My how things have changed..................
I've been hesitant to initiate this discussion, as there's really not much effect to trickle down to ETSU or the SoCon anytime soon - but one never knows.
I think many/most know UConn is "going home" to the Big East, leaving a 'hole' in the AAC. Most pundits seem to think the AAC will stay as it is, with that loss, and not choose to add another team back in. BUT.............just having that conversation brings up interesting scenarios.
And the reason I put this as an appendage to this old thread is because UAB, with their fantastically successful football revival, is certainly in that conversation. Here's a couple of links to show the lay of the land. Folks on the UAB board have been talking this up a storm since the UConn news. There are several threads there to peruse, should one have the interest, but this one is as good as any to get started:
UAB to position themselves to move?
The "BOT" in that thread is in reference to the U of A Board of Trustees, who have apparently already given their approval for UAB to move (up?), or explore such an option.
Linked elsewhere on that site, is a very interesting article:
2019 realignment - or not?
Quite an interesting perspective.
By the way........and as sorta a "p.s.".........the overall growth at UAB has apparently been quite phenomenal since football came back. They apparently didn't get the paul stanton memo.