Topic: NHR: Boise State coach urged leadership to leave MWC, emails show

[MUsince96]

https://www.idahopress.com/blueturfsports/football/harsin-urged-boise-state-leadership-to-leave-mountain-west-conference-emails-show/article_f855ea98-7e28-5d58-a3b4-b2504031bbf5.html

[ThunderValley]

I admire them for having a vision to be better. Too bad Marshall is blind.

[herd2win]

From reading sounds like the MW has similar leadership to CUSA...lazy leadership at best.

[GreenDaddy]

Wow, that coach really wants out. If I was a betting man I would say that Boise St will head to the AAC soon and put their Olympic sports in some other league. I do wish that our administration would show that kind of cockiness about Marshall.

[Herdmeister]

Wow, that coach really wants out. If I was a betting man I would say that Boise St will head to the AAC soon and put their Olympic sports in some other league. I do wish that our administration would show that kind of cockiness about Marshall.

They have the money to do it. Marshall doesn't

[Huffnagel]

We could only dream of leadership such as this!

[coalherd]

Their only "Power" option would be the PAC 12 and don't see them expanding.  Boise has a better chance to get into the CFL, IMO!

[MUsince96]

Their only "Power" option would be the PAC 12 and don't see them expanding.  Boise has a better chance to get into the CFL, IMO!

I think AAC-football only or Independence would be their goal.

The article mentions Olympic sports to the WCC or Big West.

[svherd]

They have the money to do it. Marshall doesn't

With good leadership and a proactive AD and booster club we could. People get too cozy in their jobs and that's a killer. That inner circle must be a blast to be in.

[GreenDaddy]

I think AAC-football only or Independence would be their goal.

The article mentions Olympic sports to the WCC or Big West.

This. It all adds up to Boise taking their football to the AAC if they can find a home for the other sports. I think they receive around 2.5M per year from the MW media deal. The AAC would payout close to 8M? Not sure if that number would be reduced for a football only team, but you can see the appeal of more media money along with a better conference.

[svherd]

This. It all adds up to Boise taking their football to the AAC if they can find a home for the other sports. I think they receive around 2.5M per year from the MW media deal. The AAC would payout close to 8M? Not sure if that number would be reduced for a football only team, but you can see the appeal of more media money along with a better conference.

That would pay for the increased travel costs.

[MUsince96]

This. It all adds up to Boise taking their football to the AAC if they can find a home for the other sports. I think they receive around 2.5M per year from the MW media deal. The AAC would payout close to 8M? Not sure if that number would be reduced for a football only team, but you can see the appeal of more media money along with a better conference.

MWC TV deal is up to around $4 million per team a year. AAC is around $7 million.

[MUsince96]

That would pay for the increased travel costs.

Yeah but if it's football only that's only 4 AAC away games a year. The rest of the sports would be in a more regional conference.

[puma]

One thing a lot of people seem to be missing is that Boise actually has their own TV deal in addition to the MWC deal. Boise gets about $1.8 million for each home game through 2026. Their conference mates wanted a bigger share of the golden goose, Boise threatened to leave, and the conference backed down.

I'm not convinced that Boise ever seriously considered leaving. They're just playing hardball to keep their piece of the pie. The money they bring in is probably more than the rest of the conference combined.

[marshallmark]

I'd love for people on here that say Marshall should move to a better conference to explain (a) what that conference might look like, (b) how would MU pay for that move (exit fees, etc.), and (c) what a reasonable path might look like to get there.

The MAC isn't taking us back.  Period.
The AAC isn't inviting us in.  Period.
The ACC isn't realistic.  Period.

The ONLY change scenario I can see is some merger of the SunBelt and C-USA where we join a regional conference including App State, Coastal, Charlotte, ODU, Ga Southern, Middle Tenn, WKU and the FL schools.  That's 10 - who else?  Ga. State?  The Alabama schools?  How does this improve Marshall's position, other than a little with travel costs?  That conference won't command much of an increase in media revenue. 

