(09-12-2021 05:38 PM)BigHouston Wrote:  

(09-12-2021 02:21 PM)gulfcoastgal Wrote:  

(09-12-2021 02:11 PM)msm96wolf Wrote:  As much as it pains me to say it, App State is the most consistent and strongest football in NC. They have commitment and are use to winning no matter the level. If they get more money coming in, they will only improve and build more seats into Kidd-Brewer. Know many from Raleigh that make the trips to the Boone when they play.

Agree, I think that’s one program that could really benefit from AAC membership…$, exposure and brand building.

But wouldn’t the addition of App State to AAC further freeze East Carolina from reviving their football program?!?

Look at ECU since the creation of the AAC. Being in the Sunbelt did not stop App from being better than ECU. Actually, I am not sure if any North Carolina ACC program is truly better than them. App St ran over UNC when they played two years ago. I stated before, App has been the most consistent program in the last 20 years in NC. No matter what conference, they succeed.

(09-13-2021 03:23 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(09-11-2021 05:48 PM)GoldenWarrior11 Wrote:  I would say by early-November, at the latest.

To me, it is fascinating thinking about the voting blocks that remain within the AAC.

Temple, IMO, is likely on an island. They would love a Buffalo, a Marshall, Old Dominion, etc., in order to create at least one travel partner. They would also like a member that is competitive in hoops.

I think SMU, Tulsa, Wichita State and Navy are also a group. They would desire to keep more of a southwestern presence for many reasons.

ECU and USF are similar to me as well. They could care less about basketball, but would like a regional football partner that can support and sustain football.

Memphis can be similar with both SMU and USF in seeking a football power, but, differently, would also want a basketball program to help maintain the league as a high-major.

Thus, could it be where each block gets a pick? All - UAB. Temple - Marshall. Memphis/ECU/USF - Old Dominion. SMU/Tulsa/Navy/Wichita - Rice.

Marshall doesn't help Temple's geography. Marshall is farther away from Temple than ECU is. Marshall is 510 miles from Temple, ECU is only 410 miles away. BTW I didn't even realize this but Buffalo is only barely closer to Temple than ECU is. Buffalo is 398 miles from Temple. ODU is actually the closest add you can make for them by far at only 280 miles away.

Yeah, it’s obvious that people on here have no general sense of where Temple is located in relation to these other universities. Milwaukee is less than 30 miles further from Huntington than Philadelphia is. If Marshall or Buffalo are invited it will be for reasons other than as Temple’s travel partner. As long as Temple sponsors G5 football it’s going to be geographically isolated.

As I’ve stated on here before I think location will will make ODU a stronger candidate than they likely otherwise are. They are the only G5 located directly between ECU and Temple. There are good reason for the AAC to be hesitant about ODU (and plenty of others), but they’ve got something in their favor that none of the other realistic candidates do.

(09-13-2021 03:35 PM)esayem Wrote:  Ask yourself “who is voting?”

Navy
Temple
East Carolina
South Florida
Memphis
Tulane
Southern Methodist
Tulsa
Wichita State

I’m still predicting Marshall, Old Dominion, UAB, and Rice. This is basically the C-USA 2.0 lineup with ODU in place of Southern Miss.

BUT, I think UMass is a stronger candidate than people would like to admit. They’re in the same boat as UNCC with the need to expand their stadium, but they’re a better school. I also place them ahead of Buffalo. If their basketball program can get their pulse back they’d be in my top 4 in place of Marshall or ODU.

Other bold predictions:

UNT and UTSA end up in the MWC. Maybe UTEP, but I think the MWC wants Central exposure.

UConn, UMass, Liberty, and NMSU become C-USA football affiliates. Possible FCS schools looked at for full membership. EKU?

Southern Miss might end up joining the Sun Belt with a Florida school.

The closest thing to a sure thing are UAB, Rice and ODU. Beyond those three, I like Charlotte as the AAC's other choice to get back to 12 schools.

(09-13-2021 03:54 PM)LostInSpace Wrote:  

(09-13-2021 03:23 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(09-11-2021 05:48 PM)GoldenWarrior11 Wrote:  I would say by early-November, at the latest.

To me, it is fascinating thinking about the voting blocks that remain within the AAC.

Temple, IMO, is likely on an island. They would love a Buffalo, a Marshall, Old Dominion, etc., in order to create at least one travel partner. They would also like a member that is competitive in hoops.

