest place I have been, and maybe the happiest I've been in a long time. Amazing day.

[JimR]

Loudest place I have been, and maybe the happiest I've been in a long time. Amazing day.

Hook 'em! remy can laugh all he wants. great win for the Horns!

[subnuclear]

That was a fun game. I'm going to miss this series a lot.

[Taras Bulba]

The Texas defense arrived.  Damn impressive.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

No argument here.  Longhorns won fair and square.

[drew corleone]

Hook 'em! remy can laugh all he wants. great win for the Horns!

We can toast a final win over the Ags at the UT Club Holiday deal.

[remy]

Hook 'em! remy can laugh all he wants. great win for the Horns!

I grew up a big Longhorn fan (under the tutelage of your friend Judge Jones) until I went to Baylor and saw the Empire for what it was.  I may not have a shred of orange left in my blood, but I do know that is an absolute travesty for Texas and A&M not to play every year.  For God's sake, they are in each others' fight songs!  What, are they going to change the lyrics to, "Goodbye to Auburn University"?)

[JimR]

We can toast a final win over the Ags at the UT Club Holiday deal.

great idea!

eta: who gives a shit, remy. they left, and its goodbye to A&M.

[remy]

I don't really give a full-blown shit... maybe just a shart.  If I were still a Texas fan, though, I think I'd be disappointed not to see my team play their arch rival anymore.

/shrug

[drew corleone]

We're still going to play OU.

[ybbodeus]

It's only a model.

[JimR]

I don't really give a full-blown shit... maybe just a shart.  If I were still a Texas fan, though, I think I'd be disappointed not to see my team play their arch rival anymore.

/shrug

aTm is NOT UT's "arch rival." OU is. before that, it was Arkansas. the Aggies are an annoying little brother.

[remy]

Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pkGY5E3fXs

[JimR]

great, remy!

[ybbodeus]

Other than the years prior to their being a Texas-OU battle, was there ever a prolonged period of time in which the UT-A&M rivalry was bigger? 

[Andyzipp]

Other than the years prior to their being a Texas-OU battle, was there ever a prolonged period of time in which the UT-A&M rivalry was bigger? 

I doubt it.  Maybe pre-WW2, but from 1940-1975, A&M won 3 times.  That kind of thing will kill a rivalry.

[JimR]

Other than the years prior to their being a Texas-OU battle, was there ever a prolonged period of time in which the UT-A&M rivalry was bigger? 

i think it was in my parents' generation and maybe early in my fandom years in the 50s. by the 60s, it was OU and Arkansas. no doubt, though, that UT loved to beat the Aggies, and the hoopla surrounding the game was fun.

[Waldo]

Things are getting good in College Station.  Apparently some dude on Texags called Loftin a "hopelessly underqualified puppet" and a "putz" back in the summer, and has recently been spouting off about internal workings at A&M, but it "slipped his mind" that he had previously said he was the chief financial officer of A&M athletics.

Fitting that his last name is Toole

[JimR]

A friend sent me this email he saw posted on Texasags

Yes it is I... The Devil. I am here to
announce that I have accepted the position of Head Football
Coach of your beloved Aggie Football team. I know many of
you have prayed to that nerd upstairs time and time again
hoping he will answer you but to no avail. Well, the
reasoning is simple... God hates you guys. How have you not
figured that out the last 25 years?! I hate you too, but
I'm always open to listen to an offer... And enough of
you have made arrangements with me that I will now take on
this massive challenge. Oh and I heard you guys are a Cult
which was a HUGE selling point. Groupthink makes my job a
lot easier.

I do have some contract stipulations to which I will now
list:
1.) My deal is 6 years for $6.66 million dollars. The truth
is I'm already Oprah Rich but of course I demand to be
the highest paid coach in the game, and I have a thing for
6's... THIS IS NON-NEGOTIABLE.

2.) Kyle Field will be
renamed THE INFERNO!

3.) In addition to my monetary payments, I demand you
sacrifice a virgin to me on the 50 yard line of THE INFERNO!
Apparently you have an awful lot of these in your Corps so
this should not be a problem.

4.) 12th Man TV will be EVEN LOUDER and have MORE ADS. I
invented advertising in the late 20's when I went
through a terrible breakup and needed a creative outlet. I
stand by my solid work.

5.) YOU WILL HAVE CHEERLEADERS! I'm the mother ****ing
Devil. Of course I'm gonna have some hot tail on my
sideline. Get working on this now.

6.) The team will come out to Metallica's - Ride The
Lightning with a sweet smoke machine entrance which will
look SUPER BADASS. And then we play Zombie Nation and Party
Rock Anthem because those are my jams.

7.) You will stop bragging about women's sports. I
created women's sports to piss people off. How dare you
mock me!

8.) You will stop "Sawing Varsity's Horns
Off." That would be like LSU singing "Take
Varsity's White Hat Off" ok... My horns are
awesome, and I demand to have someone on constant wax and
buff duty at all times.

9.) We will not play in Baton Rouge. This game will be a
neutral site contest or only played at THE INFERNO! Baton
Rouge is a shit-hole and this is coming from a guy who lives
in Hell.

10.) We will schedule BYU. That Joseph Smith guy is so
annoying and always bragging about his crappy team. I
can't wait to make fun of him at the water cooler after
we beat their ass.

Congratulations Aggies. You asked for the best and now you
got it. You are finally ready to be in the SEC. Les and Nick
are gonna be so pissed but who cares? They're already
mine anyway.

Bill Byrne get to working on my contract or I'll put
you in a really crappy location once you get here.

DEVIL OUT

“In 1915 the Aggies invented the condom using the lower intestines of sheep.In 1916 The University of Texas somewhat refined this by actually taking the intestine out of the sheep.”

Posted on 11/29 11:24 AM | IP: Logged

[ybbodeus]

"A friend sent me this email he saw posted on Texasags...."

May I presume its radioactive half-life at texags was only marginally longer than, say, a nanosecond?  I'd like to think that one lasted a spell.  It's damned funny (no pun intended).

[Limey]

FWIW, all your talk of rivalry comes nowhere close to this.

[BizidyDizidy]

Fucking aggies:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/college_sports/aggies/article/Aggies-athletics-CFO-admits-to-calling-A-M-2311998.php

[Duke]

Fucking aggies:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/college_sports/aggies/article/Aggies-athletics-CFO-admits-to-calling-A-M-2311998.php

"don't mix beer and typing"?  What the hell?

'Course his name is Toole.

[sporadic]

"don't mix beer and typing"?  What the hell?

"Honey, tough day at the old salt mines.  Fetch me a sixer and fire up the interwebs...I got me some postin' to do"

[Navin R Johnson]

Fucking aggies:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/college_sports/aggies/article/Aggies-athletics-CFO-admits-to-calling-A-M-2311998.php

That is unbelievable.  How does someone that fucking stupid get hired as the CFO of a lemonade stand much less a multimillion dollar entity?

[austro]

I'm still trying to figure out when athletic departments sprouted CFO jobs. What's the AD doing?

[BudGirl]

CFO does seem like a pretty grand title, but every college and department has a person in charge of the money.  Someone has to count it besides a dean, vp or ad.

[ybbodeus]

That gave me a Harvey Korman History of the World Part I flashback there, Bud Girl.  Thanks.

[Waldo]

CFO does seem like a pretty grand title, but every college and department has a person in charge of the money.  Someone has to count it besides a dean, vp or ad.

Looking through UT's athletics directory, it looks like Texas' equivalent would be the "Senior Associate Athletics Director for Business".  I'd want "CFO" too.

[JimR]

Looking through UT's athletics directory, it looks like Texas' equivalent would be the "Senior Associate Athletics Director for Business".  I'd want "CFO" too.

he came with Dodds if it is who i think it is.

[Phil_in_CS]

and Sherman is gone
http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/Sherman_Fired_Texas_AM_Begins_Search_For_New_Head_Football_Coach_134875548.html

the suck fest of next year's SEC tour will reach epic proportions now.

[Andyzipp]

and Sherman is gone
http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/Sherman_Fired_Texas_AM_Begins_Search_For_New_Head_Football_Coach_134875548.html

the suck fest of next year's SEC tour will reach epic proportions now.

They're going after Sumlin.  It'll be hilarious when he turns them down.

Sherman didn't deserve the way this was handled.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

They're going after Sumlin.  It'll be hilarious when he turns them down.

