(09-03-2018 04:07 PM)Purplehazed Wrote:  

(09-03-2018 03:54 PM)NJDuke97 Wrote:  In order to see the difference you have to first acknowledge that there is a difference to being in the AAC and the CUSA and Sun Belt. The AAC is the clear 6th conference- there are several big schools and programs in the AAC with fan support and interest that is in line with the P5. Even their geographic footprint (some Texas some Florida) screams high level recruiting, bigger venues and bigger fan support. On occasion they knock on the playoff door and maybe just maybe more so as time goes on. It's a perfect aspirational fit for JMU and one that can be had without a middle step.

All I am saying is that JMU should explore all options to get to the AAC. We know the outcome will be different than ODU and more in line with App State based on what our eyes show us on the field on gameday. We know the support will be there to go to the next level. JMU/Bourne should explore a waiver because they understand that the AAC is different and that JMU fits in the conference as well. It's worth sticking your neck out for. Best case the NCAA grants the waiver and it eliminates one obstacle to gaining membership in the AAC. Worst case news leaks and people come away saying hmmm JMU thinks they are FBS ready today- well now that I look at it they are. It's not a punch line like Liberty it's a statement and I think a fair one to make.

We need news out there that JMU is ready for FBS and a vibe that the JMU admin has the grit to call the AAC and say "you need JMU and here is why."

I used to be over the top calling JB a liar (he has lied but...) Anyway, the time to sit quiet is over. JB's No Reservations article is a start but go even more bold. Make some public noise... Until JMU makes a bold statement, the apologist will have to be ready to jump in with an apology. They seem to be on a FCS power is better than G5 forever campaign already.

I see both sides and have been on both sides. The G5 in it's current state (I'm not including the AAC because I buy into their hype around a P6) and the fact that you have to transition to take away some of the momentum that the program has right now have been deterrents for me. It's why I agree with where we are now.

I see a waiver of the transition period as a loop hole that should be pushed and explored by JMU. JMU is FBS ready and FBS ready to compete at a pretty high level today. The AAC with no transition period is the play- it makes sense for JMU and for the AAC to have this happen quickly so that the impact can be more immediate. I'd obviously be ok with an AAC invite with a transition but I don't think the AAC and their members would be. It's why JMU has to go to the NCAA to get that part taken care of to help make the AAC's decision easier.

(09-03-2018 04:07 PM)Purplehazed Wrote:  "you need JMU and here is why."

What is the why from the AAC perspective?
What is the compelling reason for the AAC to change its current structure?

(09-03-2018 09:30 PM)DevilDawg Wrote:  

(09-03-2018 04:07 PM)Purplehazed Wrote:  "you need JMU and here is why."

What is the why from the AAC perspective?
What is the compelling reason for the AAC to change its current structure?

-State of Virginia
-Strong fan base
-Strong budget/commitment
-Strong facilities
-COA in place
-Geographic fit...

Hell, I don't know, I am not the poster(s) on this board claiming JMU is going to go from caa/fcs to the AAC. I'd love it, yes...!

We need a plan. All I see now is propaganda that that the fcs is not all that bad. That is not a plan. I am not the AD. I have asked the AD for the plan, even a grey shaded version of a plan. I don't think we have a plan besides spending money to ensure we can beat the **** out of every fcs program in the country while NDSU becomes the next Montana and disappears.

It's a crawl, walk, run strategy...they need to convince Alger, the board, alumni (the small-time thinkers), and the 'burg on this. If Alger is on board, and if we see them solicit input from the different stakeholders, then you better believe this is a "go" already - we are in the age of consensus building vs Carrier-knows-best days

(09-03-2018 12:27 PM)Purplehazed Wrote:  

(09-03-2018 11:09 AM)Smokey 1 Wrote:  Apparently you all want to be the next ODU.

I want to be the next App State....remember App State, they were our biggest rival a few years ago?

Claiming "you want to be the next ODU" is going to become a tired message really fast...and sad too.

What is the point of being "ready" if being ready leads to nothing other than outspending your competition 10x and chest beating.

My fear is Bourne/JMU know damn well that JMU is going nowhere and telling fbs hopeful fans "we are ready" to keep seats filled and donations trending.

