Five say yes; ODU still says maybe to Conference USA

[Harry]

Five schools set to join Conference USA have scheduled news conferences for today, when the league is expected to announce expansion plans that will increase membership to 13.

Texas-San Antonio's move was approved Thursday by University of Texas System regents. People familiar with the league's plans said North Texas, Charlotte, Louisiana Tech and Florida International also would be joining.

A potential 14th member, Old Dominion, won't be part of the unveiling, sources said late Thursday. School officials have requested time to mull an offer that would provide many benefits - most notably a higher national profile and membership in a Football Bowl Subdivision conference - but also a jump in expenses.

It was unclear Thursday how long C-USA's offer might remain on the table. A source within the conference said conference officials are likely to say today that they would like to add a 14th member but won't identify whom they are considering or how long it might take.

Timing could be tricky for ODU, which had begun thinking in general terms about a move from the Colonial Athletic Association and the Football Championship Subdivision to FBS down the road but hasn't had time to complete a detailed analysis of the pros and cons when the offer was tendered, sources said.

Read more: http://hamptonroads.com/2012/05/five-say-yes-odu-still-says-maybe-conference-usa

[Daddy Dumpsalot]

I really hope they join simply for their basketball. But I also don't want to have to add another Sunbelt school.

[Harry]

I've had a chance to view their facilities and I must say -- it's impressive - they do things in a first class manner. I see why they were added and think they will make a solid addition.

[Rudy]

So, if ODU says no, who will get their spot? Have their been discussions in the CUSA War Room?

[JulesFIU07]

The most sure fire way to add ODU would be to invite GMU and VCU. The good news about inviting them is that neither fields a football team, nor do they have plans to, which means it would just move C-USA to a 16 team basketball/olympic sports conference.

The other positives to adding VCU and GMU are the following:

1. Richmond (1.3 million) and Washington (5.1 million) metro areas.

2. 20+ win basketball teams plus solid baseball teams.

3. Large student body (30,000+)

4. Academics

[gksmith]

ODU better not wait too long. This train is about to leave the station and they are about to get left at the platform.