Fans of North Texas, Rice, UTEP, and UTSA, would you rather the 4 of us stay together in C-USA or leave by yourself to the AAC or MWC? Would you leave if you could take a partner? If so, who would it be? Fans of the AAC act like all of us want our team in the AAC. I just wanted to get an understanding of where y'all stand.

I for one am very happy with the 4 of us representing Texas in C-USA. I have no desire to leave C-USA for the AAC, MWC or any other G5 conference. Aside from an invitation to a P5 conference, I want UNT in C-USA, as long as the 4 of us can stay together. Just wondering if I am in the majority or the minority?

I know their is more money to be made in the AAC, and they seem to get pretty good coverage on ESPN, but Houston and SMU are kind of out on an island, and playing in an eastern heavy conference doesn't seem to be helping their attendance or local media coverage.

If any of them leave for the AAC, it's not like they'd be alone. They'd have 2 other Texas partners. I think that one is a no brainer.

I've heard rumors that UTEP just might be heading out to the mwc with byu(?) after this year. Who knows, I know I don't. I love cusa and que sera, sera.

(02-02-2014 03:42 PM)olliebaba Wrote:  I've heard rumors that UTEP just might be heading out to the mwc with byu(?) after this year. Who knows, I know I don't. I love cusa and que sera, sera.

We have no control over what our universities choose to do. I'm just wondering what the UTEP, Rice, UTSA, and North Texas fans on this board would want.

I couldn't blame UTEP fans for wanting to move to the MWC if they could go in with BYU. I know you have a long history with many of those programs and conferencing with a program of BYU's stature would be good for UTEP. Lots of UTEP alums in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio would be very disappointed and miss seeing UTEP play. I know UTEP brought a good crowd to Apogee this season.

When it comes to the Texas 4 and the AAC, I think its probably not worth worrying about at this point. Its just too hard to analyze. My guess is that if one or more of the Texas 4 are being invited, then something significant has happened to the AAC. How badly the AAC has been slapped around by realignment is going to enter the decision on whether to stay or go.

To be perfectly honest, I would only want UTEP to leave CUSA for the MWC. I have no real desire for UTEP to move to the AAC. When the MWC was formed, and UTEP was left behind, I was devastated. Other than losing our annual game with Memphis, I had no real emotion when school after school was selected for the Big East. Good for them but no real loss for us. I am liking the new CUSA. I am not a fan of a 14 school league however.

I enjoy having 3 other Texas teams in the conference. Makes for easy travel and recognized opponents. CUSA is a perfect spot for us to grow and compete.

Having said that, playing in the same conference as UH is the ultimate IMO. If that means playing in the AAC I'd reluctantly want us to persue that options.

Memphis, Tulane and Tulsa are not exactly east coast teams

(02-02-2014 04:26 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  When it comes to the Texas 4 and the AAC, I think its probably not worth worrying about at this point. Its just too hard to analyze. My guess is that if one or more of the Texas 4 are being invited, then something significant has happened to the AAC. How badly the AAC has been slapped around by realignment is going to enter the decision on whether to stay or go.

I think you got the intent of this thread wrong. It isn't about wanting or accepting an invitation to the AAC or any other G5 conference. That situation will be decided by our university presidents and BoRs.

This thread is about gauging our fans interest in keeping the 4 of us together. I want to know how happy the Texas 4 are conferencing together, and if they see a greater advantage in staying together. Personally, I believe collectively we have the potential to grow into an influential group in the landscape of Texas sports, if we can enjoy 5 to 7 years of stability.

(02-02-2014 04:38 PM)TodgeRodge Wrote:  Memphis, Tulane and Tulsa are not exactly east coast teams

No they are not, but when the AAC does form divisions, one of the Eastern teams will be playing in the west. Also, C-USA has 4 teams in Texas vs. 2 for the AAC. C-USA West will have more regional teams. I just can't see how with the current AAC lineup they can arrange their divisions to make travel easier on their western schools.

(02-02-2014 04:36 PM)SApuro Wrote:  I enjoy having 3 other Texas teams in the conference. Makes for easy travel and recognized opponents. CUSA is a perfect spot for us to grow and compete.

Having said that, playing in the same conference as UH is the ultimate IMO. If that means playing in the AAC I'd reluctantly want us to persue that options.

Interesting. I think it would be nice to conference with Houston too, but I wouldn't call it the ultimate. Even with Houston, I just can't see the AAC putting together a better, more fun, or more regional western division then what C-USA currently has (Rice, North Texas, UTEP, UTSA, LA Tech and Southern Miss). Do you think most UTSA fans feel like you?

I don't know. I'm pretty happy with CUSA west. Not just the Texas schools, but LT, SM. Having teams to play in SA and El Paso is great. I'd rather play UTSA than Connecticut and rather play NT than Temple. On the other hand, I think we should be in a conference with TUlane and Houston, and SMU might be our oldest rival. I wouldn't be doing somersaults if Rice received an AAC invite. Hopefully the conference will improve together.

(02-02-2014 04:56 PM)Side Show Joe Wrote:  

(02-02-2014 04:36 PM)SApuro Wrote:  I enjoy having 3 other Texas teams in the conference. Makes for easy travel and recognized opponents. CUSA is a perfect spot for us to grow and compete.

