American Expansion

 I was trying to get back to regular posts on this blog, but there was another professional interruption.  For now, let me just say that I have plenty of time to devote to this blog, at least for the next few weeks.

The news I wish to discuss is the expansion of the American Athletic Conference.  They will be adding 6 to go to 14 members for football.  Two of the six additions are not a surprise to me: Texas San Antonio and Alabama Birmingham.  The other four took me by surprise as they are in larger markets, but have not exactly been a recent success on the gridiron.  Those schools are North Texas, Rice, UNC Charlotte and Florida Atlantic.  While this does give the AAC access to large markets and recruiting bases, it is not exactly ideal.

From worst to best  

North Texas is in Denton, Texas, which is in the north portion of the DFW metroplex.  This is a metro area the AAC already has a foothold in with SMU.  I have to wonder if this addition really adds anything to the conference or is this pro-active add just in case the Big 12 invites SMU.  (Considering the history of the Ponies, don't expect that to happen-BTW)

Florida Atlantic only recently started playing football and for much of the 20-00s, was consistently considered on of the worst teams in the FBS.  They have improved since getting their own stadium.  Sure, it gives the conference a foothold in South Florida, a place where the Miami Hurricanes dominate.  But with the number of people who live in Miami, there should be more than enough left-overs for everyone.

Rice is in the Houston area.  There is plenty to go around there.  However, Rice is a small university and has a small alumni base.  Doesn't bode well for the streaming potential.

UNC Charlotte has not only not been playing FBS football for long, but football period.  And yes, there are Power-5 programs in the state of North Carolina, the research quad is in the Raleigh area.  (UNC, NC State, Wake Forest and Duke).  This would be a better move if Charlotte had a better track record, or any track record to speak of.  But it isn't terrible.

For those of you unfamiliar with history, UAB used to play at Legion Field, which sometimes the Iron Bowl took place.  (The annual game between Alabama and Auburn.)  Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama, closer to Tuscaloosa than it is to Auburn, but far enough away from either to be considered neutral..  That also translates to not that close to either.  Kids that grow up in Alabama are going to pick either Auburn or Alabama, those that do not still have a good choice of schools.  It would be nice to have one close to home.

UTSA is the best add for the American.  San Antonio is an hour away from Waco and Austin.  It's a growing community where high school football is big.  It's a good recruiting base for the AAC.  The MWC should be kicking themselves for not getting UTSA on board, and it is a move that I think they will regret.