NYT: The P12 and MWC should just merge...

[agswin]

It looks like the best minds that the PAC invitees could assemble are convinced the PAC that it was a good decision.

I understand that some fans of the schools in the MWC that did not get invited would be upset.  That makes total sense.  Utah State has been on the other side of similar decisions more than most MWC schools.

I don't think there need be any bad blood or hurt feelings.  This is not a Hatfields vs. McCoys decision.  It is simply a decision made by our leaders about what they think is best for our future.

Are there still a lot of questions to be answered for the rank and file fan?  You bet there are.

   

[alum93]

On 9/30/2024 at 4:01 PM, agswin said:

It looks like the best minds that the PAC invitees could assemble are convinced the PAC that it was a good decision.

I understand that some fans of the schools in the MWC that did not get invited would be upset.  That makes total sense.  Utah State has been on the wrong side of similar decision a few times.

I don't think there need be any bad blood or hurt feelings.  This is not a Hatfields vs. McCoys decision.  It is simply a decision made by our leaders about what they think is best for our future.

Are there still a lot of questions to be answered for the rank and file fan?  You bet there are.

   

Or they were just bitter about being left behind and couldn't stand the perception of joining the MWC.  So far they have invited 5 G5 teams from the MWC.  No one from AAC has said yes.  And if Texas State joins the current MWC teams, the options start to get really limited for a PAC promising a better cable contract.  And there is the whole blowing a minimum of $100M to create yet another G5 conference that looks eerily similar to the previous MWC.  I wouldn't worry about bitter.  On the surface it just seems the PAC 2 seriously miscalculated the leverage they had in creating a best of the rest, and i am positive they never thought the remaining MWC schools would stick together once USU jumped.  I'm surprised Gloria pulled it off at the point, but she got all the remaining schools to commit for another 8 years or so.  The more i think about it, even adding Memphis isn't going to change a lot of perception.  If the AAC sticks together minus one school and if the MWC adds Texas State and one other FBS program to get to 8 full members, i don't think the national perception will change one bit on a rebuilt PAC.  It will be looked upon as just another G5 conference with late kickoffs.  If it helps fans of your school feel better, great.  But i think the remaining MWC schools will be just fine and now they have a boatload of cash they didn't before courtesy of the PAC 2.

[agswin]

So... you are assuming that no one on the teams of Lawyers, Leaders, or Business People the departing four had evaluating this deal was brave enough to speak up and say "Hey, does this really add up?"

And that's the hill you are ready to die on?  I guess I differ a bit.  I honestly I think the calculous of this is as much about addition by subtraction as anything. 

Will the PAC be able to grab other quality All Sports Member like a Memphis?  I am not certain, but I don't mind the odds vs. the MWC, 

Will the PAC be able to pull in perhaps another pair of non FB schools like Gonzaga / St. Mary's.  I am not certain, but I don't mind the odds, vs the MWC.

So where does that leave the PAC?  I am not sure, but I have trouble seeing a ton more exciting future with the MWC.   

Things like Fan Support and $$$ to invest in infrastructure seem to matter, and for the most part, the MWC don't have much or are not willing to invest much.

 

 

[agswin]

double post

[Laconian]

Somebody explain to me why certain fans of departing schools remind me of an ex-girlfriend bitter that the guy she dumped is moving on?

[PlayersinVegas]

Sacramento State

UC Davis

Either Sam Houston or Texas State

Louisiana (Lafayette)

 

That would be a conference, that would be a great conference with the current mountain west...

[Beaver-Poke]

On 9/30/2024 at 1:17 PM, Iam4wyo said:

Oh, it does.  Long time UW fan, who also is a fan of Oregon State.  True colors were just revealed (although they were revealed on WyoNation like 8 years ago).  

Well yes I am. Cowboy Joe Club member; donor to the band, which my wife played in as an undergrad; Albany County taxpayer; yearly visitor/consumer to the Laramie/Centennial economies, and related by marriage to a wife, father-in-law and a mother-in-law who all graduated from the University. I have no idea what WyoNation is.

I live in Corvallis, worked at Oregon State and have been a Beaver fan for 40 years. So yes, I'm more orange & black than brown & gold. Doesn't prevent me from cheering for both teams and wanting both to have success in their respective leagues. I wanted the Pac to take Wyoming, but it didn't. 

[lobo-tomy]

On 9/30/2024 at 12:38 PM, agswin said:

For me it really does just come down to which Schools in the conference are growing and investing in their Athletic Department's Future and which school's are not, or have too far to go.

It is really that simple.  And there is nothing personal about it. 

If it could be determined that there are a couple more MWC schools that are ready to jump ahead, I would be all in favor.

For most of the past several few years, Utah State has consistently been looked at as one of the top schools in the West and Mountain Region Athletically, Academically, and Financially.

I would like for that continue.

To me, the PAC seems like a step forward in that respect.  And, I am not so sure that the MWC does not feel like a step to the status quo or even a step back given the other changes among our peers..

I don't want to see Utah State step back.

The statement "there's nothing personal about it" is what is absolutely wrong with the current state of college athletics.

