(03-29-2015 07:49 PM)Usajags Wrote: The whole Missouri St idea has just about run its course. If they have an invite, and have not accepted, retract said invite and move on. I really don't see the positive in them other then stAte fans really want them because they are a neighbor state school, and someone in their neighborhood.
I THINK (based on nothing other than what I've read here) is that we are going to do nothing by default.
From what SEEMS like those that can get the votes:
- It seems EKU isn't ready (but it also seems they are trying to get their ducks in a row).
- It seems like Missouri State (MSU ok?) isn't making a move now, for whatever reason.
- JMU. That's been discussed a BUNCH. Unless something significant changes within JMU, I don't think they'll change their tune.
Then you have the group that appears to want in, but can't get votes:
- NMSU Olympic sports. It seems the eastern states aren't interested in incurring additional travel costs without a second bid to the NCAA (or something similar).
- Liberty. They have been available, and are VERY much interested for the past 2 years. Don't see a reason that stance has changed.
- UMass football only? I don't know that they want in, and I can't say for sure they want to be in (though I think from a feasibility, they'd want in), but I didn't want to pick another category.
Since we are viable as a conference now, there's no need to force an issue. I guess if I was dead set on forcing the issue, I'd tell EKU & Missouri State there's one spot left and it's open to whichever jumps first. Then let them decide if they want to be FBS or not.