Does Cal Poly Have Anything to Gain By Joining the WAC?

At this time last year, Cal Poly was beginning to raise money, to get out of their hokey Great West Conference deal by becoming eligible for the FBS and joining the WAC.  At the time, it seemed like a good fit.  If not the next Boise State, at least the Mustangs had Fresno-State like potential.  They are the only Division I program in the region and would have made a nice travel partner for San Jose State.  Things have changed in the past six months.  The WAC has been decimated with the loss of Boise State, Fresno State, Nevada and Hawaii.  While Cal-Poly has changed their conference alliance from the Great West for football to the Big Sky Conference.  Has this placated Cal-Poly or will they continue to seek to make their sports to the higher division.

What has the school in San Louis Obispo gained by joining the Big Sky Conference?  The full conference provides at least four benefits to Cal Poly and their fans.  First, scheduling.  Instead of having to schedule 7 non-conference games every season, the football team now only has to schedule 3.  That is much easier to deal with.  Second, travel is a little less.  Basically, instead of traveling to South Dakota, they get to travel to Northern Arizona.  The travel budget is a little more consistent from year to year with the same opponents.  They also form stronger alliances and rivlaries with other West Cost FCS schools like Sacramento State.  Finally, they are affiliated with a conference that has an automatic post-season NCAA bid.  Therefore, there was some gain for the Mustangs with the move to the Big Sky.

But they did not get everything that they wanted.  Cal Poly is a top-flight academic school, ranked #1 in the West Region by US News for Universities with Masters Programs.  In the FCS, the athletes are underachievers academically.  The University will not get the athletes that are a better mix with the rest of the student body until they move up to the FBS. True, athletes are generally academic underachievers, but not all of them. There are higher academic standards at the FBS level, and therefore fewer academic underachievers to deal with.

One thing that was lost with all of the conference moves that would have been a great benefit to Cal Poly was the chance to be in the same conference as Fresno State, which is something that fans from both schools seemed to look forward to.  Even Pat Hill, Fresno State's football coach made positive comments about the prospect of being in the same conference.  This would have been a natural geographical rival and of schools in a similar plight.

There are some other things that the university misses out on by remaining in the FCS.  One is the exposure that being on TB provides.  It is not just the football team that benefits by increased TV exposure, it is the athletic department, the university and the community as a whole.  At the FCS level, a team has to get deep into the playoffs to have a game on TV.  In the WAC, they would at least one game on TV per year no matter how terrible the team is. Cal Poly would also get more TV exposure with success on the field. Look at what has happened to Boise State.  TV games also provide an opportunity to show the community to the nation could provide a positive impact on tourism dollars.  This would not be wasted on California's central coast which is a nice place to visit year round.

Another benefit to the University and Community is the chance to host a bowl game.  In December, the average high is about 66 degrees.  That is warmer than many other successful bowl sites.  With Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, Pimo Beach and Monterrey nearby, people will come and spend money.  The community will benefit.

Cal Poly does have something to gain by moving up and joining the WAC.  They will gain exposure for the University and Community.  They can attract a higher caliber of athlete, not just athletically but academically, and they will likely get the chance to host an annual bowl game.  It is a move that the University should still consider, even in the current climate of change.  But the WAC should also be willing to make concessions.  Cal Poly should be allowed to join as a Football-only member and leave the rest of their sports in the Big West Conference.  And the WAC should work to ensure a bowl game in San Louis Obispo.

Greatest Moments in Weber State Football History

Weber State became a four-year college in 1962 and does not have a long history of playing football.  The 1970s were rough where WSU had only one winning season, but both of their victories against the the higher division of college football came in that decade.  Both are listed here.

5.  September 18, 1971.  Weber State wins their first game against a team from the higher division (Currently FBS, then the University Division) by beating North Texas 20-0 in Ogden.

4.  November 6, 1965.  Weber State beats Idaho 14-7 to win their first Big Sky Conference Championship. 

3.  October 4, 2008.  Weber State ends years of frustration against Montana 45-28.  Eventually, WSU would win the conference championship but lose to Montana in the NCAA quarterfinals.

2.  November 11, 1978.  The Wildcats get their only victory against one of the "Big 3" by beating Utah State in Logan 44-25.