I think SMU, Tulsa, Wichita State and Navy are also a group. They would desire to keep more of a southwestern presence for many reasons.

ECU and USF are similar to me as well. They could care less about basketball, but would like a regional football partner that can support and sustain football.

Memphis can be similar with both SMU and USF in seeking a football power, but, differently, would also want a basketball program to help maintain the league as a high-major.

Thus, could it be where each block gets a pick? All - UAB. Temple - Marshall. Memphis/ECU/USF - Old Dominion. SMU/Tulsa/Navy/Wichita - Rice.

Marshall doesn't help Temple's geography. Marshall is farther away from Temple than ECU is. Marshall is 510 miles from Temple, ECU is only 410 miles away. BTW I didn't even realize this but Buffalo is only barely closer to Temple than ECU is. Buffalo is 398 miles from Temple. ODU is actually the closest add you can make for them by far at only 280 miles away.

Yeah, it’s obvious that people on here have no general sense of where Temple is located in relation to these other universities. Milwaukee is less than 30 miles further from Huntington than Philadelphia is. If Marshall or Buffalo are invited it will be for reasons other than as Temple’s travel partner. As long as Temple sponsors G5 football it’s going to be geographically isolated.

As I’ve stated on here before I think location will will make ODU a stronger candidate than they likely otherwise are. They are the only G5 located directly between ECU and Temple. There are good reason for the AAC to be hesitant about ODU (and plenty of others), but they’ve got something in their favor that none of the other realistic candidates do.

ODU picked a really bad time to take an entire season off and go into the crapper. If they were even remotely palatable as an on the field product I'd agree with you. Again one of the many reasons I think the AAC doesn't go beyond 10 if it's just eastern additions.

(09-13-2021 03:35 PM)esayem Wrote:  Ask yourself “who is voting?”

Navy
Temple
East Carolina
South Florida
Memphis
Tulane
Southern Methodist
Tulsa
Wichita State

Does anyone have a link to a source that shows whether or not Navy and Wichita State get votes on AAC expansion?

The old Big East ByLaws, which became the American basically state that Football schools get to vote on Football, Basketball schools on Basketball (Olympic sports members).

So Navy would vote on Football membership, Wichita State on non-football membership.

Presidents vote not ADs. But they listen to them and also the network consultants.

To me it's super obvious who the best four are: San Diego State, Fresno State, Boise State and Colorado State. Army would be nice but no reason to think they change stance. Air Force is the least valuable of the academies, and they are zero help in basketball, and they have nowhere to put their Olympic sports. Those are the six schools with AAC level resources, and they are pretty solid brands.

If you want "stretch" resource programs then you are looking at Rice, UAB and arguably ODU --but I don't think so. Frankly I see these two as fall backs for any of the MWC you fail to get. And the MWC all center on Boise State. If they break for the AAC then at least one and probably all three of the other "State" schools I like from MWC woudl be in play.

They have 4 1/2 months to get the first one for next year. The others can follow a year or two later. IMO it would be a mistake to take Rice or UAB before working Boise State. The whole concept is to create a western division where you can take those strong basketball programs (it'll give you one more at-large bid a year) and strip the MWC of their football power as well.

Any other strategy results in a reduced American, lower payouts and lower profile. UAB and Rice can always be tapped later.

(09-13-2021 05:02 PM)Stugray2 Wrote:  The old Big East ByLaws, which became the American basically state that Football schools get to vote on Football, Basketball schools on Basketball (Olympic sports members).

So Navy would vote on Football membership, Wichita State on non-football membership.

Presidents vote not ADs. But they listen to them and also the network consultants.

To me it's super obvious who the best four are: San Diego State, Fresno State, Boise State and Colorado State. Army would be nice but no reason to think they change stance. Air Force is the least valuable of the academies, and they are zero help in basketball, and they have nowhere to put their Olympic sports. Those are the six schools with AAC level resources, and they are pretty solid brands.

If you want "stretch" resource programs then you are looking at Rice, UAB and arguably ODU --but I don't think so. Frankly I see these two as fall backs for any of the MWC you fail to get. And the MWC all center on Boise State. If they break for the AAC then at least one and probably all three of the other "State" schools I like from MWC woudl be in play.

They have 4 1/2 months to get the first one for next year. The others can follow a year or two later. IMO it would be a mistake to take Rice or UAB before working Boise State. The whole concept is to create a western division where you can take those strong basketball programs (it'll give you one more at-large bid a year) and strip the MWC of their football power as well.