[svherd]

I'd love for people on here that say Marshall should move to a better conference to explain (a) what that conference might look like, (b) how would MU pay for that move (exit fees, etc.), and (c) what a reasonable path might look like to get there.

The MAC isn't taking us back.  Period.
The AAC isn't inviting us in.  Period.
The ACC isn't realistic.  Period.

The ONLY change scenario I can see is some merger of the SunBelt and C-USA where we join a regional conference including App State, Coastal, Charlotte, ODU, Ga Southern, Middle Tenn, WKU and the FL schools.  That's 10 - who else?  Ga. State?  The Alabama schools?  How does this improve Marshall's position, other than a little with travel costs?  That conference won't command much of an increase in media revenue.

I think the league you are suggesting is what most of us want. It will save on some travel costs but more importantly, create and sustain regional rivalries and immediately be a better football league than CUSA, the SB and the MAC in their current form. I don't worry about media dollars, those days are long gone. Time to circle the wagons and do what is best for Marshall's future.
We have no business traveling to Texas to play any games, ridiculous.

[luvherd]

I suspect there will be a P5 and G5 split in the next few years. At that point I would suspect conference realignment with travel being a major factor.

[MUsince96]

I suspect there will be a P5 and G5 split in the next few years. At that point I would suspect conference realignment with travel being a major factor.

Why do you think that?

[lexkyherdfan]

To be honest... there are really about 10-15 teams that really have a shot at the playoffs every year and it is always those same teams.  Might as well take about 20 teams and make an NFL Lite and they play for the "FBS" playoffs.  then the rest of the FBS be in the regular NCAA FBS.  There are plenty of teams in P5 that really stand no chance of every making the playoffs.  This version of the NCAA would be better than some "G5 split off" and give teams like Kentucky, Vandy, most of the Big 12 something to actually play for.  There will be plenty of money as TV networks still need games and there will be ways to watch the games.  This will never happen but really think about it...in what sport does majority of the teams have zero chance at winning a championship?  At least with basketball we have seen some mid-majors make a run to the final four.  Small teams have won the baseball college world series (Coastal Carolina, Rice, etc). 

I love watching college football but get tire of the same 4 teams in the playoffs and a few others making a run.  Some people crack on the "no name bowl between two unknowns" but I actually enjoy watching those games as much as the playoffs because you get some matchups you may never get and some good games worth watching and with the way TV is now days...these games are nice outlets for a distraction.  How many Ohio State-Clemson or Clemson Alabama games do people care to watch?  Heck to be honest...I would rather have the NCAA College football game back on XBOX than watching the same teams in the playoffs every year.  I miss that game.

[herd2win]

I agree with Everything Lexy said.  I would even narrow it down to about 4 fixed teams and then a pool of 4 others that have a chance at the playoffs.

Fixed..Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Georgia.
Next 4...Notre Dame, random PAC 12, random Big 12. (Usually Oklahoma) and then one other.

The rest of FBS does not have a shot and get very little pub..

[Herdmeister]

I'd love for people on here that say Marshall should move to a better conference to explain (a) what that conference might look like, (b) how would MU pay for that move (exit fees, etc.), and (c) what a reasonable path might look like to get there.

The MAC isn't taking us back.  Period.
The AAC isn't inviting us in.  Period.
The ACC isn't realistic.  Period.

The ONLY change scenario I can see is some merger of the SunBelt and C-USA where we join a regional conference including App State, Coastal, Charlotte, ODU, Ga Southern, Middle Tenn, WKU and the FL schools.  That's 10 - who else?  Ga. State?  The Alabama schools?  How does this improve Marshall's position, other than a little with travel costs?  That conference won't command much of an increase in media revenue.

You nailed it. Our chances for bigger conference affiliation went out the door when the AAC formed without us. We are where we are with no hopes of getting any more money our notoriety. Sorry. Fact!

[MidlandKnight]

You nailed it. Our chances for bigger conference affiliation went out the door when the AAC formed without us. We are where we are with no hopes of getting any more money our notoriety. Sorry. Fact!