1. November 28, 1987.  Weber State avenges their only I-AA loss of the regular season by beating Big Sky Conference Champion Idaho in Moscow 59-30.  This was Weber State's first-ever post-season game.

Weber State in the WAC...how it could happen.

Montana, North Texas and UC Davis have said no the the WAC.   Does anyone want to join the WAC?  I have looked and looked, and I have found one school whose fans would welcome the move, and all I had to do was look across town.  Yes, Weber State would indeed welcome the move.

A quote from my good friend who runs WeberHoops.  Find the comments here.

"YES!!! we would love to move up. there is one thing holding us back and the only reason we are not being mentioned as a serious candidate: football attendance.  (Last season, 2009) we averaged 6,500 last season and we had 7 wins and made the playoffs and finished 17th nationally. that is not good. this yr we are averaging about 8,500 after 2 home games.  For Basketball and all other sports we would be a shoe in." (Cody tells me he got this information about the attendance obstacle directly from Jerry Bovee, WSU athletic director.  But this is not a direct quote.)

Not to mention, WSU currently sponsors 15 sports and only needs to add 1 more to meet FBS standards.  They have a quality Swim/Dive club program that could easily offer scholarships and fill that requirement at a low cost. 

I checked into the attendance at Texas State, who is joining the WAC in 2012.  Their attendance was above 13,000 until late in the season when it became obvious that the Bobcats would finish below .500.  There were still 10,000 at their home finale, however. WSU would have to double their home football attendance should they move up.

Many people have commented that they believe that Utah State would block the move.  USU has the power with the State Board of Regents.  But circumstances have changed and the Regents recognize the winds of change are still blowing.  Some Utah State fans look down upon Weber State, but it is not these fans who will make that decision.  If the MWC does not come calling, it is not in Utah State's best interest to block Weber State's inclusion in the WAC if the alternative is being without a conference.  If not Weber State, then who?  Some Utah State fans believe the alternative is football at Utah Valley University.  The WAC does not have a lot of alternatives left.

Let's say there is a choice between bringing football to Utah Valley and letting UVU join the WAC vs letting Weber State join the WAC.  Some USU fans would probably rather have UVU begin a football program.  UVU football is more of a threat to BYU's football program than it is to Utah State.  But the Regents, who have to deal with budgets would chose Weber State over UVU.  WSU already has a football stadium, it's listed capacity is over 17,000 and it would not take a king's ransom to expand the capacity above 20,000.  There are probably a few left over temporary bleachers left over from the 2002 Winter Games collecting dust somewhere that could be set up in the south end zone at Stewart Stadium.

Consider, also, that the NCAA has yet to enforce, a 15,000 fan average to remain in the FCS.  Which would be easier sell from a marketing point of view?  Start from scratch in an expensive new stadium with a new program that is going to struggle for years or bring up an established program that is struggling at the gate with a stadium that needs a few upgrades?  Consider that the latter has a locally popular sports figure at head coach who could recruit the players that would make WSU a success.  Who could Utah Valley get that would match the popularity of coach Ron McBride?  Consider that UVU is just down the road from BYU and would be playing in the shadow of one of the most popular (or infamous) college football programs in the United States.

Weber State struggles to get 10,000 fans playing in the Big Sky Conference.  But against opponents like Utah State and BYU (due to BYU's schedule agreement with the WAC) and perhaps a visit from Utah (it's a long shot, but could happen) it may not be hard to get at least one sellout every season.  There is only one Big Sky school that travels well, and that is Montana.  7,000 temporary bleachers at the south end zone at Stewart Stadium with smart scheduling, good marketing and successful recruiting and attendance may not be an issue.  The view from Stewart Stadium rivals any in football.  Weber State has some quality academic programs for those "going pro in something other than sports."

Utah State fan should consider all of the alternatives.  Hopefully, they get into the MWC and don't have to worry about the WAC any longer.  From Utah State's point of view, if they are not in the WAC, the old conference can die.  What do they do if this does not happen?  Let the WAC fold?  If independence is risky for BYU, who has a national following, how risky will it be for Utah State who does not?   Remember how well independence worked when the Big West stopped sponsoring football?

