(02-27-2024 03:22 PM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  

(02-27-2024 03:06 PM)army56mike Wrote:  

(02-27-2024 02:54 PM)army56mike Wrote:  

(02-27-2024 02:00 PM)freshtop Wrote:  The money factor is key. Can the MAC show a contingent media deal significantly better than what CUSA just signed? And is it so much better that it would recoup the cost of leaving CUSA (GoR and forfeited revenues that are incoming)?

As far as who I would rather play, there are benefits to both lists. If I had to place money on which list would stay the same and which would change, I think the MAC membership will stay constant. There are no guarantees that Liberty, UTEP, Tarleton, SHSU, and Kennesaw will still be in CUSA in 10 years. That is the biggest fear I have for CUSA. Not that the current membership is bad, that the future membership might be awful.

I fail to see any positive aspect of joining the MAC other than convenience of distance.

I agree the MAC is most likely to stay the same. Based on what the MAC is now, I would count that as a negative.

There is no guarantee that any team not from the BIG or SEC will be in the same conference in the next 10 years. That could be considered a positive.

True enough, CUSA’s current membership isn’t bad. What if, hear me out, future membership actually improves it? That can go either way. No one really knows.

WKU - What Now? I can answer this question….. Play for a CUSA basketball title, spring sport titles, football title, other fall sport titles. You know, pretty much the usual thing. Same as the rest of us.

If the MAC’s next media deal is superior to what our group just signed, then a move for WKU definitely has some benefit. Stability matters now, even if some claim it to be stagnation. Some may claim the MAC is “dying on the vine”, others would argue that they’re incredibly well positioned to continue as a conference for decades, no matter what happens in the college sports landscape.

Where do WKU alumni live/work post-undergrad? What urban areas do Hilltoppers flock to? Are they midwestern cities (Indy, Cincinnati, Cleveland)? Or are they southern cities? That likely plays a role in the preferences of each fan.

It’s a sizable downgrade in basketball and a lateral move in football FOR NOW. But if WKU feels like they’re going to continue to be passed up by new CUSA adds in the long run, and that they’ve elevated themselves as far as they can, then settling into a conference like the MAC probably has some allure.

Either way, for CUSA, WKU isn’t irreplaceable. Hello, Colonels. They’re a good fit, but it’s not the competitive blow that losing a couple others would be, namely Liberty.

That’s Bubble Gum Horse Hockey! CUSA will be fine regardless of who leaves, including Liberty, unless it’s a mass exodus at one time.

I hope WKU stays but if they go to the MAC I will bid them a fond farewell.

(02-27-2024 02:20 PM)whupemall Wrote:  But when I look at the evolving college football landscape, I just don't see the same number of slots opening up above us to allow for upward mobility that we saw a few years ago.

I don't even think the eventual 2PAC/MWC realignment will cause much more than a tiny ripple farther east.

I guess it's always possible conferences could move from 12/14 teams to 16 teams or even more. But if that happens, everyone is at risk -- CUSA, the MAC, even the Mighty Sun Belt.

For now, as "stability" goes, the MAC and CUSA are about as equivalent as it gets. Both are at an odd number and seeking one more team. No one is likely on the way out of either.

Correct. It is crowded upstairs. G5's are not going above 14--because there is not enough money.

The P4 are also getting bloated. Even they don't want to share P4 $$ with any more move-ups.

The stability of CUSA is actually a reason to leave. You need instability so that WKU can get out.

(02-27-2024 03:26 PM)inutech Wrote:  

(02-27-2024 03:22 PM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  Stability matters now, even if some claim it to be stagnation.

Stability?

The MAC is literally the most recent conference to announce a change in line-up! It was just yesterday! Did you not hear about it?

Does having 13 schools that nobody else wants make you less stable than having 12 schools that nobody else wants? I don’t think so, maybe you disagree.

(02-27-2024 07:06 PM)AssKickingChicken Wrote:  I hope WKU stays but if they go to the MAC I will bid them a fond farewell.

