Realistic outlook for CUSA

[MustangStealth]

This is most likely going to be a one-bid year for CUSA, unless someone can knock off Memphis in the tournament.

Nobody currently has the credentials for an at large bid, and it's very unlikely anyone will by the end of the season. The strongest contenders are:
-Tulsa (10-4 vs div1) 121 in RPI, no wins against top 100 teams. Would probably be considered if they run the table and lose in the conference championship game

-UAB (10-8 ) decent RPI (63) but 8 losses (at least) will be a hard sell for a second bid from this conference, especially since 5 of them are to teams that won't make the tournament. Also might be considered if they run the table and lose in the conference championship game

-UCF/USM similar situation to Tulsa, but even weaker RPIs. Probably looking at NIT even if they run the table and lose in the CUSA tourney.

Everyone else has at least 6 losses and a dismal RPI. Hopefully the big name coaches that have been brought in this year can bring in some recruits and strengthen the conference for next year.

[EastStang]

My money is on UAB to maybe get a 16 regional seed or a play in game. I think that there might be a bit of an unwritten rule that CUSA is a 2 bid league for a few years while it tries to catch up from the defections of Louisville, Marquette, UNCC, DePaul and Cincinnati. I think that also works against the league as well in us being limited to two bids.

[bagice]

I would have to agree we only get one bid unless someone knocks off Memphis in the tourney. UAB would be the closest but too many automatic bids will get in the way of them making it. Seeds 13-16 and the two teams in the play in game are taken by all the teams you never heard of that are from a conference you never heard of that gets an auto bid.

Of course, in a 12 team conference, even playing at home, Memphis could certainly get knocked off which would actually be good for the conference.

The real question, however, is what is the bigger number......# of CUSA teams in the Big Dance or # of SMU conference wins? Right now, it could go either way.