Utah State does not deserve relegation to the FCS as their fans have come out to support them.  They are a quality academic institution.  If their fate is playing in the same conference as Weber State, why not welcome the 'Cats to the WAC instead of joining the Big Sky?

Finally, if the WAC is to survive, they will need the NCAA to make concessions.  One of those concessions could be the attendance issue for schools like Weber State.  Certainly Idaho should have been sent back to the FCS by now.  WSU fans should understand that this would not be forever, and attendance figures have to improve.  They should help support their school and bring a friend to the game next season.  Even if WSU is to remain in the Big Sky Conference, support of the football program could be better.

New WAC short list-Updated December 25, 2010

First, my apologies to the traditional all-black college, Texas Southern.  Although they would make a great addition to the WAC.  Of course, I would not be willing to break with years of tradition.  The "Black Ivy League" had a tremendous tradition.  Here is the current WAC short-list according to a variety of sources.

Schools with Football

1. California Polytechnic University at San Louis Obisbo
         
Needs to expand football stadium to above 15,000.  Plans to join WAC were in the works before the conference expansion/realignment mania began.  Already has enough sports to move to the FBS.  Desire to move up may not be a strong with Fresno State joining the Mountain West.  Top-flight academics and are the only Division I football program on the Central Coast of California.

2. Weber State University, Ogden, Utah

Has the facilities in place and is upgrading the football stadium and track.  Top-flight basketball program.  Community is growing.  Needs to add 1 sport.  Proximity to Utah State University makes them a natural rival and will help with travel budgets.  Competition for local recruits could lead to the current WAC school to block the move, especially if USU is invited to join the MWC and no longer sees a need to preserve the WAC.

3. Portland State University (Oregon)

Has the facilities in place and is in a market that would be great for the WAC.  They share their football stadium with the Portland Timbers of the MLS.  Their basketball arena is small but they have use of the old Veterans Memorial Colosseum or Rose Garden Arena if needed.  Has cut several sports recently and would need to add them back to make the move to the FBS.

4. Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas

Recently restarted a football program.  Otherwise have strong community support and good facilities.  Proximity to Houston makes the market attractive. 

5. Stephen F. Austin University, Nacadoches, Texas

Needs to upgrade some facilities and add some sports.  Location in northeast Texas will help keep Louisiana Tech in the WAC.

6. Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas

Proximity to Houston would make them a good addition to the WAC, but also need to upgrade some facilities and add some sports.

7. California State University at Sacramento

Currently affiliated with the WAC in baseball, but are currently looking to leave football program in the Big Sky and join other sports to the Big West. They may no longer be interested in the WAC.

Schools without Football

1. Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah*

They are in the middle of the WAC footprint and have some nice facilities.  They are about 5 miles down the road from BYU.  They are a relatively new college with a small alumni base.

2. University of Texas at Arlington*

Dropped football in the mid 1980s, and studied bringing it back.  There is a lot of competition for fans in the Dallas metro.

3. California State University at Bakersfield*

Recently move up from Division II where they were a powerhouse.


Not on the list:

Northern Arizona University, probably due to proximity.
Already turned down an opportunity to join the WAC
1. North Texas--prefers to remain in the Sun Belt or wait for an opportunity to join C-USA
2. Montana--Economic circumstances and loss of traditional rivalry with Montana State.  May reconsider if the WAC decides to consider Montana State
3. University of California at Davis--Economic, needs to expand football stadium.  Recently completed a new 10,000 seat stadium but it was over budget.

Basketball Report for 13 December

Mountain West Conference:
San Diego State has just cracked the top 10 for the first time in history.  Looking better than the Michael Cage days.  Steve Fisher has redeemed his career by taking this program from obscurity to the level they are at today.  The future is bright in Aztecville.

Game of the Week: UNLV 77 Boise State 72

Player of the Week: BYU G Jimmer Ferdette

Power Rankings:
1. San Diego State
2. BYU
3. UNLV
4. New Mexico
5. Utah
6. Colorado State
7. Air Force
8. TCU
9. Wyoming

WAC
The WAC rebounded from a tough weekend last week to getting some much needed numbers in the W column.  Adrian Oliver is really looking sharp for the Aztecs.

