I think talking about CUSA and Sun Belt as if they’re on the same plane in the conference realignment discussion is naive, even if you’re one of the optimists here and don’t think there’s much a competitive (or revenue) gap between the two.

At what point does preferred association become more of a priority than climbing the dying G5 power structure? For most SBC schools, the answer is NOW.

We’re clearly heading towards more G5 parity across the board. But the gap between the AAC and SBC is closer than the gap between the AAC and CUSA, and I don’t imagine the CUSA legacy members are nearly as content with the group they’ve been left in. Their athletic “peers” are in the AAC, and will be even if raided. I agree with freshtop. Any school in CUSA would join the American.

(08-16-2023 02:08 PM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  I think talking about CUSA and Sun Belt as if they’re on the same plane in the conference realignment discussion is naive, even if you’re one of the optimists here and don’t think there’s much a competitive (or revenue) gap between the two.

At what point does preferred association become more of a priority than climbing the dying G5 power structure? For most SBC schools, the answer is NOW.

We’re clearly heading towards more G5 parity across the board. But the gap between the AAC and SBC is closer than the gap between the AAC and CUSA, and I don’t imagine the CUSA legacy members are nearly as content with the group they’ve been left in. Their athletic “peers” are in the AAC, and will be even if raided. I agree with freshtop. Any school in CUSA would join the American.

Everyone would jump if the option comes available. Some of us seasoned FBS fans know that jump might be costly in the future. CUSA made major mistakes when building CUSA3.0. Everyone in the SBC would have made the move if it was offered to them at the time. It was a no brainer. However we’ve seen how big of a mistake it was to leave the SBC chasing something built on sand. App St, CCU, GA Southern all have been great additions for the SBC. The SBC is a better conference right now regardless of any of us painting pretty pictures think (me included). I am optimistic that CUSA4.0 will turn out well if we all stick together. NMSU and UTEP might get a call down the road and I wouldn’t blame them if they moved. It would help them and honestly could help CUSA do what the SBC did and become a solid G5 with games that fans are excited about. Missouri St, SFA, EKU and/or Chattanooga could create a great condensed conference. I’m excited to see how everything plays out. I am not sure I’d be really excited about a move to the AAC if they came calling.

(08-16-2023 02:48 PM)Ewglenn Wrote:  

(08-16-2023 02:08 PM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  I think talking about CUSA and Sun Belt as if they’re on the same plane in the conference realignment discussion is naive, even if you’re one of the optimists here and don’t think there’s much a competitive (or revenue) gap between the two.

At what point does preferred association become more of a priority than climbing the dying G5 power structure? For most SBC schools, the answer is NOW.

We’re clearly heading towards more G5 parity across the board. But the gap between the AAC and SBC is closer than the gap between the AAC and CUSA, and I don’t imagine the CUSA legacy members are nearly as content with the group they’ve been left in. Their athletic “peers” are in the AAC, and will be even if raided. I agree with freshtop. Any school in CUSA would join the American.

Everyone would jump if the option comes available. Some of us seasoned FBS fans know that jump might be costly in the future. CUSA made major mistakes when building CUSA3.0. Everyone in the SBC would have made the move if it was offered to them at the time. It was a no brainer. However we’ve seen how big of a mistake it was to leave the SBC chasing something built on sand. App St, CCU, GA Southern all have been great additions for the SBC. The SBC is a better conference right now regardless of any of us painting pretty pictures think (me included). I am optimistic that CUSA4.0 will turn out well if we all stick together. NMSU and UTEP might get a call down the road and I wouldn’t blame them if they moved. It would help them and honestly could help CUSA do what the SBC did and become a solid G5 with games that fans are excited about. Missouri St, SFA, EKU and/or Chattanooga could create a great condensed conference. I’m excited to see how everything plays out. I am not sure I’d be really excited about a move to the AAC if they came calling.

Heck no on Chattanooga.

(08-16-2023 02:56 PM)KAjunRaider Wrote:  

(08-16-2023 02:48 PM)Ewglenn Wrote:  

(08-16-2023 02:08 PM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  I think talking about CUSA and Sun Belt as if they’re on the same plane in the conference realignment discussion is naive, even if you’re one of the optimists here and don’t think there’s much a competitive (or revenue) gap between the two.

At what point does preferred association become more of a priority than climbing the dying G5 power structure? For most SBC schools, the answer is NOW.

We’re clearly heading towards more G5 parity across the board. But the gap between the AAC and SBC is closer than the gap between the AAC and CUSA, and I don’t imagine the CUSA legacy members are nearly as content with the group they’ve been left in. Their athletic “peers” are in the AAC, and will be even if raided. I agree with freshtop. Any school in CUSA would join the American.

