I normally don't post on competing team's message boards, but since I'm on OwlScoop.com I thought...oh wait, this is Bobcatattack.
So to get this thread back on track, I don't think anyone in the traditional MAC (excludes TU and UMASS) has the money, the fanbase or the desire to move anywhere, especially considering the costs for increased travel for the non-cash generating sports. And there is ZERO desire to significantly increase student fees to cover the increased costs for a conference jump.
Therefore, I go back to the same problem that I have had with the MAC: it doesn't appear the heads of state are working to improve their product through strategic expansion.
Regardless of what the final 18-24 team conference looks like, it will still be:
- Non-AQ
- The low group on the totem pole if the power conferences make a power play to exclude the have nots from any playoff and bowl participation going forward, or if they break away from the NCAA altogether
In this time of turmoil for the have nots, the MAC needs to be working hard
right now to coax just a few of these former CUSA/FCS teams into full membership to improve it's position. I have to believe the current FB contract with ESPN, and the increased exposure that the MAC has realized over the last three years, would be compelling to a select few. (not to mention that CUSA doesn't have significantly better TV exposure than the MAC; sure they have more revenue, but the exposure isn't conspicuously better, with CUSA largely being on CBS Sports v the MAC on ESPN)
I know it gets boring to discuss the same thing over and over, but the MAC needs to be all over those within a relatively tight radius to its existing footprint (Marshall, East Carolina, App State, Delaware, MTSU) to try to create the best 16 team, full member conference that it can. And then if UMASS or Temple decide they want in for all sports, so be it. However, there is nothing those two FB programs bring (based on historic on the field performance, not media market) that can't be replaced or possibly improved by including a handful of those schools above. Certainly a consolidated travel footprint for the schools above would be appealing from an expenditure perspective v what an expanded CUSA would present.
And at this point, the mission needs to be FB first because that is where the MAC's best TV exposure is at this point, and the best opportunity for revenue generation for advertising/sponsorships/etc. It would be nice if today was 1998 and the MAC had the presence it had in hoops at that time. But it isn't, so you need to lead with your strength. (and UMASS and Temple would probably opt out anyway because of their deference to hoops first)
Who knows, if the MAC can compel a select few FB programs into its house then maybe they can realize improved revenues from ESPN, or a better contract from another sports channel, and that could help pay for the added travel costs to a few outlying programs. (and pay a potential exit incentive to EMU to find another home)
An AQ status isn't coming to any of the remaining programs anytime soon, and they won't control their own destiny if/when the NCAA decides to dis-invite them from the post season party, regardless of whether they are in an expanded CUSA or the BIG MAC. And with the mega-conferences going to nine game conference schedules there will be fewer non-con pay dates for the non-AQ's to help fund their already struggling programs; hence the need for the MAC schools to start working really hard to improve their own lots as quickly as possible.
So just build a better conference and get on with it.
Last Edited: 2/14/2012 6:15:31 PM by D.A.