Facts. They’re a quality athletic department with a dedicated following. Posters here are logical and insightful.

Schools have to do what’s in their best interests, conferences are just business partnerships these days.

I’ll be pulling for EKU to beat them down if it comes to that though.

(02-28-2024 12:35 AM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  

(02-27-2024 07:06 PM)AssKickingChicken Wrote:  I hope WKU stays but if they go to the MAC I will bid them a fond farewell.

Facts. They’re a quality athletic department with a dedicated following. Posters here are logical and insightful.

Schools have to do what’s in their best interests, conferences are just business partnerships these days.

I’ll be pulling for EKU to beat them down if it comes to that though.

Unless it was just a desperate grasp when CUSA was on life support I don’t get their interest in the MAC but I’m not them. They may wind up thanking MTSU for getting the offer shot down.

I agree everyone needs to do what is in their best interest. A school in Nashville decided being in a southern based league was better than one in the rust belt. We hurt the OVC by leaving but they have rebounded well. We hurt the ASUN but we were never really there long anyway and it was a house of cards to begin with.

(02-26-2024 10:00 PM)freshtop Wrote:  

(02-26-2024 09:52 PM)Troy_Fan_15 Wrote:  I’m not a WKU fan but it just doesn’t make sense to me for WKU to pay and leave CUSA for the MAC unless there is something the administration knows we don’t.

If the MAC wants into Kentucky I’m sure EKU would say yes in a heartbeat.

The MAC seems to want to avoid FCS callups.

I am on the fence about the MAC.

They do offer stability. Marshall was the last to leave in 2004.

CUSA will always be a stepping stone league, and that is okay, but the last go round taught us that WKU doesn't have the market, academics, or budget to be on the move up list. We were last picked last time. If the AAC comes calling it will be because they are at the end of their list too. Stay in CUSA and help Kennesaw State, Sam Houston State, Delaware, etc. build up their profile just to leap frog us and then we get more FCS callups? No thanks.

If we could set in stone the conference membership in CUSA for the next 10 years and not keep expanding then I would say its a no-brainer to stay. That won't happen so I think we go to the MAC if they can show a competent media deal in hand. Get out of the rat race.

If you go to the MAC, you will be stuck there for 25 years. You guys are also not looking at it from a recruiting perspective. Will the MAC help WKU in regard to football recruiting?

(02-28-2024 09:44 PM)jones682 Wrote:  

(02-26-2024 10:00 PM)freshtop Wrote:  

(02-26-2024 09:52 PM)Troy_Fan_15 Wrote:  I’m not a WKU fan but it just doesn’t make sense to me for WKU to pay and leave CUSA for the MAC unless there is something the administration knows we don’t.

If the MAC wants into Kentucky I’m sure EKU would say yes in a heartbeat.

The MAC seems to want to avoid FCS callups.

I am on the fence about the MAC.

They do offer stability. Marshall was the last to leave in 2004.

CUSA will always be a stepping stone league, and that is okay, but the last go round taught us that WKU doesn't have the market, academics, or budget to be on the move up list. We were last picked last time. If the AAC comes calling it will be because they are at the end of their list too. Stay in CUSA and help Kennesaw State, Sam Houston State, Delaware, etc. build up their profile just to leap frog us and then we get more FCS callups? No thanks.

If we could set in stone the conference membership in CUSA for the next 10 years and not keep expanding then I would say its a no-brainer to stay. That won't happen so I think we go to the MAC if they can show a competent media deal in hand. Get out of the rat race.

If you go to the MAC, you will be stuck there for 25 years. You guys are also not looking at it from a recruiting perspective. Will the MAC help WKU in regard to football recruiting?

Doesn't seem to be hurting the current MAC members. They are putting players in the NFL at least as often as CUSA and grade out comparitavely well in recruiting rankings.


