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Add UConn in footbal and add Belmont or St. Louis in basketball only

The ramifications of which will probably cause a serious trickle down effect. I’d bet this affects the AAC, CUSA, BIG SKY, and maybe even the WAC.

Well if UMass wants to stay at FBS I think they made the best move for now.

@@bbspeaks6260 I don't know. A lot of the stuff that they have is abysmal, the athletic department is apathetic when it comes to football, their fan base is apathetic when it comes to football, they are nowhere near the Boston market because they're in Amherst, and this is a school that cares way more about hockey or basketball than they do football. They're more okay with getting their butt whooped than building a competitive football team.

Ill State is a school I didn’t think was in the hunt until recently. It’s possible now that Mo State is closer.

Yeah. It’s certainly been surfaced before. Apparently in the past there was a push to make it happen but at the time they couldn’t raise enough funds or something.

Agreed. That could a fair amount of interest. In today’s landscape where all traditions are being thrown out the window. Rivalries become even more valuable.

Thanks. I didn’t see that change.

They played football for several years as a member of the conference. Partial or full they were still counted as a member.

Yeah they seem to be holding their ground. I think the financials are going to have to be very clear for them to move up.

@@bbspeaks6260 Mountain West seems like the only way

@@BrownieCFBI also wonder if they don’t get the invites because their TV market is so low.

That would be a great idea if the MWC splits because of the PAC2

Several MVC teams are nowhere near ready to play bowl-division level football.

Great idea if there weren’t teams that would not survive in FBS. Indiana State and Murray State specifically would not be able to make that transition

@txtsbobcats2013 Curious to hear your sources for saying they were not selective. I’m sure many of the interested schools wanted to have conversations as preparation for long term thinking but not really commital. Austin Peay and EKU both have high ambition and arguably better readiness for FBS than KSU or SHSU. There’s so many people that have to approve to make things go forward it’s hard to say that any one factor is the only determinant.

@@bbspeaks6260 no sources just common sense. Many schools were more FBS ready than KSU and SHSU. They just didnt want to join CUSA because it was a bad situation. So CUSA took what it could get i.e. desperation

Indeed the game has changed, quite a bit. I’m not sure why the NCAA is still an org. They practically do nothing these days except arbitrarily apply some rules in certain cases. But the CUSA actually started with a bunch of schools wanting to move to FBS, so I’m not sure they’ve fallen so much.

@@bbspeaks6260 you cant look at the CUSA roster from 2022 vs 2024 and tell me that the 2024 roster isn't a massive downgrade

@txtsbobcats2013 I think it’s prudent to look at a larger time span than two years when analyzing trends. When CUSA started you could have argued none of the rosters were very good. How would you grow a conference that’s not a blueblood?

@@bbspeaks6260 when cusa started it was full of current P5s. This current group is a massive downgrade. No arguing that

@txstsbobcats2013 No one is saying CUSA wasn’t decimated in 2021. The key looking at the future and how it will grow. He current landscape for growth is much different than even just a few years ago.

That would be amazing.

BYU won in the 80s.

As a Missouri State alum and fan, I’m willing to be Liberty would be the one to make that happen. Hoping that the competition stays tight in CUSA so that no one leaves. I’d love to see the conference thrive now that we’ll be a part of it

@@ZayAgka do people in the southwest of the state cheer for MO State over Mizzou?

@@Homedepotorange very much so. In general, you’ll see a lot of dislike for Mizzou because Mo State is the forgotten little brother. Not saying everyone hates them, but in Southwest Missouri, there’s a majority population that would easily be rooting for Mo State over Mizzou. Because of Mo States inability to compete at a higher level, there’s a lot of indifference to college football, and most will choose a different team to root for before Mizzou in the FBS division. But with us rising the ranks, there’s surely about to be a lot more school pride

Sounds about right.

Oh good info.

That would make a lot of sense.

Do you think the HCBUs consolidate conferences if enough of them step out of that tradition?

