Conference Hokey-Pokey: Details on SEC move

♦ Deaton, Alden discuss MU's move to the SEC (columbiatribune.com)

Q: Can you say with certainty you will be in the Big 12 in 2012? There is the situation with West Virginia maybe not being able to get out of the Big East and come to the Big 12 for three years, which could have ramifications for you. Deaton: Our full plans are to go in 2012, and we think West Virginia will be in the Big 12 in 2012. There is the technical possibility — we don’t think it’s very possible at all — and as you can tell by our actions we’re reasonably confident and have some assurances of that. Q: But if West Virginia can’t come to Big 12 next year? Deaton: We’re going to the SEC regardless. We’re on our own pathway here. I’ve had good discussions with the president of West Virginia over time, and I understand where they are and he understands where we are. Alden: I was in Birmingham yesterday, and in a week we’ll be rolling out the 2012 football schedule. So I can assure you that the 14 institutions there working for the last day in a half in Birmingham are all set and everything is set for Mizzou and Texas A&M being part of the SEC in 2012. The SEC will come out with that schedule in the middle of next week.

More HERE ♦ VIDEO: MU Chancellor Interview: Brady Deaton talks SEC transition (mutigers.com/allaccess)