2015 C-USA Divisions Discussion

[GrayEagle]

I agree that nothing should be done until we know the value of the new TV contract and how it will affect our bottom line. Then you can do the math on which conference would be the most advantageous.

If the current CUSA lineup is not cost effective then I would strive for a couple of alternatives, both of which are long shots.

I would consider partnering with Rice seeking membership in the Mountain West. However, could adding the DFW and Houston markets bring enough added revenue to compensate for the additional travel expense? I don't know but I would guess that it would. The old Big West Conference wasn't terrible compared to playing as an independent. There are only three MWC members that were Big West members at the time that we were...Boise State, Utah State and Nevada. Boise State had not yet become near what it is today so none of those were exceptional draws. And, New Mexico, Colorado State, Air Force and Wyoming are closer than all former BWC members other than New Mexico State. Not cozy, but much better than the old Big West.

Another alternative could be the AAC. This would be tougher but possibly doable. SMU and Houston might fight it, especially if the expansion included Rice, but if it could be proven that the addition TV sets in two very large markets would improve the contract then they might even go along because it would give them two more very close opponents with minimal expenses.

Either would likely be improvement for us but would they for the other teams involved? Maybe only ESPN, Fox and Turner can answer that question.

[NT91]

New Mexico State

[BeliefBlazer]

I've accepted the fact that UAB will be moving west. It sucks that we won't be in the same division with all of the teams we lobbied for, though. We have more history with Southern Miss than any of the new additions, so it isn't all bad.