USUFans.com

Sounds like AFA and CSU to AAC is pretty far along. Did anyone else listen to pregame interview with Hartwell? It sounds like they do have expansion plans and are looking into adding teams in Texas?

Do you have a link to article? AFA and CSU to AAC makes no sense to me (other than AFA being in same conference as Navy, who they already play each year anyways?).

I can see AF going to the AAC, but CSU? Why? Whatever. If they go, it won't hurt the MW too much.

While AFA going wouldn't disappoint me much I'll hate to see CSU leave. Though like everyone has said I don't understand how or why they'd see it as a move up. CSU is one of my favorite conference games.

If it costs CSU to get rid of AFA and that is it that we lose...it is a net positive.

How funny would it be if we took Memphis and SMU moments after CSU and AFA leave?

That's a bizarre move. Why does CSU/AFA want the AAC? On the flip side, why does thee AAC want CSU/AFA? Build your conference with regional peers. The money isn't there to make it worth it for anyone. Of course, CSU hasn't shown the best judgement with their money. See the $250M stadium that they are trying to finance...

AFA to the AAC does make some sense because AFA as a service academy has a wider appeal and can take their game on the road anywhere, the only regional significant is in Colorado Springs itself, otherwise it's pretty much a national brand, so being in a regional conference doesn't really matter to them. Also getting rid of them for Oly sports is a plus to the MWC, they are dead weight. I'd LMAO if they accepted a FB only invite and did something stupid like joining the Summit League, but nuttier things have happened. Hell at one time Tulane was a member of the SEC before they were a big thing, dumber conference moves have been made. CSU makes no sense at all especially considering that Colorado is more culturally aligned with the west coast than they are in the plains and east coast, but hey, don't let the door hit ya...

Agzrule wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 10:07 am

Sounds like AFA and CSU to AAC is pretty far along. Did anyone else listen to pregame interview with Hartwell? It sounds like they do have expansion plans and are looking into adding teams in Texas?

Do you have a link for that interview?

The only team that makes sense from Texas is smu then one more for travel purposes.

Not sad about AFA, but I would like to keep CSU. I liked playing them, especially in basketball.

I'm glad the MWC will be mostly remain intact, but what's the next move? We need to start thinking about Boise and SDSU moving soon.

slcagg wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 10:56 am

Agzrule wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 10:07 am

Sounds like AFA and CSU to AAC is pretty far along. Did anyone else listen to pregame interview with Hartwell? It sounds like they do have expansion plans and are looking into adding teams in Texas?

Do you have a link for that interview?

The only team that makes sense from Texas is smu then one more for travel purposes.

I do not have a link but would assume its on the 1280 app somewhere

Aggie702 wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 10:13 am

Do you have a link to article? AFA and CSU to AAC makes no sense to me (other than AFA being in same conference as Navy, who they already play each year anyways?).

no but it is out there on twitter

ViAggie wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 10:54 am

AFA to the AAC does make some sense because AFA as a service academy has a wider appeal and can take their game on the road anywhere, the only regional significant is in Colorado Springs itself, otherwise it's pretty much a national brand, so being in a regional conference doesn't really matter to them. Also getting rid of them for Oly sports is a plus to the MWC, they are dead weight. I'd LMAO if they accepted a FB only invite and did something stupid like joining the Summit League, but nuttier things have happened. Hell at one time Tulane was a member of the SEC before they were a big thing, dumber conference moves have been made. CSU makes no sense at all especially considering that Colorado is more culturally aligned with the west coast than they are in the plains and east coast, but hey, don't let the door hit ya...

In my opinion losing only AFA would be a best case scenario, I like being in the same conference as CSU. AFA basketball is a drag on our conference NET/RPI ratings, addition by subtraction. If I'm in charge of MWC, assuming we lose only AFA, I look to add better TV markets (UTSA, UNT) for football and also look to add good basketball programs (UNT,UTEP). I am not convinced any of these Texas schools would join alone, maybe UTEP, but they would be my last choice unless we lose only AFA we could add all three?