Game of the Week: Fresno State 74 San Diego 70
Player of the Week: San Jose State G Adrian Oliver

Power Rankings:
1. Utah State
2. Boise State
3. Hawaii
4. San Jose State
5. Louisiana Tech
6. Idaho
7. Fresno State
8. New Mexico State
9. Nevada


Big Sky Conference
Do you remember the last time two teams combined for 180+ points in regulation?  The only way to accomplish this feat is to shoot the lights out.  PSU and CSUF gave us the game of the year so far.

Game of the Week: Portland State 93 CS Fullerton 89
Player of the Week: Weber State G Damian Lillard

Power Rankings:
1. Weber State
2. Portland State
3. Northern Arizona
4. Montana
5. Northern Colorado
6. Montana State
7. Idaho State
8. Sacramento State
9. Eastern Washington

Does the loss of Hawaii Actually Help the WAC?

There is one silver lining for the WAC and the loss to Hawaii.  And that comes from the enormous travel costs of visiting the islands every season.  Football is one sport, but that  is only every other season.  All the other sports have to travel to Hawaii every single year.  That can cost between 2000 and 4000 per trip depending on how many people are making the trip.  Sure, the conference can make travel arrangements and qualify for discounts for frequent travel, but there is only so much of that.  Think about how much it costs the Hawaii softball team to make the trip to Rushton, Louisiana.  Both Hawaii and the conference members were taking a bath and both will benefit to the tune of nearly 1 to 2 million per school.  The Big West is a better fit for Hawaii and the WAC may be better off without them...if the conference can stay together.

Now, where does the WAC go from here?  Well, they have also lost on the chance to add CS Bakersfield and Seattle, who reportedly are also joining the Big West.  But if the WAC is to survive, they need a plan, perhaps to focus on a region.  If the Big Sky is out, then how about moving toward Texas, Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.

There are, in fact, three additional Texas Schools that Could be a good fit for the WAC, all have enough or almost enough sports to jump to the FBS.  They also have large enough football stadiums.  Follow the links to their school's athletic sites.

Stephen F. Austin--Nacogdoches, TX (NE Texas)
Lamar--Beaumont, TX (Gulf Coast, East of Houston)
Texas Southern, who can use Reliant Stadium--Houston, TX


Here are a couple of other schools that may work as well, but have to add sports:

Northwestern State--Nachitoches, LA (I understand that Nacogoches and Nachitoches were brothers, and SFA and NWSU are rivals.  NWSU only sponsors 12 sports, however.)
Sam Houston State--Huntsville, TX (North of Houston)

Another note of interest.  Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State played at Reliant Stadium (Home of the Houston Texans of the NFL).  I can not find attendance figures for the game, but it was estimated to be "strong."

Cal Poly is still in the mix, as well as Portland State and Northern Arizona...if the WAC wants them.  Utah Valley would be good if they could add football.

The WAC may be withering on the vine, but it is not dead yet.  In the words of Huey Lewis, "The ol' boy may be barely breathin' but the heart...is still beatin.'"

It's Official...Hawaii will be in the MWC for football only

It has been made official by the Mountain West Conference, Hawaii will be a football-only member of the conference beginning in 2012.  It is expected that the Big West will get Hawaii's other sports.  Unclear if Utah State will be invited as well, but that appears to be coming later...as soon as January.  But the Aggies are in the mix should the MWC go to 12.  The Big West is also set to invite Seattle and CS Bakersfield.  The WAC will then lose a golden opportunity to solidify their basketball program.

Meanwhile, it appears that the WAC IS close to adding someone.  If Cal Poly can get the approval for a stadium expansion, which is all they need for the FBS jump, they will be invited to the WAC.  This was apparently in the works before this conference realignment craziness.  (Look at this search.  Notice the dates are late 2009 and early 2010.)  Cal Poly administration wants to make the move, the fans want it, but they have to figure out how to pay for it.  The stadium recently underwent some renovation.  (Note, here is one fan's vision for an expanded Alex G. Spanos Stadium, but it is not official.)

Sacramento State may be considering WAC membership as well, but the latest rumor is that they are seeking a similar arrangement with the Big Sky that Cal Poly and UC Davis have...football in the Big Sky and other sports in the Big West.  That would also terminate their current awkward relationship with the WAC, where their baseball programs reside.  If this is true, then it seems unlikely you will see Sac State in the WAC.

