@@STVCastle I definitely doesn't hurt. The MAC truly needs to explore all options. The raiding from the MWC may be done but that doesn't mean someone else won't try to do the same.
@@STVCastleVillanova will not work. The MAC requires after a 4-5 year period to either be a full member or be out of the conference. If the MAC made concessions for either Villanova or say a UCONN, then UMASS would sue breech of contract and other things that they would win because MAC mandated that if UMASS were to return to the conference that no grace period to decide like before. UMASS had to be all-in from the start this time. So unless Villanova or UConn were to be in for just 4 years for football only and then go back to independence for UCONN and Villanova for the first time as D1A independent, I don’t see either school risking their other sports and options to get in one of two Autonomous Leagues or for Villanova to get in the AAC should they choose to do so. So mentioning UConn or Villanova is not realistic nor viable options for consideration. Now Dayton, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Albany, Stetson, LIU, VCU, Maine, Colgate, Central Connecticut, Youngstown, William & Marry, Richmond, Towson, etc…, all make sense. So no New BigEast school needs to be considered as not viable nor realistic options but NEC, Patriots, A-10, CCAA, MAAC, MEAC, ASun, and MVC are legit options for consideration and discussions.
Too bad the MAC couldn't snatch Delaware when they were still FCS, they were one of the most successful FCS programs left outside of the Dakotas & Montana schools. The problem with the Northeast schools is that they are all gambles to add. As a Stony Brook alumni I wouldn't even consider us as an expansion option for u guys, we are much more of an academic focus school & most of the athletic interest is more towards basketball for us.
the CAA might lose some more teams, which actually may work for them in the long run, but the problem is I don't think there is anyone that would be willing to move up to FBS. However, they could always look at trying to get the University of Delaware (from conference USA).
You are correct but the MAC mandates that after 4-5 years you are either all in or all out. Villanova and UCONN would never be full members and would have to leave like UMASS did the first time. Now if Villanova wants to use this as a springboard to D1A football and then go independent as UCONN is currently and therefore be late season non conference games for schools in the ACC, AAC, SEC, CUSA, and SBC plus playing Notre Dame while keeping their options open for inclusion into the ACC or Big12, then maybe Villanova does this four years in and then be independent in football but keep all other sports in New BigEast like UCONN. Now the AAC is vastly better than the other G6 conferences and including the PAC when it returns if it does as a G6 conference and better than all the non football conferences and FCS conferences except the New BigEast in men’s and women’s basketball. Could Villanova consider the AAC as a landing spot before getting grabbed by either ACC or Big12? It is very possible and very interesting to happen if it was and could.
MAC needs to go back to strictly Saturday games..I’ve seen Catholic High School games with more people.. Watching half empty stadiums on a Tuesday or Wednesday night is depressing. On the radar Rhode Island, Western Kentucky, Holy Cross,U of Maine
I think Villanova would only ever be reasonable as a football only member, it would be dumb for them to abandon big east basketball. I think Albany and Rhode Island would be really good picks, both have football stadiums that can be renovated easily and have enough money and a big enough student body to make it work.
Look, the issue with going for markets in college sports is it rarely works. Look at the horizon league. A lot of bigger markets, and it's still dwarfed by conferences where most of the schools are in smaller markets. A larger market doesn't guarantee you'll draw viewers in. All that matters is the quality of the program you're bringing in. That and how large of an alumni base you have as well.
Those FCS schools have tiny stadiums & it’s a fact college football is not important to fans in the northeast. They love their pro sports! I don’t see any of those schools being an option for the MAC.
For everyone who watches this channel and other channels here on RUclips, if you have multiple points to make about a video, like I did below, leave multiple comments. It's better than reading one long comment. It also helps with the algorithm and helps to promote the channel!
You make some good points, but I actually would rather the MAC maintain more of a Midwestern flavor by going after Illinois State and Youngstown State. If those aren't available I would go South into Kentucky. As a last resort I can see going to the Northeast, but only because no one else wants them and you might find a very rough diamond like Rhode Island. The other thing that I would do, would be to ask ESPN, if they had any preferences on schools, since you indicated that this is all about $$$.
