[ATrain]

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/sports/sp ... r-1833003/

The latest example of ESPN's thinking came when it "uninvited" the Colonial Athletic Association from its BracketBusters field after the CAA recently signed a television deal with NBC Sports, a potential competitor for ESPN.

[LUconn]

I hate ESPN.

[blwall1416]

I hate ESPN.

THIS.

I don't remember the last time I watched Sports Center. The few things I watch on ESPN involve either a Carolina game, conference tournaments, Friday Night Fights, or the occasional big match up during college football.

[Sly Fox]

Beyond Bracketbusters, this development shows what many folks believed was a bad move by the CAA to sign with NBC Sports. The CAA is now considered poison to 800-pound gorilla in TV. Some are suggesting on CAAzone & NCAAbbs that perhaps this move might have had some impact on the delayed vote on raising exit fees. Tom Yeager's reputation and the CAA as a viable league are on the line.

It should also be noted that Yeager mention in an interview regarding Georgia state's departure that the CAA couldn't accommodate GSU's ambitions to go FBS within their timeline. This has led many CAA folks to hypothesize that Yeager's intention to keep the CAA alive is focused on finding a way to move the leave up to FBS.

Regardless of these facts, there is no question that the CAA is on shaky ground at the moment.

[ATrain]

Is it even feasible for the CAA to move up to FBS? Associate football members Villanova and Richmond aren't going to make the jump, and it's doubtful W&M can. That leaves ODU, JMU and Deleware as the only teams capable.

[Sly Fox]

Towson also remains a possibility. If they were in for the jump, you'd only need four more partners:

• Applachian State
  Charlotte
  Georgia Southern
  Liberty

If Charlotte were unavailable, then Jacksonville State or Youngstown State might enter the picture (perhaps even if Florida Atlantic if FIU is gone from Sun Belt). You need 8 core teams to qualify as FBS unlike the 6 needed in FCS. In other words, it is a long shot. But it is not completely out of the realm of possibilities.

[Purple Haize]

Towson also remains a possibility. If they were in for the jump, you'd only need four more partners:

• Applachian State
  Charlotte
  Georgia Southern
  Liberty

.

BIG FAN!