(11-02-2021 10:05 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(11-02-2021 09:50 AM)Curtisc83 Wrote:  

(11-02-2021 09:44 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(11-02-2021 09:40 AM)DoubleRSU Wrote:  

(11-02-2021 09:32 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  Remember, the choice for FIU/LA Tech/UTEP isn't between this incinerated, ridonculously embarrassing version of CUSA and the SEC. It's been this incinerated ridonculously embarrasing version of CUSA and independence. Because no other FBS conference wants them. If any other conference wanted them, they'd leave too.

And as bad as this incinerated CUSA is, backfilled with the independent dregs of FBS and FCS callups, it is better for all of them than independence. That's why independents like NMSU and Liberty are joining. This rump CUSA still has a TV contract, still gets a share of CFP money, and still has an autobid to the NCAA tourney. None of which they have if they go indy.

CUSA’s media deal is up after the 22-23 season. These teams will probably be joining for 23-24. They will need a new deal, but I can’t imagine it being for the same money.

It won't be for the same money, it will be for significantly less than even the paltry amount they current get. But whatever it is, I'm guessing it will be more than any could get as independents. I don't think any of those three could sign an actual independent TV deal other than at the local level.

LU already has a TV deal with ESPN that ends 25.

Yes, I know LU does. I was referring to three core CUSA leftovers.

Really, if it was all about money and scheduling, Liberty should not have joined. IMO, they are better off as a program Independent than joining this version of CUSA.

But I think for Liberty, the overriding issue was breaking the ice in terms of the anti-religious stigma that FBS conferences have had regarding them. This is their chance to get in to a conference, and once that happens, it positions them to move to a better one later on.

So IMO they made a strategic move to take a step back now, to open up more steps forward later.

It wasn't an anti-religious stigma. It's being against a school that was anti-science and too overtly political. If it was a religious bias, BYU, Baylor, Wake Forest, and Notre Dame would have similar issues.