The SEC is thinking much more like the B1G and less like the old SEC. The SEC will not, imo, acquire a non-AAU school unless it is joined at the hip with an AAU school (see OSU-OU, Kansas-K State). Academic credibility is not the only criterion now, but they will not take a school without that value prop.

AS for markets not being critical, I think we'll find out how critical they are if the SEC sets its sights on OU. Will they double up in a small state and look at OSU - and take the hit of lower academic credibility - rather than adding another market?

I would argue that passion for football is nowhere near the top of the SEC's list of priorities now. If the SEC could add UNC and UVa today, they'd do it. I'd bet they'd think long and hard about adding Duke-UNC. Passion for hoops would be part, but a strong athletic department in general, new markets, and topnotch academics would trump that.