Wow. Report last week was they picked WAC. Figured this warranted its own thread.

(06-24-2022 10:37 AM)TDenverFan Wrote:  Looks like UIW had a change of heart - https://www.southland.org/news/2022/6/24...rence.aspx

Wow...

Probably the best fit for them, anyways

Dang way to wait till the last minute

Is the WAC dead in the water?

WAC will need to call up more D2 schools or ditch the Utah schools and try FBS thing again with Missouri Valley schools.

Southland suddenly looking to be in VERY good shape. New commissioner is doing some serious work.

(06-24-2022 11:14 AM)Tigerblud Wrote:  WAC will need to call up more D2 schools or ditch the Utah schools and try FBS thing again with Missouri Valley schools.

Thanks for your “interest” in the WAC. Great idea!!!!!!!!!!

Will the Southland try to recruit more WAC Texas schools?

(06-24-2022 11:18 AM)Lionfan Wrote:  Southland suddenly looking to be in VERY good shape

If you want to remain with some of the worst programs in D1.

(06-24-2022 11:19 AM)DoubleRSU Wrote:  

(06-24-2022 11:18 AM)Lionfan Wrote:  Southland suddenly looking to be in VERY good shape

If you want to remain with some of the worst programs in D1.

As a D2 team making the transition, that's exactly what I want for right now. lol

(06-24-2022 11:14 AM)Tigerblud Wrote:  WAC will need to call up more D2 schools or ditch the Utah schools and try FBS thing again with Missouri Valley schools.

The underlined is not within the realm of possibility.

The options are to find:
- A willing FB-playing school that aligns geographically with the SW Division (considering McNeese/Lamar/UIW have all declined, this looks unlikely)
- A willing and desirable D2 FB school that aligns geographically with the SW Division (with WTAMU's President publicly declaring D2 as the optimal solution, this is also difficult as the non-WTAMU options probably aren't desirable to SFA, TSU, ACU, etc.)
- Stay with the current 11 until a target changes their mind

Allegedly going to play a SLC football schedule this season

https://www.americanpress.com/2022/06/24...onference/

I want to admit that I was incorrect - absolutely surprised this occurred so late in the game.

It is not the end of the world for the WAC and certainly, the Southland can breathe a sigh of relief as it bolsters their numbers.

I am curious to see how both leagues proceed going forward; the scheduling thing is quite bizarre at this juncture. How flexible, easy is it to move things around? Believe Southland had all schools playing a school twice in FB, so it's likely not hard. The WAC approach could be fascinating.

With the A-Sun dropping to 12 total members in 2023 (5 of them football members) and has Bellarmine potentially getting looked at by the Horizon, something makes me think the A-Sun tries poaching the 3 TX football members. At the same time, I could see the WAC try to poach Central Arkansas from the A-Sun. Sure both leagues could agree to remain in their hybrid football league stretching from Utah to Georgia, but both leagues look vulnerable to me, at least in football.

(06-24-2022 11:47 AM)GoBuckeyes1047 Wrote:  With the A-Sun dropping to 12 total members in 2023 (5 of them football members) and has Bellarmine potentially getting looked at by the Horizon, something makes me think the A-Sun tries poaching the 3 TX football members. At the same time, I could see the WAC try to poach Central Arkansas from the A-Sun. Sure both leagues could agree to remain in their hybrid football league stretching from Utah to Georgia, but both leagues look vulnerable to me, at least in football.

The Lake Charles American-Press article linked above (and adding it below) eludes to UCA being rumored for return to the Southland

americanpress.com/2022/06/24/breaking-incarnate-word-will-stay-in-southland-conference/

Quote:Grant would not comment on rumors that Central Arkansas, which left last summer for the Atlantic Sun, might also be looking to make a return to the SLC.

“I will say we are going to be aggressive in trying to get recruit schools that fit our league’s profile and footprint,” said Grant. “We will listen and talk to those teams and keep in mind what we are trying to do.”

(06-24-2022 11:11 AM)Lionfan Wrote:  Is the WAC dead in the water?

Seems like NMSU and SHSU leaving had a big impact on the WAC. Lamar goes back and ICW stays in the SLC.

(06-24-2022 11:19 AM)solohawks Wrote:  Will the Southland try to recruit more WAC Texas schools?

The Southland had and presumably continues to reach out to WAC schools in Texas.

The list as it stands of potential schools to poach: Abilene Christian, Stephen F Austin, Tarleton State, Texas-Arlington and UTRGV

Tarleton and UTRGV were turned down by Southland previously; ACU, SFA and Arlington are former members.

(06-24-2022 12:27 PM)TexasTerror Wrote:  

(06-24-2022 11:19 AM)solohawks Wrote:  Will the Southland try to recruit more WAC Texas schools?

The Southland had and presumably continues to reach out to WAC schools in Texas.

The list as it stands of potential schools to poach: Abilene Christian, Stephen F Austin, Tarleton State, Texas-Arlington and UTRGV

Tarleton and UTRGV were turned down by Southland previously; ACU, SFA and Arlington are former members.

Matt has reported that the remaining WAC schools want to be in the WAC. The WAC actually probably has the best regional demographics of any conference right now (although whether they can capitalize on them is a different and oft-litigated question).

Honestly, I think that the WAC is in a solid position. They are approaching a level of cultural homogeneity that will benefit them long term.

(06-24-2022 12:40 PM)OhioBoilermaker Wrote:  

(06-24-2022 12:27 PM)TexasTerror Wrote:  

(06-24-2022 11:19 AM)solohawks Wrote:  Will the Southland try to recruit more WAC Texas schools?

The Southland had and presumably continues to reach out to WAC schools in Texas.

The list as it stands of potential schools to poach: Abilene Christian, Stephen F Austin, Tarleton State, Texas-Arlington and UTRGV

Tarleton and UTRGV were turned down by Southland previously; ACU, SFA and Arlington are former members.

Matt has reported that the remaining WAC schools want to be in the WAC. The WAC actually probably has the best regional demographics of any conference right now (although whether they can capitalize on them is a different and oft-litigated question).

Honestly, I think that the WAC is in a solid position. They are approaching a level of cultural homogeneity that will benefit them long term.

Seattle, Cal Baptist, UVU, Grand Canyon, UTRGV, Tarleton St.? None of what you are saying makes any sense.

They've got 2 serious geographic outliers in Seattle and Cal Baptist and they only have 5 football schools. They are dramatically different types of universities.