Everyone would jump if the option comes available. Some of us seasoned FBS fans know that jump might be costly in the future. CUSA made major mistakes when building CUSA3.0. Everyone in the SBC would have made the move if it was offered to them at the time. It was a no brainer. However we’ve seen how big of a mistake it was to leave the SBC chasing something built on sand. App St, CCU, GA Southern all have been great additions for the SBC. The SBC is a better conference right now regardless of any of us painting pretty pictures think (me included). I am optimistic that CUSA4.0 will turn out well if we all stick together. NMSU and UTEP might get a call down the road and I wouldn’t blame them if they moved. It would help them and honestly could help CUSA do what the SBC did and become a solid G5 with games that fans are excited about. Missouri St, SFA, EKU and/or Chattanooga could create a great condensed conference. I’m excited to see how everything plays out. I am not sure I’d be really excited about a move to the AAC if they came calling.

Heck no on Chattanooga.

Curious on why they are a no to you?

(08-16-2023 02:48 PM)Ewglenn Wrote:  

(08-16-2023 02:08 PM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  I think talking about CUSA and Sun Belt as if they’re on the same plane in the conference realignment discussion is naive, even if you’re one of the optimists here and don’t think there’s much a competitive (or revenue) gap between the two.

At what point does preferred association become more of a priority than climbing the dying G5 power structure? For most SBC schools, the answer is NOW.

We’re clearly heading towards more G5 parity across the board. But the gap between the AAC and SBC is closer than the gap between the AAC and CUSA, and I don’t imagine the CUSA legacy members are nearly as content with the group they’ve been left in. Their athletic “peers” are in the AAC, and will be even if raided. I agree with freshtop. Any school in CUSA would join the American.

Everyone would jump if the option comes available. Some of us seasoned FBS fans know that jump might be costly in the future. CUSA made major mistakes when building CUSA3.0. Everyone in the SBC would have made the move if it was offered to them at the time. It was a no brainer. However we’ve seen how big of a mistake it was to leave the SBC chasing something built on sand. App St, CCU, GA Southern all have been great additions for the SBC. The SBC is a better conference right now regardless of any of us painting pretty pictures think (me included). I am optimistic that CUSA4.0 will turn out well if we all stick together. NMSU and UTEP might get a call down the road and I wouldn’t blame them if they moved. It would help them and honestly could help CUSA do what the SBC did and become a solid G5 with games that fans are excited about. Missouri St, SFA, EKU and/or Chattanooga could create a great condensed conference. I’m excited to see how everything plays out. I am not sure I’d be really excited about a move to the AAC if they came calling.

Solid comparison. A depleted AAC with 2-3 CUSA schools might not sound too promising, but it’s still enough a step up to justify the move. Can’t say the same for Belt schools. How that move would work out in the long run, who knows?

And 100% agree that we should emulate the Sun Belt. I get there are hard feelings with the old members, but they have a well put together product and we can admit that. They know their place, but are competitive enough with major schools to make headlines and have a vocal enough following to be visible amongst the larger landscape. They stick together. We should strive to be like them. Wouldn’t be upset with any of those adds in the long run, I think they could grow and follow that model. The Sun Belt was basically an FCS conference 10 years ago. We are now. Nowhere to go but up.

(08-16-2023 02:08 PM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  I think talking about CUSA and Sun Belt as if they’re on the same plane in the conference realignment discussion is naive, even if you’re one of the optimists here and don’t think there’s much a competitive (or revenue) gap between the two.

At what point does preferred association become more of a priority than climbing the dying G5 power structure? For most SBC schools, the answer is NOW.

We’re clearly heading towards more G5 parity across the board. But the gap between the AAC and SBC is closer than the gap between the AAC and CUSA, and I don’t imagine the CUSA legacy members are nearly as content with the group they’ve been left in. Their athletic “peers” are in the AAC, and will be even if raided. I agree with freshtop. Any school in CUSA would join the American.

This is where I think the G5 programs (NMSU included) falls right into the hands of the P5 by chasing that "glory". Personally, I think we would all do better by creating something unique that doesn't include the P5. It isn't going to make what the P5 makes, but can it make enough to sustain Athletic Departments? I think so.

I have my ideas of how to do it, but it is a bit radical and not likely to happen in todays environment. We have to get everyone on the same page of working together for the benefit of everyone. That is in stark contrast to today's model of everyone for themselves. I know, not very capitalistic of me, but I think we are all stronger together. Call me naïve, I guess.

GO AGGIES!!!

I agree as well just like when schools went from the Sun Belt to CUSA years ago. They will go to the AAC

I guess one of these plans will eventually be right. Who knows ???
The latest plan I saw was 4 AAC teams to
The PAC 4. SMU Rice UAB and Navy

https://www.sportskeeda.com/amp/college-...pacific-12

I think we all know what the end game is in the realignment madness. There will ultimately be 30-40 schools who break away and form the “P2” or the “Super Conference” or whatever you want to call it. There will probably be a 16-18 team playoff each year for the “National Championship.” Basically, it will be NFL Light or NFL 2.0. Any one of us could make a list of who we think will make up these 30-40 schools and be pretty accurate in the results. Of course, any G5 school will not have any chance at all of being part of “The Chosen.” Mid to lower level P5 schools will be out of luck too. Only the “brands” that the media deems as beneficial to them will be included. The same media who thinks every football fan is anxiously waiting to see the same few teams play for the championship, year after year after year. Fans wanting to see their school in the playoffs is crazy talk, right? The Mouse and Fox will decide and tell us what and who we want to watch.