Any other strategy results in a reduced American, lower payouts and lower profile. UAB and Rice can always be tapped later.

Some of those MWC schools are holding onto the hope of getting into the Big 12 down the road. One ploy the AAC could use is to have a large exit fee except for an offer from the Big 12. Boise St especially might balk at an invite from the AAC if it would cost them another $10 million to leave for the Big 12 in 3 or 4 years.

(09-13-2021 05:02 PM)Stugray2 Wrote:  The old Big East ByLaws, which became the American basically state that Football schools get to vote on Football, Basketball schools on Basketball (Olympic sports members).

So Navy would vote on Football membership, Wichita State on non-football membership.

Presidents vote not ADs. But they listen to them and also the network consultants.

To me it's super obvious who the best four are: San Diego State, Fresno State, Boise State and Colorado State. Army would be nice but no reason to think they change stance. Air Force is the least valuable of the academies, and they are zero help in basketball, and they have nowhere to put their Olympic sports. Those are the six schools with AAC level resources, and they are pretty solid brands.

If you want "stretch" resource programs then you are looking at Rice, UAB and arguably ODU --but I don't think so. Frankly I see these two as fall backs for any of the MWC you fail to get. And the MWC all center on Boise State. If they break for the AAC then at least one and probably all three of the other "State" schools I like from MWC woudl be in play.

They have 4 1/2 months to get the first one for next year. The others can follow a year or two later. IMO it would be a mistake to take Rice or UAB before working Boise State. The whole concept is to create a western division where you can take those strong basketball programs (it'll give you one more at-large bid a year) and strip the MWC of their football power as well.

Any other strategy results in a reduced American, lower payouts and lower profile. UAB and Rice can always be tapped later.

Yes it’s obvious which four schools would add value—although I’d sub UNLV in over Fresno—but that doesn’t mean it’s worth it to those schools. Joining the AAC does absolutely nothing towards CSU and Boise St.’s goal of joining the Big XII. Every school potentially joining knows Memphis, USF, and SMU want out. It’s just not stable for SDSU or any other western school to join. I have yet to read a compelling argument against these factors.

(09-13-2021 03:45 PM)msm96wolf Wrote:  

(09-12-2021 05:38 PM)BigHouston Wrote:  

(09-12-2021 02:21 PM)gulfcoastgal Wrote:  

(09-12-2021 02:11 PM)msm96wolf Wrote:  As much as it pains me to say it, App State is the most consistent and strongest football in NC. They have commitment and are use to winning no matter the level. If they get more money coming in, they will only improve and build more seats into Kidd-Brewer. Know many from Raleigh that make the trips to the Boone when they play.

Agree, I think that’s one program that could really benefit from AAC membership…$, exposure and brand building.

But wouldn’t the addition of App State to AAC further freeze East Carolina from reviving their football program?!?

Look at ECU since the creation of the AAC. Being in the Sunbelt did not stop App from being better than ECU. Actually, I am not sure if any North Carolina ACC program is truly better than them. App St ran over UNC when they played two years ago. I stated before, App has been the most consistent program in the last 20 years in NC. No matter what conference, they succeed.

ECU destroyed ECU. It has nothing to do with the conference we're in. We'd see similar results of we were a SoCon school with the idiotic decisions our ex AD, ex prez and ex BOT made.

Regarding App, I sincerely hope they get in the AAC. I think they'd actually help ECU in the long run. We're slowly getting back but we've got another season at least.

Fwiw our first AAC season we were the first G5 program ranked in the top 25. Granted we didn't finish there but we won 8.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

(09-13-2021 12:59 PM)No Bull Wrote:  

(09-12-2021 05:38 PM)BigHouston Wrote:  

(09-12-2021 02:21 PM)gulfcoastgal Wrote:  

(09-12-2021 02:11 PM)msm96wolf Wrote:  As much as it pains me to say it, App State is the most consistent and strongest football in NC. They have commitment and are use to winning no matter the level. If they get more money coming in, they will only improve and build more seats into Kidd-Brewer. Know many from Raleigh that make the trips to the Boone when they play.

Agree, I think that’s one program that could really benefit from AAC membership…$, exposure and brand building.

But wouldn’t the addition of App State to AAC further freeze East Carolina from reviving their football program?!?

Appy is great program and everyone would love a road trip to ski country but their addition undercuts ECU and they bring a real small market. Southern Miss is in the same boat. They deserve to be in the American but it isn’t happening for them.

