If the MWC were to expand, would they raid the MVFC or the Big Sky? It seems Montana and Montana State are very respectable and a perfect geographic fit.

Opinions???

The PAC-12 just lost two teams to the Big 10. If the Big 12 takes another 4, I think you'd see the MWC and PAC-12 merge

(12-15-2022 11:09 AM)AllBronco Wrote:  If the MWC were to expand, would they raid the MVFC or the Big Sky? It seems Montana and Montana State are very respectable and a perfect geographic fit.

Opinions???

I can see them possibly trying to get UTEP and try to get into Texas. As for another team, one of those Montana teams would be a possibility.

There really aren't many really good options. Montana said they'll stay put. Idaho has tried and failed and I doubt they'd try again (but perhaps they would in the MWC). Weber State has the potential facilities (17K+ stadium and 26K+ enrollment) until you look at their budget ($14+MM). I'm pretty sure UTEP would grab that life line in a hot flash. NMSU also, but would the Lobos try to block them? UNA??? Facilities.

Idk what their solution would be?

UTEP is very isolated and not a priority of the Texas higher education system. All the conference moving about is bad for college sports. It destroys local and regional rivalries and causes far longer travel times, higher costs, and missed classes for student-athletes, while fans don't have the option of reasonable road trips. I think a far better compromise would be to have a regional season and a "conference season".

(12-16-2022 01:46 AM)pono Wrote:  UTEP is very isolated and not a priority of the Texas higher education system. All the conference moving about is bad for college sports. It destroys local and regional rivalries and causes far longer travel times, higher costs, and missed classes for student-athletes, while fans don't have the option of reasonable road trips. I think a far better compromise would be to have a regional season and a "conference season".

This is what killed CUSA and will eventually kill the AAC. The SBC and the MAC have it right.

Texas-El Paso wouldn't be a bad addition for the Mountain West given the options. I suppose if the Mountain West needed two schools they could bring UTEP back and add New Mexico State as a travel partner. Or perhaps they could take Idaho, if Idaho wanted to try FBS again.

Or, perhaps North Dakota State would be the way to go. Not as geographically favorable, but a great program.

I realize the OP says "if" but ... the MWC isn't going to do anything until the Pac-10 (?) dust settles, and then maybe after the next round of realignment. The MAC and SBC are in a similar boat ... why do anything with all the uncertainty? Build on what we have and improve when/if possible.

(12-15-2022 07:41 PM)THUNDERStruck73 Wrote:  There really aren't many really good options. Montana said they'll stay put. Idaho has tried and failed and I doubt they'd try again (but perhaps they would in the MWC). Weber State has the potential facilities (17K+ stadium and 26K+ enrollment) until you look at their budget ($14+MM). I'm pretty sure UTEP would grab that life line in a hot flash. NMSU also, but would the Lobos try to block them? UNA??? Facilities.

Idk what their solution would be?

Just thought Montana facilities look better than most FCS programs.

(12-16-2022 12:05 PM)pvk75 Wrote:  I realize the OP says "if" but ... the MWC isn't going to do anything until the Pac-10 (?) dust settles, and then maybe after the next round of realignment. The MAC and SBC are in a similar boat ... why do anything with all the uncertainty? Build on what we have and improve when/if possible.

I think your right.

(12-16-2022 12:30 PM)AllBronco Wrote:  

(12-15-2022 07:41 PM)THUNDERStruck73 Wrote:  There really aren't many really good options. Montana said they'll stay put. Idaho has tried and failed and I doubt they'd try again (but perhaps they would in the MWC). Weber State has the potential facilities (17K+ stadium and 26K+ enrollment) until you look at their budget ($14+MM). I'm pretty sure UTEP would grab that life line in a hot flash. NMSU also, but would the Lobos try to block them? UNA??? Facilities.

Idk what their solution would be?

Just thought Montana facilities look better than most FCS programs.

I agree 100%, but evidently they said they were staying in the Big Sky. That might change if an actual MWC invite came to them in the mail.