This is NOT a post to rub in your faces that JMU left, whatsoever. I'm just curious how our former foes feel about the state of the conference as it is. With UR departing, Delaware moving up, these new adds. How do you guys feel about it?

Fine?

I joke that the CAA is the island of misfit toys. These schools don't quite fit together, but most also don't REALLY fit into any other available leagues at the CAA's level. The only way out is to go up or to de-emphasize sports (which, I believe, is the path Richmond chose).

I know there are a variety of views among fans of the various CAA programs. But from my personal perspective, I think the CAA is the best situation for Drexel at the moment. Would I prefer to be in the A-10? Of course. Do I think that's ever going to happen? Extremely unlikely. Do I think a move to America East or the Patriot League would be smart for Drexel? Nope.

FWIW, I think it's interesting that for all the smoke about Charleston leaving, it hasn't happened. There is no question in my mind that they are positioning themselves for an A-10 invite, but I wonder what happens if the ask never comes.

That said, I think the wider reordering of the NCAA is going to screw pretty much every school at our level. I think the endgame for the power conferences is cutting out nearly every school below their level, which is going to be a real shame. But it also could mean even schools that "moved up" are left out in the cold, whether they play G5 football or not.

Fine is a good way of looking at it. It is a bit different coming from a non-basketball perspective, as football has taken by far the biggest hit. So, programs who are unhappy with CAA football, and are desired by other conferences, have the most motivation to leave. At this point, I think the only school that fits this criteria is Villanova, because I don't really buy the whole "W&M and Elon to the SoCon" or "W&M all sports to the Patriot" as likely outcomes.

I disagree that Richmond has de-emphasized sports, football specifically. I simply think that going forward, the Patriot League will be about as strong as the CAA, and Richmond will be what they've always been. The Patriot is improving now that they've eliminated the scholarship requirement, and the CAA will lack premier programs other than Villanova (and maybe W&M). I also anticipate Villanova will seriously consider joining Richmond in the Patriot if they see the proof of concept that Richmond doesn't take a results or recruiting hit.

I think there is a future world where the America East becomes more desirable than the CAA for a non-football program like Drexel. The Flo contract remains an annoyance, and the CAA's refusal to go to divisions like the SBC remains infuriating to me (it is SUCH AN OBVIOUS MOVE, I hate not having 2 games against geographic rivals but then turning around and having 2 games against Carolina schools I don't care about). But as long as the CAA has Northeastern, Hofstra, Stony Brook, Monmouth, and Towson (EDIT: I'll include W&M in this too), I think it represents the best grouping of conference mates Drexel can get this side of the A-10.

(07-31-2024 12:34 PM)JonP Wrote:  That said, I think the wider reordering of the NCAA is going to screw pretty much every school at our level. I think the endgame for the power conferences is cutting out nearly every school below their level, which is going to be a real shame. But it also could mean even schools that "moved up" are left out in the cold, whether they play G5 football or not.

^^This^^