Nope. They'd help ECU. Rivalries (competition) forces you to get better. We've never had a true conference rival where we actually knew fans of the other programs. No offense to UCF, Marshall or USM but I can count on one hand the number of grads of those schools I've met in NC combined. In NC lots of people knows an App and/or ECU fan.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

There are a lot of Marshall grads in Charlotte. A lot.

(09-13-2021 03:59 PM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  

(09-13-2021 03:35 PM)esayem Wrote:  Ask yourself “who is voting?”

Navy
Temple
East Carolina
South Florida
Memphis
Tulane
Southern Methodist
Tulsa
Wichita State

I’m still predicting Marshall, Old Dominion, UAB, and Rice. This is basically the C-USA 2.0 lineup with ODU in place of Southern Miss.

BUT, I think UMass is a stronger candidate than people would like to admit. They’re in the same boat as UNCC with the need to expand their stadium, but they’re a better school. I also place them ahead of Buffalo. If their basketball program can get their pulse back they’d be in my top 4 in place of Marshall or ODU.

Other bold predictions:

UNT and UTSA end up in the MWC. Maybe UTEP, but I think the MWC wants Central exposure.

UConn, UMass, Liberty, and NMSU become C-USA football affiliates. Possible FCS schools looked at for full membership. EKU?

Southern Miss might end up joining the Sun Belt with a Florida school.

The closest thing to a sure thing are UAB, Rice and ODU. Beyond those three, I like Charlotte as the AAC's other choice to get back to 12 schools.

Buffalo would be a much better add than either UMass or Rice.

UMass is a state flagship school, like Buffalo, but unlike UMass, UB's FB and BB programs have played in multiple bowl games & NCAA tournaments in recent years.

Rice is an R1, AAU school, like Buffalo, but unlike Rice, Buffalo is a state flagship school. Moreover, UB has won an average of 9.7 FB games/year over the past 3 seasons (based on win pct in 2020 * 13 game season), and played in 4 of the past 6 NCAA tournaments, as well as the 2021 NIT.

Last, but not least, Buffalo's FB team was ranked #25 in the final 2020 AP poll, and their BB team finished with a #15 ranking in the final 2019 AP top 25.

UMass hasn't had a FB or BB team that finished in the final AP Top 25 since 1996.

Rice hasn't had a FB or BB team that finished in the final AP Top 25 since 1958.

(09-13-2021 07:36 PM)Milwaukee Wrote:  

(09-13-2021 03:59 PM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  

(09-13-2021 03:35 PM)esayem Wrote:  Ask yourself “who is voting?”

Navy
Temple
East Carolina
South Florida
Memphis
Tulane
Southern Methodist
Tulsa
Wichita State

I’m still predicting Marshall, Old Dominion, UAB, and Rice. This is basically the C-USA 2.0 lineup with ODU in place of Southern Miss.

BUT, I think UMass is a stronger candidate than people would like to admit. They’re in the same boat as UNCC with the need to expand their stadium, but they’re a better school. I also place them ahead of Buffalo. If their basketball program can get their pulse back they’d be in my top 4 in place of Marshall or ODU.

Other bold predictions:

UNT and UTSA end up in the MWC. Maybe UTEP, but I think the MWC wants Central exposure.

UConn, UMass, Liberty, and NMSU become C-USA football affiliates. Possible FCS schools looked at for full membership. EKU?

Southern Miss might end up joining the Sun Belt with a Florida school.

The closest thing to a sure thing are UAB, Rice and ODU. Beyond those three, I like Charlotte as the AAC's other choice to get back to 12 schools.

Buffalo would be a much better add than either UMass or Rice.

UMass is a state flagship school, like Buffalo, but unlike UMass, UB's FB and BB programs have played in multiple bowl games & NCAA tournaments in recent years.

Rice is an R1, AAU school, like Buffalo, but unlike Rice, Buffalo is a state flagship school. Moreover, UB has won an average of 9.7 FB games/year over the past 3 seasons (based on win pct in 2020 * 13 game season), and played in 4 of the past 6 NCAA tournaments, as well as the 2021 NIT.

Last, but not least, Buffalo's FB team was ranked #25 in the final 2020 AP poll, and their BB team finished with a #15 ranking in the final 2019 AP top 25.

UMass hasn't had a FB or BB team that finished in the final AP Top 25 since 1996.

Rice hasn't had a FB or BB team that finished in the final AP Top 25 since 1958.

