Conference move

[Dr Z]

If this is true, my selection for an AD would have some experience moving conferences on his resume.

[xu9697]

If this is true, my selection for an AD would have some experience moving conferences on his resume.

I think looking for this kind of a person is important, regardless of whether the MAC is realistically moving down.Akron is moving to the big-time. It is just a matter of time. Some of it has been lucky, some planning, some skill, etc.:Where to begin:- InfoCision- Willingness of KD to stay here- Connections with global superstar LBJ- Zeke- Hiring of someone like Walt Harris as an ASSISTANT coach- Soccer program- Major campus improvements- Zippy as mascot of the year- Fear the Roo, improved branding (A-Roo), etc.

[GP1]

I think looking for this kind of a person is important, regardless of whether the MAC is realistically moving down.Akron is moving to the big-time. It is just a matter of time. Some of it has been lucky, some planning, some skill, etc.:Where to begin:- InfoCision- Willingness of KD to stay here- Connections with global superstar LBJ- Zeke- Hiring of someone like Walt Harris as an ASSISTANT coach- Soccer program- Major campus improvements- Zippy as mascot of the year- Fear the Roo, improved branding (A-Roo), etc.

InfoCison is nice, but is still probably one of the smallest stadiums in D-IA.KD has been here for a few years now and the same crowds still exist. LBJ has loose connections at best with UofA. He has bigger fish to fry.Zeke..... Weren't we saying Frye for Heisman a few years ago?My guess is Walt Harris wanted something to do while his house is being remodeled.Soccer program - Not enough people care about soccer.Major campus improvements compared to what? Everyone is growing their campus.Zippy - Nobody really cares.Rebrand Fear the Roo. How about eliminate?What if instead of all the above, UofA and the MAC produced a product people wanted to go see? I'll say it again, you can't assume your customers are stupid.

[Dr Z]

InfoCison is nice, but is still probably one of the smallest stadiums in D-IA.

I had to look this up, so I thought I'd share.

[MaxZIP]

InfoCison is nice, but is still probably one of the smallest stadiums in D-IA.

I had to look this up, so I thought I'd share.

FBS Stadium listhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NCAA_...otball_stadiums

[xu9697]

I think looking for this kind of a person is important, regardless of whether the MAC is realistically moving down.Akron is moving to the big-time. It is just a matter of time. Some of it has been lucky, some planning, some skill, etc.:Where to begin:- InfoCision- Willingness of KD to stay here- Connections with global superstar LBJ- Zeke- Hiring of someone like Walt Harris as an ASSISTANT coach- Soccer program- Major campus improvements- Zippy as mascot of the year- Fear the Roo, improved branding (A-Roo), etc.

InfoCison is nice, but is still probably one of the smallest stadiums in D-IA.KD has been here for a few years now and the same crowds still exist. LBJ has loose connections at best with UofA. He has bigger fish to fry.Zeke..... Weren't we saying Frye for Heisman a few years ago?My guess is Walt Harris wanted something to do while his house is being remodeled.Soccer program - Not enough people care about soccer.Major campus improvements compared to what? Everyone is growing their campus.Zippy - Nobody really cares.Rebrand Fear the Roo. How about eliminate?What if instead of all the above, UofA and the MAC produced a product people wanted to go see? I'll say it again, you can't assume your customers are stupid.

Say what you will, but I watched the same progression at Cincinnati in the early 90's to now.

[ZachTheZip]

Can "the MAC" make the corporate decision to drop down a level? How would that work without affecting the autonomy of member schools? If over 50% of the schools are for it, then must those programs that would want to remain D-1A have to either get on board or jump ship? And if we have to leave the MAC in order to maintain our D-1A status, then we risk the very likely posibility of being an independent for a number of years until another D-1A conference would let us join, no?

What you might see is the MAC dropping football as a required sport. This allows a few teams to drop down to FCS while still staying in the MAC for everythign else. If the MAC can get down to 9 teams like the MWC, it would be ideal. You lose some dead weight and the football money gets split less ways.