@@bbspeaks6260 doubtful because there are too many that wouldn’t want to dip down to D-2 or have the funds for FBS. Look at Southern University for example. Campus looks almost like a high school in some respects. I was shocked when NC A&T joined the CAA a few years back.

@@bbspeaks6260 looking even deeper, if we consider endowments and lack of conference regard for HBCU tradition Howard or NCA&T, Morgan State, or Norfolk State would probably be better financially off but, of those only Howard had a winning season last year. Being in Washington DC, Howard also has a more appeal TV Market which would be appealing to the conference.

It’s possible if enough step out I suppose. It would be interesting to see an HBCU super league. From a monetary perspective Virginia State and Fayetteville State might seize the opportunity to move up to FCS if that happens. They have large enough endowments.

@kirknagy6253 Does Howard really have a TV market in DC? I lived there for 13 years and never once saw them on any channel except espn3 at a bar once. I’m a bit biased for NC A&T, their exposure has been growing in many aspects. Not just athletics.

Those are interesting picks. Can you e plain a little bit further?

Neither of these schools would join CUSA. Wouldn't make sense financially.

I can't see any of those teams ever leaving their current conferences for C-USA. They would be fine additions but I don't ever see it happening.

No chance in hell App State leaves its rivals to join CUSA.

MAC and Sun Belt teams are not leaving for the CUSA

Agreed. Love their role in growing CFB.

Right CUSA is the gatekeeper

You’ve got a point. What happened to UTEP? They were consistent for a few years there. Plus they have the Sun Bowl. People who’ve been told me that is an under-rated experience. They should leverage the lore of those facilities and the bowl game and become a powerhouse.

@@bbspeaks6260 I live between UTEP and NMSU. So I kinda know a little bit, the short of it is Injuries and underperformance. UTEP had two players get drafted on round 4 and 6. and two others get signed to practice squads. The talent was there but it became apparent that their old coach couldn't execute well. The new coach Scotty Walden seems to bring back that underdog mentality and is bringing young energy back to the program. Excited to see what happens!!!!

@@anthonyraymundobarron1255Thanks for the inside scoop. I’d love to see some excitement there. UTEP has been in the mix for a long time. Do you think it’s hard to recruit to west Texas? I would love to see that x-town rivalry grow with NMSU. Don’t know if it will sustain if both programs don’t become more consistent.

Well UTEP just got Denver Harris at cb he is a 5 ⭐ player with lots of talent and potential

@@mikeprima7555so this is where I think NIL can really help. Small schools attract top talent they can promote him or help him promote himself a bit more can bring more attention to the team as well.

Interesting. I don’t know much about those programs. Do they have large enough budgets, and investments to run at the FBS level?

@@bbspeaks6260 I don’t know about those schools exact budgets but Albany along with Buffalo are the two flagship universities of New York’s public colleges so they would pair well together and are a short drive from UMass. Albany also has a really nice looking stadium that was recently renovated that I personally want to visit one of these days, it’s on the smaller end but that’s not that big of a deal nowadays. Rhode Island is the flagship of their state, are long term conference mates and rivals of UMass. They are A10 members and CAA football members which are quite respectable conferences so they would help justify UMass’s move. Their stadium is a little dated but by the looks of it it could get renovated fairly easily but even as is they could host FBS MAC football when you compare it to other new FBS stadiums like SHSU and Kennesaw state. Another reason Rhode Island could have for a potential move would be that with UMass’s departure, RI will be only one of three public colleges in a conference of 14 total schools so they may be a better institutional fit in the new look MAC

@@bbspeaks6260 I don’t know what their athletic budgets are but I think they’d be in the realm of possibility for a move up to fbs. Albany is, along with Buffalo, one of the two flagship universities in New York’s public university system and is a close drive to UMass. They have a really nice looking recently renovated football field that is a little small but would still be more than sufficient for G5 football. Rhode Island is also the flagship university of their state, a long time conference mate and rival of UMass in the A10, a more historically prestigious Olympic sports conference compared to the MAC so they could follow their rival to the MAC to possibly have an easier route to March Madness. Another reason the university could use to justify a conference change is that after UMass’s departure, rhode island will be only one of three public schools in a conference with 14 members so I think in the future they would be a better institutional fit in the new look MAC. One negative is their football stadium is a little lacking and could definitely benefit from a renovation but comparing it to recent fcs call ups like Sam Houston and Kennesaw State I think what they have will be sufficient for the short term

Nice info. I’ll be sure to put them I’m the mix on any future vids.

