(05-26-2018 07:02 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 06:59 AM)esayem Wrote:  Fun fact I like to bring up: UNLV was voted into the WAC at the same time as Hawaii and Air Force I believe. They had full WAC schedules for a few years, but couldn't get their facilities upgraded so they were cut loose.

I vaguely remember the WAC split, mainly because it created the play-in game. I also thought it was ridiculous LaTech became a member of the conference. In retrospect, it sort of made sense with Rice next door, but Utah State probably would have been a better addition at the time.

You and everyone else in Louisiana who bothered to notice. Talk about a cultural outlier, maybe there has never been a stranger affiliation in all of FBS.

Another fun fact: LA-Tech's 2018 seniors just graduated with a 4-0 bowl record.

BTW, Rice and LA-Tech are about 300 miles apart, so not sure that qualifies as 'next door', LOL.

It’s odd that LaTech was in the WAC—but strangely it was kind of a back to the future move for them as they had also been in the Big West for a few years in 1990’s.

(05-26-2018 08:32 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 07:02 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 06:59 AM)esayem Wrote:  Fun fact I like to bring up: UNLV was voted into the WAC at the same time as Hawaii and Air Force I believe. They had full WAC schedules for a few years, but couldn't get their facilities upgraded so they were cut loose.

I vaguely remember the WAC split, mainly because it created the play-in game. I also thought it was ridiculous LaTech became a member of the conference. In retrospect, it sort of made sense with Rice next door, but Utah State probably would have been a better addition at the time.

You and everyone else in Louisiana who bothered to notice. Talk about a cultural outlier, maybe there has never been a stranger affiliation in all of FBS.

Another fun fact: LA-Tech's 2018 seniors just graduated with a 4-0 bowl record.

BTW, Rice and LA-Tech are about 300 miles apart, so not sure that qualifies as 'next door', LOL.

It’s odd that LaTech was in the WAC—but strangely it was kind of a back to the future move for them as they had also been in the Big West for a few years in 1990’s.

Yes, although IIRC, with the Big West they weren't full members, football only. In the WAC, they were all in, LOL.

(05-26-2018 08:32 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 07:02 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 06:59 AM)esayem Wrote:  Fun fact I like to bring up: UNLV was voted into the WAC at the same time as Hawaii and Air Force I believe. They had full WAC schedules for a few years, but couldn't get their facilities upgraded so they were cut loose.

I vaguely remember the WAC split, mainly because it created the play-in game. I also thought it was ridiculous LaTech became a member of the conference. In retrospect, it sort of made sense with Rice next door, but Utah State probably would have been a better addition at the time.

You and everyone else in Louisiana who bothered to notice. Talk about a cultural outlier, maybe there has never been a stranger affiliation in all of FBS.

Another fun fact: LA-Tech's 2018 seniors just graduated with a 4-0 bowl record.

BTW, Rice and LA-Tech are about 300 miles apart, so not sure that qualifies as 'next door', LOL.

It’s odd that LaTech was in the WAC—but strangely it was kind of a back to the future move for them as they had also been in the Big West for a few years in 1990’s.

LaTech I believe was added to bring regional balance for the Texas schools which exited soon for CUSA 2.0. A way to be fair to SMU, Tulsa and Rice.

When you get into places in the South there isn't a lot of questioning of the administrations that happens when it comes to athletics. Want a $60 million dollar stadium expansion? Done. Want to play in the WAC over the SBC to create brand separation over the in-state schools? Done.

The faculty at LaTech never threatened to discontinue athletics if the program isn't move to a more reasonable geographic conference. In the MAC the faculty would mutiny if the administration tried anything that would cost more money.

North Louisiana has a lot of cultural ties to Texas.

Shreveport, LA has rodeo. They are closer to DFW than New Orleans. The town was set up as a gambling getaway for the DFW region.

If there was a new SWC with the Texas G5 schools they would be excited to be a part of that I am sure.

(05-26-2018 07:02 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  BTW, Rice and LA-Tech are about 300 miles apart, so not sure that qualifies as 'next door', LOL.

You’re right! I suppose it would have been better to say SMU, a much closer opponent.

Anybody know how LaTech was able to separate themselves from USL (as they were known then), who was actually FBS first, and arguably more established?

(05-26-2018 10:08 AM)esayem Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 07:02 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  BTW, Rice and LA-Tech are about 300 miles apart, so not sure that qualifies as 'next door', LOL.

You’re right! I suppose it would have been better to say SMU, a much closer opponent.

Anybody know how LaTech was able to separate themselves from USL (as they were known then), who was actually FBS first, and arguably more established?

The separation push was to separate from ULM, a joke of a school and program playing in the SBC.