You will have to add some schools to boost media value prior to your next media deal. Dr. Steinbrecher is going to have to go to ESPN and ask them are there any schools that they think the MAC should add. Then proceed from there. Don't burn your media partner. Definitely make them a part of the process. Who knows what they will suggest.
Tobi talks a lot about realignment from a different point of view. He has some interesting ideas. I'm going to be directing him to this video. You 2 seem to be on the same thought process.
Out of the 4 programs mentioned, SUNY Albany is probably the best candidate. The Albany/Schenectady/Troy market is a sizable metro area. SUNY Albany is one of the larger SUNY schools and has a large alumni base. Many of their alumni work lucrative jobs in the NYC area, so the money is there if they are willing to fund raise. SUNY Albany will not have to compete against pro-sports and Syracuse is a solid two or two and a half hours away. They can market themselves as a good local and family friendly FBS football entertainment option. LIU is not a good option. The NEC only allows 45 scholarships, so the financial upgrades needed just for scholarships (both men's and women's) would be too much for a school with a relatively low endowment. Long Island is also pro-sports territory. Upstate NY is way more interested in college sports than Downstate. Think Syracuse, college hockey (Cornell, RPI, union, etc..) and Siena basketball. As a guy who grew-up in NYC, I can tell you that Downstate NY is not a prime college sports hotspot, maybe St. John's if they make the final four. Rhode Island is a good option but only if the State of Rhode Island is willing to support them. URI is not known for having good facilities and New England loves the Patriots; Boston College is an afterthought. State support is important, the best example is Delaware, who was able to upgrade facilities and cut a check for the $5,000,000 entry fee. I have heard nothing about URI actually wanting to upgrade. Villanova could work but it will never happen. It has been made clear to them that any expansion of their stadium would be met with heavy resistance. The "Main Line," where Villanova is located, is a very wealthy and powerful area. 'Nova will not cross their sometimes haughty neighbors. Although this is anectodal, Villanova faculty are very happy with how the athletic department is operated. The basketball program makes money hand over fist with the Fox Sports' contract, merchandise sales, sponsorships, and selling out the Wells Fargo center. FCS football allows Villanova to be picky about what football players they take. "Nova (William & Mary and Richmond) can sometimes get kids who were Ivy bound. I can tell you the faculty loves that Villanova can be picky with the 100 or so football players on their roster. There was much consternation when the Big East was pressuring to them to upgrade before Big East football fell apart. Academic standards will likely be lowered if Villanova becomes FBS. Temple is a cautionary tale...they can't compete against the Eagles or Penn State in Philadelphia. Similar situation with LIU near NYC, where pro-sports are king. Temple's football program almost always runs a deficit that the basketball program cannot earn enough to overcome the deficit. Sorry for the long winded post.
NIU move makes sense, they have been one of the 3 stable teams in a sea of bad teams in the MAC. Toledo should be next to move to the American or somewhere else. The MAC will be fine they should actually look to add Youngstown, SIU, and another team to restock but at the end of the day people are disappointed in a team trying to get better and be with better competition makes no sense. Why are the Macation people like this lol.
If the MAC expands into the northeast, then perhaps a name change would be in order. Because they wouldn't just be in the Midwest. They could then change it to something like the Great Northern Conference.
...The MAC is just a Lite version of The Upper Midwest Football Conference. Also called "The Big 10". They exist so The Upper Midwest Football Conference can have some patsies to play for LIVE PRACTICE GAMES and pad their win column. As well, as being state supported and affiliated universities, The Upper Midwest Football Conference universities funnel money into those smaller less fortunate state schools to help pay for the Lessers athletic programs. Schools that are private or not in the central core of the MAC, Like Nebraska, Northwestern, Penn State, are forced to also subsidize the MAC. Eventually, The MAC will fold into the rest of the D1A/B when the D1 Premiere Leagues are formed for the TV Conferences of ESPiN and Fox Sports. Perhaps CBS Sports and NBC/Comcast Sports will OWN their own "College" Football Conference/league?
