ShareThisI've been happily married for seven years, but this past week's drama involving Texas A&M reminded me of an important lesson many single people have learned the hard way.
You better make sure the girl you're courting feels the same way about you before doing anything drastic like moving across the country or ditching a current flame.
Texas A&M might need a refresher course on that one. After days of realignment rumors, the Southeastern Conference announced Sunday that it "reaffirmed our satisfaction with the present 12 institutional alignment."
In other words, thanks Texas A&M, but no thanks. You're a really great guy, but you're not my type. Maybe we can still be friends?
On one hand, I can understand why Texas A&M wants to break away from Texas. The Aggies will always play second fiddle to the Longhorns and aren't enthusiastic about the Longhorn Network, either.
And Texas A&M could develop a recruiting edge over its Big 12 neighbors by playing in the SEC, which has won the past five national football titles.
On the other hand, how can a school that prides itself on its many storied traditions rush away to another conference, leaving long-standing rivalries in the dust?
Kansas, Iowa State, Kansas State and Baylor aren't in the SEC. The Aggies would be grouped in a Western Division that features Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas and LSU.
While the school should be able to generate more revenue with the move, it very likely could translate into a larger number in the loss column, nullifying some of the progress Mike Sherman has recently made.
The Aggies now find themselves in a bizarre situation. Everyone in the Big 12 knows they want out, but they don't really have anyplace to go.
At least for now.
It has been reported that the Texas A&M Board of Regents is still scheduled to meet Monday. The Texas House Committee on Higher Education's meeting with the school Tuesday in Austin is still on, too.
Ultimately, the SEC's announcement -- which mentioned it'd be open for expansion talks in the future -- could be delaying the inevitable. Maybe the conference wants time to figure out who the best 14th team to invite would be.
Maybe it's just waiting for Texas A&M to officially apply for membership.
Maybe the girl will change her mind. She did have fun on the first couple dates. She is looking to settle down with a nice guy.
But don't call her, Texas A&M. She'll call you.
(Zach Duncan writes for the Wichita Falls Times Record News.)
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