Agree and disagree. I agree the AAC is a pipedream, there is a reason they left us behind and that hasn't changed or likely to change in the near future.
However, going to a more regional conference provides other opportunities to increase money to our program and notoriety. People like to point out the savings in travel cost, but to me it is more important to our future to get with "like" minded schools, schools familiar to our fan base and the casual fan, plus providing a multitude of games near the majority of our alumni base. The landscape of college sports is going to change again and those who are prepared for it will be the ones to survive. The current makeup of CUSA is basically a dead man walking. The powers that be at Marshall really need to be working the back channels to be involved in a "realistic" future conference. Just imagine 12 of these 13 schools forming a conference:

1. Marshall
2. Appy State (respected national football program, solid fan base, familiar to fans, potential rival, close to bulk of our alumni).
3. UNCC (nice facilities, "finally" hired an AD who seems to have made the right hires, familiar to fans, potential rival, close to bulk of our alumni).
4. ODU (nice facilities, strong basketball program, solid fan base, familiar to fans, and within driving distance to bulk of our alumni.
5. UAB (building nice facilities, solid football and basketball programs, familiar to fans, close to our Atlanta alumni base)
6. GA State (solid basketball, football has won games over P-5's, building state of the art facilities, close to bulk of our alumni).
7. GA Southern ( traditional strong football program, solid fan base, familiar to our fans, close to the bulk of our alumni).
8. Coastal Carolina (nice facilities, top 25 football program, just recently won College Baseball World Series, close to the bulk of our alumni).
9. WKY ( solid basketball program, shown they can compete in football, solid fan base, familiar to fans, potential rival.

After those 9 ,3 of the following 4 appear to be logical choices.

10. MTSU- (nice facilities, Nashville market, Not too long ago a solid basketball program, would help anchor the western schools such as UAB and WKU)
11. Liberty (state of the art facilities, both football and basketball have beat power 5 schools, familiar to our fans, and within driving distance of alumni)
12. James Madison ( very nice facilities, Top 25 Softball program, solid fan base, familiar to our fans and within driving distance of alumni).
13. FAU (nice facilities, brings in the Florida recruiting area, and close to lots of our alumni).

I think "if" we could form this conference (a lot would depend on what happens with the NCAA) it would help Marshall immensely, not only do you get schools "like minded" who understand they are small fish in a big market, but still believe they can compete with the bog boys on a given day... It also allows for notoriety in the areas (NC,SC,GA,VA) where potential donors (alumni) and students are. Going to Texas/Louisiana does nothing for our school or program. 

[MUsince96]

Agree and disagree. I agree the AAC is a pipedream, there is a reason they left us behind and that hasn't changed or likely to change in the near future.
However, going to a more regional conference provides other opportunities to increase money to our program and notoriety. People like to point out the savings in travel cost, but to me it is more important to our future to get with "like" minded schools, schools familiar to our fan base and the casual fan, plus providing a multitude of games near the majority of our alumni base. The landscape of college sports is going to change again and those who are prepared for it will be the ones to survive. The current makeup of CUSA is basically a dead man walking. The powers that be at Marshall really need to be working the back channels to be involved in a "realistic" future conference. Just imagine 12 of these 13 schools forming a conference:

1. Marshall
2. Appy State (respected national football program, solid fan base, familiar to fans, potential rival, close to bulk of our alumni).
3. UNCC (nice facilities, "finally" hired an AD who seems to have made the right hires, familiar to fans, potential rival, close to bulk of our alumni).
4. ODU (nice facilities, strong basketball program, solid fan base, familiar to fans, and within driving distance to bulk of our alumni.
5. UAB (building nice facilities, solid football and basketball programs, familiar to fans, close to our Atlanta alumni base)
6. GA State (solid basketball, football has won games over P-5's, building state of the art facilities, close to bulk of our alumni).
7. GA Southern ( traditional strong football program, solid fan base, familiar to our fans, close to the bulk of our alumni).
8. Coastal Carolina (nice facilities, top 25 football program, just recently won College Baseball World Series, close to the bulk of our alumni).
9. WKY ( solid basketball program, shown they can compete in football, solid fan base, familiar to fans, potential rival.