Do you know if there have been any exploratory conversations about moving to FBS?

On the way!

th-cam.com/video/zYefwxZgV9o/w-d-xo.html

@@bbspeaks6260 thanks homie appreciated

How much of an impact do you think that point is? I mean. Would I care wear people are from if I’m competing to win? Or is that more of a function of family being able to attend?

I’d heard lots of roomers about Mo State but I didn’t really have a good sense of how ready or serious they were.

@@bbspeaks6260 I guess yeah, idk I personally wouldn't have chosen a FCS team who's never gotten good fan attendance or just went 3-7 last year and have been mediocre for years

@WDB2005 yeah, it’s bit curious. But I think the video explains their mindset. I think it’s about the growth trajectory of the university more so than football. They needed to add a a school that wasn’t going to bolt right away.

Can any college be too obsessed with academics?

@@bbspeaks6260 - It's one thing to be obsessed with academics of your own institution, but it is another thing to think all your sports relationships and conferences must be based on academics. Judging by what we've seen recently from Ivy league students and protests, maybe some of the academics aren't what they are cracked up to be.

@@stephenstaedtler6902 I see your point. However, I tend to believe that academics is a leverage tool these days. For instance the BIGTEN uses the AAU designation as a way to keep brands/schools that they don't want in the conference out. The FSU question is one that will force the BIGTEN to show their cards.

I think the Montana schools have spurned g to MW before. I think they’re wondering if being at the top of the smaller pond is better. Your PAC idea is unique! Thats the first time I’ve heard something like that. It might me super cool

Mountain West would take NMSU and UTEP first

@ResiterJP I would like to see that. I don’t think the MW cant afford to spurn any schools in the mtn time zone willing to play FBS if they lose any more schools.

Thanks! I did read that since Liberty went to a big time bowl and CUSA had a sort of decent year last year their desire to jump is tempered a bit. We’ll see. crazy times!

FIU shouldn’t go because they were awful last year

​@@bbspeaks6260 how did they have a decent year? Their 5th place team won 4 games. So basically the bottom 5 teams were terrible and the top 4 got to feast on those 5 easy wins. Liberty doesnt make the Fiesta Bowl in any other conference.

Look at this. Totally predicted the return of UMass to the Mac

Wow! I’m really surprised. Now that is indicative of a sincere mindset shift. That’s means they’re leaving the A10. I can only wonder what factors are playing into that.

Wow, with all that's happened in the last 3 weeks, I wonder if conferences will be relevant at all. My guess is CUSA would really like to have McNeese State or Missouri State. They bring big bang for buck on competition, but as I mentioned in other videos there are other factors.

I think Missouri State is next

Also, how would you think if the FBS and FCS merged

@@SmashUltimatePro2018 That's just crazy talk. But I guess anything's on the table these days.

@@FelixChavez-xx9bg You nailed it dude.

I like your UMASS thought. YSU is a solid pick too. I wonder if W&M would be interested in going up to FBS. I thought they made a conscious decision to stay FCS, but I think it would help with recognition for a great school with lots of football tradition including having Lou Holtz as a coach.

@@bbspeaks6260 now that Delaware has moved up it really makes you wonder if the CAA will dilute the conference even more. maybe that sways W&M’s opinion, since historically their main rivals besides current CAA member Richmond were JMU ODU and UD. they also have history in the Socon from 1936-77.