If the rest of the WAC knew that UTEP, Rice, SMU, and Tulsa were going to leave a few short years later they never would have admitted LA Tech as TCU's replacement as #10.

(05-26-2018 10:08 AM)esayem Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 07:02 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  BTW, Rice and LA-Tech are about 300 miles apart, so not sure that qualifies as 'next door', LOL.

You’re right! I suppose it would have been better to say SMU, a much closer opponent.

Anybody know how LaTech was able to separate themselves from USL (as they were known then), who was actually FBS first, and arguably more established?

Well, USL dropped football in 1985 and was without it for 18 years, from 1985 - 2003, so they obviously had a lot issues in terms of support.

I mean, to this day they play in a slightly glorified high school stadium.

CBS-Sports apparently noticed the anniversary date as well.

The best lines from the article recount when the WAC commissioner testified before congress about the collusion that blocked access to major bowl games by the smaller conferences in the mid-to-late 1990's.


Benson had just turned against the college football empire at the hearings. Also in attendance were SEC commissioner Roy Kramer and Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany, two high-powered figures themselves.

"Roy and Jim were waiting for me -- these guys were both good friends, good colleagues," Benson continued. "They said, 'You were pretty tough on us.'

"I said, 'Jim, if our roles had been reversed, and you were commissioner of the WAC today, you would have been a much bigger prick than I was. He looked at me and said, 'You know something, you're right. I would have been.'"


https://www.cbssports.com/college-footba...xperiment/

(05-26-2018 12:58 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  CBS-Sports apparently noticed the anniversary date as well.

The best lines from the article recount when the WAC commissioner testified before congress about the collusion that blocked access to major bowl games by the smaller conferences in the mid-to-late 1990's.

To me, the best insight from the article is how the quick implosion of the WAC has created a taboo against expanding to 16 teams ever since. I hadn't considered that.

(05-26-2018 01:29 PM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 12:58 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  CBS-Sports apparently noticed the anniversary date as well.

The best lines from the article recount when the WAC commissioner testified before congress about the collusion that blocked access to major bowl games by the smaller conferences in the mid-to-late 1990's.

To me, the best insight from the article is how the quick implosion of the WAC has created a taboo against expanding to 16 teams ever since. I hadn't considered that.

True---but its not as funny as the line from Delany.

(05-26-2018 08:43 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 08:32 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 07:02 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 06:59 AM)esayem Wrote:  Fun fact I like to bring up: UNLV was voted into the WAC at the same time as Hawaii and Air Force I believe. They had full WAC schedules for a few years, but couldn't get their facilities upgraded so they were cut loose.

I vaguely remember the WAC split, mainly because it created the play-in game. I also thought it was ridiculous LaTech became a member of the conference. In retrospect, it sort of made sense with Rice next door, but Utah State probably would have been a better addition at the time.

You and everyone else in Louisiana who bothered to notice. Talk about a cultural outlier, maybe there has never been a stranger affiliation in all of FBS.

Another fun fact: LA-Tech's 2018 seniors just graduated with a 4-0 bowl record.

BTW, Rice and LA-Tech are about 300 miles apart, so not sure that qualifies as 'next door', LOL.

It’s odd that LaTech was in the WAC—but strangely it was kind of a back to the future move for them as they had also been in the Big West for a few years in 1990’s.

Yes, although IIRC, with the Big West they weren't full members, football only. In the WAC, they were all in, LOL.

Correct. LaTech, Arkansas State and Northern Illinois were football only members in the Big West in the 90s. '93-'96 I think

(05-25-2018 09:15 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  Would things had gone better had the SWC schools invited the Airport 5 plus UNM and UTEP?

Hawaii, Fresno St, and SanDiego St would have then been free to add UNLV, San Jose St, Utah St, Nevada, New Mexico St and maybe one more of Boise/Idaho/UNT and the Big West gets out of the football business after the 1995 season.

The Big West is out of business altogether after the 1995 season in that scenario. Not enough members for a basketball auto bid.

(05-26-2018 12:38 PM)quo vadis Wrote:  Well, USL dropped football in 1985 and was without it for 18 years, from 1985 - 2003, so they obviously had a lot issues in terms of support.

I mean, to this day they play in a slightly glorified high school stadium.

It was Southeastern Louisiana (SLU) that dropped football before bringing it back in 2003. The USL/ULL/UL Ragin' Cajuns have been playing in FBS/D-1A that entire time.

But yes, in response to the other question, La Tech has been trying to stay separate from their neighbor ULM. In doing so, they have also separated themselves from the Ragin' Cajuns.

(05-26-2018 12:58 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  CBS-Sports apparently noticed the anniversary date as well.