Sherman didn't deserve the way this was handled.

No he did not.  I realize I risk sounding like a conspiracy wing-nut but did anyone else notice how RC Slocum did all the talking during the broadcast of the game, as the spokesman for A&M's perspective opposite Mack Brown?  There's no way RC thinks now is the time to come back to coaching, right?

[ybbodeus]

They're going after Sumlin.  It'll be hilarious when he turns them down.

Sherman didn't deserve the way this was handled.

Not Butch Davis?

[Andyzipp]

Not Butch Davis?

Not sure how I feel about it, but Sumlin is who I'm hearing. 

[MusicMan]

How about Houston Nutt, continuing his SEC West tour?

[jbm]

Not sure how I feel about it, but Sumlin is who I'm hearing. 

Wasn't Sumlin the OC there before?  IIRC, an interim OC who did well, but wasn't promoted. Maybe that was someone else.

[hostros7]

Wasn't Sumlin the OC there before?  IIRC, an interim OC who did well, but wasn't promoted. Maybe that was someone else.

asst. Head coach, prior to leaving for OU.

Sumlin will leave UH, but my hope is somewhere other than ATM.  My opinion is that the three year outlook isn't good for the ags in the SEC, and I'd like to see Sumlin have success.  At least his wallet will be a little fatter though.

[Waldo]

So apparently A&M offered Sherman the contract extension, Sherman signed it, and then Loftin didn't sign it and is claiming A&M doesn't owe Sherman the extra $3+ million as stipulated by the buyout in the extension.  The fuck?

[S.P. Rodriguez]

So apparently A&M offered Sherman the contract extension, Sherman signed it, and then Loftin didn't sign it and is claiming A&M doesn't owe Sherman the extra $3+ million as stipulated by the buyout in the extension.  The fuck?

Source? 

My 2 cents: none of this looks good for the Aggies. 

[Waldo]

Source? 

My 2 cents: none of this looks good for the Aggies. 

Copy/pasted Twitter feeds from Shaggy, compliments of an A&M spokesman:

schadjoe Joe Schad
It was the president who appears not to have signed contact, not Sherman

BrentZwerneman: Sherman apparently did sign the new deal -- eventually. When it arrived on Loftin's desk in late Oct., the president didn't sign it. #mysa

ChuckCarltonDMN: A&M: Loftin never signed Sherman's new extension after lawyers finished details in Oct. "The contract was not executed," A&M spokesman says.

[MusicMan]

I'm no lawyer, but that appears to me to be an offer made and accepted.  A&M's screwed here.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

That's quite possibly the worst thing I've heard about A&M football.  Ever.  No one in his right mind would coach for us now.  I'm starting to agree with that clown from TexAgs: Bowtie is the problem.

[MusicMan]

That's quite possibly the worst thing I've heard about A&M football.  Ever.  No one in his right mind would coach for us now.  I'm starting to agree with that clown from TexAgs: Bowtie is the problem.

I'm no Aggie fan (clearly), but as a Texan who cares about institutions of higher learning, Loftin's a disgrace.  But he's Perry's buddy, so he's bulletproof for now.

[jbm]

That's quite possibly the worst thing I've heard about A&M football.  Ever.  No one in his right mind would coach for us now.  I'm starting to agree with that clown from TexAgs: Bowtie is the problem.

From the Chron article, it looks like it was all the president, and not the AD.  He does appear to be a problem.   

[Phil_in_CS]

whoever we can convince to take the job will be an idiot if he signs for under 6 years guaranteed, and 8 or even 10 will be more likely.

So is Sumlin the real deal, or just riding a Heisman level quarterback to a great season? The memory of Billy Gillespie comes to mind, where he had some good seasons that turned out to be more the result of Acie Law at point than anything Gillespie was doing.

[Taras Bulba]

I've wondered how things would have gone had Gates still been at the helm.

[MusicMan]

I've wondered how things would have gone had Gates still been at the helm.

In College Station, or in the Middle East?

[BudGirl]

I smell lawsuit. 

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I've wondered how things would have gone had Gates still been at the helm.

This.  There are a lot of ifs in that proposition, but at very least I can't fathom him pulling a stunt like this.

[Waldo]

whoever we can convince to take the job will be an idiot if he signs for under 6 years guaranteed, and 8 or even 10 will be more likely.

And given A&M's history of continuing to pay coaches for years after they've been fired (RC, Fran, now Sherman) they'd be idiots to offer that many years.  Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

[BizidyDizidy]

@GuerinEmig: Wow. Pat Jones hears Mike Sherman found out he'd been fired when he walked into recruit's home and was informed by kid's mom

oh please let this be true.

[Waldo]

@GuerinEmig: Wow. Pat Jones hears Mike Sherman found out he'd been fired when he walked into recruit's home and was informed by kid's mom

oh please let this be true.

Not far-fetched.  Kirk Bohls apparently knew about it before Sherman did.

About 2pm yesterday:

billyliucci Billy Liucci
A&M head coach Mike Sherman has left College Station and is back on the road recruiting, per multiple sources.

@BrentZwerneman Brent Zwerneman
Sherman has left the Bright Building and told a Houston-area player on his way out that he was headed to Houston to recruit.

About 5:45pm yesterday:

kbohls kbohls
Texas A&M has decided to fire football Mike Sherman but has not yet notified him, a prominent Aggie source just told me.

[JimR]

@GuerinEmig: Wow. Pat Jones hears Mike Sherman found out he'd been fired when he walked into recruit's home and was informed by kid's mom

oh please let this be true.

he was supposed to be visiting their big time QB last night to reassure him all is well.

[HudsonHawk]

They're going after Sumlin.  It'll be hilarious when he turns them down.

Sumlin would be a fool for not taking the A&M job, if offered.  Sumlin is not a fool.

[BizidyDizidy]

Sumlin would be a fool for not taking the A&M job, if offered.  Sumlin is not a fool.

Why? It sounds like he has his choice of almost any of the open jobs.

[Duke]

Heard on the radio that Sherman would be in contention to replace Del Rio.

[MusicMan]

Sumlin would be a fool for not taking the A&M job, if offered.  Sumlin is not a fool.

He could go to A&M and watch the shit kicked out of his offense by SEC defenses, while dealing with an incredibly dysfunctional school administration and inheriting a team graduating most of its best talent.

Or he could go to ASU, or many, many other schools.

[BizidyDizidy]

He could go to A&M and watch the shit kicked out of his offense by SEC defenses, while dealing with an incredibly dysfunctional school administration and inheriting a team graduating most of its best talent.

Or he could go to ASU, or many, many other schools.

UCLA seems like a program that should have success if they could stop stepping on their own dicks.

[MusicMan]

UCLA seems like a program that should have success if they could stop stepping on their own dicks.

So does A&M.  Neither show any clue of avoiding that dick-stepping.

[jbm]

He could go to A&M and watch the shit kicked out of his offense by SEC defenses, while dealing with an incredibly dysfunctional school administration and inheriting a team graduating most of its best talent.

Or he could go to ASU, or many, many other schools.

Agree.  Never know what motivates each individual, but the decision seems far from a no-brainer from the outside. 

[hostros7]

Agree.  Never know what motivates each individual, but the decision seems far from a no-brainer from the outside. 

The money will likely win him over, even with the negative that Aggie fans believe that their "sole Texas SEC status" will land them recruits that will allow them to consistently beat teams in the SEC west other than MSU and Ole Miss on a three year horizon.

[HudsonHawk]

Why? It sounds like he has his choice of almost any of the open jobs.

And none of them are better than A&M.  Despite what you may or may not think about the Aggies, they're an elite program in an elite conference.  When it comes to college coaching jobs, it doesn't get much better than Texas A&M.

[HudsonHawk]

He could go to A&M and watch the shit kicked out of his offense by SEC defenses, while dealing with an incredibly dysfunctional school administration and inheriting a team graduating most of its best talent.

Or he could go to ASU, or many, many other schools.

If he thinks he's not good enough to compete in a big time conference, then yeah, perhaps he'll turn it down.  Something tells me he doesn't think that, however.

[HudsonHawk]

So does A&M.  Neither show any clue of avoiding that dick-stepping.

But that's what the new coach can fix.  Sumlin wouldn't turn down the job at A&M because Sherman's a doofus.

