MTSU had a board meeting this afternoon. All that was said regarding conference affiliation was they hope to have this resolved by end of the week.
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Sure beginning to look like it’s not happening…
Let’s just take a few A-10 hoops teams with UMASS for all sports with WKU or if no WKU, then upgrade one of the A-10 schools to FBS like URI or Fordham or add Delaware (CAA). This would work with a 16 or even 18 team hoops conference and 14 FBS teams in football. CFP cash only goes to FBS teams, but MAC would then get much bigger TV $$$$.
Maybe forget MTSU?? If they think they cannot afford it, then they need some better accountants.
MTSU to stay in C-USA
I just read that MTSU is staying in CUSA. I am disappointed that ESPN didnt make it worth it but I am not disappointed that the MAC is staying at 12 teams
I’m really not sure its much of a loss for the MAC. I’m really not sure WKU and MTSU bring alot to the table. Honestly, the MAC is and always will be Ohio and Michigan focused. I don’t think the expansion would help.
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So what is the situation with WKU? Are they coming to MAC or staying in CUSA? I would still like to see them in the MAC.
It’s official that MTSU is sticking with CUSA. Best of luck dealing with Liberty’s unbridled ambitions and willingness to buy anything they want and in building fan support for playing Jacksonville State and Sam Houston every season.
Rumor is MAC only wanted a package deal, but I don’t think there is anything official yet on WKU.
I would hope we dont go to 13
Apparently WKU still wants in. Not sure who would even be available as a partner to join with them to keep us at an even number.
I think UConn maybe but only if they commit as an all-sport member, which I don’t think they’ll do. It would give Buffalo a travel partner and the MAC a footprint back into the Northeast. WKU could keep their rivalry with MTSU as an OOC rivalry if they want. EKU desperately wants FBS status but not even a pretty desperate CUSA offered them.
UConn and UMass would not be willing to join in all sports. Northern Iowa would be a good addition athletically, but they’d add a ton of travel and I don’t know if they would accept an FBS move. EKU wouldn’t add anything other than a warm body. Illinois St, SIU, and Missouri St aren’t very appealing and who knows if they’d even have any FBS ambitions.
I was just on Pete Thamel’s Twitter site. The only people happy are the Liberty fans and an FIU alum who lives in Nashville…most Blue Raiders fans disappointed and many are pissed and the WKU fans are absolutely livid.
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Per Pete Thamel, WKU very interested in joining MAC.
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A Twitter site?
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EKU makes geographic sense and they have a rivalry with WKU that’s mostly been on hold since WKU moved to FBS but not sure if the athletics make sense.
Personally still happy to stay at 12
EKU and WKU would make sense
I really don’t think the MAC gains anything by adding EKU. These moves are about optics, and adding an EKU doesn’t give the right optics imo. We missed out with JMU. Conferences aren’t regional alignments for athletic departments anymore. They’re essentially a PAC spending money to grow the marketing footprint of the universities that make them up. The MAC has the smallest geographical footprint of any FBS conference. They can afford to stop stepping on each other’s toes and expand.
What happens if Akron drops football? What happens if EMU decides to go to FCS? These are scenarios that I’m pretty confident I’ll see in my lifetime. How do you put yourself in a position to be desired (I’m sure there are a few of you who have asked that question)?
I think WKU would’ve been a good add for the MAC…good hoops and arena and pretty good football as well while being in an adjacent state to other conference members. Then MAC can take its time if there is a good add for a 14th member, or just have insurance if the MAC sees a future loss of a member.
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