I'm no expert. The following are my educated GUESSES. I'm NOT a "know it all".

Now with those disclaimers out of the way...

What do we know?

The FBS component would be EXTREMELY difficult to complete.

I base this on facts, research, and opinions of people more knowledgeable than me.

TWO Parts (BOTH must work for a WAC FBS to happen)

Part one-- The WAC must have eight ALL SPORTS members willing to do this-- so ASUN FB schools would have to join the WAC (full-time) IMO. Then they (all 8) or more must meet requirements to qualify for FBS status (e.g. full scholarships sponsored for FB AND addition of more sports (16)-total. Scheduling of FBS opponents regulations. The WAC itself would not obtain FBS status till all 8 attain full FBS status. There is no continuity rule in place any longer. Also all schools would have to comply with the soon to be released NCAA Transformation Comm. requirements. And I'm probably leaving out a few requirements.

Part two-- The CFP Administration, LLC is a PRIVATE COMPANY and can choose members at its own discretion.[google: CollegeFootballPlayoff.com]

The college football playoff board of directors (all ten FBS leagues plus Notre Dame) would have to vote to allow access to an eleventh member, access to the playoff AND MONEY share for a new member.

The WAC is NOT "grandfathered in" as a CFP member. The agreement governing the CFP is a PRIVATE contract among the existing FBS conferences. They have no incentive/obligation to bring the WAC into the contract even IF the WAC regains status as an FBS conference. The NCAA and the CFP are separate entities.The NCAA has NO control over the CFP LLC-- a private COMPANY.

Chances of the CFP Administration giving the WAC any money, etc. are next to ZERO.


In the next post or two I'll move some quotes fron Matt Brown -- EXTRA POINTS over to this site from csnbbs realignment board.

(11-24-2022 12:45 PM)MattBrownEP Wrote:  

(11-24-2022 12:22 AM)Tmac13 Wrote:  As far as getting a small piece of the CFP pie? That isn't absolutely necessary, and even a small FBS media deal dwarfs anything that can be earned in FCS.

FWIW, ADs and conference leaders in the WAC and ASUN have specifically told me that it IS necessary. It's why New Mexico State took the Conference USA invite that they didn't really actually want. That money is going to be a bigger payout than TV, and given how much costs increase at FBS, it is completely impossible to move up without it.

If they (new WAC) are not part of the CFP contract, they don't get anything. Once the deal is done and signed, a new conference can't insist on being a part. And these are LONG term contracts.

Then---Why would the SFA coach say these things if not possible?

Some Likelihoods:

-- he's uninformed of the complexities and road blocks

-- trying to fire up his fan base and admin. to go FBS anyway***

-- to rally support at SFA for joining one of the Texas University systems (some alums are reluctant); it may give them more money for athletics and make a G5 move economically possible***

-- recruiting help

-- a way to put indirect "pressure" on a G5 league to invite the Lumberjacks

-- the part about the WACSUN FB only conf. is at least probably accurate

-- a "shot in the dark" --- can't hurt


*** These two!! Remember his focus is on SFA progress-- not other items.

(11-25-2022 05:46 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  Why would the SFA coach say these things if not possible?

-- he's uninformed of the complexities and road blocks

-- trying to fire up his fan base and admin. to go FBS anyway

-- recruiting help

-- a way to put indirect "pressure" on a G5 league to invite the Lumberjacks

-- a "shot in the dark" --- can't hurt

Or, they have everything worked out.. (not saying they do, just putting it in the equation)

I can see C-USA taking UCA, SFA, EKU before the WAC moving up to C-USA as a hole. That is the main reason why NMSU, SHSU, JSU, and KSU accepted the invite. I know that C-USA was in talks with KSU since Dec of 2021.

It’s really no concern of folks in or heading to C-USA. They seem content at 10.

This is about these 10 ASUN and WAC schools having a more stable home in FCS right now with a potential path for FBS in the future.

I trust what Coach Carthel and lions1983 are saying over anything else on these message boards. Colby Carthel and has been around college football his entire life. He has no reason to lie on a podcast.

Eager for the announcement that he said would happen in the next few weeks!

(11-25-2022 06:21 PM)jones682 Wrote:  I can see C-USA taking UCA, SFA, EKU before the WAC moving up to C-USA as a hole. That is the main reason why NMSU, SHSU, JSU, and KSU accepted the invite. I know that C-USA was in talks with KSU since Dec of 2021.

