As if you need any proof of how strongly the two Godfather films (yes, two) resonate in our cultural consciousness, consider one word: Fredo.
The name has come to be synonymous with the bumbling, fumbling black sheep of the family. The one who can’t help but screw up, even when life is lobbing him softballs. The brother who’s willing to ruin it for everyone to prove he’s the equal of the family’s favorite son.
Lately, I’ve likened the ongoing drama in Big 12 country involving Texas A&M and Texas to a “ding-a-ling contest,” with the Aggies and Longhorns vying to prove who was blessed with more manhood. Maybe the parable of the Corleone family’s sibling rivalry better describes what we’re witnessing, though. Allow Dan Beebe to enlighten you as to which is which.
(I do realize the mere mention of Fredo in this case is like stepping on a landmine. It could mean subjecting myself to derogatory comments from A&M fans about my own ding-a-ling or novella-like e-mails about how wrong I am. Phenomenal how poor homie’s Q-rating is. Well, so be it…)
Right now, the big question in the outside world: What the hell is A&M doing?
The Aggies haven’t really done much of consequence in the Big 12, and now they want to move on to the baddest football conference in all the land? They’re ready to go toe to toe with Alabama and LSU and Auburn and Florida year in, year out?
A&M is projected to start the season inside the top 10, which is as close as it has been to the upper echelon of college football in a while. A move to the SEC probably means it won’t be back there any time soon.
The reality is that lots of programs in college football would love to be in A&M’s spot. Despite competing with two of college football’s big dogs, the Big 12 is diluted just enough to where the Aggies can occasionally have a shot at a conference championship – and possibly more. In the SEC, those opportunities will be fewer and farther between.
The money? Well, given all pies that Texas has its fingers in right now, ESPN and UT could probably put together a package to make it worth the Aggies’ while to stay put.
Forget money. Forget recruiting. No, the true motivation behind A&M’s SEC ambition is clear: ego.
Despite a relatively lackluster history on the gridiron, if the bizarre traditions didn’t tip you off, this isn’t a bashful bunch that we’re talking about down in College Station. Combine the genetic sense of self-importance embedded in all Texans with the camaraderie built spending four years hunkered down in the middle of nowhere, and it makes for a group that doesn’t take slights – whether real or imagined – lightly.
The inescapable perception in the college football world is that Big 12 isn’t so much a conference as Texas’ operating partnership. It definitely got painted that way last summer when the conference was saved at the last second. The formation of the Longhorn Network and accompanying skullduggery has only served to reinforce that idea around the country.
Being in the same state as UT means hearing that same chorus every day, and it’s not like the ‘Horns are doing much to dispel that idea, aside from lip service about a “commitment” to the league.
Even the most humble are hard pressed to tolerate constantly being told they are second rate. For Fredo, that was life taking orders from his younger brother. For the Aggies, it’s life in the Big 12.
Bolting for the SEC? That’s A&M’s Hyman Roth play. The rest of us see Nick Saban and Mike Slive and the lot salivating at all that Lone Star State sweet meat; the Aggies see freedom.
Of course, we all know where Fredo ended up. And just like Michael called in his henchman to finish off his brother, it would appear Texas is happy to let the politicians do its dirty work. I guess that’s called winning.
But before you going turning A&M into a punchline, too, just remember: Being Fredo ain’t no fun. At least he tried to do something about it.
