July 20-26, 2016

J U LY 2 0 - 2 6 , 2 0 16 | W E E K LY I N P R I N T | O U D A I LY. C O M | 2 0 15 O PA S E Q U O YA H W I N N E R

BIG 12 TO EXPLORE

EXPANSION

OUDAILY

For 100 years, the student voice of the University of Oklahoma

? ?

VOL. 101, NO. 99 © 2016 OU Publications Board FREE — Additional copies 25¢

NEWS

COLLEGE DEGREE STILL WORTH IT

7

SPORTS

THE BIG 12’S BEST AND WORST EXPANSION OPTIONS

8

2

NEWS

• July 20-26, 2016

Plagiarism charge to campaign Trump campaign faces plagiarism at start of convention ASSOCIATED PRESS

CLEVEL AND (AP) — After a chaotic start, Donald Trump is under pressure to steady his Republican convention as a plagiarism charge and other unforced errors threaten to overshadow GOP efforts to unify behind him.

Still, barring last minute complications, the unorthodox billionaire will end the night Tuesday as the Republican Party’s official White House nominee.

This week’s four-day convention is Trump’s highest-profile opportunity to convince voters that he’s better suited for the presidency than Democrat Hillary Clinton. But the rocky start raises fresh questions about his oversight of his campaign, which gives voters a window into how a candidate might handle the pressures of the presidency.

The plagiarism accusations center on Monday night’s well-received speech

by Trump’s wife, Melania Trump. Two passages — each 30 words or longer — matched a 2008 Democratic c o nve nt i o n a d d re s s by Michelle Obama nearly word-for-word.

Trump’s campaign managed only to keep the controversy alive on Day 2 of the convention by insisting there was no evidence of plagiarism, while offering no explanation for how the strikingly similar passages wound up in Mrs. Trump’s address.

The matter consumed news coverage from Cleveland,

AP PHOTOS

In this combination of photos, Melania Trump, left, wife of Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, speaks during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Monday, July 18, 2016, and Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Monday, Aug. 25, 2008. Melania Trump’s well-received speech Monday to the Republican National Convention contained passages that match nearly word-for-word the speech that first lady Michelle Obama delivered in 2008 at the Democratic National Convention. (AP Photos)

“This is totally blown out of proportion.”

PAUL MANAFORT, TRUMP ADVISER

obscuring Mrs. Trump’s broader effort to show her husband’s softer side.

“This is totally blown out of proportion,” Trump adviser Paul Manafort told The Associated Press. “They’re not even sentences. They’re literally phrases. I was impressed somebody did their homework to think that that could be possibly done.”

Conventions are massive organizational undertakings,

with thousands of attendees to manage and dozens of speakers to oversee. But the weeklong gathering pales in comparison to the scope of a president’s responsibilities as head of the U.S. government.

Republican leaders hoping to leave Cleveland with a strong show of party unity also found themselves answering unwelcome questions. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Pr iebus said he “probably” would have fired his own speechwriters under similar circumstances and acknowledged the matter was a distraction.

It was unclear whether the

controversy would have any bearing on how voters view Trump. The businessman has survived numerous politically perilous moments that might have doomed other candidates.

Manafor t, a longtime Republican operative, has emerged as a controversial and pivotal figure in Trump’s Cleveland operations. He led efforts to successfully tamp down a rebellion on the convention floor Monday, though the campaign still had to contend with angry outbursts from anti-Trump delegates.

The campaign chairman also upended Republicans’ unity message by slamming

Ohio Gov. John Kasich in his home state. He called Kasich “petulant” and “embarrassing” for not endorsing Trump or attending the convention, drawing quick condemnation from other GOP leaders worried about angering the popular governor of one of the most important election states.

The centerpiece of Tuesday’s evening convention program will be the roll call vote making Trump’s nomination official — a once-unthinkable scenario for Republicans who spent m o nt h s d i s m i ssi ng t h e real estate mogul as a mere sideshow.

