WAC Plans To Announce FCS League

According to Thamel, the following members will be the first members of the WAC’s FCS league:

Abilene Christian
Lamar
Sam Houston
Stephen F. Austin
Southern Utah
Tarleton State
Dixie State

“The WAC is expected to add two more schools in the coming months. There’s a mix of DII and current FCS institutions being vetted by commissioner Jeff Hurd. The long-term goal of the league is to elevate the WAC back to FBS football later this decade,” Thamel tweeted. “The league should also have a strong basketball presence, as current member New Mexico State is a basketball power, Stephen F. Austin a consistent NCAA Tournament team and there’ll be star power with Bryce Drew at Grand Canyon and Billy Gillispie at Tarleton State.”


https://kslsports.com/450237/report-wac-...xie-state/

Just what I predicted when this expansion plan story first broke, they would be forming an FCS conference.

Its FCS---but I think this might just have some FBS ripples. This expanded WAC, which is being praised in the article as a pretty decent basketball league, might be deemed a stable and acceptable home for Boise olympic sports----thus, potentially opening the door for a Bronco "football only" move the AAC.

(01-08-2021 01:36 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  Its FCS---but I think this might just have some FBS ripples. This expanded WAC, which is being praised in the article as a pretty decent basketball league, might be deemed a stable and acceptable home for Boise olympic sports----thus, potentially opening the door for a Bronco "football only" move the AAC.

That is very delusional thinking.

Boise to the American is dependent upon a multi-bid conference (WCC or American) accepting Boise State's Olympic Sports. The WAC is not a multi-bid conference, not even close

The comment about going FBS within the decade is weird. The conference lineup screams low-to-mid FCS. Tarleton St and Dixie St don’t even count yet. Southern Utah is not even the best Big Sky program in Utah. Tack on 3 Texas schools that would be peers to Texas St and UTSA and throw in Abilene Christian. I don’t have a problem with any of the schools - I just don’t see it. He’s either blowing smoke or there’s something in the works that we don’t see.

(01-08-2021 01:50 AM)Stugray2 Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:36 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  Its FCS---but I think this might just have some FBS ripples. This expanded WAC, which is being praised in the article as a pretty decent basketball league, might be deemed a stable and acceptable home for Boise olympic sports----thus, potentially opening the door for a Bronco "football only" move the AAC.

That is very delusional thinking.

Boise to the American is dependent upon a multi-bid conference (WCC or American) accepting Boise State's Olympic Sports. The WAC is not a multi-bid conference, not even close

Absolutely zero evidence of that fact—-other than a projected construct in your head. In 2011 Boise fully intended to join a WAC that boasted little more than New Mexico St in terms of basketball prestige. The only reason a jump to the Big West became necessary was because the WAC appeared to be in danger of collapse when Texas St, LaTech, and UTSA opted to head for new destinations. Would a multi-bid league be a preference? Sure--I'd buy that. Is a multi-bid league an iron clad requirement for Boise? There is absolutely nothing suggesting that to be true.

(01-08-2021 03:08 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:50 AM)Stugray2 Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:36 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  Its FCS---but I think this might just have some FBS ripples. This expanded WAC, which is being praised in the article as a pretty decent basketball league, might be deemed a stable and acceptable home for Boise olympic sports----thus, potentially opening the door for a Bronco "football only" move the AAC.

That is very delusional thinking.

Boise to the American is dependent upon a multi-bid conference (WCC or American) accepting Boise State's Olympic Sports. The WAC is not a multi-bid conference, not even close

Absolutely zero evidence of that fact—-other than a projected construct in your head. In 2011 Boise fully intended to join a WAC that boasted little more than New Mexico St in terms of basketball prestige. The only reason a jump to the Big West became necessary was because the WAC appeared to be in danger of collapse when Texas St, LaTech, and UTSA opted to head for new destinations. Would a multi-bid league be a preference? Sure--I'd buy that. Is it a multi-bid league an absolute requirement? There is absolutely nothing suggesting that to be true.

I'm going to laugh out loud if Boise State actually approaches the WAC about taking its non-football sports and is told "no thanks" because the conference is only interested in expanding with schools that bring football with them.