Agzrule wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 11:25 am

ViAggie wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 10:54 am

AFA to the AAC does make some sense because AFA as a service academy has a wider appeal and can take their game on the road anywhere, the only regional significant is in Colorado Springs itself, otherwise it's pretty much a national brand, so being in a regional conference doesn't really matter to them. Also getting rid of them for Oly sports is a plus to the MWC, they are dead weight. I'd LMAO if they accepted a FB only invite and did something stupid like joining the Summit League, but nuttier things have happened. Hell at one time Tulane was a member of the SEC before they were a big thing, dumber conference moves have been made. CSU makes no sense at all especially considering that Colorado is more culturally aligned with the west coast than they are in the plains and east coast, but hey, don't let the door hit ya...

In my opinion losing only AFA would be a best case scenario, I like being in the same conference as CSU. AFA basketball is a drag on our conference NET/RPI ratings, addition by subtraction. If I'm in charge of MWC, assuming we lose only AFA, I look to add better TV markets (UTSA, UNT) for football and also look to add good basketball programs (UNT,UTEP). I am not convinced any of these Texas schools would join alone, maybe UTEP, but they would be my last choice unless we lose only AFA we could add all three?

Disagree. Looking at those teams results and attendance they add nothing. Including being in a tv market that does not care about them. What elevates a conference is competitiveness and those teams do none that.

Staying at 10 is cool for football. You could get a true 9 game conference round robin schedule.

Personally, I would dig the 9 team oly sports lineup. However, that would mean a 16 conference games schedule. The MW voted for 20 so I would guess the add would be non football schools.

I don't think Gonzaga would be interested so I am not sure who would be a good add..

ViAggie wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 10:54 am

AFA to the AAC does make some sense because AFA as a service academy has a wider appeal and can take their game on the road anywhere, the only regional significant is in Colorado Springs itself, otherwise it's pretty much a national brand, so being in a regional conference doesn't really matter to them. Also getting rid of them for Oly sports is a plus to the MWC, they are dead weight. I'd LMAO if they accepted a FB only invite and did something stupid like joining the Summit League, but nuttier things have happened. Hell at one time Tulane was a member of the SEC before they were a big thing, dumber conference moves have been made. CSU makes no sense at all especially considering that Colorado is more culturally aligned with the west coast than they are in the plains and east coast, but hey, don't let the door hit ya...

Is this true? Do they bolster attendance when they play at USU? I could maybe see it in a city with an air force base, but their attendance in Colorado Springs would say otherwise (4 air force/space force installations with another base in Denver).

If AFA goes to AAC I would guess Army joins also. I guess CSU would go to keep AFA but they would lose a Wyoming in the process. Don’t see why AAC would want a consistent losing football program like CSU.

MWC should try to get Gonzaga and St Mary’s for hoops.

I listened to the interview from Hartwell. It sounds like there have been discussions on how to proceed with AF/CSU leave. It was actually really encouraging to hear the conversation. Quite Frankly if they do leave having a 10 team conference is not bad although we should probably do what we can to bolster the conference and prevent more poaching. He made it sound if they expand it would be to a new location (market), I am guessing Texas. I would love to bring in Montana, i think they would be a solid addition, but bring in nothing from a TV market standpoint.

I just read the CSU board a little, doesn't sound like it's a move their fans are wanting.

ustate98 wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 12:17 pm

I just read the CSU board a little, doesn't sound like it's a move their fans are wanting.

Especially there older fans who love the tradition of the playing WYO, AF and USU on a regular basis and love the regional rivalry aspect of it.

ustate98 wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 12:17 pm

I just read the CSU board a little, doesn't sound like it's a move their fans are wanting.

I don’t blame them. For what? MAYBE a little more money. Have fun traveling to Tulane who no one in Louisiana cares about.

I simply do not understand the CSU thing (assuming it is correct). Back in the late 90’s, I went to lunch with Bruce Van De Velde when he was the AD at USU. At the time, he told me that Colorado had a standing invitation to join the PAC-10. Logistically and academically, that made and still makes sense. On the other hand, it makes zero sense for CSU to go the opposite direction and join the AAC. There are no natural or current rivals and or academic peers that I can see. I’m guessing that CSU believes they will get more TV time on the East Coast by moving. And that by being seen by more people, in conjunction with their shiny new stadium, this will get them more attention when the next inevitable expansion occurs and “AAA” football comes into being. IMO, we will be seeing them back sooner than later and they will have an even worse football program. “Lipstick on a pig” comes to mind when I consider this rumor.