Having said that, playing in the same conference as UH is the ultimate IMO. If that means playing in the AAC I'd reluctantly want us to persue that options.

Interesting. I think it would be nice to conference with Houston too, but I wouldn't call it the ultimate. Even with Houston, I just can't see the AAC putting together a better, more fun, or more regional western division then what C-USA currently has (Rice, North Texas, UTEP, UTSA, LA Tech and Southern Miss). Do you think most UTSA fans feel like you?

No I'd say most UTSA fans are excited to be in CUSA and don't want to pursue moving.

I like CUSA, but would choose the MWC... CUSA is a good option for the 4 teams...

(02-02-2014 04:51 PM)Side Show Joe Wrote:  

(02-02-2014 04:38 PM)TodgeRodge Wrote:  Memphis, Tulane and Tulsa are not exactly east coast teams

No they are not, but when the AAC does form divisions, one of the Eastern teams will be playing in the west. Also, C-USA has 4 teams in Texas vs. 2 for the AAC. C-USA West will have more regional teams. I just can't see how with the current AAC lineup they can arrange their divisions to make travel easier on their western schools.

with Tulsa, Memphis and Tulane in the conference that certainly does not leave SMU and UH out on an island

and the CUSA has the same issue with divisions deciding where MTSU, WKU, UAB or USM will end up

and as for Travel it is not like USM, UAB, MTSU or WKU (which ever ones end up in the west) have a close opponent with UTEP in the mix or even UTSA

it is only slightly farther from Houston or Dallas to Orlando or Tampa than to El Paso

so even if UH, Tulsa, Tulane, SMU, UCF and USF were in a division and Memphis was put in the east that is really not horrible travel for UH and SMU especially

and out of USM, WKU, MTSU and UAB whoever ends up in the west will be traveling as far or farther to San Antonio as SMU and UH would be to Tampa and Orlando much less El Paso

so again I do not see major travel issues for SMU or UH especially much less that they are even remotely on an island and I see no real major travel issues for them VS CUSA especially

(02-02-2014 04:44 PM)Side Show Joe Wrote:  

(02-02-2014 04:26 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  When it comes to the Texas 4 and the AAC, I think its probably not worth worrying about at this point. Its just too hard to analyze. My guess is that if one or more of the Texas 4 are being invited, then something significant has happened to the AAC. How badly the AAC has been slapped around by realignment is going to enter the decision on whether to stay or go.

I think you got the intent of this thread wrong. It isn't about wanting or accepting an invitation to the AAC or any other G5 conference. That situation will be decided by our university presidents and BoRs.

This thread is about gauging our fans interest in keeping the 4 of us together. I want to know how happy the Texas 4 are conferencing together, and if they see a greater advantage in staying together. Personally, I believe collectively we have the potential to grow into an influential group in the landscape of Texas sports, if we can enjoy 5 to 7 years of stability.

I get your thread. I think fans of the four schools would likely be fine staying together. How could you not be pretty happy with 3 Texas rivals (I imagine thats very important to N Tx fans after thier SB experience). That said, its easy to say "your happy and would never take another offer" without knowing what the actual alternative is. Say the AAC northeast is raided of UConn and Cinci and the AAC looks to become more southern--extending from Temple/Annapolis down the east coast and west to Texas. In that scenario, a western division like this might could exist--

Houston
SMU
Tulsa
Tulane
UTSA
Rice, LaTech, or maybe Texas St.

The east would probably be reconstituted something like Navy, Temple, ECU, UCF, USF, and Memphis. That's something one of the Texas 4 would likely be interested in considering as it similar travel with a little more money.

Like I said, without knowing the alternative, its hard to choose. Frankly if everything goes to hell in a hand basket with FBS slpit and we get left behind to rot---I'd like to see the a new SWC develop around the G5 Texas schools. Maybe add Tulsa, Tulane, LaTech, Arky St, and U-LL. A nice tight 12 team conference that at least be fun with low travel expenses.

(02-02-2014 05:19 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(02-02-2014 04:44 PM)Side Show Joe Wrote:  

(02-02-2014 04:26 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  When it comes to the Texas 4 and the AAC, I think its probably not worth worrying about at this point. Its just too hard to analyze. My guess is that if one or more of the Texas 4 are being invited, then something significant has happened to the AAC. How badly the AAC has been slapped around by realignment is going to enter the decision on whether to stay or go.

I think you got the intent of this thread wrong. It isn't about wanting or accepting an invitation to the AAC or any other G5 conference. That situation will be decided by our university presidents and BoRs.

This thread is about gauging our fans interest in keeping the 4 of us together. I want to know how happy the Texas 4 are conferencing together, and if they see a greater advantage in staying together. Personally, I believe collectively we have the potential to grow into an influential group in the landscape of Texas sports, if we can enjoy 5 to 7 years of stability.