“When was the last time Tulane finished in the top 25 or made the tourn—IT DOESNT MATTER THE LAST TIME THEY FINISHED IN THE TOP 25 OR MADE THE TOURNAMENT!” - The Rock on expansion candidates

It will not be an either or between Buffalo and Rice. It could be an either or between Buffalo and UMass though.

(09-13-2021 05:52 PM)b2b Wrote:  

(09-13-2021 12:59 PM)No Bull Wrote:  

(09-12-2021 05:38 PM)BigHouston Wrote:  

(09-12-2021 02:21 PM)gulfcoastgal Wrote:  

(09-12-2021 02:11 PM)msm96wolf Wrote:  As much as it pains me to say it, App State is the most consistent and strongest football in NC. They have commitment and are use to winning no matter the level. If they get more money coming in, they will only improve and build more seats into Kidd-Brewer. Know many from Raleigh that make the trips to the Boone when they play.

Agree, I think that’s one program that could really benefit from AAC membership…$, exposure and brand building.

But wouldn’t the addition of App State to AAC further freeze East Carolina from reviving their football program?!?

Appy is great program and everyone would love a road trip to ski country but their addition undercuts ECU and they bring a real small market. Southern Miss is in the same boat. They deserve to be in the American but it isn’t happening for them.

Nope. They'd help ECU. Rivalries (competition) forces you to get better. We've never had a true conference rival where we actually knew fans of the other programs. No offense to UCF, Marshall or USM but I can count on one hand the number of grads of those schools I've met in NC combined. In NC lots of people knows an App and/or ECU fan.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

You know. You are right. Competition makes you rise to the occasion. Maybe Appy will get an invite. Hope so.

(09-13-2021 05:39 PM)esayem Wrote:  

(09-13-2021 05:02 PM)Stugray2 Wrote:  The old Big East ByLaws, which became the American basically state that Football schools get to vote on Football, Basketball schools on Basketball (Olympic sports members).

So Navy would vote on Football membership, Wichita State on non-football membership.

Presidents vote not ADs. But they listen to them and also the network consultants.

To me it's super obvious who the best four are: San Diego State, Fresno State, Boise State and Colorado State. Army would be nice but no reason to think they change stance. Air Force is the least valuable of the academies, and they are zero help in basketball, and they have nowhere to put their Olympic sports. Those are the six schools with AAC level resources, and they are pretty solid brands.

If you want "stretch" resource programs then you are looking at Rice, UAB and arguably ODU --but I don't think so. Frankly I see these two as fall backs for any of the MWC you fail to get. And the MWC all center on Boise State. If they break for the AAC then at least one and probably all three of the other "State" schools I like from MWC woudl be in play.

They have 4 1/2 months to get the first one for next year. The others can follow a year or two later. IMO it would be a mistake to take Rice or UAB before working Boise State. The whole concept is to create a western division where you can take those strong basketball programs (it'll give you one more at-large bid a year) and strip the MWC of their football power as well.

Any other strategy results in a reduced American, lower payouts and lower profile. UAB and Rice can always be tapped later.

Yes it’s obvious which four schools would add value—although I’d sub UNLV in over Fresno—but that doesn’t mean it’s worth it to those schools. Joining the AAC does absolutely nothing towards CSU and Boise St.’s goal of joining the Big XII. Every school potentially joining knows Memphis, USF, and SMU want out. It’s just not stable for SDSU or any other western school to join. I have yet to read a compelling argument against these factors.

That's a tough argument to make when 3 of the 4 teams that the Big 12 just picked up were AAC teams, and none were MWC. Every step up gives you a better chance of making the next level up. Houston, for instance, while it's a long shot, has a better chance of making it into the SEC from the Big 12 than the AAC.

(09-14-2021 11:01 AM)CoastalJuan Wrote:  

(09-13-2021 05:39 PM)esayem Wrote:  

(09-13-2021 05:02 PM)Stugray2 Wrote:  The old Big East ByLaws, which became the American basically state that Football schools get to vote on Football, Basketball schools on Basketball (Olympic sports members).

So Navy would vote on Football membership, Wichita State on non-football membership.

Presidents vote not ADs. But they listen to them and also the network consultants.

To me it's super obvious who the best four are: San Diego State, Fresno State, Boise State and Colorado State. Army would be nice but no reason to think they change stance. Air Force is the least valuable of the academies, and they are zero help in basketball, and they have nowhere to put their Olympic sports. Those are the six schools with AAC level resources, and they are pretty solid brands.

