They're desperately trying to make this marriage work because they know no other P5 is going to take them and this will be the end of their gravy train.

And in the meantime, their only option to keep their only option together is to pretend like nobody has wandering eyes. "Our marriage is stronger than ever! We're going to consummate soon! Love you, Boo, my One-and-Only True Love Forever and Ever like you always tell me, all the time..."

That's not Cougarfan homerism talking. There's no reason any other conference would take on those leaches. The Big12 would be the closest option but they provide nothing but an extra mouth to feed - not an extra market for recruits or viewers or time zone.