Yes-- this is an additional point why this WACSUN to FBS won't happen.

C-USA will eventually (2-4 yrs.) TAKE TWO or more of those schools who are most qualified to go FBS.

AND. Who knows? Another G5 (MW, MAC, SBC) might take one or two also.

Then-- where will you find eight or nine universities in the WACSUN combo who can even afford the move?



You will not. Can UTRGV, SUU, or some others afford it? NO.

IMHO UCA and UNA are SEVERAL years (or more) away from being able to fund FBS.

UTRGV has announced record enrollment of 32k as of this fall semester. They will begin playing in Fall 2025.

https://www.utrgv.edu/newsroom/2022/08/2...llment.htm

The fiscal year timeline for the building of the UTRGV football program includes:

• 2022-23 ¬– The hiring of a head football coach and two coordinators in preparation for the program's first competitive season in 2025.
• 2023-24 – The remaining assistant coaches and support staff will be hired.
• 2023-24 – Signing of the first recruiting class.
• 2024-25 – The football program conducts a practice year.
• 2024-25 and 2025-26 – The expected football roster will be named to include 60 and 90 student-athletes, respectively.
• Fall 2025 – First football game to be played.

https://fbschedules.com/utrgv-to-start-f...-2025/amp/

(11-25-2022 06:45 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(11-25-2022 06:21 PM)jones682 Wrote:  I can see C-USA taking UCA, SFA, EKU before the WAC moving up to C-USA as a hole. That is the main reason why NMSU, SHSU, JSU, and KSU accepted the invite. I know that C-USA was in talks with KSU since Dec of 2021.

Yes-- this is an additional point why this WACSUN to FBS won't happen.

C-USA will eventually (2-4 yrs.) TAKE TWO or more of those schools who are most qualified to go FBS.

AND. Who knows? Another G5 (MW, MAC, SBC) might take one or two also.

Then-- where will you find eight or nine universities in the WACSUN combo who can even afford the move?



You will not. Can UTRGV, SUU, or some others afford it? NO.

IMHO UCA and UNA are SEVERAL years (or more) away from being able to fund FBS.

There is no guarantee CUSA will take any more teams. EKU, Tarleton and UCA have all spoken to CUSA. But at this point it seems settled, at least to me, that CUSA won't look at adding anyone unless they get raided or until the new TV contract expires. So we should wait and see and not do anything?
For now, create the FCS conference and move forward, slowly, for potential FBS as a member of the WAC. No one has insight on what UCA, UNA, APSU, etc have planned to work towards this goal. Both UCA and UNA have been vocal about going FBS. So we'll see how each step plays out.

(11-25-2022 07:33 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(11-25-2022 06:45 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(11-25-2022 06:21 PM)jones682 Wrote:  I can see C-USA taking UCA, SFA, EKU before the WAC moving up to C-USA as a hole. That is the main reason why NMSU, SHSU, JSU, and KSU accepted the invite. I know that C-USA was in talks with KSU since Dec of 2021.

Yes-- this is an additional point why this WACSUN to FBS won't happen.

C-USA will eventually (2-4 yrs.) TAKE TWO or more of those schools who are most qualified to go FBS.

AND. Who knows? Another G5 (MW, MAC, SBC) might take one or two also.

Then-- where will you find eight or nine universities in the WACSUN combo who can even afford the move?



You will not. Can UTRGV, SUU, or some others afford it? NO.

IMHO UCA and UNA are SEVERAL years (or more) away from being able to fund FBS.

There is no guarantee CUSA will take any more teams. EKU, Tarleton and UCA have all spoken to CUSA. But at this point it seems settled, at least to me, that CUSA won't look at adding anyone unless they get raided or until the new TV contract expires. So we should wait and see and not do anything?
For now, create the FCS conference and move forward, slowly, for potential FBS as a member of the WAC. No one has insight on what UCA, UNA, APSU, etc have planned to work towards this goal. Both UCA and UNA have been vocal about going FBS. So we'll see how each step plays out.

I agree with Jones682-- and don't forget-- the SBC, MW, and MAC. One of those might also add an FCS.