[sporadic]

And none of them are better than A&M.  Despite what you may or may not think about the Aggies, they're an elite program in an elite conference.  When it comes to college coaching jobs, it doesn't get much better than Texas A&M.

you are correct, sans the likes of UT, SC, Fla, OSU and Bama.  They are, in coaching terms, in the very next tier.

[roadrunner]

If he thinks he's not good enough to compete in a big time conference, then yeah, perhaps he'll turn it down.  Something tells me he doesn't think that, however.

Doesn't mean there won't be a better job available next year or in 2 years.  If UH falls to an 8-win or 9-win season next year I don't think Sumlin's status will decline.  Other than UCLA, I don't think any of the jobs this year are that appealing.  Aggie would be, but all of the bullshit surrounding Sherman's exit makes me think otherwise.

[HudsonHawk]

you are correct, sans the likes of UT, SC, Fla, OSU and Bama.  They are, in coaching terms, in the very next tier.

I don't find Utah, South Carolina and Oklahoma State all that elite. 

[sporadic]

But that's what the new coach can fix.  Sumlin wouldn't turn down the job at A&M because Sherman's a doofus.

exactly...Sumlin probably sees it as a team he could have won the Big XXII with (this year).

[sporadic]

I don't find Utah, South Carolina and Oklahoma State all that elite. 

nice

[BizidyDizidy]

And none of them are better than A&M.  Despite what you may or may not think about the Aggies, they're an elite program in an elite conference.  When it comes to college coaching jobs, it doesn't get much better than Texas A&M.

I think we just disagree on how good of a job A&M is; when you are the 2nd best job in your state, and the 3rd best job in your conference, it's not that elite.

[HudsonHawk]

Doesn't mean there won't be a better job available next year or in 2 years.  If UH falls to an 8-win or 9-win season next year I don't think Sumlin's status will decline.  Other than UCLA, I don't think any of the jobs this year are that appealing.  Aggie would be, but all of the bullshit surrounding Sherman's exit makes me think otherwise.

A hand in the bush is worth...wait a minute...

Texas A&M is a big time college football program.  You can decry them as little stepbrothers all you want, but the simple fact is that they are a huge school, with a huge budget, a rabid fan base now in the most elite of elite football conferences.

[HudsonHawk]

I think we just disagree on how good of a job A&M is; when you are the 2nd best job in your state, and the 3rd best job in your conference, it's not that elite.

It's still one of the top 10 jobs in the country, and better than any job currently available, not to mention light years better than the one you have.

[roadrunner]

A hand in the bush is worth...wait a minute...

Texas A&M is a big time college football program.  You can decry them as little stepbrothers all you want, but the simple fact is that they are a huge school, with a huge budget, a rabid fan base now in the most elite of elite football conferences.

I think Sumlin can wait a year for possibly Tennessee, Notre Dame.....Texas?

[Andyzipp]

he was supposed to be visiting their big time QB last night to reassure him all is well.

That's not true, despite what Bohls is reporting.

Sherman went to Davis' home to tell him to honor his commitment.  He was told when he left college station shortly mid day.

[MusicMan]

It's still one of the top 10 jobs in the country,

Not hardly.

UT
USC
Ohio State
OU
Florida
Alabama
LSU
Michigan
Penn State
Notre Dame

A&M is not as good as any of those, and that's without getting to Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State, Oregon...

[Waldo]

A hand in the bush is worth...wait a minute...

Texas A&M is a big time college football program.  You can decry them as little stepbrothers all you want, but the simple fact is that they are a huge school, with a huge budget, a rabid fan base now in the most elite of elite football conferences.

They've also got an athletic department that operates in the red and is apparently at complete odds with the university big wigs, as well as a reputation of a place where coaching careers go to die. But you're just being argumentative again so I'm gonna tap out.

[MusicMan]

But that's what the new coach can fix.  Sumlin wouldn't turn down the job at A&M because Sherman's a doofus.

No, but he could turn it down because of all the doofi in the administration.

[HudsonHawk]

I think Sumlin can wait a year for possibly Tennessee, Notre Dame.....Texas?

A&M is a better gig than Tennessee.  Notre Dame or Texas?  What makes you think those will be available next year?  Do you really think he'd be a shoo in for one?

[HudsonHawk]

Not hardly.

UT
USC
Ohio State
OU
Florida
Alabama
LSU
Michigan
Penn State
Notre Dame

A&M is not as good as any of those, and that's without getting to Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State, Oregon...

No fucking way.

[Andyzipp]

Not hardly.

UT
USC
Ohio State
OU
Florida
Alabama
LSU
Michigan
Penn State
Notre Dame

A&M is not as good as any of those, and that's without getting to Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State, Oregon...

A&M is a top 25 program.  Despite performance this year, and for the bulk of the last decade, this is still true.  But saying much more than that would be stretching.

[HudsonHawk]

They've also become the place where coaching careers go to die.

Because the coaches have been idiots, not because it's not a good job.

[Andyzipp]

Because the coaches have been idiots, not because it's not a good job.

Sherman wasn't an idiot.  He just didn't win enough.

Fran on the other hand...

[Andyzipp]

I think Sumlin can wait a year for possibly Tennessee, Notre Dame.....Texas?

Dooley is likely gone this year.

[HudsonHawk]

No, but he could turn it down because of all the doofi in the administration.

The only doofus moves they've made have been hiring Franchione and Sherman in the first place.  If Sumlin believes his hiring would be equally dumb, then he should, at a minimum, take the money and run.

[MusicMan]

No fucking way.

Tell me a single one of those ten that's an inferior job to Texas A&M.

[HudsonHawk]

Sherman wasn't an idiot.  He just didn't win enough.

Fran on the other hand...

He's a lousy coach.

[HudsonHawk]

Tell me a single one of those ten that's an inferior job to Texas A&M.

OU, Florida, and probably Penn State.  Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State and Oregon shouldn't even be in the conversation.

[roadrunner]

Florida could be available next year, too.

If UCLA would shell out the $$$, I think that make a lot of sense for Sumlin.  

[BizidyDizidy]

Sumlin should take a job this year - crazy to roll the dice on another great year.

[Andyzipp]

He's a lousy coach.

See, lousy coach =/= doesn't equal idiot.  And this is where you lose me in just about every conversation you insert yourself in.

Sherman cut out the crap that Fran had allowed, recruited well, reestablished A&M as a place where you could play and get to the NFL and ran a clean program.  He just didn't win.  And it's not because his intelligence is inferior to yours. 

If you want a reason, I could probably generate a few hundred for you.  But him being an idiot isn't part of the equation.

[chuck]

OU, Florida, and probably Penn State.  Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State and Oregon shouldn't even be in the conversation.

How bright is your star as a coach if you don't win? A&M is going to a conference where they have no chance of winning. I'll be polite and say that they have no chance of winning over the next handful of years but I think we all know they likely have no chance of winning out there, ever.

That has to be considered when trying to assess the attractiveness of a job.

[HudsonHawk]

Sumlin should take a job this year - crazy to roll the dice on another great year.

Especially considering next year isn't likely to be anywhere near as great.  Don't get me wrong...I think he's a good coach.  But this is the year he puts at the top of his resume. 

[MusicMan]

OU, Florida, and probably Penn State.  Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State and Oregon shouldn't even be in the conversation.

If you think Stoops, Meyer, Spurrier, Muschamp, etc. whould have EVER left those jobs for A&M, you're out of your mind.

[HudsonHawk]

See, lousy coach =/= doesn't equal idiot.  And this is where you lose me in just about every conversation you insert yourself in.

Sherman cut out the crap that Fran had allowed, recruited well, reestablished A&M as a place where you could play and get to the NFL and ran a clean program.  He just didn't win.  And it's not because his intelligence is inferior to yours. 

If you want a reason, I could probably generate a few hundred for you.  But him being an idiot isn't part of the equation.

One semantic hair...split.  Thanks boss.

[HudsonHawk]

How bright is your star as a coach if you don't win? A&M is going to a conference where they have no chance of winning. I'll be polite and say that they have no chance of winning over the next handful of years but I think we all know they likely have no chance of winning out there, ever.

That has to be considered when trying to assess the attractiveness of a job.

Show me a coach who thinks he will never have a chance of winning, and I'll show you...well, I doubt you'll ever find one. 

[HudsonHawk]

If you think Stoops, Meyer, Spurrier, Muschamp, etc. whould have EVER left those jobs for A&M, you're out of your mind.

Perhaps.  But when it comes to salary, facilities, alumni support, recruiting base, media coverage...etc, etc, etc...A&M is not the little stepbrother you think it is.

