I'm trying to form an unbiased argument why WKU shouldn't be given a bid to join the MAC. Considering you guys will still have 12 committed schools it is a possibility that nobody will be given a bid. The only logical reason seems to be that revenue would be split by a factor of 14(+MTSU) as apposed to 12. If we were to fall on our face with the move to IA it doesn't really hurt the MAC as much as it would WKU. I really doubt there will be a problem with the move but who nobody can say for certain. The positives that are apparent to me are as follows.
1) MBB RPI and probably money(TV and eventually attendance).
2) WBB RPI.
3) Improved geography(my opinion).
4) Security. If a couple of teams do end up leaving then you will already have 2 members there that are already a part of the conference. To me it seems just as likely that the BE will want to take from the MAC during the next round of takes b/c in my own opinion the MAC will prosper will CUSA will dwindle(UM and UCF people can hate all you want).
Thoughts.
WKU doesn't offer Doctoral degrees, which other MAC schools do. Academics is important.
WKU and MTSU would be lower end fball schools. That doesn't help the MAC and it's SOS and computer rankings.
MTSU in particular is fairly unknown to MAC schools, so it would take a while to develop fan interest and rivalries. Particularly because the geography is distant (even if it's good for expanding borders.)
Neither has extensive history/tradition in fball, so that hurts the MAC's perception to the casual fan.
Those are the biggest drawbacks as I see them.
WKU is more of a hoops "play" with the hopes that there is strength in numbers (i.e. 14 vs. 12) due to the possibility that the IA football attendance rules may be more stringent in the future. There is also a geographic component to it as I suspect the MAC likes the idea of getting more coverage in near-by Kentucky/Tennesee.
The football part of this is a bit of a risk to the MAC I would say, but I'm guessing they are figuring a MTSU/WKU rivalry in football would help drive attendance to the 15K avg.
Don't get too hung up on MTSU. Doesn't seem like they are too interested in being a LONG-TERM member of the MAC.
rideOrDieTop Wrote:The only logical reason seems to be that revenue would be split by a factor of 14(+MTSU) as apposed to 12.
That's not really a factor. The MAC doesn't have any revenue to split.
By the way, I enjoyed having your hoops team in Huntington this year. You have great fans and a very entertaining team.
stick,
Thanks for the compliment. I hope next season's loss won't hurt as bad since you'll be in BG taking your whoopin and not getting it on your own floor. Will we count last seasons and next seasons victory as 2 for the new MAC over cusa??????? Just playing. :D
Hey RideorDie, will that big center be back next year.That guy was unreal :eek:
herdya, no Nigel will be playing for money next year. We will be a completely different team next year. Much more athletic.....most predict much better.
Diddle Bum Wrote:Don't get too hung up on MTSU. Doesn't seem like they are too interested in being a LONG-TERM member of the MAC.
One thing to keep in mind is that what the MTSU fans might want or think is not necessarily what their administration wants or thinks.
rocketfootball Wrote:Diddle Bum Wrote:Don't get too hung up on MTSU. Doesn't seem like they are too interested in being a LONG-TERM member of the MAC.
One thing to keep in mind is that what the MTSU fans might want or think is not necessarily what their administration wants or thinks.
That isn't why I said that.
rocketfootball Wrote:Diddle Bum Wrote:Don't get too hung up on MTSU. Doesn't seem like they are too interested in being a LONG-TERM member of the MAC.
One thing to keep in mind is that what the MTSU fans might want or think is not necessarily what their administration wants or thinks.
MTSU is too busy trying to convince people that they actually are the 2nd biggest university in Tennessee.