First off, its clear that C-USA was a step up for Tech in the world of D1 football. No question. Better TV deal. Better bowl tie-ins. Better marketing. Better national reputation. Better for recruiting. Just flat out BETTER.
But, the underlying advantage that just makes this awesome from my perspective is the GEOGRAPHY involved.
Instead of gallavanting all over the globe competing against Idaho, hawaii, and San Jose.....we have the opportunity to play teams within a short/moderate drive; Rice, Tulane, North Texas, Southern Miss, etc.
As George Castanza would say, "This is GOLD, Jerry....GOLD"
That shorter travel distance and regional familiarity with foes, will spawn REAL rivalries. Fans, alumni, and students alike will be capable of making those trips in greater numbers. You'll start seeing better crowds on Saturdays. You'll start getting more interest vested in these contests against familiar foes from down the road. Our students and theirs will become rivals.
Its not going to happen overnight, but its coming. Watch.