Invite SMU and UTSA and move on. Wont miss playing AF every year.

The loss must have really stung for them.


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GeoAg wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 10:32 am

If it costs CSU to get rid of AFA and that is it that we lose...it is a net positive.

Agreed 100%. Especially as long as Calhoun is there. Dirty coach.

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 12:51 pm

Invite SMU and UTSA and move on. Wont miss playing AF every year.

How is Utsa different than sjsu?

slcagg wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:01 pm

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 12:51 pm

Invite SMU and UTSA and move on. Wont miss playing AF every year.

How is Utsa different than sjsu?

A few differences:

-UTSA endowment is 180M, SJSU is 140M
-UTSA enrollment is 34k, SJSU enrollment is 32K
-UTSA plays in the alamodome (64K capacity), SJSU plays in.... well if you've been there, you know
-Texas (MW has zero presence here), The Bay area (MW has two other CA schools)

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:13 pm

slcagg wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:01 pm

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 12:51 pm

Invite SMU and UTSA and move on. Wont miss playing AF every year.

How is Utsa different than sjsu?

A few differences:

-UTSA endowment is 180M, SJSU is 140M
-UTSA enrollment is 34k, SJSU enrollment is 32K
-UTSA plays in the alamodome (64K capacity), SJSU plays in.... well if you've been there, you know
-Texas (MW has zero presence here), The Bay area (MW has two other CA schools)

So they are essentially the same?

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:13 pm

slcagg wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:01 pm

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 12:51 pm

Invite SMU and UTSA and move on. Wont miss playing AF every year.

How is Utsa different than sjsu?

A few differences:

-UTSA endowment is 180M, SJSU is 140M
-UTSA enrollment is 34k, SJSU enrollment is 32K
-UTSA plays in the alamodome (64K capacity), SJSU plays in.... well if you've been there, you know
-Texas (MW has zero presence here), The Bay area (MW has two other CA schools)

I appreciate the feedback

How do the top 2 impact anything? 2k on enrollment…cmon now you are splitting hairs.

Capacity does not matter if you aren’t even close to filling it let alone they don’t have their own stadium.

The last point is a decent point. However imo the only school that really provides any credibility in Texas is smu. Otherwise Utsa will be a drag to our conference athletically at least vs historical numbers.

Either way this is just a fun discussion point unless we see some smoke.

LarryTheAggie wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:14 pm

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:13 pm

slcagg wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:01 pm

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 12:51 pm

Invite SMU and UTSA and move on. Wont miss playing AF every year.

How is Utsa different than sjsu?

A few differences:

-UTSA endowment is 180M, SJSU is 140M
-UTSA enrollment is 34k, SJSU enrollment is 32K
-UTSA plays in the alamodome (64K capacity), SJSU plays in.... well if you've been there, you know
-Texas (MW has zero presence here), The Bay area (MW has two other CA schools)

So they are essentially the same?

I see no appeal with any of the Texas schools except for SMU (duh, but they aren’t coming), maybe North Texas (they are respectable in basketball and football), and maybe UTEP (historically good at basketball).

UTSA, Rice, and Texas St =

Would much prefer Montana and Montana St to any of the Texas schools.

LarryTheAggie wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:14 pm

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:13 pm

slcagg wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:01 pm

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 12:51 pm

Invite SMU and UTSA and move on. Wont miss playing AF every year.

How is Utsa different than sjsu?

A few differences:

-UTSA endowment is 180M, SJSU is 140M
-UTSA enrollment is 34k, SJSU enrollment is 32K
-UTSA plays in the alamodome (64K capacity), SJSU plays in.... well if you've been there, you know
-Texas (MW has zero presence here), The Bay area (MW has two other CA schools)

So they are essentially the same?