This breakaway need to happen sooner than later in my opinion. At the end of the day when the 30-40 “Chosen” breakaway, will it really matter what school jumps to what conference. The more realignment happens, the more rivalries are lost and the farther the distance for conference games become. Much has been said about the distance issues on this board. We know all too well that CUSA is a prime example of what happens when a conference is raided, and the conference is spread out as a result of that. The sooner this breakaway happens, the sooner the remaining 90-100 schools can try to get back to some since of normality. If that’s even possible at this point. Maybe we can get back some of the lost rivalries and some of what made college football special.

Some have suggested that football teams become independent, and all other sports remain in conferences in order to preserve what college sports is supposed to be. That might have worked out great if it had been implemented when this all started, or you start all over. I think that boat has sailed at this point in the game. Football teams play 12 games during the regular season. Most basketball teams for example play around 30. Olympic sports usually play numerous games. The negative effects on sports other than football hasn’t been felt fully yet.

A big problem that exists is that college presidents are fueling the realignment madness. Many or most of these guys don’t even care about the sports teams that represent their schools. They don’t care about the student athlete; they don’t care about the fans. The only thing they care about is money. And that’s what they see in realignment- money. So, when this breakaway happens, will it even matter what conference a school finds itself in if they’re not one of those 30-40 schools? Other than travel distance for conference games, I see no advantage in which one it will be.

Here are some details from a reliable national organization>>>


PAC2---ACC information from @Ross Dellenger (Yahoo Sports), 5:45, today--8-16.

Dellenger--"The door to expansion remains cracked open and discussions have continued into this week. However, another vote isn't scheduled and a decision isn't imminent."

Referring to where WSU and OSU stand:

"... delaying any decision of their own until Stanford's path is clear, BUT they can't wait too long."

Quote-- it's a matter of days, not weeks says one source (referring to how long they will wait).

Appears to be a lot of division/disagreement between Stanford and OSU/WSU.

Sounds like WSU and OSU have their options ready and want to proceed soon.

IMO it would be more difficult for Stanford and Cal to rebuild the PAC WITHOUT those two.

So--it seems like a decision on a rebuild will be known within a week.

Then----if no rebuild--- Stanford gets a last minute ACC invite or goes INDY.

At this point in time a total PAC rebuild with AAC/MW schools seems doubtful.

(08-16-2023 10:09 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  Here are some details from a reliable national organization>>>


PAC2---ACC information from @Ross Dellenger (Yahoo Sports), 5:45, today--8-16.

Dellenger--"The door to expansion remains cracked open and discussions have continued into this week. However, another vote isn't scheduled and a decision isn't imminent."

Referring to where WSU and OSU stand:

"... delaying any decision of their own until Stanford's path is clear, BUT they can't wait too long."

Quote-- it's a matter of days, not weeks says one source (referring to how long they will wait).

Appears to be a lot of division/disagreement between Stanford and OSU/WSU.

Sounds like WSU and OSU have their options ready and want to proceed soon.

IMO it would be more difficult for Stanford and Cal to rebuild the PAC WITHOUT those two.

So--it seems like a decision on a rebuild will be known within a week.

Then----if no rebuild--- Stanford gets a last minute ACC invite or goes INDY.

At this point in time a total PAC rebuild with AAC/MW schools seems doubtful.

What other choice do OSU and WSU have but to wait ?

And Cal is in shambles financially.

Well---that's what the story says.

Anyway 11 months from now all these teams only have Six FB games scheduled.

IMO OSU/WSU will just go ahead and act. They certainly are not going to the ACC and not going Indy either. They will join up with the MW in some kind of combo.

They can't afford to wait on Stanford--who I doubt goes to the MW.

The main point of the Dellenger story was that if some kind of PAC rebuild is going to happen---time is VERY, Very short.

If they wait too long--some of these doors start to shut---ESPECIALLY for OSU/WSU.

It has to have halted scheduling for those schools in limbo.

There may be some opportunities down the line for programs such as ours to host a couple of them.

Another article in The Athletic today. Interview with Oregon State AD. Of course he speaks mostly in generalities.

He does indicate they are waiting on a FINAL Stanford/Cal ACC final decision. I would think within a week or less. Quote from OSU AD-- Clarity on the matter--"days away--not weeks".

Once they have that decision---things can move on to the next step.

--Stanford, Cal Indy?
--a new PAC with added teams
-- MW consolidation?