(01-08-2021 03:51 AM)HawaiiMongoose Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 03:08 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:50 AM)Stugray2 Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:36 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  Its FCS---but I think this might just have some FBS ripples. This expanded WAC, which is being praised in the article as a pretty decent basketball league, might be deemed a stable and acceptable home for Boise olympic sports----thus, potentially opening the door for a Bronco "football only" move the AAC.

That is very delusional thinking.

Boise to the American is dependent upon a multi-bid conference (WCC or American) accepting Boise State's Olympic Sports. The WAC is not a multi-bid conference, not even close

Absolutely zero evidence of that fact—-other than a projected construct in your head. In 2011 Boise fully intended to join a WAC that boasted little more than New Mexico St in terms of basketball prestige. The only reason a jump to the Big West became necessary was because the WAC appeared to be in danger of collapse when Texas St, LaTech, and UTSA opted to head for new destinations. Would a multi-bid league be a preference? Sure--I'd buy that. Is it a multi-bid league an absolute requirement? There is absolutely nothing suggesting that to be true.

I'm going to laugh out loud if Boise State actually approaches the WAC about taking its non-football sports and is told "no thanks" because the conference is only interested in expanding with schools that bring football with them.

Brilliant thought! Ha!

(01-08-2021 01:10 AM)EPJr2 Wrote:   WAC Plans To Announce FCS League

According to Thamel, the following members will be the first members of the WAC’s FCS league:

Abilene Christian
Lamar
Sam Houston
Stephen F. Austin
Southern Utah
Tarleton State
Dixie State

“The WAC is expected to add two more schools in the coming months. There’s a mix of DII and current FCS institutions being vetted by commissioner Jeff Hurd. The long-term goal of the league is to elevate the WAC back to FBS football later this decade,” Thamel tweeted. “The league should also have a strong basketball presence, as current member New Mexico State is a basketball power, Stephen F. Austin a consistent NCAA Tournament team and there’ll be star power with Bryce Drew at Grand Canyon and Billy Gillispie at Tarleton State.”


https://kslsports.com/450237/report-wac-...xie-state/

Wow, thanks for the heads up about this news! No one here would have known a thing about this if you hadn't brought it to our attention. Thank god you're paying such close attention! I just wonder how this slipped by us all???

(01-08-2021 04:04 AM)Todor Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:10 AM)EPJr2 Wrote:   WAC Plans To Announce FCS League

According to Thamel, the following members will be the first members of the WAC’s FCS league:

Abilene Christian
Lamar
Sam Houston
Stephen F. Austin
Southern Utah
Tarleton State
Dixie State

“The WAC is expected to add two more schools in the coming months. There’s a mix of DII and current FCS institutions being vetted by commissioner Jeff Hurd. The long-term goal of the league is to elevate the WAC back to FBS football later this decade,” Thamel tweeted. “The league should also have a strong basketball presence, as current member New Mexico State is a basketball power, Stephen F. Austin a consistent NCAA Tournament team and there’ll be star power with Bryce Drew at Grand Canyon and Billy Gillispie at Tarleton State.”


https://kslsports.com/450237/report-wac-...xie-state/

Wow, thanks for the heads up about this news! No one here would have known a thing about this if you hadn't brought it to our attention. Thank god you're paying such close attention! I just wonder how this slipped by us all???

LOL...

(01-08-2021 03:08 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:50 AM)Stugray2 Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:36 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  Its FCS---but I think this might just have some FBS ripples. This expanded WAC, which is being praised in the article as a pretty decent basketball league, might be deemed a stable and acceptable home for Boise olympic sports----thus, potentially opening the door for a Bronco "football only" move the AAC.

That is very delusional thinking.

Boise to the American is dependent upon a multi-bid conference (WCC or American) accepting Boise State's Olympic Sports. The WAC is not a multi-bid conference, not even close

Absolutely zero evidence of that fact—-other than a projected construct in your head. In 2011 Boise fully intended to join a WAC that boasted little more than New Mexico St in terms of basketball prestige. The only reason a jump to the Big West became necessary was because the WAC appeared to be in danger of collapse when Texas St, LaTech, and UTSA opted to head for new destinations. Would a multi-bid league be a preference? Sure--I'd buy that. Is a multi-bid league an iron clad requirement for Boise? There is absolutely nothing suggesting that to be true.

