This semester I’m discovering how much I enjoy reading the newspaper, which is convenient, because the TU campus is chock full of free Collegians, USA Todays, and New York Timeses. It’s harder, but possible, to find the Tulsa World too, my favorite for the sports section.

Enjoyed the linked article proposing seven new(ish) conferences to participate in a 16-team NCAA FB playoff. I especially liked the suggestion for the Southwest conference (schools’ current conferences notes in parentheses):

• Arkansas (SEC)
• Baylor (Big 12)
• Houston
• Southern Methodist
• Missouri
• Texas
• Texas A&M
• Texas Tech
• TCU
• Tulsa

You know that the real reason I like it is because Tulsa got included. But also, it makes good geographic sense (call it the Texas and Friends conference) and contains a good balance of talent—it’s got some powerhouses, some programs whose fortunes are highly variable, and some schools whose success is mostly recent. And the rivalries! Preserving UT/A&M, restoring Horns/Hogs, establishing Mizzou/Arkansas, and giving some good private schools (Tulsa, Baylor, TCU, and SMU) the chance to form or firm up good blood feuds. Yes please.

I’m all for it. Who do I call to make it happen?