Well more than a dozen schools are pitching the Big 12 for membership. We’ve gotten looks at what a few of those pitches look like, including Cincinnati’s straightforward case, Colorado State’s pamphlet partly on being not that far away, Boise State’s Obama co-signs, Memphis’ ribs, and UCF’s very specific academics shots at Cincinnati and UConn.

USF’s now up to bat, and here we go. Things are looking fine. Always good to show off the book-smarts at your disposal. Academics will only be one part of the puzzle, but you’ve got to put your best foot forward there.

BREAKING: #USF has prepared promotional material, including case statement (here's 1st page) and video to Big 12. pic.twitter.com/fxYM4Wk7Tk — Joey Knight (@TBTimes_Bulls) August 16, 2016

Uh-huh, uh-huh, very g- ... wait, back up. Does that really say ...

USF MISSPELLED "RESEARCH" IN THE FIRST SENTENCE OF ITS PITCH OF WHY IT IS A GOOD RESEARCH UNIVERSITY https://t.co/jlbJ8x09tf — We take the stairs (@NoEscalators) August 16, 2016

... okay, yeah. That really says that.

No, see, it's rea-sea-rch, like research into the sea. USF is near the sea, so USF can research the sea. Maybe you don't understand.

Typos happen.

UPDATE:

#USF already has issued a corrected version of it case statement. pic.twitter.com/yEKOpxQfSE — Joey Knight (@TBTimes_Bulls) August 16, 2016

UPDATE II:

Other Big 12 candidates are now being diligent to avoid this sort of trip-up in their correspondence with the league.

Here's The Dallas News Morning News, getting this comment from Cincinnati interim president Beverly Davenport, a former journalism major:

"I did say we had better read that over and over. ... No fouls and unforced errors."

The plot still thickens, though! Here's a passage from Cincinnati's letter of interest to the Big 12, which, in fairness, went out before this USF thing. Bolding's ours:

"Please have your team to direct inquiries to our General Counsel ..."

The Big 12 should admit whichever team uses the best spelling, grammar and syntax in its letters.