The fact that they can get them for $0 distribution for at least 7 years probably has a lot to do with it. SMU is in the rare position of having boosters with bottomless pockets that can make that palatable to the school.
And if you’re bonkers enough to go from a cohesive east coast footprint all the way to California, you might as well also get a foothold in Texas for recruiting. Plus you get a major market (not like that is the primary factor in realignment anymore, but still relevant). I know people will say that’s irrelevant as SMU is small fry in DFW, but they were huge when they were winning Nattys before their death penalty and I think they can get back there.
Really though, I think it would be a hedge in case they lose top programs (Clemson, FSU) anyway. They saw what happened to the Pac-12 when they didn’t backfill after losing the LA schools.
Really though, I think it would be a hedge in case they lose top programs (Clemson, FSU) anyway. They saw what happened to the Pac-12 when they didn’t backfill after losing the LA schools.
It think this is the play, really. The PAC just got shot and bled out in the middle of the street. The ACC is at least running to find cover of some sort now that it finally realizes bullets are flying.
The fact that they can get them for $0 distribution for at least 7 years probably has a lot to do with it. SMU is in the rare position of having boosters with bottomless pockets that can make that palatable to the school.
And if you’re bonkers enough to go from a cohesive east coast footprint all the way to California, you might as well also get a foothold in Texas for recruiting. Plus you get a major market (not like that is the primary factor in realignment anymore, but still relevant). I know people will say that’s irrelevant as SMU is small fry in DFW, but they were huge when they were winning Nattys before their death penalty and I think they can get back there.
Really though, I think it would be a hedge in case they lose top programs (Clemson, FSU) anyway. They saw what happened to the Pac-12 when they didn’t backfill after losing the LA schools.
It think this is the play, really. The PAC just got shot and bled out in the middle of the street. The ACC is at least running to find cover of some sort now that it finally realizes bullets are flying.