(11-22-2021 11:01 AM)mjs Wrote: I'm fine with the Ohio Valley as long as it's clear they will stabilize and be around for a while. I like the idea of them adding Southern Indiana, if they move up from DII. Same with Lincoln Memorial. Both have new arenas that look very much like the Stephens Center. "Stealing" Western Illinois would be positive as well.
At this point the low mid major conference situation that might be possibilities for us are in a state of extreme volatility. But, assuming we are not asked, and/or can’t afford the MVC or CUSA, here’s how I currently size up the situation for us:
1) Best conference possibility for us is probably the ASun. In spite of the quote that Matt Brown attributes to a LR insider, I don’t think the ASun would bring the same problems as the SBC. Remember that all four Florida schools, in addition to Lipscomb and Bellarmine, do not have football. Add LR into that mix and there would be seven schools without football, vs only 2 of 12 in the SBC. Also, having UCA as a conference travel partner would be a real plus!
2) The OVC, if it adds schools with no football like Western Illinois, Southern Indiana, etc along with LR, UTA, and possibly ORU, would then be a reasonable possibility. If the OVC losses anymore football schools, it might well be out of the football business, and the left over football members could get hooked up with the Mo Valley football league.
3) The Summit is really a bad choice geographically, but it is basketball centric.
4) The Southland to me would be the absolute worst choice given the deal it gave McNeese. It would great if UNO would go ASun or OVC with us if that’s where we landed. I love playing UNO, but not enough to stomach the **** show that the Southland has become. Beware of any conference leadership that would make the deal those guys did!