Typically in both parties,

the roll call is heavy with ceremonial flourishes, good cheer and puffery about the virtues of each state. This time, it’s also another opportunity for discord to be heard.

Dissident delegates from several states planned to insist on abstaining or backing other candidates, said Regina Thomson of Colorado, a leader of a group calling itself Free the Delegates.

Following the vote, a parade of Trump’s former campaign rivals, Republican leaders who are lukewarm about his nomination and more family members are scheduled to take center stage. Republicans will be closely watching House Speaker Paul Ryan, who has endorsed Trump despite disagreeing with him on numerous issues.

Tiffany Trump, the candidate’s 22-year-old daughter from his marriage to Marla Maples, and Donald Trump Jr., his eldest son and an executive vice president at The Trump Organization, were scheduled to speak. Both were expected to highlight a more personal side of their father than is rarely seen in public.

Speaking to reporters on the convention floor, Trump Jr. said he was proud of Mrs. Trump’s speech, but said he imagined there were people “who should have cleaned it up better.”

Mrs. Trump was widely praised for her success in doing just that, despite the plagiarism charges.

She spoke of her husband’s “simple goodness” and his loyalty and love of family — while noting the “drama” that comes with Trump in politics.

SPORTS

July 20-26, 2016 •

3

Mayfield maintains positive relationship with Texas Tech football program, former coach, teammates

DALLAS — According to Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury and the Red Raiders’ quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, there is no bad blood between Baker Mayfield and his former program.

The fan base is another story, but the relationship between Mayfield and his old teammates and old coach has not gone sour, per Kingsbury and Mahomes.

Mahomes, who led the country in total offensive yards per contest last season, and Mayfield, who finished fourth in Heisman voting, are two of college football’s brightest stars in the quarterback position.

Mayfield still gets shooed away when he enters Lubbock bars, but he experiences a different atmosphere with the Red Raiders, since he still has friends on the team.

Texas Tech wide receiver Zach Austin, for one, was Mayfield’s best friend growing up, and the two have remained close.

Mahomes also has a friendly relationship with the Sooner quarterback. He said Mayfield hosted Mahomes when the two visited Texas Tech three years ago.

“We have a really good friendship,” Mahomes said. “He hosted me on both our recruiting visits to Tech, and so that’s how we started our friendship. ... We’ve just had a really good relationship since I was a recruit.”

Austin also plays a role in the two quarterbacks maintaining a relationship. “(Austin’s) one of my good friends, so he’ll visit every now and then­­­­­­—Baker will— and he’ll hang out with us,” Mahomes said.

Despite Mayfield’s decision to leave the program for the Sooner state, Kingsbury doesn’t exactly view the move as a bad thing. When asked Monday if both schools essentially benefited from Mayfield’s transfer two years ago, Kingsbury chuckled.

“It appears so,” he said with the bravado that has earned him the moniker “Coach Cool.”

Kingsbury said that he “loved coaching” Mayfield and “loved the chip on (Mayfield’s) shoulder.” He said he has cheered for Mayfield every step of the way, with the exception of Oklahoma-Tech games, of course.

Kingsbury also confirmed that his program, the one that Mayfield supposedly “scorned,” voted for last month’s proposal to grant Mayfield an extra year of eligibility and to allow him to potentially play a third game against Texas Tech.

“It’s been fun to see the success he has had,” Kingsbury said about Mayfield. “I think that’s where Baker wanted to be, and it’s worked out for him there, and he’s CHRIS MICHIE/THE DAILY had a tremendous run.”

Junior quarterback Baker Mayfield dodges a TCU defender during the Nov. 21 game at the Derek Peterson, @DrPetey15 Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The Sooners defeated the Horned Frogs 30-29.

Texas Tech supported Baker Mayfield eligibility ruling at Big 12 meeting

Two OU football coaches promoted assistant coordinator positions

Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury said the Red Raiders supported the Baker Mayfield ruling at the June Big 12 faculty representatives meeting, which gave the Sooners’ quarterback an additional year of eligibility.

