- April 11th, 2011, 1:47 pm
#345893
It is yet to be determined what if any impact we'll feel from this decision. But it appears the lack of a viable stadium has either killed or is killing Villanova's possible step up to FBS football. Here's the letter sent out by the 'Nova president:
Since their stadium situation really has no hope of improving, most informed sources are stating that the opportunity for Villanova to step up is passing them by. The league will likely look at Houston & UCF to determine which fits the best (frankly that is a tough call).
As for the Wildcats, many online believe this will be the death knell for VU football. Their return to football in FCS had primarily been built on preparing themselves for an opportunity to step up to the Big East. With that option disappearing, their low-attended but successful on the field program really looks to be in jeopardy of being dropped (VU did it once before). If VU dropped football, that would be yet another CAA affiliate out of the picture. Keep in mind, UMass is still possibly bolting to the MAC. CAA affiliates are dropping like flies with just UR and the Northern affiliates still left in the fold.
If the Big East does select either UH or UCF, then it will create an opportunity in C-USA for someone. That could prove to be a MAC or Sunbelt school ... or possibly the FCS that seems the most attractive which is Appalachian State. If a MAC or Sunbelt school moved up to the C-USA, that could open up an opportunity for us in one of those leagues. If Appy steps up, it could begin to speed the process of the top budgeted FCS programs desperately looking to jump to whatever FBS league might be available.
If Villanova chooses to keep FCS football into the future then it offers some stability to the CAA which would tighten up our options to a degree. But it wouldn't proclude us from being in the CAA's longterm options especially if UMass is out of the picture. If Villanova decides to keep FCS and UMass stays, then the CAA is really not an option for us anytime soon.
If you thought last summer's realignment talk was fun, this summer is shaping up to be extremely interesting as well.
Father Peter Donohue wrote:Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:Source
It is important to me that you are the first to know the status of our potential transition to the Big East Conference as a football member. At this point in time, no formal action will be taken on this matter at the April 12, 2011, meeting of the Villanova Board of Trustees as we had planned and previously communicated.
We very recently learned that the Big East Conference needs more time to complete its due diligence regarding Villanova’s potential football membership. Without a clear and formal invitation from the Big East, we cannot proceed. We are now working with the Big East to provide whatever additional information and details we can. It is our hope that in the near future we will proceed with the Board of Trustees vote as planned.
I am sure that some of you may be disappointed by this delay. But please know that whatever the outcome of this situation, we greatly value the positive relationship we have enjoyed with the Big East for over 30 years and look forward to the continuation of this partnership.
I certainly will share new information with you as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, I ask for your patience and your continued support.
Since their stadium situation really has no hope of improving, most informed sources are stating that the opportunity for Villanova to step up is passing them by. The league will likely look at Houston & UCF to determine which fits the best (frankly that is a tough call).
As for the Wildcats, many online believe this will be the death knell for VU football. Their return to football in FCS had primarily been built on preparing themselves for an opportunity to step up to the Big East. With that option disappearing, their low-attended but successful on the field program really looks to be in jeopardy of being dropped (VU did it once before). If VU dropped football, that would be yet another CAA affiliate out of the picture. Keep in mind, UMass is still possibly bolting to the MAC. CAA affiliates are dropping like flies with just UR and the Northern affiliates still left in the fold.
If the Big East does select either UH or UCF, then it will create an opportunity in C-USA for someone. That could prove to be a MAC or Sunbelt school ... or possibly the FCS that seems the most attractive which is Appalachian State. If a MAC or Sunbelt school moved up to the C-USA, that could open up an opportunity for us in one of those leagues. If Appy steps up, it could begin to speed the process of the top budgeted FCS programs desperately looking to jump to whatever FBS league might be available.
If Villanova chooses to keep FCS football into the future then it offers some stability to the CAA which would tighten up our options to a degree. But it wouldn't proclude us from being in the CAA's longterm options especially if UMass is out of the picture. If Villanova decides to keep FCS and UMass stays, then the CAA is really not an option for us anytime soon.
If you thought last summer's realignment talk was fun, this summer is shaping up to be extremely interesting as well.
- By LUGrad2000
- By ballah09