"potential FBS as member of the WAC"-- if you believe this -- you are looking at a very LONG shot. CFP Administration would not OK an additional FBS conference as a member.

I do think the merger for an all FB FCS league is an excellent idea.

WAC Commissioner Brian Thornton has worked at the NCAA National Office within the past few years before he took this job last November. I’m sure he’s in-the-know about what’s possible and what’s not.

(11-25-2022 07:33 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(11-25-2022 06:45 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(11-25-2022 06:21 PM)jones682 Wrote:  I can see C-USA taking UCA, SFA, EKU before the WAC moving up to C-USA as a hole. That is the main reason why NMSU, SHSU, JSU, and KSU accepted the invite. I know that C-USA was in talks with KSU since Dec of 2021.

Yes-- this is an additional point why this WACSUN to FBS won't happen.

C-USA will eventually (2-4 yrs.) TAKE TWO or more of those schools who are most qualified to go FBS.

AND. Who knows? Another G5 (MW, MAC, SBC) might take one or two also.

Then-- where will you find eight or nine universities in the WACSUN combo who can even afford the move?



You will not. Can UTRGV, SUU, or some others afford it? NO.

IMHO UCA and UNA are SEVERAL years (or more) away from being able to fund FBS.

There is no guarantee CUSA will take any more teams. EKU, Tarleton and UCA have all spoken to CUSA. But at this point it seems settled, at least to me, that CUSA won't look at adding anyone unless they get raided or until the new TV contract expires. So we should wait and see and not do anything?
For now, create the FCS conference and move forward, slowly, for potential FBS as a member of the WAC. No one has insight on what UCA, UNA, APSU, etc have planned to work towards this goal. Both UCA and UNA have been vocal about going FBS. So we'll see how each step plays out.

I would say to the FCS schools who want to become FBS, continue to win playoff games and increase you budget and make you self attractive for C-USA. Having a whole conference moving to FBS at one time is almost imposable. If a FCS conference does move to FBS, it would be the MV or Big Sky. Those schools have the money and the marketability to make a move like that. Their also less mid major G5 conferences out west which would make since to add more.

(11-25-2022 10:20 PM)unalions Wrote:  WAC Commissioner Brian Thornton has worked at the NCAA National Office within the past few years before he took this job last November. I’m sure he’s in-the-know about what’s possible and what’s not.

The NCAA has ZERO control over the CFP Administration.

CFP is a private LLC company and has very little obligation to the NCAA.

[Google: CFP Governance- College Football Playoff--- to see all the information.]**

Without CFP access or MONEY-- No school would move to FBS-- they simply would not have the necessary yearly income stream to survive in FBS.

**I'm NOT asking you to take my word for these facts-- do the research.

(11-25-2022 10:41 PM)jones682 Wrote:  

(11-25-2022 07:33 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(11-25-2022 06:45 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(11-25-2022 06:21 PM)jones682 Wrote:  I can see C-USA taking UCA, SFA, EKU before the WAC moving up to C-USA as a hole. That is the main reason why NMSU, SHSU, JSU, and KSU accepted the invite. I know that C-USA was in talks with KSU since Dec of 2021.

Yes-- this is an additional point why this WACSUN to FBS won't happen.

C-USA will eventually (2-4 yrs.) TAKE TWO or more of those schools who are most qualified to go FBS.

AND. Who knows? Another G5 (MW, MAC, SBC) might take one or two also.

Then-- where will you find eight or nine universities in the WACSUN combo who can even afford the move?



You will not. Can UTRGV, SUU, or some others afford it? NO.

IMHO UCA and UNA are SEVERAL years (or more) away from being able to fund FBS.

There is no guarantee CUSA will take any more teams. EKU, Tarleton and UCA have all spoken to CUSA. But at this point it seems settled, at least to me, that CUSA won't look at adding anyone unless they get raided or until the new TV contract expires. So we should wait and see and not do anything?
For now, create the FCS conference and move forward, slowly, for potential FBS as a member of the WAC. No one has insight on what UCA, UNA, APSU, etc have planned to work towards this goal. Both UCA and UNA have been vocal about going FBS. So we'll see how each step plays out.

