Published July 6, 2010 - 8:49pm
NEW: Discuss this topic in the Google+ community for SEC fans.
LSU is looking to add a big game in their 2011 schedule with a strong out-of-conference opponent. Not only are they eyeing the potential of playing a strong out-of-conference team and the national coverage it brings (i.e. Alabama vs. Penn State this year), but they’re looking for a big venue to pump up the hype even more. The rumor right now is that they are eyeing brand new Cowboys Stadium for such a matchup. This would be killer.
Potential opponents have rumored to be Texas Tech, Kansas and Missouri who all have an opening in their 2011 schedule. Les Miles apparently has a relationship with Cowboys’ owner, Jerry Jones and the Dallas-Fort Worth area is very strong recruiting ground.
Note that Arkansas played Texas A&M in Cowboy Stadium last year so this is not a major surprise. That game however did not receive the attention, in my opinion, that LSU would receive going into Dallas.
In my opinion, this is a trend that is just ramping up. Big school using big out-of-conference games in neutral stadiums that draws a big, national audience. What better way to bring brand recognition to the program and help recruiting in areas outside your state? Alabama has been playing big non-conference matchups in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta now for a couple years – Clemson (2008), Virginia Tech (2009). The Penn State matchup this year will be in Tuscaloosa. ESPN’s Game Day is most likely already scheduled for Tuscaloosa on this date.
This is what college football fans want. We want big out-of-conference matchups so we can talk trash with other leagues. Am I a ‘Bama fan? No. But I will sure as heck be watching ‘Bama vs Penn State so that I can tell all my Big Ten fans how crappy their conference is. Right?
LSU versus a Big 12 team in Cowboys Stadium in 2011 will be just the same for all SEC fans. For LSU fans, well, it’s a reason to storm Dallas.
The SEC as a conference and the big powers of the conference should all embrace this trend, and maximize their ability to draw big games in big stadiums in front of big audiences.