In the meantime, two schools with fans who want to see them add football would be a natural for the Big Sky Conference.  They are Utah Valley and Santa Clara.  UVU could be an all-sports participant in the BSC while SCU could be a football-only school and likely keep the rest of their sports in the WCC.  However, UVU may be a candidate for WAC expansion should they add football.  Here is a blog I wrote about UVU football in the spring.  The biggest problem for the Orem campus is there is no place to play right now.  But they could make it work with alterations to the baseball stadium.  There are some other stadium options as well.

BTW...Currently the San Jose Earthquakes (Major League Soccer) are using the Santa Clara football Stadium.

So, to keep you up to date on the latest rumors...

Hawaii...MWC in football, Big West in other sports (Official)
Seattle, CS Bakersfield...Big West (Appears likely)
Sacramento State...Big West (In negotiations with the Big Sky to keep football in the BSC and join their other sports to the Big West like Cal Poly and UC Davis)
Utah State, UTEP...MWC (Strong Rumor)
Cal Poly...WAC if they can find funds to expand stadium (Strong Rumor)
UVU...Looking to add football and join the WAC. (Rumor)
Santa Clara...Fans want to add football (Fact...but can it happen?)

Finally, the MVFC added South Dakota and is looking to keep things even.  They are considering my Alma Mater, Nebraska-Omaha, currently a DII school.

Check out the conference re-alignment matrix here.  It is regularly updated.

Basketball Report for December 6

Big Sky Conference:

Big win for Montana and the Big Sky Conference; taking care of UCLA at Pauley Pavilion.  What does it mean in the end?  Probably not that much.  This is UCLA's 4th loss of the early season, and the Bruins do not figure to be in anyone's brackets right now.  The Big Sky is still going to be a one-bid league.  But congratulations all around.

Game of the Week: Weber State 65 Seattle 61
Player of the Week: Montana G Will Cherry

Power Rankings
1. Weber State
2. Northern Arizona
3. Montana
4. Portland State
5. Montana State
6. Northern Colorado
7. Idaho State
8. Eastern Washington
9. Sacramento State

WAC

Saturday was not a good day for the WAC, all of the power schools in the conference lost big time to nationally ranked teams.  Look for positives where you can find them.  Here are a couple.

Game of the week: Louisiana Tech 69 SMU 64
Player of the week: New Mexico State G Troy Gillenwater

Power Rankings:
1. Utah State
2. Louisiana Tech
3. Boise State
4. San Jose State
5. Idaho
6. Hawaii
7. Fresno State
8. New Mexico State
9. Nevada

Mountain West Conference

The MWC is looking like an easy 3-bid and possible a 4-bid league right now.  The conference has 3 undefeated teams and there 8 teams with winning records in the early season.  I thought seriously about putting UNLV ahead of BYU in the rankings this week, but I changed my mind.  The Rebels have not played anyone yet, but BYU did win at Creighton.  UNLV will likely not be tested before conference play.  

Player of the Week: San Diego State F Kawhi Leonard
Game of the Week: Air Force 57 Evansville 56

Power Rankings:
1. San Diego State
2. BYU
3.UNLV
4. New Mexico
5. Utah
6. Colorado State
7. Air Force
8. TCU
9. Wyoming

MWC and WAC Bowls -- January 3.

I am updating this page as the bowls are played.  Since Eastern Washington is in the FCS championship game I've added them as well.

MWC:

New Mexico Bowl:

BYU 52 UTEP 24

You knew that the Cougars were ready to play on this one when JD Faslev had that monster punt return to set up BYU's first scoring drive.  Once BYU got a 24-3 lead, the game was never close, even though UTEP looked to make things interesting before halftime.

Lost in the shuffle:  BYU PK Mitch Payne became the leading scorer in BYU history with 7 XPM and 1 FG.

Offensive MVP: QB Jake Heaps
Defensive MVP: CB Andrew Rich

Independence Bowl:

Air Force 14 Georgia Tech 7

Air Force intercepted a Ga Tech pass late in the 4th quarter to preserve victory in a defensive battle that featured only a combined 607 total yards.  Georgia Tech completed only 5 passes.  Most were on that final drive. 

