SMU wants to join an automatic qualifying BCS conference and believes the Big 12 would be the best fit.  SMU athletic director Steve Orsini says he’s had informal talks
with Big 12 officials for some time to inform them of the school’s improvements and growth.  He says it’s been SMU’s goal to join a BCS conference since it wasn’t included in the Southwest Conference’s merger with the Big 8. With Texas A&M looking to leave the Big 12 for the SEC, he felt it was time to promote SMU, currently in Conference USA, as a possible replacement.  The Big 12’s BCS status is the biggest draw for the Mustangs, but Orsini says getting to rekindle regional rivalries from the Southwest Conference also makes the Big 12 an attractive option.