JMU can't be ready forever and spending to get ready and not acting is asset mismanagement...we are 10 years into "being ready" now and we are ready now...we need to push the initiative or admit JMU excels at beating up the weak.

Isn’t outspending everyone what Ohio State and Alabama do? It is also what the Redskins did before salary caps were put into place in the NFL.

JMU has found a place it can excel and yet there are still a few who will constantly complain about how they are doing it.

Haze, you are back to your old tricks again. The reality has not changed for JMU. They don’t control their own destiny. They can’t force change. They must wait for the G5 to reorganize. Right now, they continue to prepare for that day by upgrading facilities and adding COA. They have put FBS on notice by declaring their readiness and yet, it still isn’t enough for you.

I had started to read your posts again. Guess that is a mistake.

(09-04-2018 06:34 AM)JMUNation Wrote:  

(09-03-2018 12:27 PM)Purplehazed Wrote:  

(09-03-2018 11:09 AM)Smokey 1 Wrote:  Apparently you all want to be the next ODU.

I want to be the next App State....remember App State, they were our biggest rival a few years ago?

Claiming "you want to be the next ODU" is going to become a tired message really fast...and sad too.

What is the point of being "ready" if being ready leads to nothing other than outspending your competition 10x and chest beating.

My fear is Bourne/JMU know damn well that JMU is going nowhere and telling fbs hopeful fans "we are ready" to keep seats filled and donations trending.

JMU can't be ready forever and spending to get ready and not acting is asset mismanagement...we are 10 years into "being ready" now and we are ready now...we need to push the initiative or admit JMU excels at beating up the weak.

Isn’t outspending everyone what Ohio State and Alabama do? It is also what the Redskins did before salary caps were put into place in the NFL.

JMU has found a place it can excel and yet there are still a few who will constantly complain about how they are doing it.

Haze, you are back to your old tricks again. The reality has not changed for JMU. They don’t control their own destiny. They can’t force change. They must wait for the G5 to reorganize. Right now, they continue to prepare for that day by upgrading facilities and adding COA. They have put FBS on notice by declaring their readiness and yet, it still isn’t enough for you.

I had started to read your posts again. Guess that is a mistake.

For all I know they may be doing more but I think Liberty getting an exception opened the door to the conversation around another type of waiver.

That's something more that JMU should explore IMO only because it helps their position in getting in the AAC a league that admin and fans would have to admit is worth jumping to.

If it doesn't happen at least you explored it- I'd still prefer to stay in the current state rather than move to CUSA, Sun Belt, Mac or independent. Direct to the AAC is the only path that makes sense and is a dramatic improvement over the current situation in terms of upside, exposure, level of competition etc.

I wouldn't suggest this path if I didn't believe that JMU was FBS ready at a high level. Saturday's game just proves what most have come around to recognize (people outside the JMU program and fans from other teams as well). JMU isn't just a nice FCS story or team. JMU is a really good football program. It's been built over decades but in the time that Mike Houston has been here it's gone from 0 to 50 very quickly. The caliber of recruit, the caliber of athlete, the toughness that the team plays with. It is an FBS team and a good one despite the current label. Most programs need the transition period to get their house in order and get ready for the higher level of play. JMU doesn't. They could join a conference next year and compete with the top half of the league and play in a bowl. Much like Marshall did in 96-97.

A few notes in no particular odor...

1. Last week the venues and dates were announced for the 4-team playoffs in D1A CFB for the next 8 years -- that's thru 2026.

2. While contracts can always be amended/adjusted, it is unlikely any movement/expansion in the D1A CFB from 4 teams will take place until the initial contract ends and/or is renegotiated for extension beyond the end.

3. The AAC Commissioner (Aresco) even stated he is not yet convinced the playoffs should expand beyond 4, which is a little surprising considering what his/their UCF team did last year. He said this back in January AFTER the playoffs were completed, btw. Maybe he'll change his stance. The fan in me would love to see D1A CFB expand to 8 or 12 teams, but the realist in me thinks it is unlikely to happen. And, if it does, the even stronger realist in me believes the G5 will not be invited with any automatic bids or guarantees.

