[jbock13]

and internet message boards arent exactly the most reliable sources for news either...

[LUaddict]

Lol. Addict thanks for proving my point. No conference would ever care that JMU beat Tech recently. At all. Totally irrelevant.

I guess your right about JMU beating tech but what I was saying is that they are a team that has been on the rise for a long time. I know that wins/losses have nothing to do with moving up but stadium does. It is a clear investment in facilities and that kind of actions say "I want to be invited to an FBS conference". And duke...as we might not know where you get your info from, your
Input is appreciated. It nothing to get all upset about.

[logic]

What are our first, second, and third options in terms of realistic possibility?

[jbock13]

What are our first, second, and third options in terms of realistic possibility?

You make it so easy for my sarcastic humor

1. Sun Belt
2. WAC Eastern
3. MAC

[TDDance234]

I think at this point, it's:

1a - Sun Belt
1b - WAC/East
.
.
.
2 - MAC

[LUconn]

The new WAC I think is our most realistic with the Sun Belt not too far behind.

[rogers3]

I think at this point, it's:
1 - Big South
.
.
.
2a - Sun Belt
2b - WAC/East
3 - MAC

Seems more realistic now.

[Kricket]

What are our first, second, and third options in terms of realistic possibility?

You make it so easy for my sarcastic humor

1. Sun Belt
2. WAC Eastern
3. MAC

I'm proud of you for not using the same old SEC, Big 10, or ACC joke. You don't seem to be as cranky about this FBS talk recently; perhaps the koolaid made it's round to you too?

[TH Spangler]

Spangler which site did you find that on?

http://www.appfan.com/2012/05/12/guess- ... e-for-fbs/

The Provider
May 16, 2012 at 5:19 pm

[LUaddict]

It turns out that JMU was contacted by the MAC and WAC. I read this on JMU's rivals site.

http://jamesmadison.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1366572

It turns out James Madison has gotten a nibble or two from other conferences, as the Colonial Athletic Association loses its appeal quicker than an "American Idol" champion.

Two leagues have contacted JMU to gauge the university's interest. One was expected: The Mid-American Conference, a stable group of mostly 20,000-plus enrollment schools. One wasn't expected: The Western Athletic Conference, a league that makes the Big East look normal.

Yes, the MAC and the WAC.

Madison, for the record, has zero interest in the latter. Even if the WAC succeeded in collecting enough mid-level schools (think the JMUs and Delawares) to form an East Coast branch, the idea of sending its volleyball team to Idaho or New Mexico State - the only current members that haven't announced their intentions of moving elsewhere - is a non-starter for Madison officials.

The MAC? That's a different story. If Delaware and Appalachian State came along, some JMU officials would be highly interested in the conference. But - for the millionth time - it all depends what new president Jonathan Alger wants to do after he assumes office on July 1.

[jbock13]

What are our first, second, and third options in terms of realistic possibility?

You make it so easy for my sarcastic humor

1. Sun Belt
2. WAC Eastern
3. MAC

I'm proud of you for not using the same old SEC, Big 10, or ACC joke. You don't seem to be as cranky about this FBS talk recently; perhaps the koolaid made it's round to you too?

I think we're closer to something happening. Whereas before there was all this talk, none of which had any basis.

Plus, a lot of times when I say something won't happen, it tends to happen. Ask anyone here and they'll tell you it's true

[LUaddict]

The only problem that I have with this WAC East conference is which schools would actually go with us that have the commitment, facilities and cash for it and what would this conference look like. I am only talking about football only member btw.

NMSU- Current WAC member

Idaho- Current Wac member

Liberty- We know the story

JMU- not interested according to the article I posted

APP State- Possibly Interested but is looking closer to Sun Belt

JAX State- Would come with us

Delaware- Would not come unless JMU and APP state came

Towson-Not even looking to go

Youngstown State-Has been looked at by the MAC but I am not sure if their interested

NDSU- Would not commit to the travel

Georgia Southern- Does not have resources to make the move. Just implemented an 8 year fund raising plan

MSU and Montana-Would not commit to the travel as well

This is obviously my opinion and I may be way off. I am just looking to get my finger on the pulse on this FCS move ups for conference realignment. Who would realistically commit themselves to this NEW WAC conference? If perspective FCS schools that were invited and had resources to make their FBS ambitions happen who would do it?

I have to agree with some of the poster that this seems to becoming a reality that this New WAC conference is where we will end up. Jerry has eluded to this multiple times when he said that we are coordinating and working with other schools that have similar aspirations. He said he did not want to do this like a lone cowboy, according to him at least.

