A pretty decent set of links to start the week, considering how dead everything has currently become in the world of college sports...
More on the 'New' Big 12...
- The Trib: Bowl officials like options Big 12 offers
- The Trib (Dave Matter): Junker confident Big 12 will thrive
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Daily Oklahoman (That Fruity Guy): Why OU and Texas are joined at the hip
In the olden days, OU and UT could fall behind and still have conference supremacy to chase. Not so now. Red River bragging rights usually brings the Big 12 trophy.
The ancient foes challenge each other, and both have answered the challenge. Texas is good for Oklahoma, and Oklahoma is good for Texas.
It doesn't mean they like each other. Doesn't mean Sooners can stomach Longhorn arrogance (although OU hides its exasperation much better than do the Texas Aggies). Doesn't mean the Longhorns have changed their impression that Sooners are trailer trash.
They don't love each other. But they've learned to live together.
Sure, it's frustrating to Okies that Texies drove the realignment stagecoach. But television sets are a fact of collegiate life.
It's no commentary on either program that Texas gets the first call from conference headhunters. It's a population issue. Texas' 2009 estimate: 24.8 million; Oklahoma's 2009 estimate: 3.7 million.
That's why every conference thirsts for Texas. It's not the Show Band of the Southwest. Not Mack Brown's charm. Not Austin's music scene. It's no more complicated than Texas television sets.
- Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Hance details hectic weeks of trying to save Big 12
- Tulsa World: Non-BCS conferences need a plan for automatic BCS bids
Mizzou (and Big 12) Football Links
- The Trib: Big 12's talent shifts from air to ground
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Topeka Capital-Journal: Cats' schedule fit only for a Prince
Mizzou Basketball Links
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The Trib: Missouri recruits impress
Prep standouts from as far as away as Baltimore arrived at the campus of Harris-Stowe State University last night for the annual Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation High School All-Star Game.
The headliner among the 20 players in the field, the one most of the fans came to see, was the diminutive guard Phil Pressey, the springy Missouri signee expected to see immediate time in the Tigers backcourt this fall.
The 5-foot-10 Pressey, a natural showman, did not disappoint. He scored 21 points, including four 3-pointers, and delivered a pair of well-timed alley-oop passes to help the national all-star team secure a 140-122 victory over a squad filled primarily with St. Louis-area players.
"I played all right. It’s an all-star game, so it’s hit or miss," said Pressey, who kept a smile on his face throughout. "You just come out and have fun."
He was not the only member of Missouri’s heralded recruiting class to show well in the 48-minute contest played at a frenetic pace. In fact, Ricky Kreklow outscored Pressey, pouring in a game-high-tying 25 points, including 6-for-9 3-point shooting, to help the national side cruise.
- PowerMizzou: Future Tigers impress in St. Louis
- The Trib: Draft bonanza confirms league's power status
Other Mizzou Links
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Mizzou Baseball
The Trib: Tepesch not tipping hand about plans
SimmonsField.com: Mizzou Baseball in the Minors -
Mizzou Track & Field
KC Star: Ex-Missouri star Cantwell wins U.S. shot-put title again
The Missourian: Missouri's Adcock sixth in decathlon at USATF championships
The Trib: Adcock is his own worst critic in decathlon