4. Speaking of the AAC, I see no compelling reason for them to expand beyond their current configuration. When they added Wichita State for MBB to be the 12th member with Navy being the 12th for FB, I think they are pretty much set. The only thing that could shake things up is if UConn were to leave by dropping FB to Independent status and they join the Big East (mainly for hoops), but I don't see that happening. Likelihood less than 5% - at least for the next 8 years, perhaps beyond that.

5. JMU MBB needs to step up and quickly to improve the portfolio. UB&TC is a huge step. The quality of product on the floor is critical. JMU will look a whoooooole lot better to the schools that take MBB very seriously if we could go on a run over the next 8 years with multiple runs to the NCAAT. This upcoming winter is a critical season for Louis Rowe and the program's future (including needing to sign another strong class of recruits). Looking at the AAC, schools like Memphis, UConn, Cincinnati, Houston, Wichita State (half a vote???), etc., take MBB seriously and will be looking at that with great interest in terms of what you bring to the table. While the rest of JMU's Athletics portfolio (less baseball perhaps) is attractive, there's still no debate that FB and MBB are driving the bus - and likely always will.

(09-04-2018 07:45 AM)Wear Purple Wrote:  ...
5. JMU MBB needs to step up and quickly to improve the portfolio. UB&TC is a huge step. ...

Holy crap i wish that place were opening next month. We need it so so so bad.

(09-03-2018 09:43 PM)Purplehazed Wrote:  

(09-03-2018 09:30 PM)DevilDawg Wrote:  

(09-03-2018 04:07 PM)Purplehazed Wrote:  "you need JMU and here is why."

What is the why from the AAC perspective?
What is the compelling reason for the AAC to change its current structure?

-State of Virginia
-Strong fan base
-Strong budget/commitment
-Strong facilities
-COA in place
-Geographic fit...

Hell, I don't know, I am not the poster(s) on this board claiming JMU is going to go from caa/fcs to the AAC. I'd love it, yes...!

We need a plan. All I see now is propaganda that that the fcs is not all that bad. That is not a plan. I am not the AD. I have asked the AD for the plan, even a grey shaded version of a plan. I don't think we have a plan besides spending money to ensure we can beat the **** out of every fcs program in the country while NDSU becomes the next Montana and disappears.

All you need to do to go from CAA | AAC is a mirror.

(09-03-2018 09:43 PM)Purplehazed Wrote:  

(09-03-2018 09:30 PM)DevilDawg Wrote:  

(09-03-2018 04:07 PM)Purplehazed Wrote:  "you need JMU and here is why."

What is the why from the AAC perspective?
What is the compelling reason for the AAC to change its current structure?

-State of Virginia
-Strong fan base
-Strong budget/commitment
-Strong facilities
-COA in place
-Geographic fit...

Hell, I don't know, I am not the poster(s) on this board claiming JMU is going to go from caa/fcs to the AAC. I'd love it, yes...!

We need a plan. All I see now is propaganda that that the fcs is not all that bad. That is not a plan. I am not the AD. I have asked the AD for the plan, even a grey shaded version of a plan. I don't think we have a plan besides spending money to ensure we can beat the **** out of every fcs program in the country while NDSU becomes the next Montana and disappears.

I would add we travel well, although you could argue that is covered in strong fan base. Many NC State fans remarked how well we travelled. Imagine if we were FBS and had regular rivals. One thing JMU alums do, is show up and show out. Ask the Nationals, Fedex field, Frisco Texas, SMU, UofR, and on and on and on.

(09-04-2018 02:47 PM)PGJMU2 Wrote:  

(09-03-2018 09:43 PM)Purplehazed Wrote:  

(09-03-2018 09:30 PM)DevilDawg Wrote:  

(09-03-2018 04:07 PM)Purplehazed Wrote:  "you need JMU and here is why."

What is the why from the AAC perspective?
What is the compelling reason for the AAC to change its current structure?

-State of Virginia
-Strong fan base
-Strong budget/commitment
-Strong facilities
-COA in place
-Geographic fit...

Hell, I don't know, I am not the poster(s) on this board claiming JMU is going to go from caa/fcs to the AAC. I'd love it, yes...!

We need a plan. All I see now is propaganda that that the fcs is not all that bad. That is not a plan. I am not the AD. I have asked the AD for the plan, even a grey shaded version of a plan. I don't think we have a plan besides spending money to ensure we can beat the **** out of every fcs program in the country while NDSU becomes the next Montana and disappears.

