By ATTS 
The announcement that Arkansas and Baylor will face off in Dallas on September 16, 2023, has sent shockwaves through the college football world. The game is expected to be a major attraction, with implications for both teams’ seasons and the Big 12 Conference standings. However, the decision to host this game in Dallas has also raised several complexities that need to be addressed.
One of the biggest controversies surrounding this game is the fact that it is being played in Dallas, which is considered a neutral site for both Arkansas and Baylor. Arkansas typically plays its home games in Fayetteville, while Baylor plays its home games in Waco. The decision to move the game to Dallas has been met with mixed reactions from both fan bases.
Arkansas fans are disappointed that they will not get to experience the game in their home stadium. They argue that the game should have been played in Fayetteville, as it is Arkansas’s turn to host the annual matchup. Baylor fans, on the other hand, are excited about the opportunity to see their team play in a major city like Dallas. They believe that the game will be a great experience for their fans and will give them a chance to showcase their team to a wider audience.
The decision to play the Arkansas-Baylor game in Dallas has also raised questions about the Big 12’s scheduling process. The conference has been criticized in the past for its unbalanced schedule, which often results in teams playing more home games than away games in a given season. The Arkansas-Baylor game is just one example of this imbalance, as Arkansas will now have to play two road games in Dallas in the same season.
The Big 12 has defended its scheduling process, arguing that it is necessary to accommodate the conference’s unique geography. The conference is spread out over a large area, and travel costs can be a significant factor in scheduling. However, the Arkansas-Baylor game has raised concerns that the Big 12 is not doing enough to ensure that all teams have a fair and equitable schedule.
The decision to play the Arkansas-Baylor game in Dallas will also have financial implications for both schools. Arkansas will receive a large payout for playing the game in Dallas, but it will also have to pay for travel and other expenses. Baylor will not receive a payout for the game, but it will benefit from the increased exposure that comes with playing in a major city.
The financial implications of the game will likely be a factor in the Big 12’s scheduling decisions in the future. The conference will need to weigh the financial benefits of playing games in neutral sites against the concerns of fans and the need for a fair and equitable schedule.
The decision to play the Arkansas-Baylor game in Dallas has raised a number of complex issues. The controversy over the neutral site, the Big 12’s scheduling dilemma, and the financial implications of the game have all been the subject of much debate. The Big 12 will need to carefully consider these issues when making future scheduling decisions.
The Arkansas-Baylor game is sure to be a major event, but it is also a reminder of the complex challenges that the Big 12 faces in scheduling its games. The conference will need to find a way to balance the needs of its members while also ensuring that all teams have a fair and equitable schedule.
