outside of Texas, DO NOT want to create a Texas voting block (Baylor, Houston, Texas, Texas Tech, and TCU) and DO NOT want further competition with regards to recruiting within the state of Texas.

Based on those two factors, I believe Houston is a no go. My friend within the Big12 offices shares the same thoughts -for what's it's worth.

I truly feel the schools have been narrowed to BYU, Cincinnati, and Central Florida (not necessarily in that order but probably in this order) for the two spots. IF the Big12 surprised everyone and jumped to 14 schools (I really doubt it), then they add the above three schools and either (alpha-order) Colorado State, Memphis, San Diego State, or Southern Florida to round out the 14 school conference.

BYU brings everything to the table and can be Iowa State's travel partner.
Cincinnati brings everything and can be West Virginia's travel partner.
Central Florida adds the Florida recruiting market and could be West Virginia's travel partner. So, Cincinnati and Central Florida are interchangeable regarding West Virginia. Central Florida also brings an NFL stadium and bowl tie-in possibility to the conference.

What do they bring:

Colorado State could steal the Denver market from Colorado, next door to the Big12 footprint
Memphis - Big12 footprint, good basketball and bowl tie-in potential (Liberty Bowl - if it doesn't fall down)
San Diego State - entrance into the California recruiting market (southern Cal), good programs, travel partner for BYU, and bowl tie-in potential in NFL stadium
Southern Florida - I know really nothing about them except Florida recruiting, bowl potential tie-in and travel partner for UCF

An outside chance for Houston is if the conference expands to 14 schools, they could be vetted. But again, my friend says the other schools outside of Texas does not want another Texas school, period!

Boise is left out due to: ACADEMICS, having the smallest TV market, smallest recruiting market, all other sports outside of football are not on par. BSU does have a wrestling program that would fit the Big12

Just some random thoughts - if I had more time, I would probably change some conclusions??

Go Cougars!!!!!!!!!!!!!