I would add we travel well, although you could argue that is covered in strong fan base. Many NC State fans remarked how well we travelled. Imagine if we were FBS and had regular rivals. One thing JMU alums do, is show up and show out. Ask the Nationals, Fedex field, Frisco Texas, SMU, UofR, and on and on and on.

While not as big as DC/NoVa/Richmond/Tidewater, JMU is starting to develop a National alumni fanbase. Met several JMU folks at NC St who had traveled from other areas (Texas, Florida, SC) to be at this game. Same thing happened at our last CGD, and Frisco. The typical story is they try to attend at least one or two JMU games each year, sometimes in HBurg, sometimes elsewhere. They are diehard fans who root hard.

Not sure how many total fans we have that fit this profile, but our fanbase is no longer purely a regional DC one, it reaches beyond that. This is a very positive thing that not all schools have. If we can further develop a national following, it greatly increases the value JMU brings, and can benefit from in terms of merchandising, media deals, etc.

Traveling well will definitely help JMU's persona. We need to assure we show up this Saturday night at NSU. Makes perfect sense for folks to gobble up tickets and make a long weekend out of trips to NC State or Frisco. When so-called greener pastures will really notice is when we show up big in road-game-takeover-mode for the lesser opponents and by all means we need to start selling out home playoff games in December. When we have every seat accounted for in BFS in December, it will definitely be a very positive sign. Same for MBB, though I fully understand the product on the court needs to significantly improve to have any kind of reasonable expectations of that happening.

(09-04-2018 04:52 PM)Wear Purple Wrote:  Traveling well will definitely help JMU's persona. We need to assure we show up this Saturday night at NSU. Makes perfect sense for folks to gobble up tickets and make a long weekend out of trips to NC State or Frisco. When so-called greener pastures will really notice is when we show up big in road-game-takeover-mode for the lesser opponents and by all means we need to start selling out home playoff games in December. When we have every seat accounted for in BFS in December, it will definitely be a very positive sign. Same for MBB, though I fully understand the product on the court needs to significantly improve to have any kind of reasonable expectations of that happening.

Let's pray it does.

(09-04-2018 07:45 AM)Wear Purple Wrote:  A few notes in no particular odor...

1. Last week the venues and dates were announced for the 4-team playoffs in D1A CFB for the next 8 years -- that's thru 2026.

2. While contracts can always be amended/adjusted, it is unlikely any movement/expansion in the D1A CFB from 4 teams will take place until the initial contract ends and/or is renegotiated for extension beyond the end.

3. The AAC Commissioner (Aresco) even stated he is not yet convinced the playoffs should expand beyond 4, which is a little surprising considering what his/their UCF team did last year. He said this back in January AFTER the playoffs were completed, btw. Maybe he'll change his stance. The fan in me would love to see D1A CFB expand to 8 or 12 teams, but the realist in me thinks it is unlikely to happen. And, if it does, the even stronger realist in me believes the G5 will not be invited with any automatic bids or guarantees.

4. Speaking of the AAC, I see no compelling reason for them to expand beyond their current configuration. When they added Wichita State for MBB to be the 12th member with Navy being the 12th for FB, I think they are pretty much set. The only thing that could shake things up is if UConn were to leave by dropping FB to Independent status and they join the Big East (mainly for hoops), but I don't see that happening. Likelihood less than 5% - at least for the next 8 years, perhaps beyond that.

5. JMU MBB needs to step up and quickly to improve the portfolio. UB&TC is a huge step. The quality of product on the floor is critical. JMU will look a whoooooole lot better to the schools that take MBB very seriously if we could go on a run over the next 8 years with multiple runs to the NCAAT. This upcoming winter is a critical season for Louis Rowe and the program's future (including needing to sign another strong class of recruits). Looking at the AAC, schools like Memphis, UConn, Cincinnati, Houston, Wichita State (half a vote???), etc., take MBB seriously and will be looking at that with great interest in terms of what you bring to the table. While the rest of JMU's Athletics portfolio (less baseball perhaps) is attractive, there's still no debate that FB and MBB are driving the bus - and likely always will.

All valid points just consider that:

A) Football often drives the bus with conference movement. Agreed that JMU MBB being respectable can only help and the new arena was a pre-requisite but the AAC would be adding JMU for their football program and the revenue from football for the conference dwarfs hoops.

