Think bigger than the Big Ten, Missouri. Think SEC.

Now there's a report that Texas A&M is in discussions with the Southeastern Conference (SEC). In the past, just like that stray dog that you never should have fed, A&M follows the Texas Longhorns wherever they go, so it seems unlikely that relationship would end. But the SEC is some serious kibble.

If the SEC were to add the Aggies, they'd be looking for at least one more team. Thirteen is not a magic number.

That team might as well be Missouri.

Missouri's been all aswoon with the prospect of joining the Big Ten. Certainly they get no love (or money) from their current situation, and the prospect of matchups with the likes of Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and maybe Notre Dame seems like an upgrade.

But if you're upgrading, why not go all the way?

You join the Big Ten, you get to party like it's 1899. The last time a Big Ten member won a college football national championship, The Who were only on their third farewell tour.

You join the SEC, you're joining the ranks of the last four BCS National Champions.

The Big Dogs.

Big money.

One reason Missouri likes the Big Ten is academics. While they'd likely be crushed for years in football, there's a sense that they're superior to the SEC when it comes to academics. But at least according to these rankings, Missouri would fall squarely in the middle of the SEC, which claims a number of fine academic institutions (including Auburn University).

But does the SEC want Missouri? Maybe not. But the St. Louis-Kansas City TV market is an awfully big one to be hanging out there if the Big Televen decides it wants to poach the Big East instead.

The Texas market plus St. Louis and KC? Just go ahead and leave blank the dollar amount on that check, ESPN. The SEC will fill it in with whatever they like.

This is just my personal opinion, of course. I know absolutely nothing. I just want Missouri to land somewhere good.