(05-02-2014 08:22 PM)GoAppsGo92 Wrote:  

(05-02-2014 08:10 PM)EmeryZach Wrote:  I think some folks are underestimating UMass' desire to stay FBS. They know if they want to keep the basketball team relevant and ever have a chance of getting to the AAC they need to have FBS football.

UMASS makes sense so long as UMASS makes it easy for the SBC to do business with them, while giving both parties the ability to terminate the agreement after a set period.

I think our options increase the longer we wait. UTC is building a top notch football training and administration building. EKU might actually spend money, and MSU is clearly investing in football infrastructure. It also gives JMU 2 years of sitting in the corner with a dunce cap on to think about their hubris.

I see no problem at all with a 4 year commitment to UMASS with an escape for both parties after year 2. It give us 12 teams in two even divisions, $12 million dollars, and gives potential candidates time to evolve. Hey, we may find out that both IDAHO and UMASS turn out to be great conference mates. If not, we have space for two more adds and can tell them it was fun while it lasted.

Crafted right, this is a good deal for both SBC and UMASS.