I would say to the FCS schools who want to become FBS, continue to win playoff games and increase you budget and make you self attractive for C-USA. Having a whole conference moving to FBS at one time is almost imposable. If a FCS conference does move to FBS, it would be the MV or Big Sky. Those schools have the money and the marketability to make a move like that. Their also less mid major G5 conferences out west which would make since to add more.

CUSA is just fine at 10. Y’all have wrapped yourself into knots for weeks over on the CUSA Realignment boards about why each and every one of these 10 schools aren’t worthy of being in CUSA.

Now, these 10 ASUN and WAC schools are forming a conference to do their own thing and y’all are triggered saying several are surely to be invited! Lol. It’s comical.

Y’all can say it’s impossible or even improbable but that’s your opinion. However, HC Colby Carthel seemed to know more about the situation than any of us.

UNA is not ready for FBS right now. That’s a fact. That doesn’t mean that plans are in place to work toward that if they truly feel that it is the eventual goal.

For now, the ASUN 4 will merge with the Texas 4 and the Utah 2 to form what I hope is a very competitive FCS conference in 2023.

Bring on the WAC Football Conference announcement!!

(11-25-2022 05:36 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(11-24-2022 12:45 PM)MattBrownEP Wrote:  

(11-24-2022 12:22 AM)Tmac13 Wrote:  As far as getting a small piece of the CFP pie? That isn't absolutely necessary, and even a small FBS media deal dwarfs anything that can be earned in FCS.

FWIW, ADs and conference leaders in the WAC and ASUN have specifically told me that it IS necessary. It's why New Mexico State took the Conference USA invite that they didn't really actually want. That money is going to be a bigger payout than TV, and given how much costs increase at FBS, it is completely impossible to move up without it.

AD's and conference leaders (probably including Brian Thornton) in the WAC and ASUN have *specifically* told me that IT IS NECESSARY. This QUOTE from MATT BROWN who spoke DIRECTLY to these administrators about this in DETAIL.

What does "it IS necessary" refer to? Their (ASUN, WAC officials) NEED to have the CFP MONEY. These leaders say it IS necessary.
Matt Brown then follows that up by saying, "...it is completely IMPOSSIBLE to move up without it".

NOTE: unalions please do not ignore post #34 above. Thank you.

(11-25-2022 11:13 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(11-25-2022 05:36 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(11-24-2022 12:45 PM)MattBrownEP Wrote:  

(11-24-2022 12:22 AM)Tmac13 Wrote:  As far as getting a small piece of the CFP pie? That isn't absolutely necessary, and even a small FBS media deal dwarfs anything that can be earned in FCS.

FWIW, ADs and conference leaders in the WAC and ASUN have specifically told me that it IS necessary. It's why New Mexico State took the Conference USA invite that they didn't really actually want. That money is going to be a bigger payout than TV, and given how much costs increase at FBS, it is completely impossible to move up without it.

AD's and conference leaders (probably including Brian Thornton) in the WAC and ASUN have *specifically* told me that IT IS NECESSARY. This QUOTE from MATT BROWN who spoke DIRECTLY to these administrators about this in DETAIL.

What does "it IS necessary" refer to? Their (officials) NEED to have the CFP MONEY. These leaders say it IS necessary.
Matt Brown then follows that up by saying, "...it is completely IMPOSSIBLE to move up without it".

I’m sure that’s correct. It’s obviously impossible to fund FBS and not be in on that. Still doesn’t mean what Coach C said isn’t happening. No offense man, but I’m gonna believe Coach Carthel, an actual head coach in the league, over message board folks.

Don't listen to me-- go to CFP Governance-- College Football Playoff--- and see all the facts for yourself. Yes even the coach and conference commissioners have to follow the by-laws of this CFP Administration LLC. You can't change or ignore that private company's contract(s) that RULE FBS football.

(11-25-2022 11:34 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  Don't listen to me-- go to CFP Governance-- College Football Playoff--- and see all the facts for yourself. Yes even the coach and conference commissioners have to follow the by-laws of this CFP Administration LLC. You can't change or ignore that private company's contract(s) that RULE FBS football.

You may be right. You may be wrong.

We shall see.

Coach Carthel is probably a fine man and coach. Let's hear from at least ONE college president, AD, or conference commissioner from the current WAC-ASUN about this "FBS move-up" being part of DEFINITE PLANS.

Not wishing or hoping. REAL FBS plans. Just ONE other TOP official.