Mayfield transferred from Texas Tech after his freshman season. He was awarded the extra year because he was a walk-on and did not receive a written scholarship offer from the Red Raiders.

The rule was initially denied by a 5-5 vote before it was amended and revisited the following day. The rule eventually passed 7-3.

According to ESPN’s Jake Trotter, Texas Tech played a big part in getting the Mayfield rule overturned.

Texas Tech is the second school to claim support for the Baker Mayfield ruling.

OU President David Boren said last month that Texas also supported the decision.

Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops announced a pair of promotions Tuesday morning ahead of his appearance at the podium.

Offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh and defensive backs coach Kerry Cooks are now assistant coordinators, per a release from OU Athletics.

“Bill and Kerry have done an excellent job helping develop our offense and defense,” Stoops said in a press release. “I wanted to recognize their significant contributions and help facilitate their advancement in this profession. They are deserving.”

Bedenbaugh is entering his fourth season with the Sooners. OU has recorded its two top rushing seasons under Stoops with Bedenbaugh in the fold, according to the press release.

Cooks is embarking on his second season with the Sooners since arriving from Notre Dame. Cooks was widely credited with turning OU’s secondary around after it ranked near the bottom of the Big 12 in 2014. A season ago, the Sooners led the Big 12 in pass yards allowed per game and recorded 20 interceptions — good enough to be ranked No. 8 in the country.

Spenser Davis, @Davis_Spenser

Spenser Davis, @Davis_Spenser

4•

SPORTS

July 20-26, 2016

July 20-26, 2016 •

ALL-BIG Exploration of conference expansion permitted 12 TEAM OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

Bob Bowlsby to explore expansion options

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

SPENSER DAVIS

BAKER MAYFIELD, OKLAHOMA, QB MALIK JEFFERSON, TEXAS, LB

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: KENNY HILL, TCU, QB

Source: www.big12sports.com

@Davis_Spenser

The Big 12 Board of Directors authorized Commissioner Bob Bowlsby to explore potential expansion candidates, OU President David Boren announced Tuesday.

Boren, who is serving as chairman of the Big 12 Board of Directors, called the move a “positive step forward” for expansion on multiple occasions.

“We want to do everything possible to put this conference in a position to win a national championship,” Boren said.

Bowlsby said there could be two or four members added to the conference prior to the 2017 football season. He said the Board of Directors could vote on conference expansion either at its October meeting or possibly earlier.

Boren also said the conference will take multiple factors,

beyond just football, into account.

“If we are to expand we want to find the strongest partners ... not just the strongest athletic partners,” Boren said.

B o re n e x p ou n d e d o n his list of che ckmarks : Competitiveness, fan base, access to media markets, academics and school reputation all made the list.

Bowlsby said a vote was

taken at the meeting Tuesday, and all members were in favor of the concept of expansion.

Bowlsby said he expects to field calls from interested schools immediately.

The news comes 13 months after Boren said the Big 12 was “psychologically disadvantaged” because it has fewer members than the Power 5 conferences.

Boren also laid out a pair of other wishes: to establish a conference network and a conference championship game. Last month, Boren accomplished the latter when the Big 12 announced it would have a conference championship game as early as 2017.

It was previously thought that a tradition conference

network would not happen.

In June, Boren said ESPN and FOX aren’t anxious to build up another conference network amid declining membership and revenues.

“They feel like they can’t lose the networks they have, but they can’t afford to start

any new ones,” Boren said at the June Board of Regents meeting.

However, Boren also said Tuesday that the interest in Big 12 expansion was impacted by the ACC’s decision to launch a conference network in 2019.

“Obviously the announcement that something has

been agreed to with the ACC, we don’t know all the details at this point,” Boren said. “But it indicates that we live in a very fast-changing world, and the situation is changing quickly.

New technologies are being adapted and the reports on the ACC indicate some exploration of new platforms as well.”

