WAC chatter

[SJHornet]

More TCU news. If this were to happen, it would be a big blow to the MWC.

Report says TCU, Big East have met and discussed a move
http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/30/report-says-tcu-big-east-have-met-and-discussed-a-move/

The WAC would probably lose USU to the MWC then, I guess. Then that opens the door for another team in the WAC.

If the WAC looses any more members I think the conference may die. If USU goes MWC, I think Hawaii and LA Tech bolt immediately. With 3 teams left Benson could invite five football playing FCS schools, which bodes well for our chances of an invite, but I think our athletic department would put even less effort into a bid than they did this round or would flat turn them down. I also think Montana would immediately drop their interest in a move to the WAC. In this scenario, a strong Big Sky is looking better than a life-line WAC.

I think FBS is where our program needs to be in the future, but if the WAC is going to continue to implode and show signs of instability, maybe we need to find another solution. Maybe wait for more Big Sky members to be FBS ready and have the conference make the leap? Wait for the WAC to stabalize with new members before making our intentions clear? I don't know the solution. Silly season seems isnt going to be over for some time is seems.

 

[OldHornet]

Hawai'i coaches prefer Big West over WAC:
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100930_UH_coaches_favor_Big_West.html

If UH is successful in moving their Olympic sports to the BWC, that would give them 10 schools and forget any dream about going to the Big West (which I don't think its a good idea).

Hawaii might be interested in the Big West, but why would the BW want Hawaii? I always thought the BW wanted to stay a CA league to minimize travel costs - especially for non-revenue sports.

 

[SJHornet]

Hawai'i coaches prefer Big West over WAC:
http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100930_UH_coaches_favor_Big_West.html

If UH is successful in moving their Olympic sports to the BWC, that would give them 10 schools and forget any dream about going to the Big West (which I don't think its a good idea).

Hawaii might be interested in the Big West, but why would the BW want Hawaii? I always thought the BW wanted to stay a CA league to minimize travel costs - especially for non-revenue sports.

If Hawaii helped subsidies travel costs the Big West would probably jump at the opportunity.

 

[the Rat]

On paper, joining the Big West for Olympic sports seems like a good idea. One concern I have, however, is that once in the Big West, and things get turbulent financially, then football becomes an easy target for "reductions." Being in the Big Sky for all sports, would make that argument more difficult, especially if the Big West is at maximum numbers.

 

[the Rat]

Another school looking to move up.

Appalachian State to study possible move to FBS

It also mentions Georgia Southern studying a move up too. I could see them joining the Sun Belt Conference with Southern Alabama.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ap-appalachianst-fbs

UTSA, Texas State on fast track to membership in WAC
http://www.kens5.com/sports/college/DAVID-FLORES-UTSA-Texas-State-on-fast-track-to-WAC-membership-104067379.html

WAC wants Montana
http://www.montanakaimin.com/sports/wac-wants-montana-1.1657662

 

[SDHornet]

According to the Ga Southern posters on CS.com, they did a move up study a year or two ago and determined it wasn't financially feasible for them so they stayed where they are at. Each school has it's own set of reasons/problems for staying put or moving up.

And I agree, if the WAC loses another member (especially USU), they are probably done for as a conference. I just don't see UM making the move if they only have Idaho as a conference regional member. There is always a chance the two conferences (WAC & MWC) could merge but who knows at this point. That probably won't happen until the BCS conferences go to the speculated "mega-conference" alignment with 16 teams and the conferences merge as a way to stay afloat.

 

[Green Cookie Monster]

On paper, joining the Big West for Olympic sports seems like a good idea. One concern I have, however, is that once in the Big West, and things get turbulent financially, then football becomes an easy target for "reductions." Being in the Big Sky for all sports, would make that argument more difficult, especially if the Big West is at maximum numbers.

I agree 100%!

Thats why SJSU would want to stay out too.

 

[superhornet]

On paper, joining the Big West for Olympic sports seems like a good idea. One concern I have, however, is that once in the Big West, and things get turbulent financially, then football becomes an easy target for "reductions." Being in the Big Sky for all sports, would make that argument more difficult, especially if the Big West is at maximum numbers.

After today, I'm no longer certain of that.

There was a post on the UOP board quoting a HI post saying HI coaches are telling recruits that HI will be in the Big West within two years. While I'm not convinced that the BWC commissioner will give up his Cali Bus League wet dream that easily, if it DOES happen, I could EASILY see a Big West restructuring allowing the return of Big West-sanctioned football. While I'm not certain whether it would be at FCS or FBS, with Cow Poly and the Manure Pile already there (and looking to bolt that leaky ship known as the Great West) a see-ya-later to the Sky isn't out of the question if one adds HI, Sac, and potentially SJ, thereby totally destroying the WAC as we know it. One would probably have to pressure UOP, Long Beach, and perhaps Foolerton to resurrect their programs, but it's certainly feasible.

