_sturt_ Wrote:

ex Cincy Kid Wrote:In the end, I favor the MAC's proposal........make 15K once every 3-4 years.......this is not so difficult, and would put some pressure on programs to market their programs w/o having the loss of IA membership "hanging over their heads" on a year-to-year basis.  A conference exemption whereas 75% of the members make it, all make, would also help to avoid scheduling nightmares should some type of new legislation go in.

eCK, I took a look at the vote on that MAC proposal, and it was defeated soundly, brother... only 10 of 49 votes for it, though you might take some consolation in the fact that all 3 Big 10 members were among those 10.

Brand can say what he wants to say, but there appears to be some determination among the other decision-makers to eliminate the routine of little-league crowds at some "D1a" stadiums.

I don't think the MAC is going to emerge unscathed here... but as you've suggested here, and as I'd suggested as well... that's to the conference's advantage in truth... drop the football dead weight, and form a tight league of serious football schools, and the MAC's SOS will certainly exceed the WAC's, and possibly others in certain years.

I see your point about the potential for the MAC to come out of this better, Sturt, even as we fundamentally disagree about the merit of the rule itself.

But the rule, as constructed, is very problematic. We could have teams going from winning bowl games and beating the likes of ... well, Alabama ... to I-AA in the course of three years.

If we must have a rule, we need a better rule.

MaumeeRocket Wrote:

HerdChemist89 Wrote:I like the notion that the lesser programs will no longer be able dilute the quality and comittment that other fans make to their programs.

I hope some of you MACsters don't break both ankles when they chuck you from the IA wagon. It's time to get of the deadweight.

What the heck are you talking about dilluting quality, how many players has Eastern Michigan taken away from other 'big' schools? If a school can put up the money and scholarships to play 1-A, why shouldnt be allowed to play. Actually I think they should do completely away with 1-AA make the max 65 scholarships and turn it into something like college basketball.

Are you kidding, that makes too much sence. We're talking about academic elitists and corporate whores.

Quote:If you look at recent NCAA action on other issues, however, the trend seems to be more active management by the presidents rather than simply rubber-stamping what has been handed to them by the ADs. We are talking about the same group of folks that already has delayed the five-home-game rule and is under increasing political pressure to show that they -- rather than the inmates -- are running this doggone asylum

Speaking of presidents taking more control, President Cartwright of KSU is the chairperson in the NCAA Executive Board. She is publicly working against the 15K rule. Many of her arguements have been made by MAC posters on this board.

One of her craftier strategies is to link the push for NCAA initiative on graduation rates ( the one that says graduation rates of student athletes must match those of the general student body or consequences are imposed, such as loss of scholarships and post season appearances) to the implementaion of the 15 K rule. Her point is why move so quickly on the 15K rule while argueing more time is needed to study the graduation rate rule? Since both will cause upheaval, why not do both at the same time and get the turmoil out of the way at once?

It's a smart position because it puts the BCS schools, many with deplorable graduation rates, in a box. Which of their presidents has the ba**s to argue publicly that the 15K rule, which hurts no athletes' education, should be swiftly implemented while it will take them "time" to consider how to graduate more than 10% of their athletes (call out to you Oklahoma).

I think this is why momentum on the 15K rule has seemingly swung the other way. Many of BCS schools NEVER want to see the graduation rate penalties imposed. Now there is something to negotiate with.

Send the little lady from Kent State in swinging. :chair: