THE GOOD AND THE BAD
With the expected departure of Missouri and the addition of West Virginia, it looks like the Big 12 face is changing. But what is the conference giving up and getting by these developments? A look:
Mascots:
Gone is the Tiger. New is the Mountaineer. But, hey, Mountaineers have guns that shoot Tigers. And the Big 12 is gun country (see OU Ruf/Neks).
Stronger football team:
In the last five seasons and through last weekend, the Missouri Tigers are 51-23. West Virginia Mountaineers are 54-18. Close, but advantage W. Va.
Record against Oklahoma:
Missouri is 24-67-5. That’s a long tradition that is unfortunately coming to an end. W.Va. is 2-2 against the Sooners (losing in Norman in 1958 and 1978, but defeating Oklahoma in 1982 and in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl).
The campus scene:
Both Columbia, Missouri and Morgantown, West Virginia campuses are stately and picturesque. But the rules are different. In Columbia, clotheslines are banned (although clothes may be draped over a fence). In Morgantown, it is unlawful for anyone to own a red or black flag (Note to self: Leave the OU flag at home).
How to get there:
To Columbia, Missouri: Take I-35 to Kansas City. Turn right. Total time: 7 hours, including McDonald’s stops.
To Morgantown, W.V.: Take the only airline that goes there — United Airlines to Chicago O’Hare; Chicago to Washington Dulles, then turboprop to Morgantown — total time: 13 hours. Phew! (Well, at least we get some frequent flyer miles).
Notable alumni:
Missouri had NBA star Jon Sunvold and actor Brad Pitt. W.Va. has NBA Lakers star Jerry West and actor Don Knotts. Better and funnier.
Traditions:
Missouri has the Golden Girls. W.Va. burns couches. OK, this is a huge loss for the conference.
Demographics:
Percent living in poverty: Morgantown, 36.6%; Columbia 21.8% (by comparison, Norman is 17.3%). Median household income: Morgantown, $25,804; Columbia $41,381 (Norman is $43,119).
Result: Scalper prices on tickets should be cheaper in Morgantown. A win! — the Soonerguys staff
Follow