Revisitng WAC Options for replacing Boise State

Now that we are heading into the College Football Season and conference expansion has taken a back seat, I decided to take another look at potential replacements for Boise State in the WAC. Here is what I have been able to find:

My Short List is currently at 3. These are the only three schools that I can verify with an internet search.

Montana (Missoula, Montana)--Comes to the top of just about everyone's list as a replacement, but same questions remain. Will Montana State have to move up as well? Can Missoula support an FBS program? How Many 3-9 seasons will it take to zap the enthusiasm of the Grizzly faithful? Can you recruit at the FBS level in Missoula? Robb Akey (Idaho Head Coach) has wieghed in, seemingly in favor of adding the Grizzlies as a new rival for Idaho. It seems like the Idaho/BSU rivalry will die once BSU joins the MWC.

Texas State (San Marcos, TX)--Has an active drive to raise funds to expand their stadium and move up to the FBS. You can read all about it here. I see Texas State as better fit with a 12-team Sun Belt conference or as a replacement for UNT, but the WAC would be better than independent for this team. Closest potential WAC rival--New Mexico State

Cal Poly (San Louis Obispo, CA)--Fans have weighed in and at least one other blogger seems to indicate that the administration in SLO wants to see it happen. I suspect that this program is at or near the top of the WAC short list. The preception is that with the recession still strong, the stadium expansion and other costs associated with the move would make this a politically unwise move at this time. They would need to have the funds for the stadium expansion raised privately. But hey, John Madden, yes that John Madden is an alum! Hit the guy up for a legacy donation. Read about this here.
Closest WAC rival--San Jose State

Note: due to the economic conditions, and that California still is suffering the worst in this recession, I will not have Sacramento State nor Cal Davis on the short list.

Basketball only options:

The WAC commissioner is open to playing with eight schools for football, but expanding in basketball and other sports. But I can not verify any specific schools being mentioned, other than the obvious trio which is Denver, Seattle and Utah Valley.