UMASS to the MAC

[ultracajun]

This . I was at all 3 but our fanbase is soft AF

Okie lite game had a very nice crowd for a Friday night game . We were up at halftime and then Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weeden decided to go off in the second half

k State game was a great game . Walk off FG win was a good time

The ____ing Boise state game was moved up to a hot September morning for a ____ing podunk tv network that no one even got . It was ridiculous. We got ____ed on that one. One of the hottest games I’ve been to at Cajun field other than the noon Arky State game which was also moved up for bull____ tv. Fat old fans were getting IV’s during that game

No IV for this fattass. I went get custard across the street. lol

[Big Buds]

Going back to UMass, I too think this is a good move. UMass was actually a member of the MAC from 2012-2015, so they're probably familiar with how the conference runs.

I'm starting to notice a trend though. First Army to the AAC, now UMass to the MAC. Is there a reason why these independent schools are joining conferences? My gut feel is that it has something to do with media coverage or something along those lines. I doubt it's easy for crappy programs like UMass or UConn to make a lot of money with TV deals whenever they aren't affiliated with a conference. I think having exposure on ESPN with the MAC will create more $$$ for the school. Just my thoughts tho.

A major shift in College athletics is coming and UMASS sees the writing on the wall. Also, Having a travel partner and a conference full of teams to play makes life much easier scheduling wise. That and the reasons you stated are why.

[tdncz]

I think this makes sense from the MAC perspective. Buffalo was kind of on an island, this gives them another NE presence. I would not at all be surprised if they add another NE school to the mix.

From UMASS perspective this also makes sense. They cannot live as a football independent, and no other conference wants them right now. The only place this hurts is in basketball, where they leave the A-10 for the MAC which would be a step backwards. But in almost all other sports, joining the MAC is an improvement from their current situation. I would not be surprised if the MAC continues to try to get UCONN or Army to join the conference as a football member only or move to get an FCS team in the NE to move up.

Buffalo is less than 200 miles from Akron

[cajun_lannister]

Going back to UMass, I too think this is a good move. UMass was actually a member of the MAC from 2012-2015, so they're probably familiar with how the conference runs.

I'm starting to notice a trend though. First Army to the AAC, now UMass to the MAC. Is there a reason why these independent schools are joining conferences? My gut feel is that it has something to do with media coverage or something along those lines. I doubt it's easy for crappy programs like UMass or UConn to make a lot of money with TV deals whenever they aren't affiliated with a conference. I think having exposure on ESPN with the MAC will create more $$$ for the school. Just my thoughts tho.

Conference are starting to reduce the OC games. Makes scheduling extremely tough.