[Andyzipp]

How bright is your star as a coach if you don't win? A&M is going to a conference where they have no chance of winning. I'll be polite and say that they have no chance of winning over the next handful of years but I think we all know they likely have no chance of winning out there, ever.

That has to be considered when trying to assess the attractiveness of a job.

There's no concrete reason that with the right combination of players/coaches A&M can't replicate Auburn's success.  Outside of the idea that you believe your arrogance to be law, rather than theory.

[JimR]

OU, Florida, and probably Penn State.  Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State and Oregon shouldn't even be in the conversation.

you are batshit crazy.

[Andyzipp]

Perhaps.  But when it comes to salary, facilities, alumni support, recruiting base, media coverage...etc, etc, etc...A&M is not the little stepbrother you think it is.

A&M isn't even related anymore.

[MusicMan]

Perhaps.  But when it comes to salary, facilities, alumni support, recruiting base, media coverage...etc, etc, etc...A&M is not the little stepbrother you think it is.

Being a top 25 program is not little brother.

I'll say it again this way: you could easily foresee an A&M coach leaving for one of those 10 jobs I listed.  You would never expect the reverse.  (Except, of course, with Fran - who is, as we have established, an idiot as well as a bad coach.)

[HudsonHawk]

you are batshit crazy.

Nope, just not a Longhorn.  Perhaps those are equal in your mind.

[HudsonHawk]

Being a top 25 program is not little brother.

I'll say it again this way: you could easily foresee an A&M coach leaving for one of those 10 jobs I listed.  You would never expect the reverse.  (Except, of course, with Fran - who is, as we have established, an idiot as well as a bad coach.)

I cannot easily see that.  I don't know what you can.

[JimR]

Nope, just not a Longhorn.  Perhaps those are equal in your mind.

nope. but of all the "i'm right" blustering you do on here, this stuff you are posting now is among the craziest ever.

[HudsonHawk]

nope. but of all the "i'm right" blustering you do on here, this stuff you are posting now is among the craziest ever.

Oh come on, I say crazier shit than this all the time.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

There's no concrete reason that with the right combination of players/coaches A&M can't replicate Auburn's success.  Outside of the idea that you believe your arrogance to be law, rather than theory.

Besides, we wont' just beat Ole Miss and Miss State; we get Vandy every other year, too.

[chuck]

There's no concrete reason that with the right combination of players/coaches A&M can't replicate Auburn's success.  Outside of the idea that you believe your arrogance to be law, rather than theory.

Arrogance? A&M can't even win in the Big 12. How the fuck are they going to win in the SEC? They haven't won a bowl game since 2001 when they captured the prestigious Galleryfurniture.com Bowl.

But you are correct. With the right combination of players and coaches A&M could be great. As could Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State or Tennessee.

[BizidyDizidy]

Arrogance? A&M can't even win in the Big 12. How the fuck are they going to win in the SEC? They haven't won a bowl game since 2001 when they captured the prestigious Galleryfurniture.com Bowl.

But you are correct. With the right combination of players and coaches A&M could be great. As could Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State or Tennessee.

That's a low blow to Tennessee which is a top program fallen on hard times.

[BizidyDizidy]

Perhaps.  But when it comes to salary, facilities, alumni support, recruiting base, media coverage...etc, etc, etc...A&M is not the little stepbrother you think it is.

They have the 21st biggest athletic budget.

[MusicMan]

They have the 21st biggest athletic budget.

So we have a Longhorn, Aggie, and Cardinal in agreement that A&M is a top-25 job, but not top-10.

But to say so is Longhorn arrogance.

[Andyzipp]

Arrogance? A&M can't even win in the Big 12. How the fuck are they going to win in the SEC? They haven't won a bowl game since 2001 when they captured the prestigious Galleryfurniture.com Bowl.

But you are correct. With the right combination of players and coaches A&M could be great. As could Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State or Tennessee.

And there's no resources preventing that from happening.

They don't win.  Doesn't mean they can't win.

[Waldo]

Nope, just not a Longhorn.  Perhaps those are equal in your mind.

Aren't you married to an Aggie or something?  You're not exactly the most unbiased person in this discussion either.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Aren't you married to an Aggie or something?  You're not exactly the most unbiased person in this discussion either.

Historically speaking, HH is NOT an A&M fan.

[MRaup]

Historically speaking, HH is NOT an A&M fan of anything.

FIFY

[S.P. Rodriguez]

FIFY

Ah... fair point.

[VirtualBob]

nope. but of all the "i'm right" blustering you do on here, this stuff you are posting now is among the craziest ever.
[/bluster]

See also:

Often wrong, but never in doubt.

[HudsonHawk]

They have the 21st biggest athletic budget.

What's the football budget?

[HudsonHawk]

FIFY

Not true.  I love good scotch. 

[HudsonHawk]

Aren't you married to an Aggie or something?  You're not exactly the most unbiased person in this discussion either.

Yes, it's something like marriage.

[chuck]

And there's no resources preventing that from happening.

They don't win.  Doesn't mean they can't win.

I'm not arguing that they can't win, I'm simply pointing out that there is little evidence to predict that they will win.

[Jacksonian]

I'm not arguing that they can't win, I'm simply pointing out that there is little evidence to predict that they will win.

You could have said the same thing about LSU throughout the 90's and even at the outset of Saban's first year there.

[Waldo]

What's the football budget?

Based on data for the 2009-10 school year, A&M's football expenses came in at about $16.6 million.  That's good enough for 3rd in the modern Big 12 (i.e. minus Nebraska) but 9th in next year's SEC.  Nationally they ranked #31, behind such college football juggernauts as TCU (#12, $20.6 million), Rutgers (#15, $19.5 million), and Boston College (#23, $18 million).  Ironically, Sumlin's other potential destination, Arizona State, ranks #22.

On the revenue side, A&M brought in $41.9 million, again 3rd in the Big 12 (minus Nebraska) and 9th in the SEC.  Nationally they were #18, just ahead of Wisconsin and just behind Michigan State.

[BizidyDizidy]

Based on data for the 2009-10 school year, A&M's football expenses came in at about $16.6 million.  That's good enough for 3rd in the modern Big 12 (i.e. minus Nebraska) but 9th in next year's SEC.  Nationally they ranked #31, behind such college football juggernauts as TCU (#12, $20.6 million), Rutgers (#15, $19.5 million), and Boston College (#23, $18 million).  Ironically, Sumlin's other potential destination, Arizona State, ranks #22.

On the revenue side, A&M brought in $41.9 million, again 3rd in the Big 12 (minus Nebraska) and 9th in the SEC.  Nationally they were #18, just ahead of Wisconsin and just behind Michigan State.

To be fair, some of that difference vs. the SEC is probably the TV contract

[Waldo]

To be fair, some of that difference vs. the SEC is probably the TV contract

On the revenue side, sure, but the difference in TV contracts would only be enough to slot them ahead of Arkansas for the #8 spot.  They would still be several million dollars behind Tennessee at #7.

[BizidyDizidy]

On the revenue side, sure, but the difference in TV contracts would only be enough to slot them ahead of Arkansas for the #8 spot.  They would still be several million dollars behind Tennessee at #7.

Expenses and revenue are highly related as well.

[Waldo]

Right, but even with the increased SEC money, how much more can A&M reasonably spend once they get there?  They're still going to be paying two head coaching contracts for a while (whether Sherman gets $5.5mm or $9mm), they're not getting any Big 12 TV money this year and still have to pay exit fees on top of that (if I'm not mistaken), and the athletics CFO himself said that the entire athletic department is already operating at a loss.  They could start slashing the budgets of their non-revenue sports, but it would be foolish to do so since those have been the only real source of athletic success in recent memory.  And if the football team starts getting its head bashed in, ticket/merchandise sales will predictably drop.

[hostros7]

Not hardly.

UT
USC
Ohio State
OU
Florida
Alabama
LSU
Michigan
Penn State
Notre Dame

A&M is not as good as any of those, and that's without getting to Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State, Oregon...

Good list. Not that anyone asked, but I would in fact add:
Georgia
Florida State
Oregon
Nebraska
Arkansas
South Carolina
Wisconsin

A&M has the potential to surpass any of the schools not listed in MM's list, but the reality is that the program hasn't been consistently good in a while and maybe coaching is just any easy scapegoat.  Sitting in Sumlin's shoes, unless a) A&M gave me a 7+ year deal or b) A&M for whatever reason was on my shortlist of dream jobs, I would not take the job at A&M.  