MVP: QB Tim Jefferson

Poinsettia Bowl

San Diego State 35 Navy 14

Ronnie Hillman has given the MWC a second freshman MVP with his four touchdown performance in the Poinsettia Bowl.  (Makes me wish for the Ty Detmer vs Marshall Faulk days.)  His 288 yards against Navy were his best to date.  He had 3 rushing touchdowns and 1 receiving touchdown as the Aztecs cruise.

MVP: San Diego State RB Ronnie Hillman

Rose Bowl

TCU 21 Wisconsin 19

The Horned Frogs staved off overtime when Tank Carder swipped away Wisconsin's 2-point conversion attempt in the waning moments of the Rose Bowl.  I helped prove that TCU belongs with the Big Boys of college football and sealed the Big 10's winless New Year's Day.  That was not all that Carder did in Pasadena, he was the Badgers worst nightmare. 


MVP: DE Tank Carder

MWC vs WAC

Las Vegas Bowl

Boise State 26  Utah 3

The Boise State offense was not spectacular because it did not need to be.  The game was settled due to a combination of the Utes lackluster output vs the Boise State defense that was the difference.  BSU is a good as advertised this year, except for the kicking game in Reno.  These two powers could meet in next year's Las Vegas Bowl, but I think the Utes will learn from this experience and get something a little better.

MVP: Boise State RB Doug Martin


Other WAC:

Hawaii Bowl

Hawaii 35 Tulsa 62

This one was not a offensive as the experts predicted.  Tulsa's defense came through in the second half and Hawaii could not keep pace.  In the third quarter, Tulsa scored on three consecutive possessions and won by five scores.  Tulsa also forced 5 turnovers.


MVP: WR Damaris Johnson

Humanitarian Bowl

Northern Illinois 40 Fresno State 17

NIU pulled away from Fresno in the second half.  It was 40-10 in the 4th quarter before Colburn and Co. knew what hit them.  The Huskies win 11 games for the first time in school history.

MVP: QB Chandler Harnish

Lost in the Shuffle: The NIU defense held Robbie Rouse to 32 yards on 14 carries.  Well below is 5.5 yards per carry for the season.

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl

Nevada vs Boston College

Time for Colin Kaepernick and Via Taua to load the pistol one last time.  The opponent will be the Boston College Eagles from the ACC who had to win 5 straight at the end of the season to become bowl eligible.  They did it with defense.  BC's offense is nothing close to as spectacular as their defense.  They will have to hold this powerful Nevada offense to under 20 points to win.  Could happen, if Kaepernick gets a cold?  Wolfpack 35-10.

What the so-called experts say, "It's strength vs. strength in this one...Nevada's running attack vs. Boston College's run defense." -- College Football News


Predicted finishes
Mountain West 4-1 So far2-1
WAC 3-1 So far1-2

Big Sky Conference

FCS Championship Game

Delaware vs Eastern Washington

EWU is better down the stretch than just about anyone thought.  They were able to put up 41 points against Villanova in the semi-finals without star running back Taiwan Jones.  I have no word if he will be back for the championship game which will be held on January 7th.  The Eagles chances likely rest upon the effectiveness of the running game and need the junior for Antioch carrying the load on offense.  Delaware got to the finals by forcing 5 Georgia Southern turnovers.  Their offense was not spectacular in the semi-finals because they did not have to be.  This has been so all season.  In the final analysis, I am not sure I like EWU's chances with Taiwan Jones on crutches on the sidelines like he was against Villanova.  He will bring that extra dimension to the offense that EWU will need to win the game.  Right now, I am assuming that he will not play.

Delaware 24 Eastern Washington 17

New Word on MWC Expansion

New official word:

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Hawaii will be invited to join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member this week.  It is unclear where Hawaii's other sports will affiliate, but signs are it will be the Big West Conference.  Utah State appears to be getting an invite if the MWC can get a 12th member, and that appears likely to be UTEP and not Tulsa as this blog previously reported.