An interesting take. I highly doubt a media outlet wants to own a league. TV networks don't like lawsuits at all. Owning a sports league makes you open for a ton of lawsuits.
The MAC won't make any panic moves because they don't have to. The MAC won't add more schools unless CUSA breaks . The northeast strategy has some merit to it to tie the conference together but the schools suggested don't have the $$$ to upgrade. Villanova is a longshot. When the MAC decides to move; MTSU and WKU, are still likely targets, Liberty as well. Missouri Valley Football Conference foes are also primary targets, because they have more recognition, fan base and success at the FCS level. Ill State, Youngstown State, Murray State (basketball is very good), UNI. The Dakotas should be offered; but will probably decline looking for a bigger opportunity.
Villanova has all the sane problems as UConn with the added baggage of being a private school. I’d avoid private schools altogether. Assuming Delaware is off the board, New Hampshire and Albany would be my 1 and 1a over Rhody. Stony Brook would be last on the “viable” NE target list. Middle Tennessee is still the MAC’s white whale though. Suburban Nashville is a huge get, but I suspect they’ll find their way to the SunBelt eventually.
I don't know if Villanova would want to move up. Might be cost prohibitive for them.
Villanova is not high on my list to begin with. It's more like a distant Wild Card option. It doesn't hurt to toss its name out there.
@@STVCastle I definitely doesn't hurt. The MAC truly needs to explore all options. The raiding from the MWC may be done but that doesn't mean someone else won't try to do the same.
@@STVCastleVillanova will not work. The MAC requires after a 4-5 year period to either be a full member or be out of the conference. If the MAC made concessions for either Villanova or say a UCONN, then UMASS would sue breech of contract and other things that they would win because MAC mandated that if UMASS were to return to the conference that no grace period to decide like before. UMASS had to be all-in from the start this time. So unless Villanova or UConn were to be in for just 4 years for football only and then go back to independence for UCONN and Villanova for the first time as D1A independent, I don’t see either school risking their other sports and options to get in one of two Autonomous Leagues or for Villanova to get in the AAC should they choose to do so. So mentioning UConn or Villanova is not realistic nor viable options for consideration. Now Dayton, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Albany, Stetson, LIU, VCU, Maine, Colgate, Central Connecticut, Youngstown, William & Marry, Richmond, Towson, etc…, all make sense. So no New BigEast school needs to be considered as not viable nor realistic options but NEC, Patriots, A-10, CCAA, MAAC, MEAC, ASun, and MVC are legit options for consideration and discussions.
I'd expect Villanova to join the Patriot for football before joining the MAC.
Illinois State would be an add among other additions. They are not a media market add but they definitely win games.
Too bad the MAC couldn't snatch Delaware when they were still FCS, they were one of the most successful FCS programs left outside of the Dakotas & Montana schools. The problem with the Northeast schools is that they are all gambles to add. As a Stony Brook alumni I wouldn't even consider us as an expansion option for u guys, we are much more of an academic focus school & most of the athletic interest is more towards basketball for us.
I do love the video. I think the MAC would be well suited to expand further east.
the CAA might lose some more teams, which actually may work for them in the long run, but the problem is I don't think there is anyone that would be willing to move up to FBS. However, they could always look at trying to get the University of Delaware (from conference USA).
@@EyeOfTheWatcher Good points. Seems there are multiple schools in play for the MAC.
Villanova would be a football only add. The basketball program is making $7 mil a year in the Big East.
You are correct but the MAC mandates that after 4-5 years you are either all in or all out. Villanova and UCONN would never be full members and would have to leave like UMASS did the first time. Now if Villanova wants to use this as a springboard to D1A football and then go independent as UCONN is currently and therefore be late season non conference games for schools in the ACC, AAC, SEC, CUSA, and SBC plus playing Notre Dame while keeping their options open for inclusion into the ACC or Big12, then maybe Villanova does this four years in and then be independent in football but keep all other sports in New BigEast like UCONN. Now the AAC is vastly better than the other G6 conferences and including the PAC when it returns if it does as a G6 conference and better than all the non football conferences and FCS conferences except the New BigEast in men’s and women’s basketball. Could Villanova consider the AAC as a landing spot before getting grabbed by either ACC or Big12? It is very possible and very interesting to happen if it was and could.