Now, I'm not advocating this by any stretch. But I could see it happening.

 

[Green Cookie Monster]

On paper, joining the Big West for Olympic sports seems like a good idea. One concern I have, however, is that once in the Big West, and things get turbulent financially, then football becomes an easy target for "reductions." Being in the Big Sky for all sports, would make that argument more difficult, especially if the Big West is at maximum numbers.

After today, I'm no longer certain of that.

There was a post on the UOP board quoting a HI post saying HI coaches are telling recruits that HI will be in the Big West within two years. While I'm not convinced that the BWC commissioner will give up his Cali Bus League wet dream that easily, if it DOES happen, I could EASILY see a Big West restructuring allowing the return of Big West-sanctioned football. While I'm not certain whether it would be at FCS or FBS, with Cow Poly and the Manure Pile already there (and looking to bolt that leaky ship known as the Great West) a see-ya-later to the Sky isn't out of the question if one adds HI, Sac, and potentially SJ, thereby totally destroying the WAC as we know it. One would probably have to pressure UOP, Long Beach, and perhaps Foolerton to resurrect their programs, but it's certainly feasible.

Now, I'm not advocating this by any stretch. But I could see it happening.

Long Beach ASI just removed a petition for football from their ballot. Not gonna happen anytime soon at LB.
http://www.daily49er.com/news/asi-rejects-petition-to-bring-football-back-1.2224727

 

[Green Laser]

I still think that the Big West has an upside for us over the Big Sky for sports other than football. I always understood the Big West to be a California Bus League but if they are open to Hawaii why not offer Idaho, Utah State, Sac, Poly, San Jose, davis and maybe Montana, Montana State, Weber or Portland for football. It would be a fairly compact regional league with a lot of rivalries built in. I am certain that none of the current Big West schools that have dropped football will ever regain their programs. Let the rest of the current WAC retreat to the southwest or fade away.

 

[superhornet]

GL: Most BW fans would love to have USU back. Heck, USU boys hoops coach Stew Morrill was reportedly p!$$ed that USU left. A lot of that was driven by Dumb-Dumb Dennis' CBL wet dream. But USU would be welcomed back in a heartbeat. They dominated the arena at the BW tournament, so they'd probably save the conference. We wouldn't mind taking SJ back, but many SJ fans have delusions of grandeur that wouldn't allow for that. Overall, I'd love to see a BW-Sky regional league. But that CBL trash will kill it. It was really designed as a SoCal concept, anyway. UOP has traditionally taken short shrift on things like TV scheduling, and UCFE will probably experience some of that, too.

OK, enough disorganized ranting. Let's just say that USU would be welcomed back by BW fans, but it probably won't happen while 3D is in charge.

 

[Siouxfan]

I had been perplexed as to why Sac State hasn't received a WAC invite.

Could this be a clue?

http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_268427a4-d07d-11df-b89a-001cc4c002e0.html

Montana State is requesting permission to expand its stadium to just over 15,000.

Montana might have difficulty gaining Regents permission to move up without Montana State. With this move, Montana State could also theoretically be FBS. So if the Montana Regents tell the WAC that they must take both Montana and Montana State to get Montana, the WAC likely accepts.

That would give the WAC a 12/10 breakdown, with divisions.

Once Hawaii or La Tech are gone, Sac State would be the next target.

In the meantime, Sac State goes to the Big West and stays in the Big Sky for football.

The Big Sky has to add two schools as full members: SUU and UND with USD as a football member.

We'll see if this is how the next month plays out.

 

[Green Laser]

I had been perplexed as to why Sac State hasn't received a WAC invite.

Could this be a clue?

http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_268427a4-d07d-11df-b89a-001cc4c002e0.html

Montana State is requesting permission to expand its stadium to just over 15,000.

Montana might have difficulty gaining Regents permission to move up without Montana State. With this move, Montana State could also theoretically be FBS. So if the Montana Regents tell the WAC that they must take both Montana and Montana State to get Montana, the WAC likely accepts.

That would give the WAC a 12/10 breakdown, with divisions.

Once Hawaii or La Tech are gone, Sac State would be the next target.

In the meantime, Sac State goes to the Big West and stays in the Big Sky for football.

The Big Sky has to add two schools as full members: SUU and UND with USD as a football member.

We'll see if this is how the next month plays out.

If Hawaii goes independent, leaving San Jose, Utah State, New Mexico State the two new Texas schools mention why is that such a attractive option for us? I say take a pass let the WAC die and start over.
San Jose State is a total mess and without some help will probably pull the plug soon. I wouldn't want to see Sac State be the only west coast member in a WAC focused in the Southwest.

 

[Green Cookie Monster]

With only 6,300 people in the stadium, Sac State would quickly become the next SJSU.