If you want "stretch" resource programs then you are looking at Rice, UAB and arguably ODU --but I don't think so. Frankly I see these two as fall backs for any of the MWC you fail to get. And the MWC all center on Boise State. If they break for the AAC then at least one and probably all three of the other "State" schools I like from MWC woudl be in play.

They have 4 1/2 months to get the first one for next year. The others can follow a year or two later. IMO it would be a mistake to take Rice or UAB before working Boise State. The whole concept is to create a western division where you can take those strong basketball programs (it'll give you one more at-large bid a year) and strip the MWC of their football power as well.

Any other strategy results in a reduced American, lower payouts and lower profile. UAB and Rice can always be tapped later.

Yes it’s obvious which four schools would add value—although I’d sub UNLV in over Fresno—but that doesn’t mean it’s worth it to those schools. Joining the AAC does absolutely nothing towards CSU and Boise St.’s goal of joining the Big XII. Every school potentially joining knows Memphis, USF, and SMU want out. It’s just not stable for SDSU or any other western school to join. I have yet to read a compelling argument against these factors.

That's a tough argument to make when 3 of the 4 teams that the Big 12 just picked up were AAC teams, and none were MWC. Every step up gives you a better chance of making the next level up. Houston, for instance, while it's a long shot, has a better chance of making it into the SEC from the Big 12 than the AAC.

Boise is probably the only MWC team that has a real shot at a Big XII bid, assuming they want to grow to 14 schools after OU and UT depart, and Memphis would bolt the AAC in heartbeat. Until it's clearer when UT and OU are leaving AND if the Big XII isn't just blowing smoke with further expansion, the AAC should backfill but not with any school that will bolt. Just get Marshall to replace Cincy (one Midwest, Ohio River adjacent school for another), UTSA to replace Houston (subbing in another metropolitan Texas public school), UAB to replace UCF, and ODU to get to 12. Put Temple, Marshall, ODU, ECU, USF, and UAB in the East and Memphis, Tulane, SMU, UTSA, Tulsa, and Navy in the West. If Memphis does eventually bolt for the Big XII at some point in the future, poach La. Tech, USM, or even Rice to replace them, assuming some or all of those three don't go to the Belt.

(09-14-2021 11:01 AM)CoastalJuan Wrote:  

(09-13-2021 05:39 PM)esayem Wrote:  

(09-13-2021 05:02 PM)Stugray2 Wrote:  The old Big East ByLaws, which became the American basically state that Football schools get to vote on Football, Basketball schools on Basketball (Olympic sports members).

So Navy would vote on Football membership, Wichita State on non-football membership.

Presidents vote not ADs. But they listen to them and also the network consultants.

To me it's super obvious who the best four are: San Diego State, Fresno State, Boise State and Colorado State. Army would be nice but no reason to think they change stance. Air Force is the least valuable of the academies, and they are zero help in basketball, and they have nowhere to put their Olympic sports. Those are the six schools with AAC level resources, and they are pretty solid brands.

If you want "stretch" resource programs then you are looking at Rice, UAB and arguably ODU --but I don't think so. Frankly I see these two as fall backs for any of the MWC you fail to get. And the MWC all center on Boise State. If they break for the AAC then at least one and probably all three of the other "State" schools I like from MWC woudl be in play.

They have 4 1/2 months to get the first one for next year. The others can follow a year or two later. IMO it would be a mistake to take Rice or UAB before working Boise State. The whole concept is to create a western division where you can take those strong basketball programs (it'll give you one more at-large bid a year) and strip the MWC of their football power as well.

Any other strategy results in a reduced American, lower payouts and lower profile. UAB and Rice can always be tapped later.

Yes it’s obvious which four schools would add value—although I’d sub UNLV in over Fresno—but that doesn’t mean it’s worth it to those schools. Joining the AAC does absolutely nothing towards CSU and Boise St.’s goal of joining the Big XII. Every school potentially joining knows Memphis, USF, and SMU want out. It’s just not stable for SDSU or any other western school to join. I have yet to read a compelling argument against these factors.

That's a tough argument to make when 3 of the 4 teams that the Big 12 just picked up were AAC teams, and none were MWC. Every step up gives you a better chance of making the next level up. Houston, for instance, while it's a long shot, has a better chance of making it into the SEC from the Big 12 than the AAC.

Thats because the AAC was above the MW. Without those 3? MW is clearly better. Thats why no one from the MW will go to the AAC. Book it!