[ZachTheZip]

InfoCison is nice, but is still probably one of the smallest stadiums in D-IA.

I had to look this up, so I thought I'd share.

FBS Stadium listhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NCAA_...otball_stadiums

It's designed to be expandable. When the need arises it will go up to 50,000 by putting stands on top of the north endzone building to make a horse shoe style stadium. If we need even more than that, the south endzone could be retrofitted to hold stands as well.It's already the largest university-owned stadium in the MAC.

[xu9697]

Admittedly, I don't know what agreements the MAC has with schools. But if the WAC and MWC wanted to expand, you could see C-USA grab Army, Navy and 4 MAC schools for this league:Conference USANorthAkronBuffaloMarshallTempleArmyNavySouth East CarolinaMemphisSouthern MissUABUCFMiami

[Bull_In_Exile]

I know the realistic discussion of a potential conference change is entirely dependent on winning some games. That being said, it is fun to speculate what a conference change would mean for a school like Akron. From recruitment of athletes and increasing enrollment numbers through exposure to national TV audiences...a conference move would mean big dollars and an exciting future for the university. Where does the university stand to gain the most from jumping from the MAC ship?1.) Increased enrollment2.) A self-supporting athletic department3.) Upward pressure on academic minimum standards (namely elimination of open enrollment)4.) Overall community interest in the University

Sorry but if any MAC team would make the jump to a BCS conference (like the Big East) it would be Buffalo- 28K Students, will be 35-40K (when ub2020 http://www.buffalo.edu/ub2020/overview/) is completed- 500 Million dollar Endowment- AAU member- Considered a Research University Pier by Schools like LSU and UCLAThe only thing keeping UB back is out athletic facilities (field house is in the works) and tradition....

[ZachTheZip]

I think it's a good thing that so many southern schools are moving up in the near future. First because the money will be split more ways within the C-USA and the Sun Belt, and second because the BCS majority is getting slimmer all the time. If they lose the majority they might force their conferences to go up to 12 teams all around in order to keep the numerical majority and maintain control.

[xu9697]

I know the realistic discussion of a potential conference change is entirely dependent on winning some games. That being said, it is fun to speculate what a conference change would mean for a school like Akron. From recruitment of athletes and increasing enrollment numbers through exposure to national TV audiences...a conference move would mean big dollars and an exciting future for the university. Where does the university stand to gain the most from jumping from the MAC ship?1.) Increased enrollment2.) A self-supporting athletic department3.) Upward pressure on academic minimum standards (namely elimination of open enrollment)4.) Overall community interest in the University

Sorry but if any MAC team would make the jump to a BCS conference (like the Big East) it would be Buffalo- 28K Students, will be 35-40K (when ub2020 http://www.buffalo.edu/ub2020/overview/) is completed- 500 Million dollar Endowment- AAU member- Considered a Research University Pier by Schools like LSU and UCLAThe only thing keeping UB back is out athletic facilities (field house is in the works) and tradition....

If the Big East pairs down to 12 teams that play both major sports, they will most likely be choosing from:Memphis East CarolinaUCF (perfect compliment to USF)MarshallSouthern MissBuffaloAkronTemple (been there before, but Philly market and basketball included could get them in)I look at Memphis and UCF as virtual locks. Then it will be a tough call between Temple, Akron and Buffalo. The next 4-5 years are critical for these programs if they want that opportunity. Akron's biggest advantage might be the fertile recruiting ground that they happen to be situated in vs. where Buffalo is located. Buffalo's biggest advantage might be that there is no longer an NFL team located in that area. Temple has the attributes mentioned above, and the BE does already have 1 team playing in a pro stadium (Pitt).

[xu9697]

I think it's a good thing that so many southern schools are moving up in the near future. First because the money will be split more ways within the C-USA and the Sun Belt, and second because the BCS majority is getting slimmer all the time. If they lose the majority they might force their conferences to go up to 12 teams all around in order to keep the numerical majority and maintain control.