MAC needs to go back to strictly Saturday games..I’ve seen Catholic High School games with more people.. Watching half empty stadiums on a Tuesday or Wednesday night is depressing. On the radar Rhode Island, Western Kentucky, Holy Cross,U of Maine
I think Villanova would only ever be reasonable as a football only member, it would be dumb for them to abandon big east basketball. I think Albany and Rhode Island would be really good picks, both have football stadiums that can be renovated easily and have enough money and a big enough student body to make it work.
I appreciate the shoutout! I left a lot of comments for you. Hopefully that will help engagement.
Look, the issue with going for markets in college sports is it rarely works.
Look at the horizon league. A lot of bigger markets, and it's still dwarfed by conferences where most of the schools are in smaller markets.
A larger market doesn't guarantee you'll draw viewers in. All that matters is the quality of the program you're bringing in. That and how large of an alumni base you have as well.
Just subscribed to your channel. How about considering Duquesne and Youngstown State as football-only members of the MAC. Any questions?
Rhode Island would be my first pick. Then New Hampshire or Albany. LIU could work in a few years. Howard could be interesting as well.
Those FCS schools have tiny stadiums & it’s a fact college football is not important to fans in the northeast. They love their pro sports! I don’t see any of those schools being an option for the MAC.
For everyone who watches this channel and other channels here on RUclips, if you have multiple points to make about a video, like I did below, leave multiple comments. It's better than reading one long comment. It also helps with the algorithm and helps to promote the channel!
I did not know that about the algorithm, thanks for the information.
@@EyeOfTheWatcher Another RUclipsr told me this so I started doing it for every other channel I leave comments on.
You make some good points, but I actually would rather the MAC maintain more of a Midwestern flavor by going after Illinois State and Youngstown State. If those aren't available I would go South into Kentucky. As a last resort I can see going to the Northeast, but only because no one else wants them and you might find a very rough diamond like Rhode Island. The other thing that I would do, would be to ask ESPN, if they had any preferences on schools, since you indicated that this is all about $$$.
I don’t see Toledo moving unless it’s for the American.
it's not exactly "northeast" but Youngstown State would probably be my first choice out of the FCS
They seem like the most logical choice. Their facilities are on par with most MAC schools and joining the MAC would decrease their travel.
Are you basing your picks on on-field success, media market availability or a combination of both?
It's like 75/25, leaning towards media market availability over on-field success. I'm trying to think more like a TV executive.
I would say the MAC would look at UAlbany, Illinois State or even Youngstown State. I believe that mac wants to eventually to get to 14 teams.
You will have to add some schools to boost media value prior to your next media deal. Dr. Steinbrecher is going to have to go to ESPN and ask them are there any schools that they think the MAC should add. Then proceed from there. Don't burn your media partner. Definitely make them a part of the process. Who knows what they will suggest.
Tobi talks a lot about realignment from a different point of view. He has some interesting ideas. I'm going to be directing him to this video. You 2 seem to be on the same thought process.
