BCS leagues expanding - yeah?

I agree that the Pac ? is holding out because they think that they can get a a school(s) with what they perceive is a more attractive partner than a San Jose State or another Mountain West school. But, if for whatever reason, that does not work out and the Pac ? becomes truly desperate needs members they can poach someone from the Mountain West.

I am also unaware of any financial commitments the current members of the Mountain West made when they met and declared their undying love and commitment to each other. I would guess any financial commitments at this time would be pretty small because the league is still working on their new television contract. Normally those commitments are made as part of a new television deal which I don't think the conference has. I also believe the Pac ?, with its larger markets, will receive a better television contract than the Mountain West and also will have a better chance of landing a school in the BCS championship. I also believe money trumps love and affection and a Mountain West school will jump if offered a seat in the Pac ?,

 

UNLV had some pretty nice looking crowds during the stretch run. I still think they’d be a better choice than Memphis. I am dead certain they’d be better than Tulane.

 

You would think there was a plan doing all this, and there probably was a plan and it fell apart -- most likely getting the AAC schools from the jump -- but obviously UNLV wasn't and likely still isn't in those plans. If they were they would have been one of the original teams asked. I am surprised by it too that they weren't originally involved.

And whatever it was with their back and forth on committing to the MW when everything fell apart, there is some sort of monetary something involved now. It may be as simple as they get almost everything in the MW (I think Air Force gets that pie too).

Either another MW team would have already happened or they know it can happen so they aren't worried on making that jump. I don't doubt your thoughts on Memphis, and it's come up here on the competition they'd have with Boise State on how they think about themselves, but that's clearly the school the Pac wants. What dominoes fall with it if it happens will just be extra (Tulane and a Texas school probably). Overall, that would add a lot more to the media value than UNLV too, although UNLV would add to it if they were a part of all of them.

 

I love 8-hour flights, don't you?

I also expect NIU will be chartering that flight.

 

Yes, but I just don't think the Pac wants any more litigation with the MWC.

At some point, take Texas State and/or NMSU and call it good. They would be willing partners and probably not want travel concessions as Memphis and Tulane undoubtedly will.

 

Texas State has potential if you are willing to give it a few years to grow within the league. Actual college town versus some pro market and enrollment booming with solid students getting squeezed out of consideration at Austin and College Station.

 

I agree UNLV makes the most sense for the Pac? of any other rumored school.

I think the reason UNLV has not received an offer may be all institutions of higher learning in Nevada fall under one governing board. I wonder if UNLV has been told from on high that athletically they are joined at the hip with Nevada Reno and the Pac ? feels that the burden of carrying UNR is not worth the benefits of inviting UNLV.

 

Texas State is absolutely on the rise and I count GJ Kinne as one of those coaches to keep an eye on. Discount them at your leisure.

 

The college football is bad enough, but seeing Cal play on the road at Clemson in a conference game is a joke.