BCS leagues expanding - yeah?

[LanceyHoward]

I don't know how binding it was for the MW teams that made the decision to stay in the MW, but that is a factor. But those schools are not at all on the radar of the new Pac unless it becomes super desperate time. If they were then it would have happened from the start. Current MW schools would be UNLV or New Mexico if I had to guess, but again, they did that solidarity thing, which I am guessing included something financial.

There hasn't been any movement at all, obviously, but the rumors have always been strong that Memphis and Tulane are still the targets. The conference also trademarked the name up to Pac-14, read what you will into that. Can't imagine it gets that big anytime soon and if it does, who would it even be?

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 ?,

 

[dixiehack]

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.

 

[Roscablo]

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.

 

[micropolitan guy]

United flies from O'Hare to Honolulu nonstop. And back.

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

I also expect NIU will be chartering that flight.

 

[micropolitan guy]

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.

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.

 

[dixiehack]

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.

 

[LanceyHoward]

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).
.

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.

 

[Twirling Time]

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.

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.

 

[DanOregon]

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

 

[micropolitan guy]

Northern Illinois' non-football sports to the Horizon League in 2026-27.

(2) Brett McMurphy on X: "Breaking: Northern Illinois' non-football sports will join Horizon League in 2026 pending NIU board's approval on Thursday, sources said. Only exceptions are wrestling & gymnastics, not offered by Horizon. NIU also joins Mountain West as a football-only member in 2026" / X

 

[dixiehack]

Doug Gottlieb gets a homecoming opponent to feel good about.

 

[Twirling Time]

Northern Illinois' non-football sports to the Horizon League in 2026-27.

(2) Brett McMurphy on X: "Breaking: Northern Illinois' non-football sports will join Horizon League in 2026 pending NIU board's approval on Thursday, sources said. Only exceptions are wrestling & gymnastics, not offered by Horizon. NIU also joins Mountain West as a football-only member in 2026" / X

Ah yes, the purple mountain majesty of Illinois. Where are my lift tickets?