Toledo will be next
Out of the 4 programs mentioned, SUNY Albany is probably the best candidate. The Albany/Schenectady/Troy market is a sizable metro area. SUNY Albany is one of the larger SUNY schools and has a large alumni base. Many of their alumni work lucrative jobs in the NYC area, so the money is there if they are willing to fund raise. SUNY Albany will not have to compete against pro-sports and Syracuse is a solid two or two and a half hours away. They can market themselves as a good local and family friendly FBS football entertainment option. LIU is not a good option. The NEC only allows 45 scholarships, so the financial upgrades needed just for scholarships (both men's and women's) would be too much for a school with a relatively low endowment. Long Island is also pro-sports territory. Upstate NY is way more interested in college sports than Downstate. Think Syracuse, college hockey (Cornell, RPI, union, etc..) and Siena basketball. As a guy who grew-up in NYC, I can tell you that Downstate NY is not a prime college sports hotspot, maybe St. John's if they make the final four. Rhode Island is a good option but only if the State of Rhode Island is willing to support them. URI is not known for having good facilities and New England loves the Patriots; Boston College is an afterthought. State support is important, the best example is Delaware, who was able to upgrade facilities and cut a check for the $5,000,000 entry fee. I have heard nothing about URI actually wanting to upgrade. Villanova could work but it will never happen. It has been made clear to them that any expansion of their stadium would be met with heavy resistance. The "Main Line," where Villanova is located, is a very wealthy and powerful area. 'Nova will not cross their sometimes haughty neighbors. Although this is anectodal, Villanova faculty are very happy with how the athletic department is operated. The basketball program makes money hand over fist with the Fox Sports' contract, merchandise sales, sponsorships, and selling out the Wells Fargo center. FCS football allows Villanova to be picky about what football players they take. "Nova (William & Mary and Richmond) can sometimes get kids who were Ivy bound. I can tell you the faculty loves that Villanova can be picky with the 100 or so football players on their roster. There was much consternation when the Big East was pressuring to them to upgrade before Big East football fell apart. Academic standards will likely be lowered if Villanova becomes FBS. Temple is a cautionary tale...they can't compete against the Eagles or Penn State in Philadelphia. Similar situation with LIU near NYC, where pro-sports are king. Temple's football program almost always runs a deficit that the basketball program cannot earn enough to overcome the deficit. Sorry for the long winded post.
NIU move makes sense, they have been one of the 3 stable teams in a sea of bad teams in the MAC. Toledo should be next to move to the American or somewhere else. The MAC will be fine they should actually look to add Youngstown, SIU, and another team to restock but at the end of the day people are disappointed in a team trying to get better and be with better competition makes no sense. Why are the Macation people like this lol.
If the MAC expands into the northeast, then perhaps a name change would be in order. Because they wouldn't just be in the Midwest. They could then change it to something like the Great Northern Conference.
...The MAC is just a Lite version of The Upper Midwest Football Conference. Also called "The Big 10". They exist so The Upper Midwest Football Conference can have some patsies to play for LIVE PRACTICE GAMES and pad their win column. As well, as being state supported and affiliated universities, The Upper Midwest Football Conference universities funnel money into those smaller less fortunate state schools to help pay for the Lessers athletic programs. Schools that are private or not in the central core of the MAC, Like Nebraska, Northwestern, Penn State, are forced to also subsidize the MAC.
Eventually, The MAC will fold into the rest of the D1A/B when the D1 Premiere Leagues are formed for the TV Conferences of ESPiN and Fox Sports. Perhaps CBS Sports and NBC/Comcast Sports will OWN their own "College" Football Conference/league?
An interesting take. I highly doubt a media outlet wants to own a league. TV networks don't like lawsuits at all. Owning a sports league makes you open for a ton of lawsuits.
The MAC won't make any panic moves because they don't have to. The MAC won't add more schools unless CUSA breaks . The northeast strategy has some merit to it to tie the conference together but the schools suggested don't have the $$$ to upgrade. Villanova is a longshot. When the MAC decides to move; MTSU and WKU, are still likely targets, Liberty as well. Missouri Valley Football Conference foes are also primary targets, because they have more recognition, fan base and success at the FCS level. Ill State, Youngstown State, Murray State (basketball is very good), UNI. The Dakotas should be offered; but will probably decline looking for a bigger opportunity.
Tennessee and Kentucky there our take they can take some good school there and I'm not talk about SEC teams
Villanova has all the sane problems as UConn with the added baggage of being a private school. I’d avoid private schools altogether.
Assuming Delaware is off the board, New Hampshire and Albany would be my 1 and 1a over Rhody. Stony Brook would be last on the “viable” NE target list.
Middle Tennessee is still the MAC’s white whale though. Suburban Nashville is a huge get, but I suspect they’ll find their way to the SunBelt eventually.
UConn went 9-4 this year. They’re doing well. They’ll end up going to the ACC or Big 12 in the next few years.
‘Nova in the MAC? Kinda like Rutgers in the Big 10. The MAC should go to Division II.