With South Alabama joining FBS in 2013, that would make 121 teams. Get Navy and Army in a conference (the "new" MAC) and you would could legitimately have 10, 12 team conferences...and Notre Dame.

[Bull_In_Exile]

If the Big East pairs down to 12 teams that play both major sports, they will most likely be choosing from:Memphis East CarolinaUCF (perfect compliment to USF)MarshallSouthern MissBuffaloAkronTemple (been there before, but Philly market and basketball included could get them in)I look at Memphis and UCF as virtual locks. Then it will be a tough call between Temple, Akron and Buffalo. The next 4-5 years are critical for these programs if they want that opportunity. Akron's biggest advantage might be the fertile recruiting ground that they happen to be situated in vs. where Buffalo is located. Buffalo's biggest advantage might be that there is no longer an NFL team located in that area. Temple has the attributes mentioned above, and the BE does already have 1 team playing in a pro stadium (Pitt).

Well lets not forget the Big-10 also needs a pickup in a world of 12 team conferences.. As to Akron making it to the Big East? Its not very likely perhaps if you do manage to grow to the mid to high 20K in terms of undergrads (I think now you float around 20). But in terms of Endowment, Size, and number of programs you dont fit in with the BE. I don't think Buffalo is much more likely because while we do fit in as an institution we bump up against the Syracuse market. UB would be a better addition to the Big-10 (new state for them to be in but as close to the rest of the conference as Penn State. Then Again I really think the B-10 would go after Pitt which would open up yet another slot in the BE. If UB2020 goes through (right now the NY senate is in disarray and the other SUNY centers are doing their best impression of a toddler deprived of some toy) UB will be in a Bigger conference in 5-10 years..

[xu9697]

If the Big East pairs down to 12 teams that play both major sports, they will most likely be choosing from:Memphis East CarolinaUCF (perfect compliment to USF)MarshallSouthern MissBuffaloAkronTemple (been there before, but Philly market and basketball included could get them in)I look at Memphis and UCF as virtual locks. Then it will be a tough call between Temple, Akron and Buffalo. The next 4-5 years are critical for these programs if they want that opportunity. Akron's biggest advantage might be the fertile recruiting ground that they happen to be situated in vs. where Buffalo is located. Buffalo's biggest advantage might be that there is no longer an NFL team located in that area. Temple has the attributes mentioned above, and the BE does already have 1 team playing in a pro stadium (Pitt).

Well lets not forget the Big-10 also needs a pickup in a world of 12 team conferences.. As to Akron making it to the Big East? Its not very likely perhaps if you do manage to grow to the mid to high 20K in terms of undergrads (I think now you float around 20). But in terms of Endowment, Size, and number of programs you dont fit in with the BE. I don't think Buffalo is much more likely because while we do fit in as an institution we bump up against the Syracuse market. UB would be a better addition to the Big-10 (new state for them to be in but as close to the rest of the conference as Penn State. Then Again I really think the B-10 would go after Pitt which would open up yet another slot in the BE. If UB2020 goes through (right now the NY senate is in disarray and the other SUNY centers are doing their best impression of a toddler deprived of some toy) UB will be in a Bigger conference in 5-10 years..

I have read the UB to Big Ten stuff: though I can see an argument, I'm just not buying it. Unless they are turned down by Rutgers, Syracuse, Pitt, WVU, etc., it just isn't going to happen.

[MaxZIP]

If the Big East pairs down to 12 teams that play both major sports, they will most likely be choosing from:Memphis East CarolinaUCF (perfect compliment to USF)MarshallSouthern MissBuffaloAkronTemple (been there before, but Philly market and basketball included could get them in)I look at Memphis and UCF as virtual locks. Then it will be a tough call between Temple, Akron and Buffalo. The next 4-5 years are critical for these programs if they want that opportunity. Akron's biggest advantage might be the fertile recruiting ground that they happen to be situated in vs. where Buffalo is located. Buffalo's biggest advantage might be that there is no longer an NFL team located in that area. Temple has the attributes mentioned above, and the BE does already have 1 team playing in a pro stadium (Pitt).