A&M doesn't seem to have the patience to deal with its own shortcomings.  No one is likely to make A&M a 10 game winner in the SEC west in 3-4 years.  If that doesn't happen, all the 12th men are going to come out of the wordwork claiming Cougar High coach was never ready for the SEC and a big time program like A&M and ask for his head.  He'll find himself back in CUSA or some other end of the football earth.

The better play may be to narrow his list to a few select jobs he really wants, double his earnings at UH in the meantime (or go to ASU, UCLA, etc if they are on said shortlist), and wait for the perfect opportunity, however he sees that, to come along.

[MusicMan]

A&M is a better job than the last three on your list, especially South Carolina.

[hostros7]

A&M is a better job than the last three on your list, especially South Carolina.

Admittedly, I was trying to stretch it back there.  That said, due to our geographic proximity, I think we all overestimate the national cache of the A&M job.  It's a solid top-25 job at a great program.  It just feels like Virginia Tech or Michigan State to me, not USC or Michigan.

[BizidyDizidy]

Admittedly, I was trying to stretch it back there.  That said, due to our geographic proximity, I think we all overestimate the national cache of the A&M job.  It's a solid top-25 job at a great program.  It just feels like Virginia Tech or Michigan State to me, not USC or Michigan.

Michigan state, perfect example.

[Jacksonian]

Michigan state, perfect example.

Then factor in that Texas is a far better place to begin recruiting.  IMO, A&M isn't a good comp to those kinds of schools.  I think they're a better comp overall to Florida State.  The biggest difference in the last 30 years being coaching stability.

[HudsonHawk]

A&M has the potential to surpass any of the schools not listed in MM's list, but the reality is that the program hasn't been consistently good in a while and maybe coaching is just any easy scapegoat.  Sitting in Sumlin's shoes, unless a) A&M gave me a 7+ year deal or b) A&M for whatever reason was on my shortlist of dream jobs, I would not take the job at A&M.  

It's not about how many wins the team has had, it's about hiw good a job it is. It's about resources; admin support, alumni support, fanbase, attendence, recruiting base, facilities, who you get to play, how many times you're on national tv, etc. the Chicago Cubs aren't perennial World Series contenders, yey being GM there is still a sought after job.

[WakePhil]

The better play may be to narrow his list to a few select jobs he really wants, double his earnings at UH in the meantime (or go to ASU, UCLA, etc if they are on said shortlist), and wait for the perfect opportunity, however he sees that, to come along.

Is this recent success at UH sustainable? Because jobs of this calibur may not remain open to him.

I went to Wake Forest and this reminds me a lot of Jim Grobe. He came in and patiently rebuilt the program the right way. When many of the traditional powers in the ACC began faltering, Wake took advantage. They won 11 games, the ACC Championship, played in the Orange Bowl, and Grobe won a few coach of the year trophies. Several reports had him all but delivered to Arkansas as the new head coach. I remember us thinking, "I hope he stays at Wake, but if he leaves, I hope its for something better than Arkansas." We all believed he would eventually leave for as much or better. He's still coaching at Wake 5 years later. Still think he's a quality coach, no worse than he was 5 years ago, but Arkansas isn't calling anymore.

[MRaup]

It's not about how many wins the team has had, it's about hiw good a job it is. It's about resources; admin support, alumni support, fanbase, attendence, recruiting base, facilities, who you get to play, how many times you're on national tv, etc. the Chicago Cubs aren't perennial World Series contenders, yey being GM there is still a sought after job.

Moving to the SEC, A&M is going to be even less likely to get a nation-wide broadcast. There are plenty of bell cows in the SEC, the Aggies aren't one of them.

[roadrunner]

Is this recent success at UH sustainable? Because jobs of this calibur may not remain open to him.

I went to Wake Forest and this reminds me a lot of Jim Grobe. He came in and patiently rebuilt the program the right way. When many of the traditional powers in the ACC began faltering, Wake took advantage. They won 11 games, the ACC Championship, played in the Orange Bowl, and Grobe won a few coach of the year trophies. Several reports had him all but delivered to Arkansas as the new head coach. I remember us thinking, "I hope he stays at Wake, but if he leaves, I hope its for something better than Arkansas." We all believed he would eventually leave for as much or better. He's still coaching at Wake 5 years later. Still think he's a quality coach, no worse than he was 5 years ago, but Arkansas isn't calling anymore.

With UH's access to talent, they shouldn't have any problem taking care of business in the Big East.  If the new stadium happens, then even moreso.  Look at what Patterson did at TCU.

[HudsonHawk]

Moving to the SEC, A&M is going to be even less likely to get a nation-wide broadcast. There are plenty of bell cows in the SEC, the Aggies aren't one of them.

Fraid not.  I know it hurts, but the SEC is way more likely to get nationwide games than the Big 12-4+1

[hostros7]

It's not about how many wins the team has had, it's about hiw good a job it is. It's about resources; admin support, alumni support, fanbase, attendence, recruiting base, facilities, who you get to play, how many times you're on national tv, etc. the Chicago Cubs aren't perennial World Series contenders, yey being GM there is still a sought after job.

I get your point, and A&M has all that, but Sumlin could find something similar with a better path to success in terms of W's and L's.  At this point, I fully expect Sumlin to take the job, and I've heard as much from A&M folks in the know.  Seems like there would be a lot of egg on the Ags' face if he didn't take it at this point, so he must have given some indication.  [T.O. PR]Plus, he'll have $10-20mm reasons not to worry about wins and losses [/T.O. PR]

[Jacksonian]

Moving to the SEC, A&M is going to be even less likely to get a nation-wide broadcast. There are plenty of bell cows in the SEC, the Aggies aren't one of them.

I'm calling bullshit on that.  A&M has serious name recognition and following.  Games between A&M and LSU, Alabama, Arkansas, and Auburn will be on ESPN, if not CBS, every year.  When they play Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina those games will be on national TV too.

[WakePhil]

With UH's access to talent, they shouldn't have any problem taking care of business in the Big East.  If the new stadium happens, then even moreso.  Look at what Patterson did at TCU.

I hope it works out the same way for UH. There is, at least, one full season between now and the Big East, the new stadium, etc. The AQ status may be in question by then too. There's a lot of uncertainty between now and then. I hope Sumlin stays, but I would not blame him for cashing in now.

[austro]

I'm calling bullshit on that.  A&M has serious name recognition and following.  Games between A&M and LSU, Alabama, Arkansas, and Auburn will be on ESPN, if not CBS, every year.  When they play Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina those games will be on national TV too.

Maybe. But if they get stomped in those games in the first few seasons, I could see them being treated like Mississippi State.

[hostros7]

Maybe. But if they get stomped in those games in the first few seasons, I could see them being treated like Mississippi State.

The comparisons between A&M and Mississippi State really should end after bad school colors and a second place status in the respective state's university hierarchy.  They are very different.  A&M has much better resources, etc, etc, etc.

[BizidyDizidy]

The comparisons between A&M and Mississippi State really should end after bad school colors and a second place status in the respective state's university hierarchy.  They are very different.  A&M has much better resources, etc, etc, etc.

I'm telling you, Michigan State is a great example (they have a slightly bigger athletic budget than A&M). Yes, they have a worse recruiting pool, but they play all their games against people who recruit in the same pond, so it doesn't have as big an impact on success as you would think.

[Jacksonian]

Maybe. But if they get stomped in those games in the first few seasons, I could see them being treated like Mississippi State.

Nutty.

[Jacksonian]

I'm telling you, Michigan State is a great example (they have a slightly bigger athletic budget than A&M). Yes, they have a worse recruiting pool, but they play all their games against people who recruit in the same pond, so it doesn't have as big an impact on success as you would think.

A&M's football tradition, history, and national perspective is far richer than Michigan State's.  They aren't in the same class.

[BizidyDizidy]

A&M's football tradition, history, and national perspective is far richer than Michigan State's.  They aren't in the same class.

I'm not sure people in the midwest would agree with you.

[Jacksonian]

I'm not sure people in the midwest would agree with you.

Having lived in the midwest, having family who have lived in the midwest for 90 years, yeah they'd agree with me.

[subnuclear]

6 National championships are not too shabby.

[hostros7]

A&M's football tradition, history, and national perspective is far richer than Michigan State's.  They aren't in the same class.

