BYU signs ESPN deal, 8 yrs, play ND, TX, WAC teams

[Eddie P]

I've had some bitter little TCU queens in my office this morning spouting off that 1) They're "glad" BYU is gone and it doesnt mean anything to the MWC. They're glad the MWC "stood up" to BYU's demand. 2) BYU won't get "anyone" to play them. Lots of jokes about the WCC.

I responded that it's pretty delusional to state that BYU leaving is anything but bad for both TCU and the MWC. Believing anything else, especially that it's a good thing that they are leaving, is absolutely ridiculous. And while there will be challenges to their scheduling for sure, its not like every team in the MWC is going to shun a team that brings a ton of people out to your place. If BYU is such a terrible joke of a draw, how come UT and now Notre Dame have signed contracts?

Pretty enjoyable to observe, even though it's considered impolite to smile at other's misfortunes.

[StallionsModelT]

TCU has to be VERY disappointed by the events of this summer to the MWC. Adding Boise was a great move, only to be trumped by the exit of Utah. Then the BYU fiasco starts. They add Fresno State and Nevada (two solid additions) in hopes of keeping BYU happy. BYU still bolts and the MWC is likely to see more fallout. CUSA is looking like a very real possibility for TCU.

[EastStang]

Hence why CUSA and the MWC are talking to each other. With this kind of uncertainty as to where SMU and UH would break and where TCU and AFA would break, there's a deal to be made here. If the BCS decides to make 5th bowl game deal (with ABC/ESPN pitching it-again to screw over Comcast/Versus), then no one moves anywhere unless everyone agrees to it. Thus, for example TCU wanted back into CUSA and UTEP wanted to move west, fine. My guess, everyone stays where they are. Because CUSA sits east, it has the better markets and time zones, so its TV market and bowl package is better than the MWC. But the MWC has better teams at the top (not at the bottom). So again, each conference has a lot to bring to the table that the other conference doesn't have.

[smupony94]

I've had some bitter little TCU queens in my office this morning spouting off that 1) They're "glad" BYU is gone and it doesnt mean anything to the MWC. They're glad the MWC "stood up" to BYU's demand. 2) BYU won't get "anyone" to play them. Lots of jokes about the WCC.

I responded that it's pretty delusional to state that BYU leaving is anything but bad for both TCU and the MWC. Believing anything else, especially that it's a good thing that they are leaving, is absolutely ridiculous. And while there will be challenges to their scheduling for sure, its not like every team in the MWC is going to shun a team that brings a ton of people out to your place. If BYU is such a terrible joke of a draw, how come UT and now Notre Dame have signed contracts?

Pretty enjoyable to observe, even though it's considered impolite to smile at other's misfortunes.

I would disown you if you did not continue to enjoy their misfortune

[huskerpony]

How's this for bold. CUSA makes invites to Boise, Air Force, TCU, and La Tech?

Replace La Tech with CSU and I'm with you.

Denver tv market >>> Ruston
Weekend trip to Ft. Collins >>>>>>>>> Ruston

[Hoop Fan]

just like TCU fans were a bit too smug about BYU's options, it would be ironic if we are being too smug about what we think TCUs options are going to be over the next few years. The frogs have kicked realignment dust in our face twice before, lets hope they don't do it a third time. Hell, they could join cusa temporarily and then leave us again in 3 or 4years, especially if they go to another BCS game. They are positioned pretty well really and we are still just hoping.

[1983 Cotton Bowl]

A very good point.

[Hoop Fan]

Hence why CUSA and the MWC are talking to each other. With this kind of uncertainty as to where SMU and UH would break and where TCU and AFA would break, there's a deal to be made here. If the BCS decides to make 5th bowl game deal (with ABC/ESPN pitching it-again to screw over Comcast/Versus), then no one moves anywhere unless everyone agrees to it. Thus, for example TCU wanted back into CUSA and UTEP wanted to move west, fine. My guess, everyone stays where they are. Because CUSA sits east, it has the better markets and time zones, so its TV market and bowl package is better than the MWC. But the MWC has better teams at the top (not at the bottom). So again, each conference has a lot to bring to the table that the other conference doesn't have.

if this was happening, don't you think ESPN would have wrapped BYU into this instead of giving them a splinter arrangement (and a very long term one at that)? That tells me nothing is brewing on a coordinated front. sure, Thompson and Banowsky are talking but it sounds like they are on the defensive all the way, not the offensive.

[Nacho]

i'm going to ask directv to drop the byu channel.

[The PonyGrad]

TCU has to be VERY disappointed by the events of this summer to the MWC. Adding Boise was a great move, only to be trumped by the exit of Utah. Then the BYU fiasco starts. They add Fresno State and Nevada (two solid additions) in hopes of keeping BYU happy. BYU still bolts and the MWC is likely to see more fallout. CUSA is looking like a very real possibility for TCU.

Maybe I am wrong, but I saw the Fresno/Nevada move as more of a preemtive strike to scuttle BYUs plan to play all other sports in the WAC. BYU found a replacement for the WAC for their other sports and all that move did was to delay the decision.

Besides, ESPN TV deal was also the driver. $$$ and exposure only get better for them without splitting a pie.

[deepellumfrog]

No TCU fan is really happy about this, but they did what is best for them. Remains to be seen if it pays off. Only time will tell.

[Water Pony]

No TCU fan is really happy about this, but they did what is best for them. Remains to be seen if it pays off. Only time will tell.

Since honestly is in vogue today, DEFrog, I feel a bit for you all. When you bolted for MWC, I for one expressed doubt about the rational and felt it was geograhically undesireable for all other of your sports, as well as your fans.

You made it work out well for yourselves, but now you are facing a situation which couldn't have been expected, Utah and BYU leaving the nest. Boise is a nice addition, but the loss of SLC can't be good for you and FSU and Nevada coming on board will not be a good exchange.

So from our hubris in the Eighties and your optimism in the 00's, we are now in a situation where we should collaborate and make lemonade.

Either we move together and offer the DFW metroplex collectively or support a virtual alliance between MWC and CUSA to create a winning formula for ESPN and our stable mates. I can see a rationalization of memberships time zone-wise and/or three new divisons/conference which though non-AQ now, would qualify through a play-in model to the Cotton Bowl, which is elevated to the 5th BCS. BCS conference gets an extra spot as well as one for our 'alliance'.

Perhaps the Big XII one day will want us both, but neither one of us can assume that with BYU proving its value as an independent.

Lastly, perhaps Navy and Army have a place at the table which includes AFA, as well as Utah States, NM State and Hawai'i.