Again, the next domino that appears to be falling after this will be where the C-USA goes to replace UTEP, if that is what happens with the MWC.  It could be Louisiana Tech, but it could also be a school from the Sun Belt Conference, like Middle Tennessee State or North Texas.  That seems to be the trio that C-USA is interested in at this point--based upon Twitter traffic.  If it is Louisiana Tech, then the WAC will be left with Idaho, New Mexico State, Texas State, UTSA and San Jose State in football.  Can that quintet hold the WAC together long enough to bring in four schools from the FBS or will the WAC fold at this point?

One final straw that could break this camel's back.  The scheduling agreement with BYU.  Going to Provo and taking advantage of BYU's ESPN agreement could be an economic boon that will keep the WAC going as a conference.  (USU and Hawaii have independent agreements with BYU.)  What if BYU joins the Big 12 in 2012?  Who do they partner with?  Boise State or Louisville.  Where would the MWC and Big East go for replacements?  Probably not the MAC.  Likely C-USA.  What about further expansion by the Big 12 to 14? 

The MWC will decide by the end of the year if it wants to remain at 10 or expand to 12.  Aggie fans may get an Christmas present, in that their strong basketball program may save them from another conference affiliation Hell.

IMHO--The WAC and Karl Benson played this conference expansion game all wrong.  He was not thinking about survival, he was thinking about getting bigger and better when those options were not realistic.  Why the "BYU-Project"?  Why only consider Montana and not some of their Big Sky rivals and forget about markets like Portland, Sacramento, California's Central Coast and the state of Arizona?  Why go for Cal-Davis and not consider Sacramento State, when the later is the one with the FBS-ready facilities?  Why not keep a footprint in Utah?  It's not too late, if what is left of the WAC will think out of the box and become pro-active.  It will be at least a decade before the WAC becomes again what it is today, but that is better than the alternative.

The Big Sky conference went to 13 members, even though there are no conference championships at the FCS level...at least not now.  It was a proactive move.  They anticipate schools jumping to the FBS in the next decade.  It's time for the WAC to get proactive before there is no WAC left.

What I would do if I were Karl Benson?

1.  Invite 3 basketball only schools--Seattle, CS-Bakersfield and Utah Valley.
2.  Invite 4 Big Sky Schools, but on a time-line.  Get them into the WAC by 2015 and forget about 2012-14.  My choice would be 4 that already have the facilities or close to the facilities that they need and are close to the number of sports to make the move.  Cal Poly has to be the first choice, but they have to expand their football stadium.  Cal Poly already has 20 sports and are in the middle of a golden un-tapped market.  They are the only DI sports program on the Central Coast.  Then Montana, Montana State and Weber State.  Northern Arizona, Portland State and Sacramento State would be alternates if either of the first set of schools balk.
3.  Keep the BYU scheduling agreement as long as the Cougars are independent in football.
4.  After Cal-Poly expands their stadium, begin a new bowl game there.  Consider a new bowl in San Marcos, TX for that matter.  Get back on the map.
5.  Exposure, exposure, exposure.  Get on TV.  Get every advantage for recruiting you can get.

What if the FBS had a playoff like the FCS?

If there was a 20-team playoff in the Football Bowl Subdivision like the Football Championship Subdivision, the playoff brackets would like like this:

Seedings:

1. Auburn (SEC)
2. Oregon (PAC-10)
3. TCU (MWC)
4. Stanford (At-Large)
5. Wisconsin (Big 10)
6. Ohio State (At-Large)
7. Oklahoma (At-Large)
8. Arkansas (At-Large)
9. Michigan State (At-Large)
10. Boise State (WAC)
11. LSU (At-Large)
12. Missouri (At-Large)
13. Virginia Tech (ACC)
14. Oklahoma State (At-Large)
15. Alabama (At-Large)*
16. Nevada (At-Large)*
17. Connecticut (Big East)
18. Central Florida (C-USA)
19. Miami-OH (MAC)
20. Troy (Sun Belt)

Note: *Switched to avoid a second-round in-conference game.

