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AAC commissioner Mike Aresco stands firm on expansion issue, talks importance of football to league's future

http://www.masslive.com/umassfootball/i ... sco_s.html

No UMass. We already have UConn and Temple covering that market.

But we'd miss out on the joke UMass-hole.

UMass is the absolute dump of FBS football.

Teams that should be considered in AAC expands:

BYU
Boise (I know, terrible history with them, but a solid program and fanbase that travels well)
UNLV
FAU/FIU if they establish solid FB programs

Don't do anything that forecloses a knockout of MWC by adding BYU, SDSU and/or Air Force, Boise or Fresno for football only

Stallion wrote:Don't do anything that forecloses a knockout of MWC by adding BYU, SDSU and/or Air Force, Boise or Fresno for football only

Without question, adding BYU would be the highest priority. Your examples suggest a three division vs. two division FB conference. These teams would kill MWC (not a bad idea) and firmly position AAC as a legitimate contributor to a Power 6. I have always like AF, but their connection to MWC is very pragmatic for them.

As it sits now, just adding BYU and another team in the East in FB only might be easiest. Army is isn't competitive, but it would balance with Navy, who is FB only in the West. Further, the Cadets do draw fans nationally.

In any case, we needs to persuade the BYU Cougars that independence is a dilemma for them long term. Adding beyond that is worth discussing.

I like Mr. Aresco's comments. I think he's done a pretty admirable job in a tough situation.

As for AAC expansion, there is no rush and no incentive right now unless BYU wants to play ball and be a regular member without any sweetheart concessions like the MWC made for Boise State. With the new stipend rules and the increasing budgetary concerns of several MWC schools it is only a matter of time until several of those programs come running to the AAC begging to be added so that they can rid themselves of the shackles of programs like UNM, Wyoming, SJSU, Hawaii, etc. Honestly, I think there will be another break within both the AAC and the MWC of schools that have the financial means to mimic the actions of the P5. I believe the following conference will be formed:

12 Teams

West - BYU, AFA, Boise State, UNLV, SMU, Houston

East - Memphis, Cincinnati, UCF, USF, UConn, Navy

If you feel confident that the CA schools will have the money to compete then you can bump to 14

West - SDSU, Fresno State, BYU, Boise State, SMU, Houston

East - Memphis, Cincinnati, UCF, USF, ECU, UConn, Navy


That is the truly "national" conference that has solid programs in both basketball and football that, IMO, truly represents the programs of the P5 that have real aspirations to be on the national scene.

I know I will get slammed by most on this board but I would consider UTEP in the mix somewhere if some of the others don't work out. Texas school with a solid fan base. They were part of the original Mountain West Conference and I feel have gotten the short end of the stick in regards to realignment.

smusportspage wrote:I know I will get slammed by most on this board but I would consider UTEP in the mix somewhere if some of the others don't work out. Texas school with a solid fan base. They were part of the original Mountain West Conference and I feel have gotten the short end of the stick in regards to realignment.

They got the short end because their football program is lousy and they have no market. They're exactly where they belong.

UTEP offers nothing. Terrible market, terrible academics, money problems, and awful on-field product. I would take UTSA before UTEP.

BYU = vomit

Vomit all you want but they are the biggest fish out there in the P5. If the AAC were able to get them to play nice we would welcome them with open arms.

I still think we should take Wichita St. in everything except football, and offset the Navy addition

Everyone is missing the big point. The big 5 are never gonna agree to a big 6. If anything, Vanderbilt, TCU, Northwestern, and Baylor better sleep with one eye open. I could see Notre Dame, BYU, one of the Florida directional schools and one other taking their place..........Oh and get ready, the big 5 will have their own basketball championship series as well..............

nm