Part of the reason why Umass makes some sense over others that could move without any disruption (Army, Buffalo, etc.) is their geographic fit and also based on some perception that they bring a good hoops program (although I'd argue that they really haven't been for some time).

They have an ex rivalry with Temple (Umass and Temple glory days) and a rivalry with UConn that could generate some hoops interest. They in a way offset JMU's poor hoops the same way JMU offsets their weak football. The two schools compliment one another and appease all members- i.e. adding one tough football program and balancing it with one cupcake (easier win for conference members) one tough hoops but beatable hoops team who won't kill your rpi and another hoops team who is an easy win but will drag down the rpi (i.e. ECU).

Bottom line root for Umass hoops this season to do well to make positioning this package deal that much more palatable.

B) Not sure how Wichita State and Navy would vote on conference changes that impact all sports and football but I am assuming their votes carry less weight than the other members

C) I don't think UConn has much of a leg to stand on at this point- they have no where to go really and their hoops program is in rebuild mode.

D) regarding the current playoff system- even without changes a move to the AAC makes sense for the opportunity to play in the NYD Bowl Game where the highest G5 gets to play a P5. I.e. UCF vs Auburn. That game alone is a boon for the conference and the school. The AAC is as well positioned to have a representative in the game as any non P5. While the current system isn't ideal if JMU somehow had an opportunity to join a conference with the inside track to that spot you take it. The exposure and revenue from that one game is so significant and if you ever win it literally make your program- Boise State over Oklahoma, UCF over Auburn. Now both are perennial top 25 schools.

E) there may be a benefit to expanding now for the AAC to have depth/insurance for the next shift where they could stand to lose Memphis, UCF, Houston and or Cincy and also in advance of their next media deal especially if the expansion will strengthen their football membership and give them exposure in other media markets. JMU is proactive in seeking the waiver and AAC is proactive in adding members.

Man some of you all are:

D-E-L-U-S-I-O-N-A-L

Why stop at the AAC delusion, why not shoot for the ACC or even SEC. I bet they would have a bidding war over you if you played it right.

(09-04-2018 09:29 PM)NJDuke97 Wrote:  

(09-04-2018 07:45 AM)Wear Purple Wrote:  A few notes in no particular odor...

1. Last week the venues and dates were announced for the 4-team playoffs in D1A CFB for the next 8 years -- that's thru 2026.

2. While contracts can always be amended/adjusted, it is unlikely any movement/expansion in the D1A CFB from 4 teams will take place until the initial contract ends and/or is renegotiated for extension beyond the end.

3. The AAC Commissioner (Aresco) even stated he is not yet convinced the playoffs should expand beyond 4, which is a little surprising considering what his/their UCF team did last year. He said this back in January AFTER the playoffs were completed, btw. Maybe he'll change his stance. The fan in me would love to see D1A CFB expand to 8 or 12 teams, but the realist in me thinks it is unlikely to happen. And, if it does, the even stronger realist in me believes the G5 will not be invited with any automatic bids or guarantees.

4. Speaking of the AAC, I see no compelling reason for them to expand beyond their current configuration. When they added Wichita State for MBB to be the 12th member with Navy being the 12th for FB, I think they are pretty much set. The only thing that could shake things up is if UConn were to leave by dropping FB to Independent status and they join the Big East (mainly for hoops), but I don't see that happening. Likelihood less than 5% - at least for the next 8 years, perhaps beyond that.

5. JMU MBB needs to step up and quickly to improve the portfolio. UB&TC is a huge step. The quality of product on the floor is critical. JMU will look a whoooooole lot better to the schools that take MBB very seriously if we could go on a run over the next 8 years with multiple runs to the NCAAT. This upcoming winter is a critical season for Louis Rowe and the program's future (including needing to sign another strong class of recruits). Looking at the AAC, schools like Memphis, UConn, Cincinnati, Houston, Wichita State (half a vote???), etc., take MBB seriously and will be looking at that with great interest in terms of what you bring to the table. While the rest of JMU's Athletics portfolio (less baseball perhaps) is attractive, there's still no debate that FB and MBB are driving the bus - and likely always will.