IMO it's all personal. Why do I "hate" Fresno State, because 30 years ago they beat the Lobos 94-17, NMSUx, because I do. I like Wyo because their fans are cool, AFA gets my respect and I am proud of their athletes because their cadets, they are taking on a responsibility that most Americans will not. 

I love the Lobos in a way that I don't with the professional teams I support. The Dolphins have sucked for a long time and I barely follow any more. Lobo football has sucked for far longer and I am there every chance I get, I yell my voice hoarse, I stay to the end, win or lose. One could say I'm fanatical about it, and reason and thinking plays no part.

[415hawaiiboy]

With the new additions (UTEP to MW and Gonzaga to PAC) we can put this to rest.

 

Good Luck Babe

 

[roughrider]

Gonzaga to the PAC is happening today.

[alum93]

There will be no merger between PAC and MWC.  Gonzaga and UTEP are good adds for both conferences.

[Poster17]

Gonzaga, while a good add for basketball, does nothing for what they truly need (full time members with football programs that are relevant).   Football drives the bus, not basketball.

[NowhereLandAggie]

On 10/1/2024 at 10:49 AM, Poster17 said:

Gonzaga, while a good add for basketball, does nothing for what they truly need (full time members with football programs that are relevant).   Football drives the bus, not basketball.

There are talks occurring now.  It may take time to negotiate, but simply because a FB school(s) hasn't been added doesn't mean it is happening.  There is plenty of time to do this.

[alum93]

On 10/1/2024 at 11:05 AM, NowhereLandAggie said:

There are talks occurring now.  It may take time to negotiate, but simply because a FB school(s) hasn't been added doesn't mean it is happening.  There is plenty of time to do this.

Well of course its happening.  The PAC doesn't have the minimum required teams for a conference.  They don't have a choice.

[Poster17]

On 10/1/2024 at 10:05 AM, NowhereLandAggie said:

There are talks occurring now.  It may take time to negotiate, but simply because a FB school(s) hasn't been added doesn't mean it is happening.  There is plenty of time to do this.

The problem lies in what will be left as the PAC waits?  MWC just locked up another FBS school.   Schools are also noticing that maybe, just maybe, the PAC is not all it is cracked up to be.  No media deal yet.  You also have a conference made up of MWC schools and 2 PAC12 rejects who also happen to hold all the power and say in the conference.  Asking a G5 or FCS school to fork over 15 million plus to join that does not seem like a good idea for a lot of schools right now.  

[NowhereLandAggie]

On 10/1/2024 at 2:36 PM, Poster17 said:

The problem lies in what will be left as the PAC waits?  MWC just locked up another FBS school.   Schools are also noticing that maybe, just maybe, the PAC is not all it is cracked up to be.  No media deal yet.  You also have a conference made up of MWC schools and 2 PAC12 rejects who also happen to hold all the power and say in the conference.  Asking a G5 or FCS school to fork over 15 million plus to join that does not seem like a good idea for a lot of schools right now.  

After this morning's news of Gonzaga joining, I really don't worry about that.  I believe Memphis will be the next school into the league.   We aren't racing the MW to pick up schools, no school from any P-4 conference is coming down, and it took $30 million to keep UNLV from jumping.  Talks with the AAC are ongoing, and Gonzaga wouldn't have jumped without assurances of a better media deal.

[roughrider]

On 10/1/2024 at 10:49 AM, Poster17 said:

Gonzaga, while a good add for basketball, does nothing for what they truly need (full time members with football programs that are relevant).   Football drives the bus, not basketball.

They need both an 8th football playing member and they need teams that move the needle for media negotiations.  Hoops is a far second to football but Gonzaga is a top hoops property in all timezones.  It helps.     And their add could help with whoever they go after for the 8th football member.

[Did I hear a WOOSH?]

On 9/30/2024 at 6:01 PM, agswin said:

It looks like the best minds that the PAC invitees could assemble are convinced the PAC that it was a good decision.

I understand that some fans of the schools in the MWC that did not get invited would be upset.  That makes total sense.  Utah State has been on the other side of similar decisions more than most MWC schools.

I don't think there need be any bad blood or hurt feelings.  This is not a Hatfields vs. McCoys decision.  It is simply a decision made by our leaders about what they think is best for our future.

Are there still a lot of questions to be answered for the rank and file fan?  You bet there are.

   

It doesn’t really matter because you’ll both be earning about the same money and will both be in the same conference again by 2030.  

[motohead]

On 10/1/2024 at 9:49 AM, Poster17 said:

Gonzaga, while a good add for basketball, does nothing for what they truly need (full time members with football programs that are relevant).   Football drives the bus, not basketball.

Tell that to the Big East.

[MWC]

On 10/1/2024 at 9:49 AM, Poster17 said:

Gonzaga, while a good add for basketball, does nothing for what they truly need (full time members with football programs that are relevant).   Football drives the bus, not basketball.

 

If the PAC wanted to be at 8 full time members, they could be there right now.

Just add Tex St and be done.

 

I think the PAC is aiming higher.

 

Gonzaga helps a lot with national exposure.

Getting the Zags is a coup.