Word is that the Western Athletic Conference, and it is official, will not expand for now. There is only one thing to read out of this...that there is not a current FBS program that wants to join the WAC. Mainly, North Texas has decided it likes the Sun Belt Conference better than the WAC. Same with Louisiana Monroe and Louisiana Lafayette. Since it is too late for an FCS program to jump on board at the moment, they may as well take their time and get it right.
Current WAC membership:
Fresno State
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana Tech
Nevada
New Mexico State
San Jose State
Utah State
The WAC is likely looking at FCS programs. Here is a list of programs, and it is not a long list, by state
1. California
-University of California at Davis
-California Polytechnic University at San Louis Obispo
-Sacramento State University
-University of San Diego
2. Washington
-Eastern Washington University (Travel Partner for Idaho)
3. Texas
-Texas State University at San Marco
-Stephen F. Austin University (Nacogdoches)
-Texas State San Marcos
-Lamar University
-Texas Southern University (Houston)
-Texas San Antonio
Short list, isn't it?
Why not Montana?
-Montana likes being the "big fish in the small pond."
-Montana, unlike other western states, does not have a concentrated population center.
-Montana's regents may not approve unless Montana State can come with. Montana does not have the population to support both.
Why not Portland State?
-PSU does not have strong support in the Portland Metro.
-Oregon does not have the population to support a third FBS program.
-PSU athletics are in decline. They are not adding programs.
-On-Campus facilities
Why not Weber State?
-Utah does not have the population to support a fourth FBS program, and may not have the population to support the three it currently has.
Why not Northern Arizona?
-Too far away from Arizona's population center.
-Struggling athletic department crumbling under budget constrains. Already subsidized by other Arizona FBS schools.
Outlook. If there is an opening in the C-USA, such as Tulane dropping football or as a result of one of the big conferences adding someone else, La Tech will likely jump. The WAC needs to make travel easier for La Tech. Sure, go for the money and population in California, but add at least one program from Texas.
What the WAC could look like assuming it keeps La Tech. Adding Cal-Davis, Cal Poly, Eastern Washington and Texas Southern.
East
Eastern Washington
Idaho
Louisiana Tech
New Mexico State
Texas Southern
Utah State
West
Cal Davis
Cal Poly
Fresno State
Hawaii
Nevada
San Jose State
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