I was hoping the MAC would be better next year. But with the mass exodus of talent from second division teams and Buffalo, it looks like the league could have its worst season ever, maybe in the 20s? It's really hard to understand what's going on at NIU and Central.
+1. If the bottom six or even the top 6 teams can't retain talent or effectively build / develop then the MAC is in some serious trouble. But, I can imagine programs such as WMU, Central and NIU don't support basketball as much as football or other sports. Also could be cultural issues as well within those programs which might explain the mass exodus from these programs.
The struggles of the directional Michigans & NIU makes me want to revisit my often brought up dream scenario of a super-tight conference and orchestrate a trade with the Horizon League. Those 4 for Youngstown St, Wright St, Cleveland St & Northern Kentucky. I know football and other considerations ruin it, I just have always thought tight geographical conferences are a good thing especially at the mid-major level as the proximity maximizes rivalries and overall buzz.
You nailed it with football. WMU and NIU have brought the MAC BCS appearances in the last decade; giving those schools life in the conference. Otherwise, I agree in theory. With all the P5 conferences realigning
I've asked before - but what would it take for YSU to jump into D1? Other than the proximity to Akron AND Kent, which would potentially lead the AD's to voting against inclusion - if Tressel didn't do it - was there even an appetite to make the leap?
Basketball I think we can and should do that yesterday.
I would imagine the other schools in the league don't want yet another Ohio school to compete against for talent, dollars, etc. Also I think their football stadium would have to be upgraded, unless we're talking just basketball.
So what are we saying here? We're just going to have a league of all Ohio schools plus NKU, Buffalo and Balls? No thanks.
Stambaugh Stadium holds 20,000. It would be the smallest in the MAC, but it's not like they're working with 5,000 or something. Six teams currently have less than 25,000 capacity.
As for your second question... These conference re-alignments are more about finances than anything. Nothing wrong about leaning into what basically becomes a bus-league focused on inter-state rivalries. Not far from what it is currently.
What exactly does a trip to Buffalo offer us that a trip to Youngstown wouldn't provide? Other than I imagine more interest locally.
With that said, I think the scenario of adding anyone outside YSU or NKU/WKU is entirely basketball focused. Not sure how that works.
What would compel Marshall to come back to the MAC now that they've move to the Sunbelt? If anything, a better idea is OHIO moving to the Sunbelt, because right now, I'd say that's a slightly better league than the MAC. Since that's probably not happening soon...
I would jump on the chance to join the Fun Belt immediately, but I'm not sure OU can afford it.
Last Edited: 4/26/2023 6:31:05 PM by M.D.W.S.T