In just over a year, Boren has completed two of the three

5

PRESEASON POLL

things he set out for the Big 12 to accomplish in order to get on level playing field with the other Power 5 conferences. If a conference network is eventually added, that would complete the trifecta.

Spenser Davis

davis.spenser@ou.edu

Source: www.big12sports.com

CHRIS MICHIE/THE DAILY

6

CLASSIFIEDS

• July 20-26, 2016

Spenser Davis

OU

Editor in Chief

DAILY

160 Copeland Hall, 860 Van Vleet Oval Norman, OK 73019 phone: 405-325-3666 email: dailynews@ou.edu

Tanner Osborne News/A&E Editor

Rachael Maker Copy Chief

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy Parker July 20, 2016

ACROSS 1 Wide open 6 Housebroken 10 Canary’s bill 13 Boston airport 14 Semester finals 16 Phrase of commitment 17 Feature of serious rollercoasters 19 Classic introduction?

20 Mountain ridge 21 Italian from Florence 23 “NCIS� network 26 Cosmetics queen Mary Kay 27 Ventilation opening 28 Summarizes, as the news 30 Name derived from a person 31 Blacksmith’s metal 32 Weasel type 34 Tire-pressure letters 37 Cowboy’s conquest 39 Dr. J played in it 40 Alex Haley blockbuster 42 Maple syrup base 43 Like some requests 46 Georgetown mascot 47 Damaging encroachment

7/20

49 Bustling activity 51 Some large envelopes 53 Barbecue munchie 54 “Hold on a ___!�

55 Fished or schemed 56 Some museum sculptures 58 2016 Olympics city 59 Lively festivities 64 Ostrich cousin 65 Balloon used in atmospheric probes 66 Do some waiting?

67 6-1, in tennis 68 “No news is ___ news!�

69 Rosemary’s baby-daddy DOWN 1 More than most 2 Baby’s first word, sometimes 3 Long time follower?

4 Hemingway’s moniker 5 Lure into danger 6 Subject of dentistry 7 Bridge toll unit 8 Longtime Chinese chairman 9 Android’s lack

10 Fools or simpletons 11 Perfection standard 12 Kentucky explorer Daniel 15 Scornful one 18 “Siddhartha� author 22 Not outgoing 23 Baby berths 24 Yankee legend Yogi 25 Working a ladle 27 Concerning bees 29 Cape ___, Mass.

30 Fix firmly in place 33 Hindu music selections 35 Do a salon job 36 “I, Robot� author Asimov

38 Large migratory shorebirds 41 “Now I see!�

44 Driver who’s tough to pass 45 Show place?

48 Common soccer score 50 Be preoccupied with 51 Colts’ moms 52 Japanese cartoon style 53 Caught, as a dogie 56 List type 57 Brain flash 60 Lennon’s wife 61 Dinner table dropping 62 Lab eggs 63 John McCain is one, briefly

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

7/19

7/13

Š 2016 Universal Uclick www.upuzzles.com Š 2016 Universal Uclick

OO-PS By Timothy E. Parker

Derek Peterson Sports Editor

Seth Prince

Faculty Adviser

Noor Eemaan Visual Editor

Judy Gibbs Robinson Faculty Adviser

Abbie Sears Print Editor

HELP WANTED Full/part time phone sales. Starting salary $9 plus commission. Send resume to make an appointment to resumesept@yahoo.com.

J Housing Rentals

HOROSCOPE

By Eugenia Last

Copyright 2015, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2016

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- If you sign a contract or CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Take develop a plan that includes a chance and visit a place youĘźve someone you want to collaborate never been before or consider with, you will benefit from the signing up for an event or activity outcome. High energy coupled that will bring out your creative with determination will lead to talents. Reconnect with an old success. friend.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- If you -- DonĘźt worry about what anyone share your feelings, you will else is doing. Consider what you be able to resolve issues that enjoy doing most and use your concern you. A change will give skills and knowledge to develop you a new lease on life. Romance what you want to achieve. and personal improvements are Romance is featured. highlighted.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Seize -- Offer your services in order the moment and take advantage to enjoy the benefits that you of a suggestion someone makes. will receive in return. Taking a A partnership will inspire you to different approach to whatever try something youĘźve never done you do will distinguish you as a before. Helping others will be free thinker. gratifying.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- DonĘźt LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- If be fooled by a fast talker. Stay you look at the bright side of on top of your financial situation. a situation, you will come out The appreciation you get for a winner. You should be able helping others will be rewarding. to coax someone you enjoy being with to take part in your TAURUS (April 20-May 20) escapades.