For the record, I don't have a problem with SJSU being in the conference. But I don't think they're the same either. I'd be good with Tulsa as well. I really do not care much if AF and CSU leave the conference as long as we were able to replace them with a combo the likes of those schools.

The people in Texas care more about football than the people in California.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

slcagg wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:21 pm

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:13 pm

slcagg wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:01 pm

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 12:51 pm

Invite SMU and UTSA and move on. Wont miss playing AF every year.

How is Utsa different than sjsu?

A few differences:

-UTSA endowment is 180M, SJSU is 140M
-UTSA enrollment is 34k, SJSU enrollment is 32K
-UTSA plays in the alamodome (64K capacity), SJSU plays in.... well if you've been there, you know
-Texas (MW has zero presence here), The Bay area (MW has two other CA schools)

I appreciate the feedback

How do the top 2 impact anything? 2k on enrollment…cmon now you are splitting hairs.

Capacity does not matter if you aren’t even close to filling it let alone they don’t have their own stadium.

The last point is a decent point. However imo the only school that really provides any credibility in Texas is smu. Otherwise Utsa will be a drag to our conference athletically at least vs historical numbers.

Either way this is just a fun discussion point unless we see some smoke.

All fair. Like I mentioned as well, I don't think SJSU shouldn't be in the conference either. Although I'd like to keep CSU, I don't care much for AFA.

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:23 pm

LarryTheAggie wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:14 pm

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:13 pm

slcagg wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:01 pm

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 12:51 pm

Invite SMU and UTSA and move on. Wont miss playing AF every year.

How is Utsa different than sjsu?

A few differences:

-UTSA endowment is 180M, SJSU is 140M
-UTSA enrollment is 34k, SJSU enrollment is 32K
-UTSA plays in the alamodome (64K capacity), SJSU plays in.... well if you've been there, you know
-Texas (MW has zero presence here), The Bay area (MW has two other CA schools)

So they are essentially the same?

For the record, I don't have a problem with SJSU being in the conference. But I don't think they're the same either. I'd be good with Tulsa as well. I really do not care much if AF and CSU leave the conference as long as we were able to replace them with a combo the likes of those schools.

Tulsa would be a solid “meh.”

I am looking at this from a competitive standpoint, not a market standpoint. Tulsa, UTSA, Rice, and Texas St. are not teams I am interested in scheduling.

SJSU is fine in the conference. But I don’t just want a couple Texas versions of SJSU. Add teams that fit the footprint and help our league as a basketball league. That’s a long-term model for success. It’ll never happen because football TV dollars.

But adding the realistically available Texas schools and Tulsa hurts rather than helps us get to the NCAA tourney. Maybe UTEP is one exception?

ineptimusprime wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:25 pm

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:23 pm

LarryTheAggie wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:14 pm

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:13 pm

slcagg wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 1:01 pm

ratofallaggies wrote: ↑

September 20th, 2021, 12:51 pm

Invite SMU and UTSA and move on. Wont miss playing AF every year.

How is Utsa different than sjsu?

A few differences:

-UTSA endowment is 180M, SJSU is 140M
-UTSA enrollment is 34k, SJSU enrollment is 32K
-UTSA plays in the alamodome (64K capacity), SJSU plays in.... well if you've been there, you know
-Texas (MW has zero presence here), The Bay area (MW has two other CA schools)

So they are essentially the same?

For the record, I don't have a problem with SJSU being in the conference. But I don't think they're the same either. I'd be good with Tulsa as well. I really do not care much if AF and CSU leave the conference as long as we were able to replace them with a combo the likes of those schools.

Tulsa would be a solid “meh.”

I am looking at this from a competitive standpoint, not a market standpoint. Tulsa, UTSA, Rice, and Texas St. are not teams I am interested in scheduling.

Well, we'd agree on Rice and Texas St. then. I'd be ok with Memphis because they're solid (but they aren't going to come to the MW). I guess the difference in sentiments regarding "expansion" or conference mates really comes down to who we think we are. I don't see USU getting an invite to any larger conference, that's just me. I'm good with a solid regional conference.