All valid points just consider that:

A) Football often drives the bus with conference movement. Agreed that JMU MBB being respectable can only help and the new arena was a pre-requisite but the AAC would be adding JMU for their football program and the revenue from football for the conference dwarfs hoops.

Part of the reason why Umass makes some sense over others that could move without any disruption (Army, Buffalo, etc.) is their geographic fit and also based on some perception that they bring a good hoops program (although I'd argue that they really haven't been for some time).

They have an ex rivalry with Temple (Umass and Temple glory days) and a rivalry with UConn that could generate some hoops interest. They in a way offset JMU's poor hoops the same way JMU offsets their weak football. The two schools compliment one another and appease all members- i.e. adding one tough football program and balancing it with one cupcake (easier win for conference members) one tough hoops but beatable hoops team who won't kill your rpi and another hoops team who is an easy win but will drag down the rpi (i.e. ECU).

Bottom line root for Umass hoops this season to do well to make positioning this package deal that much more palatable.

B) Not sure how Wichita State and Navy would vote on conference changes that impact all sports and football but I am assuming their votes carry less weight than the other members

C) I don't think UConn has much of a leg to stand on at this point- they have no where to go really and their hoops program is in rebuild mode.

D) regarding the current playoff system- even without changes a move to the AAC makes sense for the opportunity to play in the NYD Bowl Game where the highest G5 gets to play a P5. I.e. UCF vs Auburn. That game alone is a boon for the conference and the school. The AAC is as well positioned to have a representative in the game as any non P5. While the current system isn't ideal if JMU somehow had an opportunity to join a conference with the inside track to that spot you take it. The exposure and revenue from that one game is so significant and if you ever win it literally make your program- Boise State over Oklahoma, UCF over Auburn. Now both are perennial top 25 schools.

E) there may be a benefit to expanding now for the AAC to have depth/insurance for the next shift where they could stand to lose Memphis, UCF, Houston and or Cincy and also in advance of their next media deal especially if the expansion will strengthen their football membership and give them exposure in other media markets. JMU is proactive in seeking the waiver and AAC is proactive in adding members.

Navy and WSU get full votes

(09-04-2018 10:46 PM)Pony94 Wrote:  

(09-04-2018 09:29 PM)NJDuke97 Wrote:  

(09-04-2018 07:45 AM)Wear Purple Wrote:  A few notes in no particular odor...

1. Last week the venues and dates were announced for the 4-team playoffs in D1A CFB for the next 8 years -- that's thru 2026.

2. While contracts can always be amended/adjusted, it is unlikely any movement/expansion in the D1A CFB from 4 teams will take place until the initial contract ends and/or is renegotiated for extension beyond the end.

3. The AAC Commissioner (Aresco) even stated he is not yet convinced the playoffs should expand beyond 4, which is a little surprising considering what his/their UCF team did last year. He said this back in January AFTER the playoffs were completed, btw. Maybe he'll change his stance. The fan in me would love to see D1A CFB expand to 8 or 12 teams, but the realist in me thinks it is unlikely to happen. And, if it does, the even stronger realist in me believes the G5 will not be invited with any automatic bids or guarantees.

4. Speaking of the AAC, I see no compelling reason for them to expand beyond their current configuration. When they added Wichita State for MBB to be the 12th member with Navy being the 12th for FB, I think they are pretty much set. The only thing that could shake things up is if UConn were to leave by dropping FB to Independent status and they join the Big East (mainly for hoops), but I don't see that happening. Likelihood less than 5% - at least for the next 8 years, perhaps beyond that.

5. JMU MBB needs to step up and quickly to improve the portfolio. UB&TC is a huge step. The quality of product on the floor is critical. JMU will look a whoooooole lot better to the schools that take MBB very seriously if we could go on a run over the next 8 years with multiple runs to the NCAAT. This upcoming winter is a critical season for Louis Rowe and the program's future (including needing to sign another strong class of recruits). Looking at the AAC, schools like Memphis, UConn, Cincinnati, Houston, Wichita State (half a vote???), etc., take MBB seriously and will be looking at that with great interest in terms of what you bring to the table. While the rest of JMU's Athletics portfolio (less baseball perhaps) is attractive, there's still no debate that FB and MBB are driving the bus - and likely always will.

