I remember when FSU was looking to join a conference, they had an invitation to join the SEC, but chose the ACC. I wonder if the SEC wanted FSU, CU, or Big TX, would their in-state rival be enough to keep them out? Maybe if they ganged up to form a voting block...but I doubt they alone would be able to stop it.

As far as academics are concerned, is that enough of a motivation to have them join a conference with members that much further away than the conference "next door?"