Has Anyone Heard About This Possibility?

[CajunDave1]

Conference realignment has obviously been of huge interest for all of the remaining schools in the WAC, CUSA, Sun Belt and Mountain West Conferences. With TCU moving to the Mountain West, I think that Tech has about a 60% to 70% chance of taking their place in CUSA.

However, with that said, I was listening to a local radio show and a very respected sportswriter in the Lafayette area indicated that Temple will be CUSA's top choice to replace them. He also indicated that if Temple rejects an all-sports offer from CUSA, they could be offered a football only membership in CUSA. He also indicated that it is not out of the realm of possibility for CUSA to remain at only 11 teams until they have time to study the landscape further. But if CUSA does not get Temple, and they want to quickly move to 12 teams, Tech should have a better than average chance.

Any thoughts?

[EJ]

That seems to be the deal. Cross your fingers!

[champion110]

Even though that is a possibility, I don't think CUSA would invite them for football only. That really doesn't make much sense. The are HORRIBLE in football and do not have a true dedication to even staying 1a. Basketball is the only reason CUSA would want them and they ain't coming.

So, I don't see them as a true threat. However, I have no idea what CUSA is thinking on this.

One rumor that is growing legs is the possibility of C-USA going to 14 by taking the cream of the MAC. I first saw Organizer on the WAC board mention it as a last resort. Considering the source, I didn't believe it at first, but I've seen other credible insiders from C-USA schools mention the possibility in the last two days. The fact that C-USA officials were at a Toledo basketball game last night adds fuel to the fire.

[KungPaoCajun]

One rumor that is growing legs is the possibility of C-USA going to 14 by taking the cream of the MAC. I first saw Organizer on the WAC board mention it as a last resort. Considering the source, I didn't believe it at first, but I've seen other well-known posters from C-USA schools mention the possibility in the last two days. The fact that C-USA officials were at a Toledo basketball game last night adds fuel to the fire.

It sounds silly, until you consider that the Big East will likely come calling in five years. The two team buffer would be nice to have.

Also, EJ, we're crossing our fingers for different things.

[Champ967]

14 teams means that more schools have to share the revenue pie.

On the other hand, 14 teams reduces the chances of a rematch in a football championship game. I like that as a fan, but I doubt it even holds a candle to revenue concerns.

Here is a link to the C-USA board's discussion:

http://www.ncaabbs.com/forums/confus...b4641150e2656f

Right now, it appears to be more speculation than anything, and I'd give the nod to LaTech.

[Dwayne From Minden]

I've heard that a football only membership is NOT on the table and will not even be offered by CUSA -

It will be all or nothing for Temple, because Temple football brings nothing to the table - CUSA wants Temple for thier BASKETBALL...

Can't comment on the MAC schools cause I don't have a good feel about that situation - Miami of Ohio is more of a concern to me than Toledo because they fit in the "present footprint" of CUSA...

[champion110]

Miami of Toledo is more of a concern to me than Toledo

Miami or Toledo, Miami of Ohio...... What's the difference. :-)

[Dwayne From Minden]

Thanks Gary -

Both are in Ohio and if CUSA somehow chooses them more power to them - however I doubt if they fit into what Cowen envisioned as future conference mates when he was talking about all last year about threatening to shut down Tulane football...

I think economics will rule out in the long run and the "southern" association will prevail...

[champion110]

I think you are exactly right. I am on pins and needles just waiting, though. I hope that CUSA makes a quicker decision than anticipated. They have a history of that, so if they are sure who they want, they should do it in a matter of weeks.

[CajunDave1]

I started this thread yesterday, based on something I heard on a Lafayette radio station. This morning I heard some additional information, that if true, might cause some concern to Tech fans. Again, the only reason I am posting and discussing this information is because it is obvious that whatever happens to Tech WILL have an effect on the Sun Belt.

I heard that Temple will be offered full membership in CUSA, but they will refuse because they do not want their basketball program to leave the A-10 (No big surprise). However, there IS a chance that they might accept a football only membership in CUSA to help their run down football program. However, for this to be feasable, Temple would agree for its basketball team to schedule the top 2 teams in CUSA (Based on the previous seasons RPI) each year in a home & home arrangement. That way, Temple basketball does not have to leave the A-10, but by agreeing to play the top teams in CUSA each year would also help the RPI of the top CUSA teams and increase their chances of getting more than 1 or 2 teams in the Big Dance each March! Under this scenerio, CUSA and Temple would seem to be coming to a possible comprimise.

Again, take it for what you think it is worth, but this is another "rumor" that has apparently surfaced. I guess we will just have to sit a wait!

[killerdawg]

However, there IS a chance that they might accept a football only membership...

I can't imagine CUSA wanting Temple's 1-AAAA football program without getting their BB program too.

Don't believe everything you hear or read. I read that Middle Tenn would be considered over ULL for the WAC if Tech stays. It came from a Tenn rag, so how biased is that?

[Dallas Dawg]

I think you are exactly right. I am on pins and needles just waiting, though. I hope that CUSA makes a quicker decision than anticipated. They have a history of that, so if they are sure who they want, they should do it in a matter of weeks.

Champion,

All your wishes are about to be granted. Tech will be invited to join C-USA, and it will happen much sooner than most expect.

DallasDawg

[Dawgbitten]

That is just plain stupid Cajun. Is this the same well respected sports radio guy from Lafayette that was mentioned somewhere in another thread?