Why would Boise St rejoin the WAC for basketball the same year it left?

(01-08-2021 02:45 AM)BePcr07 Wrote:  The comment about going FBS within the decade is weird. The conference lineup screams low-to-mid FCS. Tarleton St and Dixie St don’t even count yet. Southern Utah is not even the best Big Sky program in Utah. Tack on 3 Texas schools that would be peers to Texas St and UTSA and throw in Abilene Christian. I don’t have a problem with any of the schools - I just don’t see it. He’s either blowing smoke or there’s something in the works that we don’t see.

Hey now don't lump us in there with those schools.....

(01-08-2021 10:06 AM)Bobcat2013 Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 03:08 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:50 AM)Stugray2 Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:36 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  Its FCS---but I think this might just have some FBS ripples. This expanded WAC, which is being praised in the article as a pretty decent basketball league, might be deemed a stable and acceptable home for Boise olympic sports----thus, potentially opening the door for a Bronco "football only" move the AAC.

That is very delusional thinking.

Boise to the American is dependent upon a multi-bid conference (WCC or American) accepting Boise State's Olympic Sports. The WAC is not a multi-bid conference, not even close

Absolutely zero evidence of that fact—-other than a projected construct in your head. In 2011 Boise fully intended to join a WAC that boasted little more than New Mexico St in terms of basketball prestige. The only reason a jump to the Big West became necessary was because the WAC appeared to be in danger of collapse when Texas St, LaTech, and UTSA opted to head for new destinations. Would a multi-bid league be a preference? Sure--I'd buy that. Is a multi-bid league an iron clad requirement for Boise? There is absolutely nothing suggesting that to be true.

Why would Boise St rejoin the WAC for basketball the same year it left?

They were getting an invite to a BCS-at-the-time conference. WAC was willing to take them.

Big West became an option when Big East couldn't get Air Force or BYU, settled for San Diego State. SDSU basketball was a big enough "get" for the Big West (together with Hawaii), plus some extorted travel subsidies, that the Big West was willing to take Boise State.

Do we need another thread for this?

(01-08-2021 01:36 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  Its FCS---but I think this might just have some FBS ripples. This expanded WAC, which is being praised in the article as a pretty decent basketball league, might be deemed a stable and acceptable home for Boise olympic sports----thus, potentially opening the door for a Bronco "football only" move the AAC.

Yes, they are starting with an FCS league next in the near future but Thamel says the league is looking at FBS later this decade.

Despite Sam Houston's trip to back-to-back FCS championship games and SFA's basketball success, these schools were never mentioned as expansion candidates for the Sun Belt or CUSA. Rightfully so, as their resources were lacking, lower budgets, and marginal fan support. They were already located in places where these leagues had a presence AND as Bobcat2013 said, the existing members moved up to create separation from these schools.

If they ever considered moving to FBS, the WAC was going to be their only option. Luckily NMSU wants an FBS home and has the ability to invite friends. In theory each of these schools can now put out a public FBS move up plan and start engaging donors and alumni with a solid path to FBS. Every stadium needs improvements and they need to build up war chests.

To those talking about their current stadium capacities-
Lamar is at 16,000 and SFA, SAM, Tarleton all hold 10-15k but would need time to get more seats. Rightfully so, Everyone associates FBS with the p5 schools and places like the Michigan Stadium, The Horseshoe, The Swamp, DKR, Kyle Field, the Rose Bowl. However the G5 is a different beast, CUSA's Charlotte has a 15k stadium, UMass is at 17k, Sun Belt's Coastal has 20k and most of the MAC is between 20-25k. It should be no surprise that the WAC would start on the lower end of the G5 with stadiums between 16-25k. However, FBS money games are better than FCS payouts, ****** FBS conferences make more money than FCS deals, FBS conferences get more media run than FCS conferences (ESPECIALLY in TEXAS).