I get your thread. I think fans of the four schools would likely be fine staying together. How could you not be pretty happy with 3 Texas rivals (I imagine thats very important to N Tx fans after thier SB experience). That said, its easy to say "your happy and would never take another offer" without knowing what the actual alternative is. Say the AAC northeast is raided of UConn and Cinci and the AAC looks to become more southern--extending from Temple/Annapolis down the east coast and west to Texas. In that scenario, a western division like this might could exist--

Houston
SMU
Tulsa
Tulane
UTSA
Rice, LaTech, or maybe Texas St.

The east would probably be reconstituted something like Navy, Temple, ECU, UCF, USF, and Memphis. That's something one of the Texas 4 would likely be interested in considering as it similar travel with a little more money.

Like I said, without knowing the alternative, its hard to choose. Frankly if everything goes to hell in a hand basket with FBS slpit and we get left behind to rot---I'd like to see the a new SWC develop around the G5 Texas schools. Maybe add Tulsa, Tulane, LaTech, Arky St, and U-LL. A nice tight 12 team conference that at least be fun with low travel expenses.

That would make for an awful lot of small private teams with limited attendance potential in one division. I don't think a G5 conference can excel at the FBS level with a division loaded down by small private universities. I would think it would make it hard to negotiate a good media deal. I don't see a new SWC ever forming. C-USA West is probably the closest thing we will ever see. Lets all hope for stability.

You are right. Our experience of playing a decade as the only Texas program in the Sun Belt has effected my perspective on the issue.

(02-02-2014 05:43 PM)Side Show Joe Wrote:  

(02-02-2014 05:19 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(02-02-2014 04:44 PM)Side Show Joe Wrote:  

(02-02-2014 04:26 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  When it comes to the Texas 4 and the AAC, I think its probably not worth worrying about at this point. Its just too hard to analyze. My guess is that if one or more of the Texas 4 are being invited, then something significant has happened to the AAC. How badly the AAC has been slapped around by realignment is going to enter the decision on whether to stay or go.

I think you got the intent of this thread wrong. It isn't about wanting or accepting an invitation to the AAC or any other G5 conference. That situation will be decided by our university presidents and BoRs.

This thread is about gauging our fans interest in keeping the 4 of us together. I want to know how happy the Texas 4 are conferencing together, and if they see a greater advantage in staying together. Personally, I believe collectively we have the potential to grow into an influential group in the landscape of Texas sports, if we can enjoy 5 to 7 years of stability.

I get your thread. I think fans of the four schools would likely be fine staying together. How could you not be pretty happy with 3 Texas rivals (I imagine thats very important to N Tx fans after thier SB experience). That said, its easy to say "your happy and would never take another offer" without knowing what the actual alternative is. Say the AAC northeast is raided of UConn and Cinci and the AAC looks to become more southern--extending from Temple/Annapolis down the east coast and west to Texas. In that scenario, a western division like this might could exist--

Houston
SMU
Tulsa
Tulane
UTSA
Rice, LaTech, or maybe Texas St.

The east would probably be reconstituted something like Navy, Temple, ECU, UCF, USF, and Memphis. That's something one of the Texas 4 would likely be interested in considering as it similar travel with a little more money.

Like I said, without knowing the alternative, its hard to choose. Frankly if everything goes to hell in a hand basket with FBS slpit and we get left behind to rot---I'd like to see the a new SWC develop around the G5 Texas schools. Maybe add Tulsa, Tulane, LaTech, Arky St, and U-LL. A nice tight 12 team conference that at least be fun with low travel expenses.

That would make for an awful lot of small private teams with limited attendance potential in one division. I don't think a G5 conference can excel at the FBS level with a division loaded down by small private universities. I would think it would make it hard to negotiate a good media deal. I don't see a new SWC ever forming. C-USA West is probably the closest thing we will ever see. Lets all hope for stability.

You are right. Our experience of playing a decade as the only Texas program in the Sun Belt has effected my perspective on the issue.

I understand your point with the privates---but the AAC is and ACC are both loaded with privates and seem to have done ok. The ACC has a good P5 deal and the AAC did ok for G5 deal. That said, in general, I agree its probably better to have more big publics than small privates.

(02-02-2014 05:43 PM)Side Show Joe Wrote:  That would make for an awful lot of small private teams with limited attendance potential in one division. I don't think a G5 conference can excel at the FBS level with a division loaded down by small private universities. I would think it would make it hard to negotiate a good media deal. I don't see a new SWC ever forming. C-USA West is probably the closest thing we will ever see. Lets all hope for stability.

I agree. It is also harder to negotiate bowl tie-ins with four small private schools.

I think the AAC will regret the Tulsa add.

Rice is in a good place. Attendance has dogged the privates wherever we shared a conference.

At this point, I'm with most Miner fans....

MWC, or stay in CUSA. Other than Memphis, I won't miss games with any of the others. Maybe SMU a bit for a road trip, but Houston and Tulsa are having a down period, and their attendance hasn't been the type of atmosphere UTEP faced/created vs. UNM, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego St., Air Force. and so on. Even MWC fans often say "It's time for UTEP to come home". They appreciate UTEP.

If we took a partner- Rice has been a solid sibling to UTEP, UTSA has the potential, and North Texas has the UTEP Alumni in their backyard. So, they are almost all on an even level to me.