In the lifetime of future recruits (18 years), both schools have won 2 bowl games.  A&M has 12 bowl appearances while MSU has 11. A&M has one BCS appearance.  I think MSU has a shot at its first this year.

I know that's not exactly what you're referring to, but it's very much what matters in terms of recruiting.  Neither school can call up anything on par with the Knute Rockneys of college football lore.

[Jacksonian]

6 National championships are not too shabby.

No later than 45 years ago.  All 6 in a 15 or so year span.  They've been to less than 20 bowl games since then.  They had a brief dominant history, otherwise they've been, meh.  They are a shell of their former selves.

[BizidyDizidy]

In the lifetime of future recruits (18 years), both schools have won 2 bowl games.  A&M has 12 bowl appearances while MSU has 11. A&M has one BCS appearance.  I think MSU has a shot at its first this year.

I know that's not exactly what you're referring to, but it's very much what matters in terms of recruiting.  Neither school can call up anything on par with the Knute Rockneys of college football lore.

Michigan State got tiebroke out of a National Championship last year (tied for Big11 Championship)

[BizidyDizidy]

No later than 45 years ago.  All 6 in a 15 or so year span.  They've been to less than 20 bowl games since then.  They had a brief dominant history, otherwise they've been, meh.  They are a shell of their former selves.

They won their conference last year. A&M last won their conference in 1998. Michigan State has had 28 all-americans, A&M has had 20. A&M has an all-time winning percentage of .599, Michigan State is .593. A&M has been playing since 1894, Michigan State since 1896. Obviously you think that there is a big gap, but it just doesn't seem to be there. Where did you go to school?

[Jacksonian]

In the lifetime of future recruits (18 years), both schools have won 2 bowl games.  A&M has 12 bowl appearances while MSU has 11. A&M has one BCS appearance.  I think MSU has a shot at its first this year.

I know that's not exactly what you're referring to, but it's very much what matters in terms of recruiting.  Neither school can call up anything on par with the Knute Rockneys of college football lore.

Recruits want to know what's going on right now.  Much of that has to do with who is coaching and what is the school like today.  A&M is in a hole for coaching so they need to get a good one.  Going to the SEC is a massive draw to recruits so they have that going for them.  How long is Dantonio going to be at MSU?  The Big 10 is a falling football power with less nation TV draw than the SEC.

If A&M can get themselves a quality coach they'll far ahead of MSU in 4 years.

[Jacksonian]

They won their conference last year. A&M last won their conference in 1998. Michigan State has had 28 all-americans, A&M has had 20. A&M has an all-time winning percentage of .599, Michigan State is .593. A&M has been playing since 1894, Michigan State since 1896. Obviously you think that there is a big gap, but it just doesn't seem to be there. Where did you go to school?

LSU, so have a deep hatred for A&M.

[BizidyDizidy]

LSU, so have a deep hatred for A&M.

I think people in the south overestimate A&M's national cachet, but maybe I am wrong. Definitely seemed like in California no one gave a shit about them.

[Jacksonian]

Michigan State got tiebroke out of a National Championship last year (tied for Big11 Championship)

Huh?

[BizidyDizidy]

Huh?

BCS game I meant, obviously not national championship.

[Jacksonian]

I think people in the south overestimate A&M's national cachet, but maybe I am wrong. Definitely seemed like in California no one gave a shit about them.

I spent a good deal of my formative years living in Indiana.  A&M over MSU.

[Andyzipp]

Moving to the SEC, A&M is going to be even less likely to get a nation-wide broadcast. There are plenty of bell cows in the SEC, the Aggies aren't one of them.

But every SEC game is on Television.

[Jacksonian]

BCS game I meant, obviously not national championship.

They got the crap kicked out of them by Alabama.  They weren't worthy anyway.

[Andyzipp]

And I was wrong about something.

It's true that Sherman did know he was fired prior to meeting with the recruit (wasn't told by the kid's mother).

But, he didn't know he was fired until he was just about at their house.

Mea culpa.

[BizidyDizidy]

They got the crap kicked out of them by Alabama.  They weren't worthy anyway.

See Cotton Bowl, The.

[Jacksonian]

See Cotton Bowl, The.

I'm not the one who argued they should have played for the BCS championship.  Neither MSU nor A&M were worthy last year.

[BizidyDizidy]

I'm not the one who argued they should have played for the BCS championship.  Neither MSU nor A&M were worthy last year.

Not BCS championship, just a BCS bowl game. I'm sure they could've lost to TCU as well.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I think people in the south overestimate A&M's national cachet, but maybe I am wrong. Definitely seemed like in California no one gave a shit about them.

This depends heavily upon the field you are in.  Not to mention, the people I know in California don't give a shit about anything other than themselves or their own opinions, just my experience. 

[Andyzipp]

This depends heavily upon the field you are in.  Not to mention, the people I know in California don't give a shit about anything other than themselves or their own opinions, just my experience. 

So you know just about everyone in California then.

[BizidyDizidy]

This depends heavily upon the field you are in.  Not to mention, the people I know in California don't give a shit about anything other than themselves or their own opinions, just my experience. 

I was just speaking in a sports context.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

So you know just about everyone in California then.

Not my point, but glad I could tee that one up for you.

My point had more to do with forming judgements simply on anecdotal evidence.

[JimR]

Sherm in his press conference said he had pulled in the driveway of the recruit when he got the call that he was terminated. He said he was dissapointed in that because, "We are better than that." He also stated that he regrets his family learned of it before he could tell them. They learned through internet news.

from a post on OB

[JackAstro]

And I was wrong about something.

It's true that Sherman did know he was fired prior to meeting with the recruit (wasn't told by the kid's mother).

But, he didn't know he was fired until he was just about at their house.

Mea culpa.

Man, that's fucked up. So is it accurate that he signed the extension, but Loftin did not?

[JimR]

the OB posters who listened to the PC said Sherman was very, very classy.

[Duke]

Sherm in his press conference said he had pulled in the driveway of the recruit when he got the call that he was terminated. He said he was dissapointed in that because, "We are better than that." He also stated that he regrets his family learned of it before he could tell them. They learned through internet news.

from a post on OB

Getting canned on the phone is  BS.

[Andyzipp]

Man, that's fucked up. So is it accurate that he signed the extension, but Loftin did not?

What I've learned in the past 72 hours about certain inner workings would make your head spin...if you cared about A&M.  Since few here do, continue with the chuckling.

[Ron Brand]

What I've learned in the past 72 hours about certain inner workings would make your head spin...if you cared about A&M.  Since few here do, continue with the chuckling.

I care.

[BudGirl]

So, none of you think Sumlin would stay with UH?  Even if they paid him more?  I just want to know what he is going to do.

[Andyzipp]

So, none of you think Sumlin would stay with UH?  Even if they paid him more?  I just want to know what he is going to do.

I think it would be perfect if he declined whatever offer A&M makes.

[Ron Brand]

I think it would be perfect if he declined whatever offer A&M makes.

So do you think Sumlin is not The Guy or are you upset at A&M?

[Andyzipp]

So do you think Sumlin is not The Guy or are you upset at A&M?

I think A&M needs to drop football until they get their internal shit straight.

[Ron Brand]

I think A&M needs to drop football until they get their internal shit straight.

Then it must be even worse than what I've heard.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

So, none of you think Sumlin would stay with UH?  Even if they paid him more?  I just want to know what he is going to do.

I think Houston will give him a substantial raise and he stays. It's just a feeling I have and I'm usually wrong when I get one. Wishful, not critical thinking. Still, there is tremendous potential at Houston. Sure, he could bolt for greener pastures, or he could decide he found a home and ride it out. Like what Patterson chose to do at TCU a couple years back. I'm sure he wants to be compensated fairly but he might not be a money grubber willing to go anywhere just to max out his earnings. It seems Houston has the resources to pay him fair market value based on recent success and future plans. If the school is serious about competing at the highest level, then the school is going to have to pay the rate for top level coaching talent. If they're not serious, then why even fucking move to the Big East?

[juliogotay]

Getting canned on the phone is  BS.

Yes, Tal, it is.

