(11-30-2010 01:01 PM)perimeterpost Wrote:  

(11-30-2010 12:45 PM)DogTracks Wrote:  The options are to continue in FCS or move up and into the MAC.

There really is no other avenue into FBS.

exactly. It's called LEVERAGE. The MAC has it, it should use it. We need to stop acting like the MAC is the ugly girl that can't get a date. Yes, we're ugly, but its 2am and UMass is drunk and lonely, and we're the only thing left at the bar. Now is the time to be a realist, not a defeatist. Let's consummate this mutually beneficial agreement. with the lights off.

You guys are thinking too small. The MAC's perception is a predominantly Michigan/Ohio based second tier athletic conference. We need to change that perception and losing Temple would not help. In order to elevate the perception of the conference we need to expand into new markets. First Buffalo, then Temple and now UMass. It is getting us away from being known as a bunch of directional Michigan/Ohio schools. If we can ever elevate our basketball then maybe we have a chance to lure Temple and UMass for all sports. If we get 8 games a year against Temple and UMass in hoops, we need to win all eight. If we cannot beat those schools then what is their incentive to join us. My original stance remains, we need to thin our or Michigan/Ohio presence either by dropping members and/or expanding into new markets. Let's think bigger but be realistic.