I could see that ticket happening. Especially if Rubio places a strong third or second. I’ve predicted to others that Rubio will end up second and Cruz, third. We shall see.
Electorally, Rubio would help Trump more than Cruz would.
I agree with your prediction. It was fairly clear the night Trump skipped the debate. I said it then, FOX and GOPe is NOT going to give Cruz a break and they are going to gush either over Rubio or Jeb. It seemed Cruz crew was ecstatic thinking FOX was going to let Cruz shine. But they didn’t and the next day we heard even more gushing about Rubio.
It’s pretty clear which way the MSM/entrenched DC is leaning.