TCU accepts Big 12 offer

TCU officially accepted an invitation to join the Big 12 conference during a press conference at 7pm Monday night. The Horned Frogs will become members of the Big 12 in all sports effective July 1, 2012.

This announcement was a poorly kept secret, with media outlets across the country speculating that the school would accept the invitation. Most were surprised TCU waited until Monday night after receiving the invitation last week. The move makes sense for the Horned Frogs in all aspects for their athletic program. Old rivalries will be renewed, and travel will be easier than it would have been in the Big East. The Big 12 deal will also be a financial gain for Texas Christian in an era where the dollar rules the college football landscape.

The addition of TCU increases the Big 12 membership to ten, but there is speculation as to how long that will last with the possible defection of Missouri to the Southeastern Conference. The added stability of snaring the defending Rose Bowl champion TCU may entice Mizzou to stay, but money is driving expansion decisions, and a recent financial study suggests that Missouri has much to gain by jumping to the SEC.

The expansion drama continues, but now with one less actor. Next up in the spotlight are SEC and Missouri, with the Big East hoping it doesn't have to exit stage left. That may happen if the Big 12 decides to fulfill its name by getting back to twelve members, or if Mizzou decides to leave. In either case, Big East schools Louisville and West Virginia are prime for picking, and could push the Big East further towards destruction.

Big East commissioner John Marinatto responded by stating that the Big East is "disappointed with the news that TCU is joining the Big 12." He also confirmed that the Big East will begin taking action towards conference expansion "in the near future."

If Marinatto and company don't start moving soon, the "near future" may be one that doesn't include the Big East.