-- Concentrate on negotiations and situations that need some SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- You attention. A personal or physical donĘźt have to say yes to every change will turn out better request that comes your way. than anticipated. Romance is Divvy up your time carefully to encouraged. ensure that you take care of your own concerns first and foremost. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Taking short trips or visiting SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) friends or someone you can -- You will have to make a choice. learn from will lead you on You can chase a dream or you a new adventure. Soak in can establish a strategy that has everything you see and hear, and the potential to bring greater incorporate what you can use security and stability to your life. into your everyday life.

APTS. UNFURNISHED

'%4ÂŹ4(%ÂŹ-%33!'% 4%84).'ÂŹ7(),%ÂŹ$2)6).'ÂŹ)3ÂŹ!ÂŹ$%!$,9ÂŹ$)342!#4)/.

Looking for an apartment? www.offcampushousing-ou.com

3PREADĂĽTHEĂĽWORD ĂĽSAVEĂĽAĂĽFRIEND 6ISITĂĽOTA ORG DONTTEXTĂĽANDĂĽAAOS ORG DONTTEXT

HOUSES UNFURNISHED

Sell Your Car in the CLASSIFIEDS

Small houses/one bedroom apts Local owners, all units close to OU Year lease, smoke free, no pets Security dep. and application 405-360-3850

PLACE A PAID AD Phone: 405-325-2521 E-mail: classifieds@ou.edu

Fax: 405-325-7517 Campus Address: COH 149A

DEADLINES Line Ad ..................................................................................

3 days prior Place line ad by 9:00 a.m. 3 business days prior to publication.

Display Ad ............................................................................3 days prior Classified Display or Classified Card Ad Place your display, classified display or classified card ads by 5:00 p.m. 3 business days prior to publication.

Previous Solution

Monday- Very Easy Tuesday-Easy Wednesday- Easy Thursday- Medium Friday - Hard

Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

NEWS

July 20-26, 2016 • 7

Tuition, graduation correlation

Tuition increase raises concern over graduation rate KATHRYN LYNN

@KathrynLAmonett

Investing in a university education pays off in the long run, so despite the announced tuition increase, it is still in the interest of students to pursue a higher education. It is of even greater interest, however, for them to complete a degree — especially for those who take out loans.

While graduating with significant debt is a daunting prospect for many students, an even harsher challenge would be to drop out with debt.

“Even though the cost of higher education is significant, and even though the investments that young people make in their education and developing that human capital is considerable, university education still pays off more than ever,” said Dr. Gregory Burge, an associate professor of economics at OU. The pay gap between those with a degree and thos e w ithout has only widened in recent years as the demand for workers with a degree continues to increase.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median weekly earnings by those with at least a bachelor’s degree were $1,249, compared with $690 per week by those with only a GED diploma.

The incentives for obtaining a degree are great, which is why, despite the constant increase in tuition and fees, demand has

not lessened. The dropout rate, however, has increased with tuition costs.

According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, only 55 percent of first-time undergraduates completed their degrees w ithin six years. Those who performed best graduated at a rate of 77.2 percent, studied exclusively full-time, and completed a degree within six years.

The data show that younger students, who generally have fewer financial obligations or concerns, are more likely to complete their degre e than their older counterparts.

With the Oklahoma state budget shortfall, appropriations for higher education are lower than ever before. “ This long-range revenue trend threatens the accessibility and affordability of higher education for many families and students,” President David Boren said.