The service Academies are not going to CUSA again. They will become full members in the AAC or all 3 will be backfilling in the ACC for all sports. Navy and Army are in AAC, which is way better and more prestigious and financially better, for football and 4-5 other sports. Many think Navy and Army Olympic sports are not good or mediocre, but that is not true. They are both waiting and have been waiting to see what all additional sports the AAC adds as a whole and what happens within the Patriot League and Atlantic 10, where they have most of their Olympic sports located. UMASS is going back to the MAC, and this time it’s going to be for everything and not just for their FBS football program. Could other A10 schools who play FCS but once upon a time were D1A before 1978-1983 transition years or brought back football but at D1AA level but are now willing to make the transition and move to an FBS conference for all sports? It is quite possible. I think several MVC and BigSky and BigWest schools along with Southland and SoCon schools are going to be considered for potential placement in FBS conferences; and definitely will develop, if WAC/ASUN move forward with being a combination FBS conference for all sports and not just football.

@@michaelwall3393 all true! very true

Yeah, I was dissappointed to see Coach Kill move on. But it sounds like he’s having more health issues. His statement shared that he gave it his all last year but couldn’t match the standards of what he expects a head coach to do. Also UNM just hired Bronco Mendenhall so heavy competition for in state recruiting is elevated.

@@bbspeaks6260 Yea I hope is doing alright. He is now actually an adviser for the Vanderbilt football program. And the NMSU offensive coordinator went to Vandy as well as two of NMSU quarterbacks

@@anthonyraymundobarron1255 That's a blow for the new momentum.

@@bbspeaks6260 I will be honest I hope we get a winning season this year. With star players transferring to Power 4 schools, mainly Vanderbilt. And a new coach that had a 20-40 win lost record in UNLV. Hopefully Tony learned a thing or two from Jerry Kill because momentum and consistency is what NMSU needs to not go back in the hole Jerry got us out of.

@anthonyraymundobarron1255 I think they’ll have to be creative about it. This is no time to get conventional.

Would love to see UCA or SFA in the conference that might good replacements if NMSU/UTEP end up in the MW again. Would shorten the conference footprint.

Agreed SoCon schools seem well positioned to make the jump.

With Deleware, they should add Uconn and UMass. Those 2 really do not have a home in their region. The MAC was the only fir and UMass wasn't accepted after a few years in a trial run. CUSA would be great for them

Do you think UCONN would goto CUSA? I mean they’re in the BIG EAST for basketball as an elite bball school. Maybe they would for football if they’re focusing on BBALL.

Curious to see if that would be a fit. When they spurned, the MAC which I thought was a good fit, it sounded like they were aiming for a different conference but maybe years of independence has changed their minds.

Great explanation! I’m a Liberty Alum and have talked about what you have on the Liberty FB pages. U of D is a great addition. All CUSA will benefit and grow. Conference realignment is here to stay. I won’t be surprised to see under performing teams in P5 kicked out to add quality.

@bbspeaks6260 UConn and UMass both want football only conferences their schools are too focused on their other sports and their conferences (Big East and A-10 respectively). Would be awesome to see them both but they would have to be football only.

Not an amazing league at all (considering who they lost and who they replaced them with) but what is impressive is that they managed to stay alive. I thought CUSA was dead for sure.

They’re still kind of dead lol

What do you mean they’re still kind of dead?

@@bbspeaks6260 mainly referring to the not great teams in there. Compared to other G5s they’re the weakest imo

@JerPer811 compared to MW, and Sunbelt sure. But I don’t believe the hype about the AAC most are recent CUSA members. I’d put any CUSA team up against any MAC team in a heartbeat. The only difference between CUSA and the MAC is stability in conference members.

thanks for the feedback

I mean it’s pretty clear they really couldn’t. But to be honest with you that’s been their MO since the beginning of the conference. I wonder what would have happened if schools like Marshall and Southern Miss would have stayed. Would they have been as motivated to pull from the FCS ranks?