(10-20-2021 10:21 PM)e-bethMSU Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 10:05 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 09:31 PM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  Multiple sources, including the Nashville Post, are reporting the Mid-American Conference is involved in discussions, namely with MTSU and likely WKU, for the purpose of expanding from 12 to 14 members.

https://www.nashvillepost.com/sports/col...60aca.html

That means everybody but ACC has been looking hard at expansion.

These seem like the best fits for expansion for the MAC, but not necessary ones. Why is the MAC expanding? While they are certainly better fits than U Mass and U Conn were (or UCF, obviously), the MAC doesn't need more schools. So again - why is the MAC expanding?

WKU adds some needed basketball strength. Joining the other Senators with the knives gives them a bigger piece of the CFP pie when CUSAr dies.

(10-20-2021 10:27 PM)Fresno St. Alum Wrote:  Did anyone ever find out the answer to what happens to the money for the G5 if there's only G4? Does it go away or get dispersed among the 4 remaining?

I don't know. The formula I bet will change with larger conferences and the 12 team playoff is supposed to end the G5 arrangement.

(10-20-2021 10:38 PM)Stugray2 Wrote:  Marshall and Old Dominion, also James Madison, are far better fits for the MAC.

I can't see the MAC having any real interest in WKU or MTSU. I suspect this is a PSYOP to shake Marshall and Old Dominion loose.

The mouse is beating Judy hard on the ropes.

Problem is Marshall, ODU and JMU are all likely heading to the Sun Belt. So if the MAC does want to expand (or are being pressured to expand by Mickey Mouse) WKU or MTSU would be the only real options left for them in CUSA.

(10-20-2021 10:38 PM)Stugray2 Wrote:  Marshall and Old Dominion, also James Madison, are far better fits for the MAC.

I can't see the MAC having any real interest in WKU or MTSU. I suspect this is a PSYOP to shake Marshall and Old Dominion loose.

The mouse is beating Judy hard on the ropes.

WKU they would because they have an alumni base in Northern Kentucky that could travel to stadiums/arenas in Ohio.

Yes and WKU/MT would be in the MAC East, not the west since they are more closely linked to the Ohio schools.

(10-20-2021 10:42 PM)forphase1 Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 10:38 PM)Stugray2 Wrote:  Marshall and Old Dominion, also James Madison, are far better fits for the MAC.

I can't see the MAC having any real interest in WKU or MTSU. I suspect this is a PSYOP to shake Marshall and Old Dominion loose.

The mouse is beating Judy hard on the ropes.

Problem is Marshall, ODU and JMU are all likely heading to the Sun Belt. So if the MAC does want to expand (or are being pressured to expand by Mickey Mouse) WKU or MTSU would be the only real options left for them in CUSA.

What if this goes down differently....

CUSA (USM, WKU, MU, ODU)

Then MT is available and so is FIU.

There is also the possibility of working UMass in for all sport with the writing on the wall they need to get into a conference. I think the MAC will figure out its own combination.

(10-20-2021 10:54 PM)Kit-Cat Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 10:42 PM)forphase1 Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 10:38 PM)Stugray2 Wrote:  Marshall and Old Dominion, also James Madison, are far better fits for the MAC.

I can't see the MAC having any real interest in WKU or MTSU. I suspect this is a PSYOP to shake Marshall and Old Dominion loose.

The mouse is beating Judy hard on the ropes.

Problem is Marshall, ODU and JMU are all likely heading to the Sun Belt. So if the MAC does want to expand (or are being pressured to expand by Mickey Mouse) WKU or MTSU would be the only real options left for them in CUSA.

What if this goes down differently....

CUSA (USM, WKU, MU, ODU)

Then MT is available and so is FIU.

There is also the possibility of working UMass in for all sport with the writing on the wall they need to get into a conference. I think the MAC will figure out its own combination.

Not exactly sure what you mean by this. Could the MAC get to pick schools from CUSA? Sure. But they will only be able to pick from whomever is left after the AAC (done apparently) and the Sun Belt (in progress) get first choice. Speaking for Marshall, IF we don't go to the Sun Belt it's because we are trying to keep CUSA together and build some kind of a mid-Atlantic conference, though I personally think that plan is close to dead. But IF we don't go to the Sun Belt it isn't because we are going back to the MAC. I certainly can't speak for ODU or anyone else in CUSA, but my bet is the MAC is not the top option for anyone, but may be used as a fall back position for those who aren't picked by the Sun Belt.

EDIT: Wait, were you saying that Sun Belt takes WKU also, then you could get MTSU and FIU? In that case, sure. Whoever isn't in the Sun Belt will most likely love to get a MAC lifeboat off of the sinking CUSA ship.

(10-20-2021 10:42 PM)forphase1 Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 10:38 PM)Stugray2 Wrote:  Marshall and Old Dominion, also James Madison, are far better fits for the MAC.

I can't see the MAC having any real interest in WKU or MTSU. I suspect this is a PSYOP to shake Marshall and Old Dominion loose.

The mouse is beating Judy hard on the ropes.

