(01-19-2019 11:36 AM)runamuck Wrote:  the wac is an odd assortment of schools. adding Dixie state, a school with only 41 degree offerings and only 1 masters level degree cant really boost their image. in fact if they do get into the wac and are then on a bigger stage than before, some whiney groups will probably press them to drop the Dixie name. the wac has also asked metro state from denver to join. just more warm-up games for nmsu on their way to an autobid.

Dixie State is a good addition, both geographically and athletically. They have very good facilities and have made the NCAA D2 basketball tournament in eight of the nine last seasons. The academic offerings will improve over time. The D2 additions of GCU and CBU (California Baptist) have worked out well. GCU won the Learfield Sports Directors Cup for the top D2 athletic program their last two seasons in D2 and CBU won the same award last season. GCU, CBU and Dixie were rivals in the PacWest Conference.

NMSU is the still the best basketball school in the WAC, but they do not have an easy road to the autobid. CBU defeated NMSU in their WAC opener 82-76 in Riverside. GCU lost on the road to NMSU in OT on a mid-court shot at the buzzer, 77-75. NMSU had to stage 2nd half comebacks in beating Cal Bakersfield at home and Utah Valley on the road. The WAC conference RPI is #15, ahead of the Sun Belt at #17. Last year the WAC was #15, the Sun Belt #20. The WAC is a competitive conference.

Metro State did not get an invite to the WAC, the WAC contacted Metro State to see if they might be interested in moving up from D2. They apparently were, but they need to upgrade facilities and figure out how they will pay to make the move up. If everything worked out, the earliest they could join the WAC is 2021-2022.