The final Great Realignment of College Football?

[Tony4BG]

No invite for WKU and MAC stays put

[BGSU33]

No invite for WKU and MAC stays put

Per the MAC:

The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced today that it will not pursue membership expansion at this time. The decision was made after study of the collegiate athletics environment and dialogue among the directors of athletics and presidents of the 12 member institutions.

“Following analysis and evaluation by the membership, it has been determined our best interests are served in the Conference remaining at 12 full member institutions,” said Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. “For some time we have been examining the FBS landscape, and certainly our discussions have been more focused over the past several months as our Conference was contacted by other institutions. While a number of institutions have expressed interest, we never requested any institution to apply for membership nor did we have a formal or informal vote concerning any institutions.”

“Our focus will continue to be on building upon the strengths of our Conference – providing a student-centered academic and athletics experience, celebrating long-standing relationships and rivalries, and maintaining our tight geographic proximity to one another,” Steinbrecher added. “Today’s announcement is intended to end the speculation that has been occurring.”

Recognizing the dynamic environment of higher education and intercollegiate athletics, the Mid-American Conference will continue to monitor the membership landscape.

[BGSU33]

I can't be upset with this decision. And I think the key part in this announcement are the words "at this time." Because as we have seen over the past decade, it only takes one or two schools to move and the trickle down can really widen out across the board. Rest assured, this will be something the MAC will revisit down the road again. Whether that's 1, 5 or 10 years from now, this will all likely resurface again. I feel the MAC is in a good place in that it can be selective about where it's heading, and doesn't need to be reactionary out of desperation. I'm sure this is going to be a topic the conference is going to continue to examine. I liked the idea of the addition of WKU, but wasn't sold on MTSU. It seems that feeling was mutual. WKU seemed on board and MTSU did not. In the end, I don't think the MAC "lost." But I can't say the same for WKU, as I think they may have. MTSU? Well, they made their own decision on what seemed best for them, but I have to wonder if down the road they'll wish they made a different choice. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing the core of the MAC move forward, and in the meantime I'm sure the powers that be will continue to examine potential additions to this league down the road if it can benefit everyone involved. Because with this latest talked about move, there seemed to be some amiss concerning MTSU. I do feel for WKU though. But it makes me feel much better to be where we are, in the MAC, over where CUSA stands today.