Daily Stampede Big XII Expansion Links: 7/22

We got Texas' governor stumping for Houston, how much it would cost for an expansion candidate to leave their respective conferences, and SMU and East Carolina quietly raising their hands declaring they want in on Expansionpalooza 2016. To the links:

• Houston is surprisingly getting a thumbs up from the head honchos in Texas. State governor Greg Abbott and UT president Greg Fenves both tweeted their support for the Cougars joining the conference.  Jason Kirk of the Read Option broke down whether this sudden support is legit or a grand Texas sized conspiracy to sabotage the conference.
• For several of these candidates, potentially leaving the Mountain West or AAC isn't as easy as saying bye. Here are the by-laws and exit costs for leaving these respective conferences.
• Peter Fiutak of College Football news argued that when making their decision, the Big XII should be looking towards the future and where these programs are in 2027. Good news for Bulls and Knights fans.
• SMU and East Carolina's AD's want you to know that they feel their respective programs should be in the mix for the Big XII. Everyone wants in on this action.
• Steven Godfrey and Bill Connelly in the latest Podcast Ain't Played Nobody broke down expansion, why Cincinnati is the favorite, and why Houston doesn't make sense.
• Jon Morse and friends over at K-State's Bring on the Cats blog analyzed the pros and cons of every candidate including USF a few months ago. Check it out.
• Longtime Daily Stampede member Will Abbott handicapped each expansion candidate over at Purdue's Hammer and Rails blog. Check it out.