So what's left of the MWC?

[RE Tycoon]

I realize Boise and Nevada are ranked, but with all the defections, does this make CUSA the strongest Non-BCS Conference now? Obviously the MWC is top heavy, but it falls off pretty fast now. Not much to brag about because we are still left out, but by staying together it would appear CUSA schools have improved their lot in conference life for the time being.

It would also appear as though the core of CUSA schools now has the bargaining power the that MWC used to enjoy. I.E. the core CUSA schools can approach the best MWC schools about a best of the rest type merger whereas in the past I think the MWC schools were reluctant to leave the original members (dead weight) behind. Now with all the new members that might not hold as much sway.

[EastStang]

I don't think that conference is going to get us more respect. We've been in that conference and it got us no respect before (of course we stunk then). Late games, poor bowl ties, and no fan followings, no ease of travel. It think its a push at best.

[RE Tycoon]

If CUSA can stay as currently constituted, I'd prefer to stay where we are.

[StallionsModelT]

Here is the best case realistic scenario for us now. I don't think this will happen but it is our best possible option:

MWC-CUSA merger of upper echelon programs which would look something like this:

Western Division (MWC)

Fresno State
Boise State
San Diego State
Colorado State
Air Force
Nevada
Wyoming

Eastern Division (CUSA)

East Carolina
Central Florida
Southern Miss
SMU
Houston
Tulsa
UTEP

Winner of each division plays the other for an AQ birth every year.

[NickSMU17]

Sign us up...

[Mitch McConnell]

Here is the best case realistic scenario for us now. I don't think this will happen but it is our best possible option:

MWC-CUSA merger of upper echelon programs which would look something like this:

Western Division (MWC)

Fresno State
Boise State
San Diego State
Colorado State
Air Force
Nevada
Wyoming

Eastern Division (CUSA)

East Carolina
Central Florida
Southern Miss
SMU
Houston
Tulsa
UTEP

Winner of each division plays the other for an AQ birth every year.

You left out Hawaii. Sounds like they're going to move ASAP for football only.

[Big Hoss]

Here is the best case realistic scenario for us now. I don't think this will happen but it is our best possible option:

MWC-CUSA merger of upper echelon programs which would look something like this:

Western Division (MWC)

Fresno State
Boise State
San Diego State
Colorado State
Air Force
Nevada
Wyoming

Eastern Division (CUSA)

East Carolina
Central Florida
Southern Miss
SMU
Houston
Tulsa
UTEP

Winner of each division plays the other for an AQ birth every year.

At this point, whatever conference we end up in, I hope we can keep some close conference rivals like what you have here. Call me selfish, but unless the Big XII comes calling, I don't think a move to any other conference on our own makes a lot of sense. The Big East is now my vote for most likely to implode.

[ReedFrawg]

Air Force
Colo St
New Mexico
San Diego St
Boise St...coming soon
UNLV
Wyoming
Nevada...coming soon
Fresno...coming soon
Hawaii...coming soon

What if the MWC decides to invite UTEP and Houston to get to 12? Wonder what the contingency plan(s) would be for SMU and CUSA? Add 2 teams to CUSA West or stay at 10 and drop the championship game? I'd vote to stay at 10 as there are really no appealing programs to add.

[StallionsModelT]

ReedFrawg,

In that scenario I could see CUSA extending invites to North Texas and/or UT-San Antonio in order to have a couple more Texas teams.

[Stallion]

I believe the proposed merger between CUSA/MWC is speculated to be just that-a merger between all remaing members of CUSA and MWC. Not a "best of the remaining teams". If the merger isn't going to happen-SMU would have to strongly consider a MWC bid if Houston considers it. Don't be left holding the bag with Tulsa, Rice and Tulane because the CUSA East may some day break off leaving SMU shut out from national TV. We'd be stuck in a modified Sun Belt.

[RGV Pony]

UTEP and Houston out=hello NT and LaTech

[smupony94]

UTEP and Houston out=hello NT and LaTech

arrrrrrrrrgggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh

[ReedFrawg]

ReedFrawg,

In that scenario I could see CUSA extending invites to North Texas and/or UT-San Antonio in order to have a couple more Texas teams.

Do you think that is a good idea? I would oppose that move if I am SMU. Does the CUSA champ game really generate enough money to make any difference to SMU (in terms of revenue)? Rather stay at 10 and not weaken the conference. Hopefully SMU is working the phones today and positioning SMU for a slot in the MWC. I don't think the BIg East is going to make any more moves in the short-term.

Of course, the MWC has shown that it does not feel a pressing need to go to 12 teams.

[StallionsModelT]

I doubt Houston leaves CUSA for a MWC with no Utah, BYU, and TCU. Maybe I'm wrong but if Houston sticks with CUSA I think CUSA is just as solid top to bottom as what is left of the MWC.

[peruna81]

MWC loses DFW/Texas link for TV...they will want to solve that, and SMU may be part of that answer.

Congrats to the frogs. They saw the landscape years ago, and did the ant thing and prepared. We grasshoppers are now left to wring our hands, fuss about the weather, or keep working while there is yet time.

Can't wrap myself around rooting for TCU to get to the NC game this year...but I do hope that the football world soon spins it that TCU gets a shot at President Gee and THE Entitled State University. Arrogance befits a fool...