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(02-28-2024 11:35 PM)freshtop Wrote:  

(02-28-2024 09:44 PM)jones682 Wrote:  

(02-26-2024 10:00 PM)freshtop Wrote:  

(02-26-2024 09:52 PM)Troy_Fan_15 Wrote:  I’m not a WKU fan but it just doesn’t make sense to me for WKU to pay and leave CUSA for the MAC unless there is something the administration knows we don’t.

If the MAC wants into Kentucky I’m sure EKU would say yes in a heartbeat.

The MAC seems to want to avoid FCS callups.

I am on the fence about the MAC.

They do offer stability. Marshall was the last to leave in 2004.

CUSA will always be a stepping stone league, and that is okay, but the last go round taught us that WKU doesn't have the market, academics, or budget to be on the move up list. We were last picked last time. If the AAC comes calling it will be because they are at the end of their list too. Stay in CUSA and help Kennesaw State, Sam Houston State, Delaware, etc. build up their profile just to leap frog us and then we get more FCS callups? No thanks.

If we could set in stone the conference membership in CUSA for the next 10 years and not keep expanding then I would say its a no-brainer to stay. That won't happen so I think we go to the MAC if they can show a competent media deal in hand. Get out of the rat race.

If you go to the MAC, you will be stuck there for 25 years. You guys are also not looking at it from a recruiting perspective. Will the MAC help WKU in regard to football recruiting?

Doesn't seem to be hurting the current MAC members. They are putting players in the NFL at least as often as CUSA and grade out comparitavely well in recruiting rankings.


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Way too premature to judge CUSA on that with all these new members. People are crazy if they think Sam Houston, Jax State, Delaware, and Kennesaw St. aren't going to improve.

(02-29-2024 12:18 AM)Turtle Power 98 Wrote:  

(02-28-2024 11:35 PM)freshtop Wrote:  

(02-28-2024 09:44 PM)jones682 Wrote:  

(02-26-2024 10:00 PM)freshtop Wrote:  

(02-26-2024 09:52 PM)Troy_Fan_15 Wrote:  I’m not a WKU fan but it just doesn’t make sense to me for WKU to pay and leave CUSA for the MAC unless there is something the administration knows we don’t.

If the MAC wants into Kentucky I’m sure EKU would say yes in a heartbeat.

The MAC seems to want to avoid FCS callups.

I am on the fence about the MAC.

They do offer stability. Marshall was the last to leave in 2004.

CUSA will always be a stepping stone league, and that is okay, but the last go round taught us that WKU doesn't have the market, academics, or budget to be on the move up list. We were last picked last time. If the AAC comes calling it will be because they are at the end of their list too. Stay in CUSA and help Kennesaw State, Sam Houston State, Delaware, etc. build up their profile just to leap frog us and then we get more FCS callups? No thanks.

If we could set in stone the conference membership in CUSA for the next 10 years and not keep expanding then I would say its a no-brainer to stay. That won't happen so I think we go to the MAC if they can show a competent media deal in hand. Get out of the rat race.

If you go to the MAC, you will be stuck there for 25 years. You guys are also not looking at it from a recruiting perspective. Will the MAC help WKU in regard to football recruiting?

Doesn't seem to be hurting the current MAC members. They are putting players in the NFL at least as often as CUSA and grade out comparitavely well in recruiting rankings.


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Way too premature to judge CUSA on that with all these new members. People are crazy if they think Sam Houston, Jax State, Delaware, and Kennesaw St. aren't going to improve.

I think most people realize the potential those schools could have.

The issue is, down the line, some of those schools may pass up WKU. They’ll be left behind again. In fact, assuming the Toppers stick around, it’s likely in the future. Will WKU ever be getting a call from the American, or the Sun Belt? Probably not.

I think most WKU fans are content with CUSA in it’s current 11 school form, and with a potential 12 school conference assuming another is added, which seems like a guarantee at this point given recent reporting (Missouri State likely much preferred to lil’ Tarleton for Western).