[Andyzipp]

I think Houston will give him a substantial raise and he stays. It's just a feeling I have and I'm usually wrong when I get one. Wishful, not critical thinking. Still, there is tremendous potential at Houston. Sure, he could bolt for greener pastures, or he could decide he found a home and ride it out. Like what Patterson chose to do at TCU a couple years back. I'm sure he wants to be compensated fairly but he might not be a money grubber willing to go anywhere just to max out his earnings. It seems Houston has the resources to pay him fair market value based on recent success and future plans. If the school is serious about competing at the highest level, then the school is going to have to pay the rate for top level coaching talent. If they're not serious, then why even fucking move to the Big East?

Arizona State has ended any contact with his agent.  So either he's let them know he's staying or he's made up his mind to go elsewhere.

Either way, I hope he doesnt end up in College Station.  A&M doesn't deserve a six-man coach at this point.

[juliogotay]

Watching Oregon v. UCLA....I don't believe a Pac team will win a national championship anytime soon but it is kind of fun to watch.

[JackAstro]

What I've learned in the past 72 hours about certain inner workings would make your head spin...if you cared about A&M.  Since few here do, continue with the chuckling.

No, I'm actually curious. A week ago, Loftin said Sherman's job was safe. Then he went and fired him over the phone on a recruiting trip, and may have withheld his signature from the contract extension that Sherman signed? Plus, now it looks from the outside like Byrne might get fired, too? I'm seriously not saying this to poke at the Aggie faithful, but that's quite a clusterfuck. Whatever you have that you feel inclined to share publicly, please do, because this is weird.

[BizidyDizidy]

Watching Oregon v. UCLA....I don't believe a Pac team will win a national championship anytime soon but it is kind of fun to watch.

Keep in mind that absent Reggie Bush, that game should've been an exciting rematch between Oregon and SC (instead of the abortion that we actually got)

[mrpink]

(Except, of course, with Fran - who is, as we have established, an idiot as well as a bad coach.)

You know, this used to be true but after watching him coach 8 games this year I can safely say...it still is.

[Phil_in_CS]

I think A&M needs to drop football until they get their internal shit straight.

I've felt that for a long time. Rumor now is Bryne is out too, despite the fact the whole athletic department other than football is consistently excellent.

[Bench]

Slim Thug, Bun B and Paul Wall give UH all the tradition anyone could hope for.

[BizidyDizidy]

I guess I haven't been to Robertson - is there a plan for a new stadium? There are probably better high school stadiums in Texas.

[Bench]

I guess I haven't been to Robertson - is there a plan for a new stadium? There are probably better high school stadiums in Texas.

There's a plan.  There's just no funding. 

[HudsonHawk]

I guess I haven't been to Robertson - is there a plan for a new stadium? There are probably better high school stadiums in Texas.

If you haven't been, how do you know how good it is?

[BizidyDizidy]

There's a plan.  There's just no funding. 

They should talk to Allen

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/30/sports/30allen.html?pagewanted=all

[BizidyDizidy]

If you haven't been, how do you know how good it is?

They were kind enough to beam moving pictures of it into my living room

[HudsonHawk]

They were kind enough to beam moving pictures of it into my living room

Really?  They've given you a private video tour of the whole facility?  You ARE special.  And yes, some HS stadiums in Texas are nicer than most college stadiums. 

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Craig James is still a cocksucker.

[Bench]

Craig James is still a cocksucker.

No upset there.

[Mr. Happy]

Craig James is still a cocksucker.

A BIG cocksucker.

[JimR]

Arizona State has ended any contact with his agent.  So either he's let them know he's staying or he's made up his mind to go elsewhere.

Either way, I hope he doesnt end up in College Station.  A&M doesn't deserve a six-man coach at this point.

i would like to know what you know and not to gloat. i think Sherman got a very, very raw deal.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

i would like to know what you know and not to gloat. i think Sherman got a very, very raw deal.

You are not alone in this opinion.  I'm disappointed in the firing but more so in how it played out in the press. 

[Waldo]

i would like to know what you know and not to gloat. i think Sherman got a very, very raw deal.

Same here.

[jbm]

Word is that they are going to conduct an internet poll.  Whoever gets the most votes will get offered the job. 

It's the Rick Perry effect. 

[juliogotay]

Speculation in Dallas is growing that June Jones and ASU may be an item.

[Andyzipp]

i would like to know what you know and not to gloat. i think Sherman got a very, very raw deal.

Are you sure you wouldn't gloat?

Shoot me an email...

[Phil_in_CS]

New aggie logo:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f346/Phil_in_CS/NewAggieLogo.png

[Bench]

ESPN reporting A&M hired Sumlin.

ETA:  And Berman confirms that Sumlin told the team that he was leaving.  (But did not specify A&M)

[Navin R Johnson]

Good thing UH joined the Big East yesterday, there is a clause that ups the buyout in Sumlin's contract if UH is in an "AQ" conference.  Hopefully that money goes towards hiring who can actually win CUSA.

I do wish Sumlin good luck for the most part he was great for UH and UH was clearly great for him.  I just wish he wouldn't have choked at the end of every season.  I will say, if what I am hearing is true about him hammering out details and interviewing with A&M a couple days before the biggest game in 20 years, I will lose some respect for him.  There is no reason that crap couldn't have waited 3 days.

[Phil_in_CS]

A&M confirms the hire.
http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/Kevin_Sumlin_Named_Texas_AM_Head_Football_Coach_135382008.html

[Waldo]

I will say, if what I am hearing is true about him hammering out details and interviewing with A&M a couple days before the biggest game in 20 years, I will lose some respect for him.  There is no reason that crap couldn't have waited 3 days.

Clearly he wanted to get in line before A&M had a chance to shore up a contract with Nick Saban.

[Phil_in_CS]

Plus, now it looks from the outside like Byrne might get fired, too? I'm seriously not saying this to poke at the Aggie faithful, but that's quite a clusterfuck. Whatever you have that you feel inclined to share publicly, please do, because this is weird.

JackAstro was a bit early in this, but apparently consistently having a top 10 finish in the Director's Cup won't get it done in Aggieland
Byrne is out, and right fucking now: http://www.kbtx.com/sports/headlines/Byrne_Out_AM_Athletic_Director_Stepping_Down_150507965.html

For a University that is ostensibly all about Tradition with a Capital T, our current administration has spent a year plus burning every bridge to that Tradition they could find. Ironic that all this happened under Regents appointed by a governor that was a yell leader.

[Andyzipp]

JackAstro was a bit early in this, but apparently consistently having a top 10 finish in the Director's Cup won't get it done in Aggieland
Byrne is out, and right fucking now: http://www.kbtx.com/sports/headlines/Byrne_Out_AM_Athletic_Director_Stepping_Down_150507965.html

For a University that is ostensibly all about Tradition with a Capital T, our current administration has spent a year plus burning every bridge to that Tradition they could find. Ironic that all this happened under Regents appointed by a governor that was a yell leader.

The tradition at A&M in regards to the AD was to promote old players, coaches or the golfing buddies of coaches (Wally Groff, for instance).  Byrne was the first professional AD that the school had ever hired.

Football was barely at .500 during his tenure.  For all the good he did in the non-revenue sports (and there was plenty he did right) the AD at most D-1 schools is going to be evaluated by the health of the football program.

Despite my personal feelings of doom, there is no legitimate reason for A&M not to be an 8-9 win team every year.  The program has the support, money and access to recruits.  Right or wrong, A&M's failure to improve in Football is on Byrne.

[Ron Brand]

FWIW, my daughter, finishing her freshman year at A&M, says the students like Loftin.

[Andyzipp]

FWIW, my daughter, finishing her freshman year at A&M, says the students like Loftin.

The students are happy about going to the SEC, and Loftin is viewed as the man who made that happen.

[Taras Bulba]

What would Robert Gates have done?

[MusicMan]

What would Robert Gates have done?

Invaded Arkansas?

[Bench]

Invaded Arkansas?

If recent history is any guide, I think he would have strongly cautioned against sending in a Navy Seal team to Fayetteville. 

[Phil_in_CS]

The students are happy about going to the SEC, and Loftin is viewed as the man who made that happen.

19 and 20 year olds are great sources of wisdom.... When I went to A&M we were in the SWC. That morphed to the Big 12 and then we're splitting to the SEC. It's kind of like I said when we were discussing the Astros getting relegated to the AL West - I'm sure there are fine teams there but I just can't get too excited about playing Seattle or the Angels. I feel the same about Florida and 'bama. Great teams, but I'd rather have Baylor and UT on the schedule. We've played each of them 100+ times in football, but never again unless there's a chance bowl game or something.