After those 9 ,3 of the following 4 appear to be logical choices.

10. MTSU- (nice facilities, Nashville market, Not too long ago a solid basketball program, would help anchor the western schools such as UAB and WKU)
11. Liberty (state of the art facilities, both football and basketball have beat power 5 schools, familiar to our fans, and within driving distance of alumni)
12. James Madison ( very nice facilities, Top 25 Softball program, solid fan base, familiar to our fans and within driving distance of alumni).
13. FAU (nice facilities, brings in the Florida recruiting area, and close to lots of our alumni).

I think "if" we could form this conference (a lot would depend on what happens with the NCAA) it would help Marshall immensely, not only do you get schools "like minded" who understand they are small fish in a big market, but still believe they can compete with the bog boys on a given day... It also allows for notoriety in the areas (NC,SC,GA,VA) where potential donors (alumni) and students are. Going to Texas/Louisiana does nothing for our school or program.

If the AAC isn't happening, this is the next best option.

Give me James Madison and Liberty. They have the two biggest fanbases. This version of C-USA has shown markets and enrollment don't help much of anything. So if we have the chance to get it right I say we go with butts in seats, competitive teams, and geography to foster rivalries.

[Big City]

Agree and disagree. I agree the AAC is a pipedream, there is a reason they left us behind and that hasn't changed or likely to change in the near future.
However, going to a more regional conference provides other opportunities to increase money to our program and notoriety. People like to point out the savings in travel cost, but to me it is more important to our future to get with "like" minded schools, schools familiar to our fan base and the casual fan, plus providing a multitude of games near the majority of our alumni base. The landscape of college sports is going to change again and those who are prepared for it will be the ones to survive. The current makeup of CUSA is basically a dead man walking. The powers that be at Marshall really need to be working the back channels to be involved in a "realistic" future conference. Just imagine 12 of these 13 schools forming a conference:

1. Marshall
2. Appy State (respected national football program, solid fan base, familiar to fans, potential rival, close to bulk of our alumni).
3. UNCC (nice facilities, "finally" hired an AD who seems to have made the right hires, familiar to fans, potential rival, close to bulk of our alumni).
4. ODU (nice facilities, strong basketball program, solid fan base, familiar to fans, and within driving distance to bulk of our alumni.
5. UAB (building nice facilities, solid football and basketball programs, familiar to fans, close to our Atlanta alumni base)
6. GA State (solid basketball, football has won games over P-5's, building state of the art facilities, close to bulk of our alumni).
7. GA Southern ( traditional strong football program, solid fan base, familiar to our fans, close to the bulk of our alumni).
8. Coastal Carolina (nice facilities, top 25 football program, just recently won College Baseball World Series, close to the bulk of our alumni).
9. WKY ( solid basketball program, shown they can compete in football, solid fan base, familiar to fans, potential rival.

After those 9 ,3 of the following 4 appear to be logical choices.

10. MTSU- (nice facilities, Nashville market, Not too long ago a solid basketball program, would help anchor the western schools such as UAB and WKU)
11. Liberty (state of the art facilities, both football and basketball have beat power 5 schools, familiar to our fans, and within driving distance of alumni)
12. James Madison ( very nice facilities, Top 25 Softball program, solid fan base, familiar to our fans and within driving distance of alumni).
13. FAU (nice facilities, brings in the Florida recruiting area, and close to lots of our alumni).

I think "if" we could form this conference (a lot would depend on what happens with the NCAA) it would help Marshall immensely, not only do you get schools "like minded" who understand they are small fish in a big market, but still believe they can compete with the bog boys on a given day... It also allows for notoriety in the areas (NC,SC,GA,VA) where potential donors (alumni) and students are. Going to Texas/Louisiana does nothing for our school or program.

No thank you. The strays and misfits no one wants aka The Humane Society Conference.

[svherd]

No thank you. The strays and misfits no one wants aka The Humane Society Conference.

So you like our current league better than the one lined out in the post above? That's hard to fathom. And the AAC ain't happening, people need to put down the crack pipe on that one.