CUSA isn’t going to look like this for years to come. History says there will be a different lineup within ten years, max. That’s not very long in the grand scheme of things.

It doesn't have anything to do with the future of conference schools. It is that the MAC offers a regional conference versus the ridiculousness of CUSA which nobody would design on purpose. CUSA just doesn't have anything to offer WKU any longer.

(02-29-2024 12:53 AM)R40 Wrote:  It doesn't have anything to do with the future of conference schools. It is that the MAC offers a regional conference versus the ridiculousness of CUSA which nobody would design on purpose. CUSA just doesn't have anything to offer WKU any longer.

This idea that all the CUSA schools are so far for WKU simply isn't true. If EKU gets added, that'd be another close school. CUSA offers WKU better softball, baseball, basketball, probably football, better weather, more fans....

MTSU is 1 hour and 36 minutes from WKU.
Kennesaw State is 4 hours and 22 minutes from WKU
Jacksonville State is 4 hours and 31 minutes from WKU

Commentary on WKU and MAC from Joe Imel via Bowling Green Daily News:

https://www.bgdailynews.com/sports/wku-m...524a3.html

“This time around, WKU is in much more stable shape and probably not perched at the train station with its MAC bags packed.”

“A source close to the athletic administration verified that – not that WKU isn’t interested – but the university is just not clamoring for a relocation as it was during the near disintegration of CUSA…”

“If an invitation is extended, WKU will listen with interest, but it’s not nearly as anxious for a new home as it was less than a handful of years ago.”

This source makes it sound like Western would be reluctant to leave CUSA for the MAC at this point, and that interest in the MAC has waned.

(02-29-2024 12:18 AM)Turtle Power 98 Wrote:  

(02-28-2024 11:35 PM)freshtop Wrote:  

(02-28-2024 09:44 PM)jones682 Wrote:  

(02-26-2024 10:00 PM)freshtop Wrote:  

(02-26-2024 09:52 PM)Troy_Fan_15 Wrote:  I’m not a WKU fan but it just doesn’t make sense to me for WKU to pay and leave CUSA for the MAC unless there is something the administration knows we don’t.

If the MAC wants into Kentucky I’m sure EKU would say yes in a heartbeat.

The MAC seems to want to avoid FCS callups.

I am on the fence about the MAC.

They do offer stability. Marshall was the last to leave in 2004.

CUSA will always be a stepping stone league, and that is okay, but the last go round taught us that WKU doesn't have the market, academics, or budget to be on the move up list. We were last picked last time. If the AAC comes calling it will be because they are at the end of their list too. Stay in CUSA and help Kennesaw State, Sam Houston State, Delaware, etc. build up their profile just to leap frog us and then we get more FCS callups? No thanks.

If we could set in stone the conference membership in CUSA for the next 10 years and not keep expanding then I would say its a no-brainer to stay. That won't happen so I think we go to the MAC if they can show a competent media deal in hand. Get out of the rat race.

If you go to the MAC, you will be stuck there for 25 years. You guys are also not looking at it from a recruiting perspective. Will the MAC help WKU in regard to football recruiting?

Doesn't seem to be hurting the current MAC members. They are putting players in the NFL at least as often as CUSA and grade out comparitavely well in recruiting rankings.


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Way too premature to judge CUSA on that with all these new members. People are crazy if they think Sam Houston, Jax State, Delaware, and Kennesaw St. aren't going to improve.

I am sure programs can improve and I am not judging them harshly for it, just countering the argument that MAC schools can't recruit talent.

https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/artic...ht-rosters


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(02-29-2024 11:17 PM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  Commentary on WKU and MAC from Joe Imel via Bowling Green Daily News:

https://www.bgdailynews.com/sports/wku-m...524a3.html

“This time around, WKU is in much more stable shape and probably not perched at the train station with its MAC bags packed.”

