Funny that Memphis should be our bowl opponent ...

1987alum · Post by **1987alum** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 11:15 am

Because a few months back, we were having a discussion about the future of the MAC and who we might add and how we might realign in light of Marshall and UCF heading to C-USA.

At that time, I painted my preferred scenario, which was adding Memphis and Middle Tennessee State.

Several people, mainly Schadenfreude, pointed out that this was not realistic. So before anyone flames me, I'll state that I know it's not going to happen.

Nonetheless, since we'll be spending some time over the next few weeks talking about Memphis, it's still an interesting exercise to see this as a matchup of two MAC teams - one present, the other soon-to-be!

Falcon30 · Post by **Falcon30** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 11:44 am

While reading their board, they were excited to be talking about Bowl opponents and being excited about becoming a good program.

They were talking about back to back bowl games for the first time (for the first time in 12 years for us).

I can't wait to see this game.

NWLB · Post by **NWLB** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 12:47 pm

I don't think the Memphis fans would see the MAC as a step up. I haven't read much that indicates they consider CUSA in the same regard most of us do.

However I still think they would make a great high-end addition to the MAC. They bring a great basketball program as well.

I still think CUSA is an unstable mix of self-serving programs, that will stab each other in the back as their own motivations dictate.

They should join the MAC, The Warm and Fuzzy Conference!

1987alum · Post by **1987alum** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 1:03 pm

NWLB:

Yep, yep and, um, yep!

I like the idea of stretching the MAC south a bit. Gives the current schools a recruiting foothold below the Mason-Dixon Line while affording the two Tennessee schools one in football rich Ohio.

It could set up some interesting divisional split opportunities, too.

Schadenfreude · Post by **Schadenfreude** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 2:42 pm

With all due respect to 87, who has earned it:

I don't see the point of a thread devoted to something that will not happen, period.

If we keep it up, a Memphis fan will finally feel the need to tell us why it will never happen. Some of us will feel slighted, then respond, and this thread will never end.

Memphis is just counting the years before they get an invite from the Big East (or whatever entity emerges if the football schools get a divorce from the non-football schools).

I'm not opposed to discussing a Southern Strategy. But if we want to be clear eyed about it, we need to recognize that our most logical options in that direction are Middle Tennessee State and/or Western Kentucky.

Not Memphis.

1987alum · Post by **1987alum** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 2:49 pm

Schadenfreude: Agreed. Sorry, guess I was kinda patting myself on the back for bringing them up in the off-season.

on Memphis in the MAC.

That being said, I like the idea of MTSU in the MAC, though I wonder if Western can step up to D-I. No slight to them, just an acknowledgement that the NCAA is making the step tougher to accomplish.

If we expand the MAC, my philosophy is ABT - Anyone But Temple.

madtiger · Post by **madtiger** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 5:13 pm

You are right that most Memphis fans would not consider it a step up. One reason. Basketball. While the NCUSA is going to be dreadful in basketball...Even some of our most ardent supporters would agree with that statement. We don't fit at ALL with the MAC profile school (small towns, college towns, largely residential universities...

While, I think basketball in basketball, the perception is thatr we would be in even MORE of a "mid-major" conference...

Again, please don't take this as a slight, I'm just telling you what the perception would be...Personally, you guys are the kindest group of fans we've probably seen this year...But we are a large, urban, commuter school, and I may be wrong, but I don't think there are many of those in the MAC...Not saying which is better, but we are just different schools, with different missions...destined by fate to meet in South Alabama before Christmas...

Schadenfreude · Post by **Schadenfreude** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 5:22 pm

1987alum wrote:I wonder if Western can step up to D-I.

That basketball program has more tradition than most of our league put together... that's the main thing for me. New state, new (albeit tiny) television market. It may be worth a roll of the dice. Downside is, as you point out, it's a I-AA program. Another downside for me: It is at Marshall's level academically. They have no doctoral programs at all.

transfer2BGSU · Post by **transfer2BGSU** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 5:23 pm

madtiger wrote:One reason. Basketball.

Agree.

Schadenfreude · Post by **Schadenfreude** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 5:27 pm

madtiger wrote:But we are a large, urban, commuter school, and I may be wrong, but I don't think there are many of those in the MAC...

Toledo and Akron are commuter schools for sure. Most of the rest are pretty residential... but little larger than you might think. In 2005, Miami will be the *smallest* at about 15,000. We are on the small end at about 20,000.

I'm not debating you. You don't need to convince me. But I'm clarifying, let's say.

1987alum · Post by **1987alum** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 10:35 pm

I agree with the basketball, but was thinking strictly football.

Do you think Western Ky. could step up to D-I? The NCAA seems intent on tightening the gate, as it were.

Schadenfreude · Post by **Schadenfreude** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 1:56 am

1987alum wrote:Do you think Western Ky. could step up to D-I? The NCAA seems intent on tightening the gate, as it were.

No idea.

They did win the 2002 or 2003 national title, but they don't seem to have sustained that momentum.

Funny that Memphis should be our bowl opponent ...

Funny that Memphis should be our bowl opponent ...

They sound a lot like BG Fans.

Uh-oh....Now you've done it... :-)

Re: Uh-oh....Now you've done it... :-)

Re: Uh-oh....Now you've done it... :-)