ESPNU CUSA Preview

[EastStang]

I was watching ESPNU channel last night to see if any Mustangs were drafted and they started into previews for next year for different conferences, they spent about 2 minutes on CUSA basically saying that six schools were added, Memphis was the best team, USM was second best, but that UTEP might make some noise out of the western division. They also cited future instability in the conference because the Big East only has 8 football members. I know that Memphis and ECU are pining for inclusion in the Big East. What they want and what the BE will do are two very different things. But the BE won't expand before 2010 (due to its contract with basketball only members) and by then CUSA will either be a happy conference or an experiment that isn't working. So, lots to look forward to for the next 5 years.

[Water Pony]

Good observations.

The new Conference USA has both strengths and potential. The initial class of the league includes USM, UTEP, Memphis and, perhaps, Marshall.

Growing in strength is UAB, Houston, Tulane, and Rice

The key to our success is the need for rapid improvement by UCF, Tulsa, ECU and, more importantly, SMU.

A competitive SMU, sitting in Dallas and bringing real FB tradition could be a real difference maker for the new conference. Imagine SMU, Tulane, UCF, UAB, Houston, Rice and Memphis performing at high levels with their respective metro markets?

A dominant SMU in FB and BB could be the kingmaker role for the future of this conference, keeping Memphis happy and satisfied to be linked to the south and southwest VS pining for Louisville and the BE.

Needs to happen!