(09-09-2013 11:10 AM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(09-09-2013 10:52 AM)ohio1317 Wrote:  Few thoughts:

1. The Army add would have to require a change in leadership viewpoint from what it was. While Air Force was certainly at least considering the Big East, the impression from Army was they wanted nothing to do with a football conference. That can certainly change, but I think it was probably the position a few years ago.

2. UTEP would take a Mountain West offer. They talked about going with the Mountain West side when Conference USA and the Mountain West were talking about a merger and I think they'd take the invite almost right away now.

3. Air Force would be tough to get. Given what we've already seen with western members sticking to the Mountain West, I think they are out.

A change in Army opinion would still make expansion worthwhile. My guess is the conference would try to bring back some northern exposure and go with UMass.

I agree with you with all things here except the UMASS to the AAC idea.

UMass has a lot of issues going for it.

1) Membership block by UConn
2) Off campus stadium 93 miles away
3) Poor attendance (struggling to meet the 15,000 requirement)
4) Horrible performance on the field.
5) Is in year 2 of an FCS to FBS transition

Buffalo would be a much better idea for the AAC.

1) On campus stadium that seats 29k (planned expansion to 35)
2) Local access to an NFL Stadium
3) Planned increase of student enrollment to 40,000
4) Already has won a conference championship at the FBS level
5) Has played at the FBS level since 1999.

Neither of those schools make sense for football. My preference would be to add UMass and VCU for Olympic sports only. Bring in Army for football only.

Personally, Id be fine with adding Army and just holding temporarily at 13. One thing I will say, if you add another eastern team in Army, then its more likely that another more western team is the eventual #14. He said academics were important. Obviously Air Force would be preferred, but I don't think that's happening. The only other western schools known for academics that makes sense geographically is Rice. Rice is a long time member of the top level of football. An academic southern Ivy and a former SWC member with significant football history. They have improved to be a relatively decent football team (3 bowl appearances since 2006 including one in 2012). They appear likely to head for a bowl again this year.