Last 4 in: Alabama, Nevada, OK State and Missouri
First 4 out: Texas A&M, Nebraska, Utah, South Carolina

First Round Games:
Game 1: Troy                 at Virginia Tech
Game 2: Miami-OH       at Oklahoma State
Game 3: Central Florida at Alabama
Game 4: Connecticut      at Nevada

Second Round Games:
Game 4 Winner    at 1. Auburn
9. Michigan State at 8. Arkansas

12. Missouri      at 5. Wisconsin

Game 1 Winner at 4. Stanford

11. LSU            at 6. Ohio State
Game 2 Winner at 3. TCU

10. Boise State  at 7.Oklahoma
Game 3 Winner at 2. Oregon

Notes: FCS rules state that teams from the same conference can not meet in the first or second round.

Big XII Expansion Coming Soon?

According to KSL's Jeremiah Jensen, the Big XII has changed their mind about remaining at 10.  This is apparently from Nebraska's Bo Pelini.  Take that for what is is worth.  Now that it has arrived, no one wants to see the Big 12 title game go away.

Who does BYU join with?

MWC Expanion Notes

As Utah State and Hawaii pressed for inclusion in the Mountain West Conference, a new detail was revealed today that shows that Craig Thompson is either a big jerk or can learn from his mistakes.  He offered an unbalanced revenue share to TCU to keep them from joining the Big East.

MWC Bowls...WAC Bowls

Note: This page will be updated when we know who the opponents will be.

MWC Bowls

All of the MWC bids have been accepted, except for TCU

TCU--BCS, as Oregon goes to the National Championship game, TCU takes their place in the Rose Bowl vs Wisconsin, the highest ranked of the three Big 10 schools tied for first.

Utah--Las Vegas bowl vs Boise State (Utah has accepted the invitation)

Interesting game if this pans out.  At least Kyle's boys might wake up before the start of the 4th quarter for this one.  Although, not as exciting of a game as it seemed a couple of days ago as the Utes will be without QB Jordan Wynn.

San Diego State--Poinsettia bowl vs. Navy (Both teams have accepted the invite)

Navy has the offense to make this a shootout.  Interesting to see if the defenses show up.

Air Force--Independence Bowl vs Clemson or Georgia Tech (Air Force have accepted the invitation.)

No comment until I see who them AF boys get to play.

BYU--New Mexico Bowl vs UTEP (Both Teams have accepted the invite)

I knew that Mike Price would not pass on the opportunity to play BYU.  Interesting that the two most hated New Mexico opponents (two of the three most hated, except maybe the NM State Aggies are more pitied than hated)  are going to be playing each other in Albuquerque this year.  This should bring out a big crowd.  It may even bring out a couple of curious New Mexico fans.  The Miners will have to contain running backs JJ DiLuigi and Juice Quezada.  BYU will have to do something on offense.  Unusual for a Mike Price coached team, like this one, to hang their hat on defense.  This one does.  But when this defense breaks, boy does it ever break.

WAC Bowls
The picture is a bet clearer with UTEP accepting the invitation to go to the New Mexico Bowl. If eligible, that is if they can beat Nevada...like the Wolfpack will lie down for them...La Tech will go the the New Orleans Bowl.

Boise State...Las Vegas vs Utah
Nevada...Kraft Fight Hunger vs Georgia Tech

Kaepernick fires the pistol one last time for the Wolfpack.  We will see if those boys from Georgia can handle it.

Fresno State...Humanitarian vs Toledo, Temple or Ohio

Robbie Rouse needs to have a good game because if he does not run, the Bulldogs do not win.  Throwing out the Cal Poly game (FCS opponent where Rouse got 70 yards by halftime and then was rested), the Bulldogs are 6-1 when he gets over 100 yards.  0-3 when he does not. (They have a final game against Illinois on Saturday.)

Hawaii...Hawaii bowl vs Tulsa (Hawaii has accepted the invite)

Hawaii will be unbeatable IF they get a crowd to show up!

Louisiana Tech...if eligible, will go to the New Orleans Bowl.  But they have to beat Nevada on Saturday.

New Mexico Bowl

As many of you know by now, it will be BYU vs UTEP in the New Mexico Bowl.  It will be a pair of .500 teams that aren't liked that much in Albuquerque.  Should be fun.

Utes Accept Vegas Bowl Bid

Listening to Kall700.  It is official that the Utes are going to the Las Vegas bowl.  Good luck to the Utes!