All valid points just consider that:

A) Football often drives the bus with conference movement. Agreed that JMU MBB being respectable can only help and the new arena was a pre-requisite but the AAC would be adding JMU for their football program and the revenue from football for the conference dwarfs hoops.

Part of the reason why Umass makes some sense over others that could move without any disruption (Army, Buffalo, etc.) is their geographic fit and also based on some perception that they bring a good hoops program (although I'd argue that they really haven't been for some time).

They have an ex rivalry with Temple (Umass and Temple glory days) and a rivalry with UConn that could generate some hoops interest. They in a way offset JMU's poor hoops the same way JMU offsets their weak football. The two schools compliment one another and appease all members- i.e. adding one tough football program and balancing it with one cupcake (easier win for conference members) one tough hoops but beatable hoops team who won't kill your rpi and another hoops team who is an easy win but will drag down the rpi (i.e. ECU).

Bottom line root for Umass hoops this season to do well to make positioning this package deal that much more palatable.

B) Not sure how Wichita State and Navy would vote on conference changes that impact all sports and football but I am assuming their votes carry less weight than the other members

C) I don't think UConn has much of a leg to stand on at this point- they have no where to go really and their hoops program is in rebuild mode.

D) regarding the current playoff system- even without changes a move to the AAC makes sense for the opportunity to play in the NYD Bowl Game where the highest G5 gets to play a P5. I.e. UCF vs Auburn. That game alone is a boon for the conference and the school. The AAC is as well positioned to have a representative in the game as any non P5. While the current system isn't ideal if JMU somehow had an opportunity to join a conference with the inside track to that spot you take it. The exposure and revenue from that one game is so significant and if you ever win it literally make your program- Boise State over Oklahoma, UCF over Auburn. Now both are perennial top 25 schools.

E) there may be a benefit to expanding now for the AAC to have depth/insurance for the next shift where they could stand to lose Memphis, UCF, Houston and or Cincy and also in advance of their next media deal especially if the expansion will strengthen their football membership and give them exposure in other media markets. JMU is proactive in seeking the waiver and AAC is proactive in adding members.

Navy and WSU get full votes

Interesting, not sure why, but okay...

No real good place to put this but interesting nonetheless...

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/...pay-limits

For athletes and their advocates, that’s a long-deserved cut of the billions that coaches, schools and athletics departments make off their games. For the National Collegiate Athletic Association, it’s a threat to an amateur model that the organization contends is vital to drawing fans and ensuring that athletes are incorporated into academic life.

The two sides are squaring off before the same judge in Oakland, California, who four years ago sided with athletes in ruling that the NCAA’s rules limiting compensation are anti-competitive. But this time the stakes are higher.

"This is huge with a capital H," said Jim Livengood, who spent 28 years as a Division I athletic director. "In fact, you might as well capitalize all the other letters too. It has the potential to be that moment where, 10 years from now, we look back and say, ’That’s when everything changed.’"

(09-05-2018 06:44 AM)Wear Purple Wrote:  No real good place to put this but interesting nonetheless...

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/...pay-limits

For athletes and their advocates, that’s a long-deserved cut of the billions that coaches, schools and athletics departments make off their games. For the National Collegiate Athletic Association, it’s a threat to an amateur model that the organization contends is vital to drawing fans and ensuring that athletes are incorporated into academic life.

The two sides are squaring off before the same judge in Oakland, California, who four years ago sided with athletes in ruling that the NCAA’s rules limiting compensation are anti-competitive. But this time the stakes are higher.

"This is huge with a capital H," said Jim Livengood, who spent 28 years as a Division I athletic director. "In fact, you might as well capitalize all the other letters too. It has the potential to be that moment where, 10 years from now, we look back and say, ’That’s when everything changed.’"

Interesting article. If the NCAA loses, I would imagine this would trigger the P5 split and the G5 reorganization.

Maybe ODU can become the travel partner for JMU to move to AAC (without a transition period) as part of a Northern Division. I think it's a little too much Virginia for a conference that is historically spread out but if you want to get traction in a market JMU/ODU would give you access to Virginia's big media markets as well as DC. Just not sure UMass is the partner school that makes it work with the AAC. It's a shame Buffalo is geographically an outlier- they would be a good partner school. Army is another possibility.