babigos

Legend500, I hope you were kidding. Do you honestly believe that the SBC would ever be able to poach NMSU and others from the WAC? The WAC, even without Boise State, has programs that are more nationally known than any SBC team. And if you think the other teams in the WAC were only recognized because of Boise State's success, well then you haven't been a football fan very long.

Sorry, you're right; "D1." The old Big West was worse off than the SBC and perceived as the worst of the worst. SJSU had success in the Big West, back in the 80s, but the 90s were less than memorable. The WAC currently (even without BSU) does not have that type of apathy and perception. Another thing of note, if a ranked team comes into your house, you're going to see fans come out in droves. Boise State, Fresno State, Hawaii, and Nevada (when ranked) are some of the biggest draws for any WAC team. I don't see why UNT would be any different. A ranked team is a ranked team, no matter where they're from. If fans can get up for a top 25 opponent, then that's a problem. As far a losing a bowl game, most don't see that happening. Boise is not taking the H-Bowl with them. The MWC already has their bowl tie-ins and is not interested in it. More likely than not, the bowl game will move back down to warmer climate or even stay in Idaho. 4 bowls = money and more exposure for WAC teams. If WAC commish Karl Benson has done anything right, it's having enough bowl games for WAC teams with winning records, to go to. Also, if you want to play Texas schools, you get 4 OOC games a year. Why not schedule them then? We've been able to schedule Stanford every year and they're in the Pac 10. Anyway, I'm not going to change your mind, because you obviously have your reasons. Just don't expect an invite from CUSA, because I have a feeling you'll be waiting along time. Ask LA Tech. They've finally given up on that hope and have embraced the WAC and are now flirting with the top of the conference..

Don't mistake the Big West for the WAC. Completely different conferences. That's like comparing the Sun Belt to the SEC. One could see that's there's an obvious difference and be more excited about the latter. If I were a UNT fan, I'd want to get the hell out of the Sun Belt as quick as possible. Also, what bowl games is the Sun Belt tied to right now? I'm finding 2. Here's the WAC's current bowls. I'd find it hard to think that the SBC has better bowls than this, but that's subjective, I guess. The Emerald Bowl in San Francisco - 2010 & 2013 (WAC vs Pac 10) Hawaii Bowl- (WAC vs CUSA) New Mexico Bowl - (WAC vs MWC) Poinsettia Bowl - WAC vs MWC (2011 & 2012) Humanitarian Bowl - (WAC vs MAC) - will be replaced with a new bowl after BSU leaves (maybe one in Texas?)

So, what is the Sun Belt offering UNT? Any BCS busters, etc? How's the current bowl structure.? What about how the conference is perceived? The money just isn't there and you guys are supposedly in the Sun Belt's footprint. The WAC is a huge upgrade compared to the SBC. Also, don't hold your breath for CUSA to send an invite. There would need to be a mass exodus of members there for UNT to even get considered. This may your best shot in upgrading the program for awhile. If UNT is truly committed to their fans and improving, joining the WAC would be a big step in the right direction. Staying in the SBC and praying for a CUSA invite would cost the school millions in lost revenue.

By making the BCS 3 times in 4 years, Hawaii and Boise State have given every team in the WAC plenty of money to offset travel expenses.

Let's face it. We lost Boise State, which is a pretty big deal, but we have other teams that will fill those shoes nicely. I think adding UNT (if they continue to improve) would be a good fit. Fresno State, despite what some of their fans may think, is not going anywhere. The MWC does not want them and they're strapped for cash. Plus, they can be the team that's the next BCS buster. How many BCS busters in the Sun Belt and CUSA? Hawaii has been a BCS buster, plus is a hell of a nice road trip. Great school with a great baseball tradition as well. LA Tech is another up and coming program that will do whatever they can to stay in the WAC and out of CUSA. Not sure they would even go, if invited. Most fans don't seem to be interested. Nevada seems to be the next team poised to bust the BCS. They have a great program there rising up and have broken into the top 25 a few times the past couple of years. Also, we have some pretty good basketball schools in Utah State, New Mexico State, and Nevada. The WAC also has 4 guaranteed bowl spots per year, matched up against the Pac 10 and MWC in some pretty awesome cities ti visit. Not sure the Sun Belt (or CUSA) offers this for you guys. Plus, let's not forget the caveat to this whole thing. We HAVE an ESPN contract for another 9 years which garauntees every WAC football and basketball teams gets at least 1 nationally televised game a year..

I'm curious, but what bowl tie-ins does the Sun Belt have and who are they matched up against. I tried to do a little research on this, but found little info.

Benson (A.K.A. Mr. Peanut) is not saying a thing. He has mentioned that the WAC is looking at every possibility west of Ruston. Some even seem to think (possibly dream) that UTEP could possibly want to come back. Not sure how true or false that is. Also, Texas State has been mentioned as a possible addition. Now what Benson does or think, we'll never know.

The Emerald Bowl in San Francisco - 2010 & 2013 (WAC vs Pac 10) Hawaii Bowl- (WAC vs CUSA) New Mexico Bowl - (WAC vs MWC) Poinsettia Bowl - WAC vs MWC (2011 & 2012) Humanitarian Bowl - (WAC vs MAC) - will be replace with a new bowl after BSU leaves. Not sure what the Sun Belt has, but I think some of these are descent match-ups.

There's been a lot of talk on the WAC boards that UNT could get an invite to the WAC. If invited would UNT accept? How do most fans feel about the WAC or do you guys aspire to be in CUSA? We also have a poll on our board about possible WAC membership. http://spartanblitz.com/index.php?/topic/138-who-should-the-wac-add-to-replace-boise-state/