What exactly is the MAC screwing up? What would the MAC actually being "adding" by bringing these two in exactly? For every one thing they would/could add, they offset it but taking away/canceling something else out. One could easily make the argument the MAC is better/stronger the way it is without them. Remember, the MAC doesn't need these two schools. The question is, do those two schools need the MAC? Maybe that answer is no. Prior to two weeks ago, no MAC fan was scanning the nation's landscape saying the MAC needs to add WKU and MTSU. No one was.

If this falls through, it won't be the MAC's fault. It won't be WKU's fault.

It will be because MTSU piddled around due to lack of $$$$$$. Some people think that Middle is of the opinion that the few million bucks (chump change for most D-1 athletic programs) they could keep by not changing leagues will somehow fund major improvements on their facilities and make them look bigtime. With construction costs these days? In the Nashville area?

delusional

> based on or having faulty judgment; mistaken.

People who are delusional don't deal in reality. They fantasize about the Big12 calling in a couple of years and inviting them in...because... well... ???

I am on board with both WKU and MTSU coming to the MAC but if MTSU decides to roll the dice differently I am warming up to the WKU and UMass idea otherwise (if it’s indeed going to be on the table).

Not having MT really doesn’t throw out the idea of eventually combining a future trip to Nashville since WKU would be involved. In fact, for me in south central Ohio, WKU is closer and only about 1:10 from Nashville. Murfreesboro is an hour on the other side of Nashville. I also think UMass will be much more engaged and appreciative of being in the MAC this time around. Furthermore, I think Buffalo might welcome an additional manageable road trip and not being quite the outlier in the footprint. And, who knows, for basketball, some of the folks on the committee, who are probably on the “mature side”, may remember “the good ole days” of Minutemen basketball which could give the conference a psychological advantage and, dare I say, a second team in the tournament that wouldn’t have been there otherwise. While this last thought might be a stretch, I think most would agree a lot of things are questioned when it comes to the selection committee and how they arrive at their decisions.

WKU could still include MT on their schedules as out of conference games if they so choose.

The looks of the football stadium, the basketball arena…AND…the drive (have just the car for it)…I think you’ve convinced me. :)

I went to see Santana not long ago (for the zillionth time) but went to see him in Chattanooga instead of here in middle TN. Stayed at the beautiful and historic Read House hotel and walked the 6 blocks to the also ancient historic Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium to the show. Went to the Top of the Rock Brewhouse on the way to Chatt.

https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x8861a9e6475b9b25%3...

Chattanooga would be a fantastic addition, but it ain't gonna happen. I think the SoCon is a great fit for them..

All the cards are on Middle Tennessee's table. They're refusing to join the MAC because they think collecting the exit fees from the schools that left C-USA is a better solution than joining the stability of the MAC with WKU alongside.

Short term, yes. Those exit fees pay a nice chunk of change. But long term it's a horrible strategy. C-USA's TV deal is terrible and it could get worse with all the exits. Not to mention all the potential travel and instability.

For once, the MAC didn't screw this up. They may need some help from ESPN and CBS to sweeten the deal.


https://twitter.com/38Godfrey/status/1458128438007635972?...

I imagine that adding Jacksonville St, JMU and Liberty made the CUSA situation more palatable for MTSU, but if they think about it, it's not that great. JMU and Liberty are both about eight hours from MTSU. At least half the current MAC teams are about that close or closer to MTSU (Ohio, MOFO, BSU, BG, Toledo, Akron and Kent). EMU, WMU and NIU are as close or closer to MTSU as LaTech, the next closest CUSA school. So with the new CUSA they would have four opponents within about nine hours but ten current MAC teams are in that range.

Fair enough. I can see both points. Mine leaned more toward comparing Buffalo’s driving distance to MTSU vs UMass.

I really don’t care either way. I’m fine if they join, not going to lose any sleep if they don’t.

Marshall was the only team I wanted back, but they’re too butthurt to ever admit they erred in leaving.

Wouldn't call it foreplay. I'm reminded of my favorite line by the preacher in "Blazing Saddles": "Oh, Lord. Do we have the strength to perform this mighty task in one night? Or are we just jerking off?"

There were a lot of people leaving today with blue balls