Hopefully they've got the new guy lined up. I'm guessing they want him on board for the announcement of blowing up Kyle Field to build Clear Channel Communications Stadium...

[Duke]

I'm guessing they want him on board for the announcement of blowing up Kyle Field to build Clear Channel Communications Stadium...

I thought this was the plan as well, but am hearing from some of my Aggie friends that they are now planning on closing in the South end of Kyle field expanding it to 110,000 seats?

[Ebby Calvin]

Hopefully they've got the new guy lined up. I'm guessing they want him on board for the announcement of blowing up Kyle Field to build Clear Channel Communications Stadium...

Let's hope not.  That burnt dog carcass smell just never goes away.

[Phil_in_CS]

I thought this was the plan as well, but am hearing from some of my Aggie friends that they are now planning on closing in the South end of Kyle field expanding it to 110,000 seats?

That would certainly be easier, and importantly since there aren't many seats on that end now it could be done without major impact on a football season.

The original parts of Kyle Field are over 90 years old though, and some parts need pretty serious work. Adding on the south end zone might add 20,000 seats, but it won't add luxury boxes between the 30 yard lines.

edit to add: counting on the Aggies to do something the smart/easy way isn't a good idea.

[Andyzipp]

I thought this was the plan as well, but am hearing from some of my Aggie friends that they are now planning on closing in the South end of Kyle field expanding it to 110,000 seats?

Your friends are full of shit.

Populous (used to be HOK) has been hired to create plans in regards to Kyle Field.  No one knows what their design is going to look like (and won't until August/Sept), if the tackle box design is going to be retained, if the North end zone structure is going to be integrated, or if they're going to even leave the stadium in the current location (both Spence Park and West Campus are in the mix).

[Andyzipp]

That would certainly be easier, and importantly since there aren't many seats on that end now it could be done without major impact on a football season.

The original parts of Kyle Field are over 90 years old though, and some parts need pretty serious work. Adding on the south end zone might add 20,000 seats, but it won't add luxury boxes between the 30 yard lines.

edit to add: counting on the Aggies to do something the smart/easy way isn't a good idea.

There is no easy way.  Bringing Kyle up to code would be more expensive than demoing the 1st and 2nd decks on each side and starting over.  The real key is what do they do about the north end zone (assuming they don't decide to move the stadium location.)

[Andyzipp]

19 and 20 year olds are great sources of wisdom.... When I went to A&M we were in the SWC. That morphed to the Big 12 and then we're splitting to the SEC. It's kind of like I said when we were discussing the Astros getting relegated to the AL West - I'm sure there are fine teams there but I just can't get too excited about playing Seattle or the Angels. I feel the same about Florida and 'bama. Great teams, but I'd rather have Baylor and UT on the schedule. We've played each of them 100+ times in football, but never again unless there's a chance bowl game or something.

Hopefully they've got the new guy lined up. I'm guessing they want him on board for the announcement of blowing up Kyle Field to build Clear Channel Communications Stadium...

Neither Texas nor Baylor cares about playing A&M, so I think all parties got what they desired.

[Taras Bulba]

Neither Texas nor Baylor cares about playing A&M, so I think all parties got what they desired.

"...cares" is the right word--that is, after A&M decided to look to the East.  Before that, they cared a lot.

[Andyzipp]

"...cares" is the right word--that is, after A&M decided to look to the East.  Before that, they cared a lot.

Not from everything I've been reading for the last 3 years on the subject.  According to Orangebloods, BaylorFans and other places on the internets, both Texas and Baylor are GLAD to be rid of A&M.  Never liked them, never wanted them around.  So...there's that.  Which is good since (allegedly) Mr. Dodds has supported a ban on all things A&M for the Big 12 schools.

The hatred directed at my school of choice is a little bewildering for me.  Everyone made a business decision that they felt was best for their school.  Texas has their network (which they chose over the Pac10,12,14) and a bright financial path, if some less than stellar home games in the short term.  A&M gets to aspire to lose in the SEC like they've lost in the Big 12 and the SWC before that.  Baylor gets to stay in a AQ conference.

[jbm]

You sure it is hatred?  Might it just be apathy. 

[Andyzipp]

You sure it is hatred?  Might it just be apathy. 

Perhaps you're correct.

[Bench]

You sure it is hatred?  Might it just be apathy. 

I always thought it was embarrassment. 

[Andyzipp]

I always thought it was embarrassment. 

Go protest tort reform legislation.

[Taras Bulba]

Point of order, Andy: BaylorFans is chock full of mutton-headed pew jumpers, even by Baylor standards so reading anything there is as informative as fisting yourself.

[Ron Brand]

I was going to say much the same thing about Orangebloods, except there are no pews involved.

[Phil_in_CS]

"...cares" is the right word--that is, after A&M decided to look to the East.  Before that, they cared a lot.

That was my view too. When we said "fuck y'all, we're leaving", everyone said "Well, go fuck yourself when you get there." When one party chooses to end a 100 year relationship you can't blame the other for being pissed about it.

My fear for the SEC is that we will be a 8 or 9 win team like Zipp said. That won't be enough for the boosters and regents driving this, so they will cheat to get the wins up into double digits. As someone that would rather lose with honor than cheat, that bothers me. We're shifting from a reasonably ok conference to one that has widespread cheating. Our history shows lots of "win at any cost" folks.

[Andyzipp]

That was my view too. When we said "fuck y'all, we're leaving", everyone said "Well, go fuck yourself when you get there." When one party chooses to end a 100 year relationship you can't blame the other for being pissed about it.

My fear for the SEC is that we will be a 8 or 9 win team like Zipp said. That won't be enough for the boosters and regents driving this, so they will cheat to get the wins up into double digits. As someone that would rather lose with honor than cheat, that bothers me. We're shifting from a reasonably ok conference to one that has widespread cheating. Our history shows lots of "win at any cost" folks.

Just so something isn't attributed to me incorrectly.  I think I said there's no reason A&M shouldn't be winning at least 8-9 games every year.  My fear is that the reality is more like 6-7 wins annually.  But that's been happening for the last 10 years in the Big 12, so hey, nicer road trips.

[Phil_in_CS]

Just so something isn't attributed to me incorrectly.  I think I said there's no reason A&M shouldn't be winning at least 8-9 games every year.  My fear is that the reality is more like 6-7 wins annually.  But that's been happening for the last 10 years in the Big 12, so hey, nicer road trips.

I sit corrected, but a 6-7 win average will be even more of a reason to push the cheating. We'll be rolling the head coach over every year at that rate and never get stability in the program.

[HudsonHawk]

Just so something isn't attributed to me incorrectly.  I think I said there's no reason A&M shouldn't be winning at least 8-9 games every year.  My fear is that the reality is more like 6-7 wins annually.  But that's been happening for the last 10 years in the Big 12, so hey, nicer road trips.

There is no reason why A&M shouldn't be a 10-win, top 15, compete for a BCS Championship team year in and year out.  No matter what conference they play in.

[Andyzipp]

I sit corrected, but a 6-7 win average will be even more of a reason to push the cheating. We'll be rolling the head coach over every year at that rate and never get stability in the program.

We've been at 6-7 wins since 2002 with two 9 win fluke seasons and two horrible 4 win seasons.  No (blatant) cheating is occurring.  Not sure why it starts again because we're losing to different teams.  For instance, if 77-0 isn't going to change your approach, and losing to Iowa State (at home), Baylor (twice) and Arkansas State isn't going to start a parade of cheating, why would getting drummed by Alabama and LSU make a difference?

2002 6-6
2003 4-8
2004 7-5
2005 5-6
2006 9-4
2007 7-6
2008 4-8
2009 6-7
2010 9-4
2011 7-6

This is a "program" that hasn't won a conference championship since 1998, has a 1-5 bowl record in the last decade and is largely irrelevant.  If we were going to start cheating again, I would hope it would have started around 2003 and again in 2008.  the AD should throw a parade if they achieve 6 wins this fall.

[Andyzipp]

There is no reason why A&M shouldn't be a 10-win, top 15, compete for a BCS Championship team year in and year out.  No matter what conference they play in.

Except for the constant, institutional, I believe the term is...dick tripping that has occurred since 1999 or so.

[HudsonHawk]

Except for the constant, institutional, I believe the term is...dick tripping that has occurred since 1999 or so.

Right.  I should be more clear...there is no non-self-inflicted reason.