“A source close to the athletic administration verified that – not that WKU isn’t interested – but the university is just not clamoring for a relocation as it was during the near disintegration of CUSA…”

“If an invitation is extended, WKU will listen with interest, but it’s not nearly as anxious for a new home as it was less than a handful of years ago.”

This source makes it sound like Western would be reluctant to leave CUSA for the MAC at this point, and that interest in the MAC has waned.

There is certainly less of a fire under us this time. For one, CUSA has recovered well (for now and hopefully going forward). There is also a decent pot of money to be distributed for staying, and the longer we stay the lower the GoR breakage penalty.

I do not think we go to the MAC unless they can show us a new media deal with ESPN for a substantial pay increase. There are factors for and against them, but it will have to make long term sense in terms of dollars, otherwise it just isn't feasible.


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(02-29-2024 12:53 AM)R40 Wrote:  It doesn't have anything to do with the future of conference schools. It is that the MAC offers a regional conference versus the ridiculousness of CUSA which nobody would design on purpose. CUSA just doesn't have anything to offer WKU any longer.

Yes but the CUSA that WKU so badly wanted in already had UTEP, UNT, RICE, and UTSA. How has this conference not actually become more compact and regional than it was beforep. Now they are whining about regional regional regional. This conference is way fore regional than the one you begged to get into before so what’s the gripe. This conference just added Virginia Delaware Alabama and Georgi. All well within your footprint.

(03-01-2024 09:19 AM)theATLDawg Wrote:  

(02-29-2024 12:53 AM)R40 Wrote:  It doesn't have anything to do with the future of conference schools. It is that the MAC offers a regional conference versus the ridiculousness of CUSA which nobody would design on purpose. CUSA just doesn't have anything to offer WKU any longer.

Yes but the CUSA that WKU so badly wanted in already had UTEP, UNT, RICE, and UTSA. How has this conference not actually become more compact and regional than it was beforep

WKU was just trying to be a Division I program. They did what they could do. They were not invited to the MAC. They are now invited. The money is better. Go with the money.

(03-01-2024 09:22 AM)R40 Wrote:  

(03-01-2024 09:19 AM)theATLDawg Wrote:  

(02-29-2024 12:53 AM)R40 Wrote:  It doesn't have anything to do with the future of conference schools. It is that the MAC offers a regional conference versus the ridiculousness of CUSA which nobody would design on purpose. CUSA just doesn't have anything to offer WKU any longer.

Yes but the CUSA that WKU so badly wanted in already had UTEP, UNT, RICE, and UTSA. How has this conference not actually become more compact and regional than it was beforep

WKU was just trying to be a Division I program. They did what they could do. They were not invited to the MAC. They are now invited. The money is better. Go with the money.

WKU has not been invited to the MAC. Do you just make crap up?

It appears you're spending of lot of effort on here trying to pump up WKU to leave thus making room for whatever second rate school you support. WKU IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE except to FIU for a basketball game tomorrow.

(03-01-2024 09:47 AM)WKUApollo Wrote:  

(03-01-2024 09:22 AM)R40 Wrote:  

(03-01-2024 09:19 AM)theATLDawg Wrote:  

(02-29-2024 12:53 AM)R40 Wrote:  It doesn't have anything to do with the future of conference schools. It is that the MAC offers a regional conference versus the ridiculousness of CUSA which nobody would design on purpose. CUSA just doesn't have anything to offer WKU any longer.

Yes but the CUSA that WKU so badly wanted in already had UTEP, UNT, RICE, and UTSA. How has this conference not actually become more compact and regional than it was beforep

WKU was just trying to be a Division I program. They did what they could do. They were not invited to the MAC. They are now invited. The money is better. Go with the money.

WKU has not been invited to the MAC. Do you just make crap up?

It appears you're spending of lot of effort on here trying to pump up WKU to leave thus making room for whatever second rate school you support. WKU IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE except to FIU for a basketball game tomorrow.

Wake up to reality. I said with UMass and I will say it again. I am your reality check.