OU is still relatively inexpensive compared to nationwide tuition rates, and the the Board of Regents is doing what it can to pinch pennies : voluntar y pay cuts and early retirement f o r e m p l oy e e s, l e av i n g certain positions unfilled, and cutting costs for fringe benefits are among these efforts.

Still, the heavier financial burden may force many students to take on more work hours, which lowers the odds that they will graduate.

According to a 2005 study by the Institute for Higher Education Policy, 45 percent of those who left a public four-year institution

“This long-range revenue trend threatens the accessibility and affordability of higher education for many families and students.”

DAVID BOREN, OU PRESIDENT

NOOR EEMAAN/THE DAILY

President David Boren discusses the budget in Beaird Lounge in the Oklahoma Memorial Student Union on April 19.

without a degree were delinquent or defaulted on their loans; only 19 percent of those who completed a degree were found in similar situations. “ The most imp or tant thing for young people is, I think, to view their education as an investment — potentially, one of the wisest assets that they’ll be able to invest in over the course in their lives — but to keep in mind, it’s important to invest wisely,” said Burge.

This means that it’s important to choose and complete a w or thwhile program at an affordable school in a timely manner

without taking on too many other activities that prevent the completion of a degree. Both Burge and Boren pointed out the inc re a s e d av a i l a b i l i t y o f scholarships.

Now m o re t ha n e v e r, for students in danger of dropping out, applying for scholarships may determine their financial success for the rest of their lives.

Kathryn Lynn

Kathryn.m.lynn-1@ou.edu

55%

The percentage of first-time undergrads that completed their degrees within six years.

45%

The percentage of those who left a public four-year institution wihout a degree and were delinquent or defaulted on their loans.

19%

The percentage of those who completed a degree and were delinquent or defaulted on their loans.

Sources: The National Student Clearninghouse Research Center, Institute for Higher Education Policy

8

SPORTS

• July 20-26, 2016

Expansion options for Big 12 Best, worst options for conference expansion JOE BUETTNER @Joe_Buettner

T h e B i g 1 2 B o a rd o f Directors approved the exploration of expansion on Tuesday, asking the conference commissioner, Bob Bowlsby, to evaluate potential expansion candidates.

Here’s a list of potential options for the Big 12 moving forward as they look to add two or four schools to the conference.

Strongest options BYU (Independent) Pros : The school that makes the most sense on paper is easily BYU. It brings a strong football tradition and an international following with its ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Cougars own two wins over Big 12 power Texas and one over Oklahoma since 2009.

Their last losing season came in 2004. They’ve consistently filled their 63,470seat stadium, which would rank third in Big 12 stadium capacity.

Cons : As attractive as BYU is on paper, there are plenty of obstacles the Big 12 w ould have to overcome with the addition of the Cougars. Travel, for example, is a huge concern.

Among other things, BYU would draw a third time zone into the league, it already has its own television network, it doesn’t compete on Sundays, and this season it will replace Bronco Mendenhall with Kalani Sitake, who has no head coaching experience.

Cincinnati (American)

Pros : Untapped television market? Check.

Backing from two Fortune 500 executives? Check.

Travel partner for West Virginia? Check. BCS bowl wins? Check and check.

Cincinnati is an intriguing school that wouldn’t stretch the Big 12 as far geographically as BYU would.

The Bearcats are similar to TCU in that they’ve actually been to major bowl ga m e s i n re c e nt y e a r s.

Cincinnati may not dethrone Ohio State as king of the state anytime soon, but Big 12 branding has done wonders for a school like TCU in its crowded region.

Cincinnati would also give Big 12 teams a foothold in Ohio’s heavy recruitment area.

Cons: While Cincinnati adds a nice television market, their stadium’s capacity of 40,000 isn’t going to help put Cincinnati over the top.

Memphis (American) Pros : Memphis also seems to have the backing of a big corporation: FedEx. The Tigers seem committed to building their program into a Power Five conference team. Memphis would add another untapped television market and its distance from current Big 12 teams wouldn’t hurt

anyone.