Problem is Marshall, ODU and JMU are all likely heading to the Sun Belt. So if the MAC does want to expand (or are being pressured to expand by Mickey Mouse) WKU or MTSU would be the only real options left for them in CUSA.

That's why I think it's a PSYOP, much like the Big 12 expansion rumor about Boise State and Memphis. That one was meant to freeze the AAC seizure of the best assets of the MWC and create a strong conference.

This move is an ESPN PSYOP to freeze CUSA from being able to recruit Liberty and James Madison, and to shake loose Marshall and maybe Old Dominion for SBC expansion. When they move the MAC will wait a few days and announce that they have decided not to expand at this time.

The MAC will not expand. It only needs to look like it's serious for a couple weeks, that's all the Mouse is asking of their vassals. Classic PSYOP.

(10-20-2021 10:30 PM)BePcr07 Wrote:  I’m all for this.

Ohio-Ish Division: Akron, Bowling Green St, Buffalo, Kent St, Miami (OH), Ohio, Toledo
All The Directions Divisions: Ball St, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Middle Tennessee St, Northern Illinois, Western Kentucky, Western Michigan

Clearly you don't know the MAC.

Ohio, Akron, Kent, Buffalo are the good basketball schools and they are in the east.

WKU would by virtue of northern KY being close to the Ohio MAC schools and the better basketball schools there would want to go East.

Also the MAC West is the tough FB division in the MAC, every single year. WKU would find more success on a MAC East schedule.

(10-20-2021 10:11 PM)solohawks Wrote:  Is the MAC actively looking at expansion or simply listening to MTSU and WKU?
Big difference

The commissioner was quoted on an NIU talk show a couple weeks ago stating the conference was happy at 12 and wasn’t looking to expand, but a couple weeks is an eternity in conference realignment

(10-20-2021 10:24 PM)RUScarlets Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 10:21 PM)e-bethMSU Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 10:05 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 09:31 PM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  Multiple sources, including the Nashville Post, are reporting the Mid-American Conference is involved in discussions, namely with MTSU and likely WKU, for the purpose of expanding from 12 to 14 members.

https://www.nashvillepost.com/sports/col...60aca.html

That means everybody but ACC has been looking hard at expansion.

These seem like the best fits for expansion for the MAC, but not necessary ones. Why is the MAC expanding? While they are certainly better fits than U Mass and U Conn were (or UCF, obviously), the MAC doesn't need more schools. So again - why is the MAC expanding?

It forces another bidder to come in before ESPN secures more property for 50 cents on the dollar. Kill the competition, force Amazon Apple or CBS to get involved.

Also, the MAC has the slowest growing demographic footprint of any FBS conference. Getting into the Nashville market would be really significant on that front and it’s still geographically sensible when paired with WKU.

So, I really like this move if the MAC can pull it off.

(10-20-2021 11:05 PM)mufanatehc Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 10:11 PM)solohawks Wrote:  Is the MAC actively looking at expansion or simply listening to MTSU and WKU?
Big difference

The commissioner was quoted on an NIU talk show a couple weeks ago stating the conference was happy at 12 and wasn’t looking to expand, but a couple weeks is an eternity in conference realignment

yeah and obviously that was before what the AAC did. Maybe could shake teams loose from CUSA as a result that they didn't think would be available.

(10-20-2021 09:43 PM)IWokeUpLikeThis Wrote:  48 hours ago, I would’ve never considered WKU/MTSU to MAC realistic.

These would be terrific additions for the MAC. Best possible adds outside of Marshall.

Hell, they nearly joined the conference 15 years ago. MTSU had the letter of acceptance in their hands ready to sign and WKU was going to move to 1-A to the MAC with them instead of staying in the Sun Belt.

(10-20-2021 11:05 PM)mufanatehc Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 10:11 PM)solohawks Wrote:  Is the MAC actively looking at expansion or simply listening to MTSU and WKU?
Big difference

The commissioner was quoted on an NIU talk show a couple weeks ago stating the conference was happy at 12 and wasn’t looking to expand, but a couple weeks is an eternity in conference realignment

Right - I don’t think anyone up until 24 hours ago really thought the AAC would be poaching 6 schools from C-USA.

Like I’ve said elsewhere, this isn’t a “bare minimum” round of realignment. Instead, if a league thinks that they might want a school within the next decade anyway, they are taking them now since every school is openly looking for the best long-term home possible. Aggressive additions were made by the Big 12 and now the AAC. We may see the same from the rest of the G5 that might be smelling blood in the water in C-USA.

As a Middle Tennessee State fan, and realizing C-USA could lose USM, Marshall and ODU to the Belt ... if the MAC is open to adding MTSU (and our long-time rival WKU) — let's rumble, Raiders.

(10-20-2021 11:15 PM)All4One Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 09:43 PM)IWokeUpLikeThis Wrote:  48 hours ago, I would’ve never considered WKU/MTSU to MAC realistic.

These would be terrific additions for the MAC. Best possible adds outside of Marshall.

