UNT and the AAC During Conference Realignment

[MeanGreenGlory]

I have no idea where everything will stand once the dust settles…

However, I’m happy to know that we'll be in the AAC with Aresco who is a more strategic, vocal, and pro-active commissioner. This increases our chances of being in a better conference when the music stops compared to our chances if we remained in CUSA.

 

AAC

The American went big last year, adding six Conference USA schools after losing three to the Big 12 (and being turned down by the Mountain West four). Only Memphis and SMU appear to be potential Power 5 targets this time if spots open up.

But the AAC, too, could be interested in Washington State and Oregon State if the Pac-12 falls apart. The AAC already looked to the Pacific time zone last year with its Mountain West targets.

The American could pitch a higher TV payout. The Mountain West pays around $4 million per school as part of its Fox/CBS deal, while the remaining eight original AAC schools earn more than $6 million from its ESPN deal, both numbers that could increase with the Pac-12 leftovers (the six new AAC schools will receive a smaller share).

“At the end of the day, the American has a chance to stay stable and/or potentially pick up a team or two if all hell breaks loose,” the source said.

Full article: https://theathletic.com/3403475/2022/07/06/college-football-realignment-mountain-west-aac/?amp=1

Edited July 6, 2022 by MeanGreenGlory

[outoftown]

I will say this for C-USAs current state: Other than losing maybe UTEP and NMSU to a backfilling MWC, I cannot really see what they could lose this time around. And losing those programs may actually be beneficial in terms of creating an identity, which the conference sorely lacked.

As for the AAC, chances are this is gonna be stablizing the conference, as it might put squash the hopes of SMU and Memphis etc to join the BIG12, should the Big12 manage to add a few PAC10 teams. Seems like the most probable outcome. However if that does not come to pass, and instead the PAC10 stays stable and picks of some MWC or Big12 teams, then the AAC may lose all the momentum and identity it has and become a new version of the C-USA hell NT was just in.

Edited July 6, 2022 by outoftown

[meangreen11]

Wow that is wild.  Oregon State and Washington State would be good adds in my opinion.  And yes give Aresco and the AAC prez's credit as they outplayed the MWC in chess it appears.

 

[meanJewGreen]

1 hour ago, meangreen11 said:

Wow that is wild.  Oregon State and Washington State would be good adds in my opinion.  And yes give Aresco and the AAC prez's credit as they outplayed the MWC in chess it appears.

 

The MwC has some awesome schools, but AAC offers much better traveling opps for our fans… we don’t travel great as is 

[UNTcrazy727]

I think it's safe to say any changes to the AAC will be the addition of teams, not subtraction. I keep seeing people mentioning SMU as a candidate for PAC 12 expansion and its hilarious. Only way that happens is if the Pac 12 is cut down to WSU, Cal, Oregon State and merges with the MWC. And at that point is it even worth it? 

[NT80]

7 hours ago, UNTcrazy727 said:

I think it's safe to say any changes to the AAC will be the addition of teams, not subtraction. I keep seeing people mentioning SMU as a candidate for PAC 12 expansion and its hilarious. Only way that happens is if the Pac 12 is cut down to WSU, Cal, Oregon State and merges with the MWC. And at that point is it even worth it? 

Smut is not going anywhere.  The school is too small, alumni numbers too small, lousy attendance, and being a religious school is an issue for some.

The PAC brand still has greater name value than the MWC.  The PAC leftovers should just invite the MWC to merge into it and all stay western based.  

[UNTLifer]

10 hours ago, NT80 said:

Smut is not going anywhere.  The school is too small, alumni numbers too small, lousy attendance, and being a religious school is an issue for some.

The PAC brand still has greater name value than the MWC.  The PAC leftovers should just invite the MWC to merge into it and all stay western based.  

I agree, but SMU is religious in name only.

[drex]

How long has it been since SMU used Southern Methodist University in its literature, etc.? TCU, too, for that matter.

[southsideguy]

A friend daughter went to the TCU and they just about said in the orientation Christian is not really part of the University now.  Just a name to them and SMUT I am sure.