(09-14-2021 11:55 AM)CarlSmithCenter Wrote:  

(09-14-2021 11:01 AM)CoastalJuan Wrote:  

(09-13-2021 05:39 PM)esayem Wrote:  

(09-13-2021 05:02 PM)Stugray2 Wrote:  The old Big East ByLaws, which became the American basically state that Football schools get to vote on Football, Basketball schools on Basketball (Olympic sports members).

So Navy would vote on Football membership, Wichita State on non-football membership.

Presidents vote not ADs. But they listen to them and also the network consultants.

To me it's super obvious who the best four are: San Diego State, Fresno State, Boise State and Colorado State. Army would be nice but no reason to think they change stance. Air Force is the least valuable of the academies, and they are zero help in basketball, and they have nowhere to put their Olympic sports. Those are the six schools with AAC level resources, and they are pretty solid brands.

If you want "stretch" resource programs then you are looking at Rice, UAB and arguably ODU --but I don't think so. Frankly I see these two as fall backs for any of the MWC you fail to get. And the MWC all center on Boise State. If they break for the AAC then at least one and probably all three of the other "State" schools I like from MWC woudl be in play.

They have 4 1/2 months to get the first one for next year. The others can follow a year or two later. IMO it would be a mistake to take Rice or UAB before working Boise State. The whole concept is to create a western division where you can take those strong basketball programs (it'll give you one more at-large bid a year) and strip the MWC of their football power as well.

Any other strategy results in a reduced American, lower payouts and lower profile. UAB and Rice can always be tapped later.

Yes it’s obvious which four schools would add value—although I’d sub UNLV in over Fresno—but that doesn’t mean it’s worth it to those schools. Joining the AAC does absolutely nothing towards CSU and Boise St.’s goal of joining the Big XII. Every school potentially joining knows Memphis, USF, and SMU want out. It’s just not stable for SDSU or any other western school to join. I have yet to read a compelling argument against these factors.

That's a tough argument to make when 3 of the 4 teams that the Big 12 just picked up were AAC teams, and none were MWC. Every step up gives you a better chance of making the next level up. Houston, for instance, while it's a long shot, has a better chance of making it into the SEC from the Big 12 than the AAC.

Boise is probably the only MWC team that has a real shot at a Big XII bid, assuming they want to grow to 14 schools after OU and UT depart, and Memphis would bolt the AAC in heartbeat. Until it's clearer when UT and OU are leaving AND if the Big XII isn't just blowing smoke with further expansion, the AAC should backfill but not with any school that will bolt. Just get Marshall to replace Cincy (one Midwest, Ohio River adjacent school for another), UTSA to replace Houston (subbing in another metropolitan Texas public school), UAB to replace UCF, and ODU to get to 12. Put Temple, Marshall, ODU, ECU, USF, and UAB in the East and Memphis, Tulane, SMU, UTSA, Tulsa, and Navy in the West. If Memphis does eventually bolt for the Big XII at some point in the future, poach La. Tech, USM, or even Rice to replace them, assuming some or all of those three don't go to the Belt.

I don't think avoiding the best teams to add because they might get better is the best strategy, but just me.

(09-14-2021 11:59 AM)PicksUp Wrote:  

(09-14-2021 11:01 AM)CoastalJuan Wrote:  

(09-13-2021 05:39 PM)esayem Wrote:  

(09-13-2021 05:02 PM)Stugray2 Wrote:  The old Big East ByLaws, which became the American basically state that Football schools get to vote on Football, Basketball schools on Basketball (Olympic sports members).

So Navy would vote on Football membership, Wichita State on non-football membership.

Presidents vote not ADs. But they listen to them and also the network consultants.

To me it's super obvious who the best four are: San Diego State, Fresno State, Boise State and Colorado State. Army would be nice but no reason to think they change stance. Air Force is the least valuable of the academies, and they are zero help in basketball, and they have nowhere to put their Olympic sports. Those are the six schools with AAC level resources, and they are pretty solid brands.

If you want "stretch" resource programs then you are looking at Rice, UAB and arguably ODU --but I don't think so. Frankly I see these two as fall backs for any of the MWC you fail to get. And the MWC all center on Boise State. If they break for the AAC then at least one and probably all three of the other "State" schools I like from MWC woudl be in play.

They have 4 1/2 months to get the first one for next year. The others can follow a year or two later. IMO it would be a mistake to take Rice or UAB before working Boise State. The whole concept is to create a western division where you can take those strong basketball programs (it'll give you one more at-large bid a year) and strip the MWC of their football power as well.