(01-08-2021 11:58 AM)chrisattsu Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:36 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  Its FCS---but I think this might just have some FBS ripples. This expanded WAC, which is being praised in the article as a pretty decent basketball league, might be deemed a stable and acceptable home for Boise olympic sports----thus, potentially opening the door for a Bronco "football only" move the AAC.

Yes, they are starting with an FCS league next in the near future but Thamel says the league is looking at FBS later this decade.

Despite Sam Houston's trip to back-to-back FCS championship games and SFA's basketball success, these schools were never mentioned as expansion candidates for the Sun Belt or CUSA. Rightfully so, as their resources were lacking, lower budgets, and marginal fan support. They were already located in places where these leagues had a presence AND as Bobcat2013 said, the existing members moved up to create separation from these schools.

If they ever considered moving to FBS, the WAC was going to be their only option. Luckily NMSU wants an FBS home and has the ability to invite friends. In theory each of these schools can now put out a public FBS move up plan and start engaging donors and alumni with a solid path to FBS. Every stadium needs improvements and they need to build up war chests.

To those talking about their current stadium capacities-
Lamar is at 16,000 and SFA, SAM, Tarleton all hold 10-15k but would need time to get more seats. Rightfully so, Everyone associates FBS with the p5 schools and places like the Michigan Stadium, The Horseshoe, The Swamp, DKR, Kyle Field, the Rose Bowl. However the G5 is a different beast, CUSA's Charlotte has a 15k stadium, UMass is at 17k, Sun Belt's Coastal has 20k and most of the MAC is between 20-25k. It should be no surprise that the WAC would start on the lower end of the G5 with stadiums between 16-25k. However, FBS money games are better than FCS payouts, ****** FBS conferences make more money than FCS deals, FBS conferences get more media run than FCS conferences (ESPECIALLY in TEXAS).

Spot on. And if there's a P5 breakaway from the G5 in the next few years it gives them an easier path to becoming part of the second highest level of college football when FCS falls to being the third level.

(01-08-2021 03:08 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:50 AM)Stugray2 Wrote:  

(01-08-2021 01:36 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  Its FCS---but I think this might just have some FBS ripples. This expanded WAC, which is being praised in the article as a pretty decent basketball league, might be deemed a stable and acceptable home for Boise olympic sports----thus, potentially opening the door for a Bronco "football only" move the AAC.

That is very delusional thinking.

Boise to the American is dependent upon a multi-bid conference (WCC or American) accepting Boise State's Olympic Sports. The WAC is not a multi-bid conference, not even close

Absolutely zero evidence of that fact—-other than a projected construct in your head. In 2011 Boise fully intended to join a WAC that boasted little more than New Mexico St in terms of basketball prestige. The only reason a jump to the Big West became necessary was because the WAC appeared to be in danger of collapse when Texas St, LaTech, and UTSA opted to head for new destinations. Would a multi-bid league be a preference? Sure--I'd buy that. Is a multi-bid league an iron clad requirement for Boise? There is absolutely nothing suggesting that to be true.

The MWC is not a two bid league a lot of years.

The next D1 add will tell a lot .
If its Weber St I think I know the plan.
Five Texas schools , Weber, NMSU all FBS and full members.
Any non FBS member with football will be allowed to join the Big Sky.
Any Big Sky member wanting to move up can become football only.
The same offer would probably be offered to MVFC teams.

(01-08-2021 11:48 AM)DoubleRSU Wrote:  Do we need another thread for this?

Next time wear your badge.

I think West Texas A&M have plans on the stand by for a 22,000 seat stadium.
Central Oklahoma is looking to add more seatings for their football stadium that looks like FBS size.
Dixie State got a Sugar Daddy to get their stadium to be FBS. They are upgrading the stadium.
Tarleton State said something about FBS later.
UTRGV already said about FBS plans, but they have not released yet if they want to add football yet. I think they are waiting until WAC announces an FCS conference before they make a move. They had no where to go if they do add football.
Colorado Mesa's name keeps coming up. They have the same size stadium as Southern Utah, but seemed they could raise money better than Southern Utah. The city where Colorado Mesa sits in is at 100,000 metro population and growing just like St. George, Utah.