Cons: Memphis wasn’t able to hang on to football head coach Justin Fuente, who made the Tigers look like a viable program for the foreseeable future. His departure leaves Memphis with a lot of uncertainty in terms of long-term stability, and it doesn’t have resources aplenty or a long-standing tradition of success to fall back on.

Houston (American) Pros: Houston is starting to build something very special — and very scary — with Tom Herman as head coach. The Cougars went 13-1 in 2015 and they’ll get a crack at the Big 12 champs Oklahoma in their 2016 season opener. Houston’s location doesn’t stretch the Big 12 at all; logistically, it makes a lot of sense.

Cons: The University of Texas at Austin will likely never let this happen. It would command too much of a recruiting pie that is already depleted by the other Power Five schools in the state. Besides, the Big 12 isn’t struggling in the Houston television market.

Outside chance Connecticut (American) Pros: Connecticut is a big name with a large presence in men’s and women’s

basketball. These teams in Connecticut’s region make the Huskies an attractive sell to Big 12 networks and add prestige to the conference’s already-elite basketball leagues.

Cons: UConn might be a little too far away since West Virginia was already a stretch. In addition, the Huskies are relatively new to the FBS level — they entered Division 1-A in 2000 — and their best season was in 2003 when UConn was an independent going 9-3.

UCF (American) Pros : Central Florida has seen glimpses of success. It went 12-1 in 2014 with a Fiesta Bowl win over the Baylor Bears, the Big 12 champion that year. It brings Orlando to the table, which would possibly be the best television market of any school on this list. It would broaden the Big 12 geographically, but the conference is probably more willing to stretch into Florida than Connecticut.

Florida is a much more attractive recruiting state, and the Big 12 would likely love to encroach on SEC territory without having to hold spring football practices in the Sunshine State.

Cons : UCF went 0-12 i n 2 0 1 5 . T h a t ’s n e v e r

promising for any potential Power Five candidate. Plus, if you add UCF, it would likely be packaged with South Florida as well. Still, access to the Orlando and Tampa television markets wouldn’t hurt the Big 12 one bit — though the program itself, like many others on the list, wouldn’t add a lot of immediate value.

USF (American) Pros: South Florida — coupled with UCF — would give the Big 12 a presence in Florida. This would be huge for recruitment and would gain the conference more credibility by stealing top-tier talent away from the SEC and ACC. Cons: The issue? South Florida isn’t a mid-major power. It doesn’t have a huge following in its area, and USF is really only a candidate as long as UCF is in the conversation.

Weakest options Boise State (Mountain West) Pros : Boise State has been the crown jewel, the golden standard, the top d o g o f m i d - maj o r p ro grams for the past decade.

Painting a Big 12 logo onto Boise’s blue turf would only add to their credibility as a program, and it has been knocking on the doors of

Power Fives requesting an invite for quite some time.

Cons: Boise does nothing for the Big 12’s television market. It has a big following in its area, but proximity is not on its side — and neither is money. The Broncos’ best chance at a Big 12 bid is if BYU gets into the conference.

Colorado State (Mountain West) Pros: Colorado State is a natural fit in terms of location. The Big 12 lost the team from Boulder, Colorado, but replacing them with Colorado State and re-entering the Denver television market would be great for the conference. The Rams seem committed to building their football program, which is something the Big 12 will look at very closely.

Cons: The Rams aren’t a perennial athletic power at the mid-major rank, though there’s little else bad to say about them.

Tulane (American) Pros: The Big 12 has tried to better its academic reputation; Tulane could achieve that and then some. The Green Wave is also in a great market with New Orleans.

These two strengths alone at least earn Tulane a mention in the conversation.

Cons: It doesn’t add any value in terms of its football program. The Big 12 needs its next two members to be home runs, and Tulane would be the biggest risk of all. Since LSU isn’t going anywhere, Tulane would struggle to compete with the Tigers to have a firm grasp on the state’s recruiting ground.

Joe Buettner

joebuet@ou.edu