(03-27-2014 07:51 AM)Liberty Fan Wrote:  

(03-26-2014 11:43 PM)SpiritCymbal Wrote:  AAC already has 12 members starting in 2015. Adding UMASS and JMU would bring them to 14.

Banowsky has publicly said he wants more, so I could see AAC at 14. Also could see the MAC at 14 by 2016 and that time frame might line up with JMU's. JMU doesn't seem in a hurry.

Guys, please stop. The only conference taking move ups is the SBC. CUSA took a few for markets and to survive. No way the AAC takes a move up. In addition, there is no reason to go to 14 for any G5 due to revenue sharing. CUSA has insulated themselves from raids, and the CUSA presidents have stopped the commissioner from pursuing 16... They went to 14 with talk of 16, revenue sharing came out that gave G5 teams $1m per school, limit 12 per conference, CUSA presidents put the brakes on CUSA 16 idea, and will likely allow 2 defectors to leave before they invite more. MAC just did the same thing. G5 12 team format is locking in place, at least for the foreseeable future. The WORST thing to happen to JMU and Liberty just did: an existing FBS school needs a home for football. While I'm sure the AAC will mull it over, it is widely believed by UMASS fans that UCONN will block them. UMASS will not give up the A10 unless its for the AAC.

I actually see the SBC going to 14 only because it will could be the only way both divisions agree... that would be NMSU all sports, JMU (Liberty backup), and UMASS football only... with MSU coming in 2015. If the schools don't want to split $12M 14 ways... well say hello to UMASS as #12 and NMSU all sports and we stay at 12.

So what happens if/when UMASS gets a better deal, or Idaho drops? Guess what? Madison, Liberty, EKU, and a host of others are STILL THERE, and will have another few more years to get their ducks in a row.