The best lines from the article recount when the WAC commissioner testified before congress about the collusion that blocked access to major bowl games by the smaller conferences in the mid-to-late 1990's.


Benson had just turned against the college football empire at the hearings. Also in attendance were SEC commissioner Roy Kramer and Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany, two high-powered figures themselves.

"Roy and Jim were waiting for me -- these guys were both good friends, good colleagues," Benson continued. "They said, 'You were pretty tough on us.'

"I said, 'Jim, if our roles had been reversed, and you were commissioner of the WAC today, you would have been a much bigger prick than I was. He looked at me and said, 'You know something, you're right. I would have been.'"


https://www.cbssports.com/college-footba...xperiment/

Classic

(05-26-2018 03:57 PM)johnintx Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 12:38 PM)quo vadis Wrote:  Well, USL dropped football in 1985 and was without it for 18 years, from 1985 - 2003, so they obviously had a lot issues in terms of support.

I mean, to this day they play in a slightly glorified high school stadium.

It was Southeastern Louisiana (SLU) that dropped football before bringing it back in 2003.

That's actually who I meant. The school in Hammond.

I live in Baton Rouge, 30 miles west of Southeastern and 60 miles east of Lafayette, and I can't keep them straight apparently, LOL.

(05-26-2018 10:11 AM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 10:08 AM)esayem Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 07:02 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  BTW, Rice and LA-Tech are about 300 miles apart, so not sure that qualifies as 'next door', LOL.

You’re right! I suppose it would have been better to say SMU, a much closer opponent.

Anybody know how LaTech was able to separate themselves from USL (as they were known then), who was actually FBS first, and arguably more established?

The separation push was to separate from ULM, a joke of a school and program playing in the SBC.

They even declined playing in the Independence Bowl 60 miles away because they didn’t want to get beat by ULM, or as they say, because they were waiting for a better offer. The better offer never came, and a 9-3 LaTech didn’t go bowling that year

(05-26-2018 05:49 PM)debragga Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 10:11 AM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 10:08 AM)esayem Wrote:  

(05-26-2018 07:02 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  BTW, Rice and LA-Tech are about 300 miles apart, so not sure that qualifies as 'next door', LOL.

You’re right! I suppose it would have been better to say SMU, a much closer opponent.

Anybody know how LaTech was able to separate themselves from USL (as they were known then), who was actually FBS first, and arguably more established?

The separation push was to separate from ULM, a joke of a school and program playing in the SBC.

They even declined playing in the Independence Bowl 60 miles away because they didn’t want to get beat by ULM, or as they say, because they were waiting for a better offer. The better offer never came, and a 9-3 LaTech didn’t go bowling that year

That was a good UL Monroe team that year. Louisiana Tech should've accepted the bid. I know they were hoping for the Liberty Bowl, I believe, but having a lot of local support come out to a bowl game (not that Memphis is that far either) is great for the team and bowl game ambiance.

I just remember that the MVC was also considered part of the west until the 1980s. They had North Texas, New Mexico State and West Texas A&M. Southern Illinois was also considered an FBS school back then. Half of the MVC was not FBS qualified which was a force downgrade for some of the schools. The schools like New Mexico State, North Texas, Southern Illinois, UTA, West Texas A&M, Illinois State, Indiana State, Tulsa, and Wichita State all faced as being Independents while the other schools like Drake can not be a 1A aka FBS. All these schools have the stadium capacity to be FBS. Wiki does not have all the 1A independents listed, but historical sites have some that are not listed like West Texas A&M, Lamar, McNeese State, North Texas, UTA and some others. MVC and Southland schools along with Southern and some CAA schools have been listed as independents along with several Patriot League, Ivy and OVC schools.

(05-26-2018 06:16 PM)BePcr07 Wrote:  That was a good UL Monroe team that year. Louisiana Tech should've accepted the bid. I know they were hoping for the Liberty Bowl, I believe, but having a lot of local support come out to a bowl game (not that Memphis is that far either) is great for the team and bowl game ambiance.

It wasn't about avoiding ULM. Tech stupidly thought the Liberty Bowl would invite them, so they held out for that and when the Liberty bid never came, by the time they turned back to the Independence Bowl, the IB had taken another team (IIRC, Ohio). Considering that Tech had the gall to ask the Indy if they could hold off on accepting their invitation until after they heard from the Liberty, I bet the Indy Bowl president enjoyed telling LA-Tech that.

It was a colossal fiasco, and was caused not by fear of ULM but the hubris of the Tech AD, who though that because his zero-brand team was 9-3 that they would get a better bowl offer.

Right up there with the dumb AD decisions of the decade.

That said, a structural problem was that the WAC had sunk so low that by then it had only one paltry bowl tie-in, which exposed everyone but the champ with no guarantee of a bowl.