We didnt get an invite because....

1). The school administration has done nothing to promote the school locally
2). We should average at least 13,000 a game playing any opponent (D2, etc.), so when we go 0-11 in FBS we still have a core group of fans
3). No acceptable facilities (gym, substandard FBS stadium)

 

[SJHornet]

I had been perplexed as to why Sac State hasn't received a WAC invite.

Could this be a clue?

http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_268427a4-d07d-11df-b89a-001cc4c002e0.html

Montana State is requesting permission to expand its stadium to just over 15,000.

Montana might have difficulty gaining Regents permission to move up without Montana State. With this move, Montana State could also theoretically be FBS. So if the Montana Regents tell the WAC that they must take both Montana and Montana State to get Montana, the WAC likely accepts.

That would give the WAC a 12/10 breakdown, with divisions.

Once Hawaii or La Tech are gone, Sac State would be the next target.

In the meantime, Sac State goes to the Big West and stays in the Big Sky for football.

The Big Sky has to add two schools as full members: SUU and UND with USD as a football member.

We'll see if this is how the next month plays out.

If Hawaii goes independent, leaving San Jose, Utah State, New Mexico State the two new Texas schools mention why is that such a attractive option for us? I say take a pass let the WAC die and start over.
San Jose State is a total mess and without some help will probably pull the plug soon. I wouldn't want to see Sac State be the only west coast member in a WAC focused in the Southwest.

At this point the WAC may die before Montana gets a chance to join. Hawaii is starting to make Independence rumblings and LA Tech has continued to voice comments indicating they are actively seeking a different conference. SJSU is starting to scare me. They have had three decades of miserable performances, and now the old guard is even starting to walk away. The students now are beyond apathetic to the program. Pretty soon they may have attendances lower than us! If their performance on the field and numbers in the stands continue to suffer, it will only be a matter of time before the department pulls the plug. In 2003-5 the program was very close to shutting down. The NCAA also threatened to strip the Spartans of their Division 1-A status if the crowds didn’t start reaching mandatory levels. I think the program is facing a similar fate.

If the WAC looses Hawaii, LA Tech and SJSU, I don’t think Montana, Texas State and a school who has never even fielded a football team can save the conference. The WAC’s future hinges on decisions it does not control at this point. If TCU gets and accepts a Big East invite the MWC will start looking at Utah State really closely again. I can even see them looking at Montana (not too crazy) and SMU to replace the Dallas market opening up a CUSA spot (hello LA Tech and/or NMSU?). Even if TCU stays the MWC will probably still be taking a good look at Utah State and the Salt Lake market they lost this summer.

I don’t think Montana State expanding its stadium is a sign they are looking at the WAC or a move up. From what I’ve heard from their fans, there isn’t much interest in moving up at this time (any MSU fans want to back this up?). I also don’t know if the state of Montana fielding two FBS teams would be attractive to the WAC. The state has a population below 1 million. Not great for TV ratings. I think the Stadium upgrade is an attempt to earn a little more income to grow their FCS efforts. If Montana does go FBS, Montana State could take the Griz’s place as the powerhouse from Montana. There are a lot of FCS schools looking at making the jump. Makes a lot of room for programs like MSU and Sac State to become the new powers.

If the WAC survives and stabilizes, Sac State needs to get its act together to become a top candidate. Get an arena and new press/luxury boxes built and start marketing the program to the community (if the Kings leave like everyone is afraid of it becomes a golden opportunity for the Hornets, but still sad). Still want to see this program in the FBS. The WAC is just looking too shaky right now, I don’t think it’s the best choice until we see what moves it makes and members it keeps.

 

[superhornet]

With only 6,300 people in the stadium, Sac State would quickly become the next SJSU.

We didnt get an invite because....

1). The school administration has done nothing to promote the school locally
2). We should average at least 13,000 a game playing any opponent (D2, etc.), so when we go 0-11 in FBS we still have a core group of fans
3). No acceptable facilities (gym, substandard FBS stadium)

We don't know this for certain, but there's a VERY good chance that this is at least a subset of the issues behind our non-invite.

 

[Green Laser]

With only 6,300 people in the stadium, Sac State would quickly become the next SJSU.

We didnt get an invite because....

1). The school administration has done nothing to promote the school locally
2). We should average at least 13,000 a game playing any opponent (D2, etc.), so when we go 0-11 in FBS we still have a core group of fans
3). No acceptable facilities (gym, substandard FBS stadium)

We don't know this for certain, but there's a VERY good chance that this is at least a subset of the issues behind our non-invite.

We all assume that we tried and failed to get an invite. Is it possible that after Fresno and Reno left we decided against it ? If we had sent a representative to make a presentation at the meeting last week or even sent an observer as Montana did that would be one thing, not attending pretty much indicates that we are not interested.