Well lets not forget the Big-10 also needs a pickup in a world of 12 team conferences.. As to Akron making it to the Big East? Its not very likely perhaps if you do manage to grow to the mid to high 20K in terms of undergrads (I think now you float around 20). But in terms of Endowment, Size, and number of programs you dont fit in with the BE. I don't think Buffalo is much more likely because while we do fit in as an institution we bump up against the Syracuse market. UB would be a better addition to the Big-10 (new state for them to be in but as close to the rest of the conference as Penn State. Then Again I really think the B-10 would go after Pitt which would open up yet another slot in the BE. If UB2020 goes through (right now the NY senate is in disarray and the other SUNY centers are doing their best impression of a toddler deprived of some toy) UB will be in a Bigger conference in 5-10 years..

http://profiles.asee.org/profiles/3935/scr...York+at+BuffaloBuffalo 19,000 undergradshttp://profiles.asee.org/profiles/4135/scr...ersity+of+AkronAkron 21,635 (greater than 19,000) with over 200 under grad programs.Basically, Akron is growing fast and size would not keep us out. We are already larger than a few Big east schools. Academics are on the upswing and we have a much larger TV market. I think you need to look at Akron for where it is going not where it was. We have 200 undergrad majors to Buffalo's 84 and over 100 Grad programs.

[Bull_In_Exile]

http://profiles.asee.org/profiles/3935/scr...York+at+BuffaloBuffalo 19,000 undergradshttp://profiles.asee.org/profiles/4135/scr...ersity+of+AkronAkron 21,635 (greater than 19,000) with over 200 under grad programs.Basically, Akron is growing fast and size would not keep us out. We are already larger than a few Big east schools. Academics are on the upswing and we have a much larger TV market. I think you need to look at Akron for where it is going not where it was. We have 200 undergrad majors to Buffalo's 84 and over 100 Grad programs.

Akron:Undergraduates: 21,635 (Fall, 2008, all campuses)Postgraduates: 3,810 (Fall, 2008, all campuses)UB:Undergraduates: 19,022[4]Postgraduates: 9,170You cant ignore post grads which puts UB just south of thirty... But yes you guys are bigger than I thought. Still UB's endowment is 2-3* Akron's and our TV Market is only smaller if you ignore Canada but yes you're a better fit for the BE than I had though, mea culpa..

[MaxZIP]

http://profiles.asee.org/profiles/3935/scr...York+at+BuffaloBuffalo 19,000 undergradshttp://profiles.asee.org/profiles/4135/scr...ersity+of+AkronAkron 21,635 (greater than 19,000) with over 200 under grad programs.Basically, Akron is growing fast and size would not keep us out. We are already larger than a few Big east schools. Academics are on the upswing and we have a much larger TV market. I think you need to look at Akron for where it is going not where it was. We have 200 undergrad majors to Buffalo's 84 and over 100 Grad programs.

Akron:Undergraduates: 21,635 (Fall, 2008, all campuses)Postgraduates: 3,810 (Fall, 2008, all campuses)UB:Undergraduates: 19,022[4]Postgraduates: 9,170You cant ignore post grads which puts UB just south of thirty... But yes you guys are bigger than I thought. Still UB's endowment is 2-3* Akron's and our TV Market is only smaller if you ignore Canada but yes you're a better fit for the BE than I had though, mea culpa..

You put a target undegrad number. I stuck with the theme. Not to be too negative but including Canada in your TV viewers is a little questionable. Are there that many Canadian NCAAFB fans out there? Plus how would the BE feel about Buff and Syracuse being togeter? Would that be a rivalry?

[MaxZIP]

Also, a 2747 student differential is not significant. Plus Akron is growing as a research university with plenty of programs. I do believe that Buffalo is a great school and a great MAC Partner. Both Akron and Buffalo will be the strength of this conference in the near future and could provide a spine for any new conference if the MAC goes down. It is nice to have some good organizations to compete with.

