Urban Meyer talks Sooners, Big 12

ESPN analysts Urban Meyer and Chris Spielman participated in a national teleconference Thursday afternoon.

Meyer is making his broadcasting debut after years of coaching, including two national titles at Florida. Spielman is a former NFL linebacker from Ohio State.

Oklahoma being ranked No. 1:
Meyer: After visiting with Landry Jones, the quality of kid and quality of leader he is, I walked away from that campus really impressed. I’ve always had a great relationship with coach (Bob) Stoops. I coached against him in the big game one time. After watching their guys work out that’s a great looking football team. I think their schedule is on their side. So many things can happen. But if they stay healthy I think they’ll have a great year.
Spielman: Oklahoma is as good as advertised. Landry Jones has a world of ability. Coach Stoops can recruit. They have talent. Losing the linebacker might hurt them a little bit. But if you’re Oklahoma, Ohio State or Florida if one guy goes down someone that looks just like him is coming in.

Texas A&M possibly leaving for the SEC:
Meyer: I’m a traditionalist. To see Texas A&M really leave Texas and go to the SEC — I know the media has talked about television contracts and everything else — but it’s hard for me after watching Texas play Texas A&M the past 40 years, to see those rivalries disintegrate. I’m just not sure if that’s great for college football, taking away all the money issues. I’m sad to see that happen.
Spiel man: I have no doubt A&M will join the SEC. A&M is on their timetable nobody else’s. I think that’s happening sooner rather than later.

Can the Big 12 survive without A&M?
Meyer: If Texas A&M leaves the Big 12 the survival of that conference will be in question.
Spielman: I don’t know if the Big 12 they’ll survive that. They’re taking hit after hit.

college football experiencing so many scandals:
Meyer: When you start talking about conference realignment, you start talking about rules, talking about playoff championships, I want to know who is fighting for the game. Who is going to fight for the integrity of football as opposed to all these discussions about the negative stuff and conference realignment? I think it’s going to survive. I know it will because it’s too strong not to. I do get concerns but I think it will survive.