[logic]

That is a great point. 7 solid schools listed but no 8th. Anyone else out west that would join?

[Purple Haize]

That is a great point. 7 solid schools listed but no 8th. Anyone else out west that would join?

ORU

[TH Spangler]

This is way out there and probably a stupid question guys .... so I'm prepared, have at it

We are all familiar with Chick-fil-A's involvement in NCAA football, the Chick-fil-A Bowl, ACC -vs- SEC.

Is it possibly that the conference that picks Liberty will not only get access to the FSN, but to some major advertising dollars from Truett Cathy's Chick-fil chain.

If so, the Sun Belt is located in the right geographical location, not the MAC?

[From the class of 09]

This is way out there and probably a stupid question guys .... so I'm prepared, have at it

We are all familiar with Chick-fil-A's involvement in NCAA football, the Chick-fil-A Bowl, ACC -vs- SEC.

Is it possibly that the conference that picks Liberty will not only get access to the FSN, but to some major advertising dollars from Truett Cathy's Chick-fil chain.

If so, the Sun Belt is located in the right geographical location, not the MAC?

You didn't really think we gave him that degree for free right?

[Sly Fox]

Western candidates would include Lamar, Sam Houston State and possibly even a SWAC school like Gram ling or Southern.

And keep in mind that the WAC also has several non-football members:

• Boise State
  Denver
  Seattle
  UT-Arlington

Boise is looking everywhere for a new home and UTA will be in the Sun Belt as Texas State travel partner.

[jcmanson]

I think the WAC East would definitely take us, it's just a matter of finding enough schools to get to that 8 number.

For that reason, I still put the SunBelt at the top of the food chain for us with the MAC not far behind. I wouldn't be surprised to see us, JMU and Delaware/App State going as a package to the MAC

[bradyfan]

I think the WAC East would definitely take us, it's just a matter of finding enough schools to get to that 8 number.

For that reason, I still put the SunBelt at the top of the food chain for us with the MAC not far behind. I wouldn't be surprised to see us, JMU and Delaware/App State going as a package to the MAC

Agree with everything except the package to the MAC. I highly doubt the MAC moves past 14 teams, if they add to the 13 .The only reason they went from 12-13 in the first place was because they didn't want to pass on Temple or UMass. Not to mention the reconstruction that would have to occur for this to happen. Right now, the MAC is the most stable mid-major conference. I don't see them doing too much until they have to.

As far as liklihood between the SunBelt and Wac East, I think you're right on. Maybe something like App St., SC State (weren't they being talked about as a possible candidate some time ago?) and us would be a good SunBelt package. The Wac East is a nice idea but I think you're looking at a few years, before that actually catches any steam with schools outside of us.

[TH Spangler]

Western candidates would include Lamar, Sam Houston State and possibly even a SWAC school like Gram ling or Southern.

And keep in mind that the WAC also has several non-football members:

• Boise State
  Denver
  Seattle
  UT-Arlington

Boise is looking everywhere for a new home and UTA will be in the Sun Belt as Texas State travel partner.

http://www.standard.net/stories/2012/05 ... s-programs

[jcmanson]

Right now, the MAC is the most stable mid-major conference. I don't see them doing too much until they have to.

I agree with that, but everything is changing so much. See the CAA: Most successful FCS conference by far, and now look at them. Would this have happened if they were proactive in adding members? Probably, but at least they would be more stable now.

I think the MAC adds 1-3 teams in the next 2-3 years, regardless if they lose additional members.

[TH Spangler]

JMU Senior Director of Communications Don Egle, "JMU has a very strong track record of remaining committed to its entire athletics program," said Egle. "When you start talking about decisions made by VCU, they specifically stated basketball, ODU was specifically talking football, that's not something JMU has done."

and

"At least some of JMU Nation want the Dukes to be an FBS (football) level program, but at this point, it's not something the administration is focused on."

http://www.whsv.com/sports/headlines/JM ... 77565.html

[TH Spangler]

And keep in mind that the WAC also has several non-football members:

Boise State
Denver
Seattle
UT-Arlington[/list]

Boise is looking everywhere for a new home and UTA will be in the Sun Belt as Texas State travel partner.

http://www.standard.net/stories/2012/05 ... s-programs

[blwall1416]

JMU Senior Director of Communications Don Egle

Previously worked here.

[From the class of 09]

So if you want a good laugh at JMU's expense http://boards.caazone.com/showthread.ph ... ear-Option