[Bull_In_Exile]

You put a target undegrad number. I stuck with the theme. Not to be too negative but including Canada in your TV viewers is a little questionable. Are there that many Canadian NCAAFB fans out there? Plus how would the BE feel about Buff and Syracuse being togeter? Would that be a rivalry?

I had not realized I did that, nice catch as to Canada.. the market potential is huge. Southern Ontario is Bills Country and the I-Bowl sold more seats with UB there than they ever have before.I think Buffalo and Syracuse would be a great public/private rivalry. And Buff is further from Syracuse than you are from Pittsburgh so both schools have to compete with Market overlap and recruiting pressures. But I will concede that in 90% of ways its a tossup..

[MaxZIP]

The Motorcity bowl of 2005 sold over 45,000 with akron and memphis 5,000 more than the 2009 international bowl. Neither team is in a BCS conference. But it is impressive in the third year of a bowl in Canada to sell that much.

[Dr Z]

The Motorcity bowl of 2005 sold over 45,000

50,616

[OverThePylon]

I know the realistic discussion of a potential conference change is entirely dependent on winning some games. That being said, it is fun to speculate what a conference change would mean for a school like Akron. From recruitment of athletes and increasing enrollment numbers through exposure to national TV audiences...a conference move would mean big dollars and an exciting future for the university. Where does the university stand to gain the most from jumping from the MAC ship?1.) Increased enrollment2.) A self-supporting athletic department3.) Upward pressure on academic minimum standards (namely elimination of open enrollment)4.) Overall community interest in the University

I hope Akron doesn't jump ship, but if you guys are successful, then it's bound to happen. I would love to see the MAC really commit to making itself membership-worthy.

[MaxZIP]

You put a target undegrad number. I stuck with the theme. Not to be too negative but including Canada in your TV viewers is a little questionable. Are there that many Canadian NCAAFB fans out there? Plus how would the BE feel about Buff and Syracuse being togeter? Would that be a rivalry?

I had not realized I did that, nice catch as to Canada.. the market potential is huge. Southern Ontario is Bills Country and the I-Bowl sold more seats with UB there than they ever have before.I think Buffalo and Syracuse would be a great public/private rivalry. And Buff is further from Syracuse than you are from Pittsburgh so both schools have to compete with Market overlap and recruiting pressures. But I will concede that in 90% of ways its a tossup..

Buffalo is about to be the first foreign team in the NFL when they move to Toronto.

[Bull_In_Exile]

You put a target undegrad number. I stuck with the theme. Not to be too negative but including Canada in your TV viewers is a little questionable. Are there that many Canadian NCAAFB fans out there? Plus how would the BE feel about Buff and Syracuse being togeter? Would that be a rivalry?

I had not realized I did that, nice catch as to Canada.. the market potential is huge. Southern Ontario is Bills Country and the I-Bowl sold more seats with UB there than they ever have before.I think Buffalo and Syracuse would be a great public/private rivalry. And Buff is further from Syracuse than you are from Pittsburgh so both schools have to compete with Market overlap and recruiting pressures. But I will concede that in 90% of ways its a tossup..

Buffalo is about to be the first foreign team in the NFL when they move to Toronto.

I hope so, the Bills have been nothing but a pain for 15 years. We all know when Ralph Wilson dies his daughters are going to move the team (and he had the temerity to condemn the brown move while he sets up Toronto). The Bills leaving would be a good thing for sports in the Buffalo Area. With UB slated to grow to 40K students in the next decade or so the infusion into the fan base would demand that UB get into a big name conference.As to the Toronto thing.. as nice as it would be to put the Argo's out of their misery there are a couple of reasons the Bills, if they go, will go elsewhere (1) is a cultural pushback in Canada against American professional football(2) is the fact that the Wilson Girls want a warm climate team in a market with bucks... Expect the bills, if they move, to be the next team to flop in LA