Big East authorizes "slow burn pursuit" of new schools

[DustyDog]

I don't believe that's correct. Expect UTEP to join the MWC and Tech to join CUSA. Both conferences will have 8 conference games and the traditional 4 OOC games with an annual championship game between the two conferences with the expectation that the inter-conference champion will go to a high-paying bowl. Also expect an alliance not a merger.

Hoping you are exactly right on this...

[LookingForResults]

Easy ChuckK3! I'm confident about this in general, but even in the generality I'm not certain. Some details are still fluid. I like everything that I see, but I'm not seeing everything.

[TECH88]

Hoping you are exactly right on this...

He's right. I mean, if anybody on this board is privy to that kind of info it would more than likely be LFR.

[ChuckK3]

Easy ChuckK3! I'm confident about this in general, but even in the generality I'm not certain. Some details are still fluid. I like everything that I see, but I'm not seeing everything.

I know there's always a disclaimer, since NOBODY knows for CERTAIN...but, you have to admit that your perspective is a little better grounded than most of us average fans.

[rebelboi]

WAC & MWC should just merge

[DONW]

WAC & MWC should just merge

No good reason to merge.

[1L_dawg]

I don't believe that's correct. Expect UTEP to join the MWC and Tech to join CUSA. Both conferences will have 8 conference games and the traditional 4 OOC games with an annual championship game between the two conferences with the expectation that the inter-conference champion will go to a high-paying bowl. Also expect an alliance not a merger.

So, if i understand you correctly, you think the optimal number for a merger/alliance is 18? With that as the premise, the alliance collectively will be looking to add only one if AFA stays and add two if AFA leaves.

[ChuckK3]

WAC & MWC should just merge

I don't understand your logic there, Reb...sorry.

[Bigdog13]

Tech wasn't mentioned in the article but like I said I posted an article a week or two ago where the UTEP AD said they were likely moving West and since SMU and Houston are leaving that they are fine with that. Goes along with what LFR said. I am fairly certain that is the plan right now. We just need to make sure we are the replacement for UTEP.

[revf]

Been through a Cusa expansion before, I will believe it when we have a press conference...

[jellidawg]

Air Force must move to the Big East to create the numerical imbalance that we need. Otherwise, the numbers shake out at 8/8 (with UTEP switching). I think we are dead in this scenario. 16 makes perfect sense from scheduling and geographic perspectives.

There will be 8 teams left in the MWC, and 9 teams left in CUSA. That is 17 teams, not 16. The only way that they could get to 16 is by AFA moving to BE or kicking someone out. I think they will move UTEP to the Western division, and we fill the 18th slot. Where's the praying smiley when you need it?

[LookingForResults]

So, if i understand you correctly, you think the optimal number for a merger/alliance is 18? With that as the premise, the alliance collectively will be looking to add only one if AFA stays and add two if AFA leaves.

Correct.

[JuBru]

I don't understand your logic there, Reb...sorry.

Can't speak for him, but it makes sense since MWC already feeds off WAC teams anyway. Heck, the MWC was started by WAC teams and has mostly drawn their membership from the WAC.

The MWC is more "prestigious" than the WAC.

And, most importantly, Tech would rid itself of Karl Benson.

[DrumDawg]

One BIG difference this time versus last time is that ECU (of which I am an alum) sees Tech as the lesser of all evils THIS time; ECU and Southern Miss STILL carry a lot of weight in CUSA

[RougeDawg]

One BIG difference this time versus last time is that ECU (of which I am an alum) sees Tech as the lesser of all evils THIS time; ECU and Southern Miss STILL carry a lot of weight in CUSA

As in, North Texas is farther away and kinda sucks at sports/academics? That would be a big change of heart for CUSA to walk away from having any presence in the Dallas market.