Any other strategy results in a reduced American, lower payouts and lower profile. UAB and Rice can always be tapped later.

Yes it’s obvious which four schools would add value—although I’d sub UNLV in over Fresno—but that doesn’t mean it’s worth it to those schools. Joining the AAC does absolutely nothing towards CSU and Boise St.’s goal of joining the Big XII. Every school potentially joining knows Memphis, USF, and SMU want out. It’s just not stable for SDSU or any other western school to join. I have yet to read a compelling argument against these factors.

That's a tough argument to make when 3 of the 4 teams that the Big 12 just picked up were AAC teams, and none were MWC. Every step up gives you a better chance of making the next level up. Houston, for instance, while it's a long shot, has a better chance of making it into the SEC from the Big 12 than the AAC.

Thats because the AAC was above the MW. Without those 3? MW is clearly better. Thats why no one from the MW will go to the AAC. Book it!

Clearly better? Posted this on the AAC page, but I'll leave it here too.

MWCConnection had a pretty good article comparing the G5 conferences over the past few years.

G5 teams broken into tiers based on collegefootballnews.com end of season rankings. Showing 2019 as it was our last full (and normal) season, but 2018-2021 are also shown in the article. Teams in bold no longer on the list in a few years. Pulling Cindy/Houston/UCF out of the equation, you can make your own decisions on who is the best group left, not even counting better AAC teams taking over the spots that UCF/Cincy occupied.


Top Third:
Sunbelt: App State 37th, Louisiana 84th, Georgia Southern 91st

MWC: Boise State 23rd, Air Force 30th, Hawaii 39th, Wyoming 62nd

AAC: Memphis 21st, Cincinnati 24th, Navy 29th


Middle Third:
Sunbelt: Arkansas State 101st, Louisiana Monroe 107th, Georgia State 108th, Coastal Carolina 116th

MWC: Nevada 69th, San Diego State 70th, Utah State 71st, San Jose State 81st

AAC: UCF 32nd, SMU 33rd, Temple 35th, South Florida 59th

Bottom Third:
Sunbelt: Troy 117th, South Alabama 120th, Texas State 121st

MWC: Fresno State 82nd, Colorado State 94th, UNLV 95th, New Mexico 122nd

AAC: Tulane 60th, Houston 77th, Tulsa 78th, East Carolina 98th

Don't see how the MWC could be deemed "clearly better" without the teams in bold, especially considering the AAC has had 5 different champs over the last few years.

(09-13-2021 05:52 PM)b2b Wrote:  

(09-13-2021 12:59 PM)No Bull Wrote:  

(09-12-2021 05:38 PM)BigHouston Wrote:  

(09-12-2021 02:21 PM)gulfcoastgal Wrote:  

(09-12-2021 02:11 PM)msm96wolf Wrote:  As much as it pains me to say it, App State is the most consistent and strongest football in NC. They have commitment and are use to winning no matter the level. If they get more money coming in, they will only improve and build more seats into Kidd-Brewer. Know many from Raleigh that make the trips to the Boone when they play.

Agree, I think that’s one program that could really benefit from AAC membership…$, exposure and brand building.

But wouldn’t the addition of App State to AAC further freeze East Carolina from reviving their football program?!?

Appy is great program and everyone would love a road trip to ski country but their addition undercuts ECU and they bring a real small market. Southern Miss is in the same boat. They deserve to be in the American but it isn’t happening for them.

Nope. They'd help ECU. Rivalries (competition) forces you to get better. We've never had a true conference rival where we actually knew fans of the other programs. No offense to UCF, Marshall or USM but I can count on one hand the number of grads of those schools I've met in NC combined. In NC lots of people knows an App and/or ECU fan.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

I don't think they'd help. ECU's issues aren't a lack of conference rivals, those have never truly existed since the SOCON days and ECU's had plenty of runs of being good. ECU's problems are completely self inflicted. Now I don't know how much adding them hurts ECU, I'd say minimal to none, so if adding them were a slam dunk no doubt decision that made everyone more money then I'd be all in on adding them. There's no evidence of that being true, if there were home run additions in the east the AAC wouldn't have sat at 11 for almost 2 years. Probably helps ECU more to have them not in the AAC since I suspect it's going to be very hard to get the ACC schools to come back for OOC games and they'd make sense as a regular regional OOC rivalry.