Hell, they nearly joined the conference 15 years ago. MTSU had the letter of acceptance in their hands ready to sign and WKU was going to move to 1-A to the MAC with them instead of staying in the Sun Belt.

The MAC commish Jon Steinbrecher has been in place since 2009. He was here during the add of UMass and the last round of realignment so he knows all of the possibilities.

I guess one possibility is to take a shot here at UMass all sports.

1) Eastern conference dream is dead. Its going to become SBC East.
2) AAC is no longer an aspirational conference. Its just a place for metro schools.
3) TV money for the 12 team playoff is going to be huge. Can't miss out.

The MAC might even try a 16 team play that includes UMass too.

I wouldn't necessarily assume the MAC would just pick up 2-4 CUSA schools and not try to look at A10 or MVC for a 14th or 16th school.

(10-20-2021 11:16 PM)Frank the Tank Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 11:05 PM)mufanatehc Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 10:11 PM)solohawks Wrote:  Is the MAC actively looking at expansion or simply listening to MTSU and WKU?
Big difference

The commissioner was quoted on an NIU talk show a couple weeks ago stating the conference was happy at 12 and wasn’t looking to expand, but a couple weeks is an eternity in conference realignment

Right - I don’t think anyone up until 24 hours ago really thought the AAC would be poaching 6 schools from C-USA.

Like I’ve said elsewhere, this isn’t a “bare minimum” round of realignment. Instead, if a league thinks that they might want a school within the next decade anyway, they are taking them now since every school is openly looking for the best long-term home possible. Aggressive additions were made by the Big 12 and now the AAC. We may see the same from the rest of the G5 that might be smelling blood in the water in C-USA.

What is going to stop the MAC from expanding on its own terms though?

A good plan might be to go with Illinois St, WKU, UMass, FIU. Illinois St would go in the west while the other 3 go in the east.

MAC East: UMass, Buffalo, Kent, Akron, Ohio, Miami, WKU, FIU
MAC West: NIU, Illinois St, WMU, Ball St, CMU, EMU, Toledo, BGSU

Dominate Midwestern basketball w/ a couple of eastern FB schools thrown in.

(10-20-2021 10:21 PM)e-bethMSU Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 10:05 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 09:31 PM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  Multiple sources, including the Nashville Post, are reporting the Mid-American Conference is involved in discussions, namely with MTSU and likely WKU, for the purpose of expanding from 12 to 14 members.

https://www.nashvillepost.com/sports/col...60aca.html

That means everybody but ACC has been looking hard at expansion.

These seem like the best fits for expansion for the MAC, but not necessary ones. Why is the MAC expanding? While they are certainly better fits than U Mass and U Conn were (or UCF, obviously), the MAC doesn't need more schools. So again - why is the MAC expanding?

For the same reason that AAC took 14? ESPN+ must be a justification for these kinds of moves.

(10-20-2021 10:27 PM)Fresno St. Alum Wrote:  Did anyone ever find out the answer to what happens to the money for the G5 if there's only G4? Does it go away or get dispersed among the 4 remaining?

When Big West shut down football and Sun Belt formed, the answer then was Big West money gets kept by BCS and Sun Belt gets nada because didn’t sign the contract. Had to wait until next contract to get a share.

That may not be the case this time. I’ve not seen the contract but have heard it is x% is allocated to the non-P5 and the non-P5 figure out the distribution subject to approval of the full CFP who doesn’t especially care what they do with their cut.

Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky are actually strong additions for the MAC. I'm sure this will happen. It seems like 14 is the sweet spot with 16 being possibly the big one for the bigger conferences. The only conference that can stay at 12 is the Pac-12. They've been battering each other 9 games in football every year.

(10-20-2021 11:11 PM)Frank the Tank Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 10:24 PM)RUScarlets Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 10:21 PM)e-bethMSU Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 10:05 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-20-2021 09:31 PM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  Multiple sources, including the Nashville Post, are reporting the Mid-American Conference is involved in discussions, namely with MTSU and likely WKU, for the purpose of expanding from 12 to 14 members.

https://www.nashvillepost.com/sports/col...60aca.html

That means everybody but ACC has been looking hard at expansion.

These seem like the best fits for expansion for the MAC, but not necessary ones. Why is the MAC expanding? While they are certainly better fits than U Mass and U Conn were (or UCF, obviously), the MAC doesn't need more schools. So again - why is the MAC expanding?

It forces another bidder to come in before ESPN secures more property for 50 cents on the dollar. Kill the competition, force Amazon Apple or CBS to get involved.

Also, the MAC has the slowest growing demographic footprint of any FBS conference. Getting into the Nashville market would be really significant on that front and it’s still geographically sensible when paired with WKU.

So, I really like this move if the MAC can pull it off.

I think it’s a win for the MAC. Raises the league profile. Brings in a good G5 rivalry.

MTSU and WKU never could get a deal rolling for Nashville to host the Sun Belt or CUSA tournament, the city might be more likely to bite with MAC and if nothing else goads Cleveland into better terms or it dips into Nashville to break up the routine.