Less than 48 hours later, we already have a new clubhouse leader.
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“UH is a huge asset for Texas”, Fenves said.
You knew as soon as the Big 12 disclosed its intentions to expect all manner of furious lobbying by the respective candidates.
The saga of the Big 12 has always been a unusual one, and this week has been no different. “I always thought President Fenves was an intelligent man”.
There might be more than simple state pride at work here.
The Austin American-Statesman reported that Houston supporters would no longer oppose UT System expansion into the city if Texas backed the Cougars bid for the Big 12.
Well, it’s not quite that simple.
What changed? Maybe some political clout during conference moves in the Texas tradition of officials such as Bob Bullock, Ann Richards and Rick Perry.
Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday that the Big 12 should absolutely be adding the University of Houston to its ranks.
Texas governor Greg Abbott also lent his support for Houston as a candidate, calling expansion a “non-starter” without the Cougars’ involvement.
Even Oklahoma president Boren, who has been more vocal about the conference than any other school official in the past year, took a pass. Two of them, however, are private (TCU and Baylor). And some believe it’s the exact opposite situation - that the six non-Texas schools aren’t keen on adding another Lone Star member.
The other six voting members – Iowa State, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas and Kansas State – might not be inclined to listen to the Texas governor.
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Ultimately, there’s a lot to like about Houston, especially coming off a 13-1 season and Peach Bowl win over Florida State. Earlier in the week, the Big 12 was likely to not expand.
