Getting Ready for 2004 Football is it Spring yet

[bigearl]

WOW, great work Turbine. Thanks, this explains everything. When are NMSU and USU leaving the Belt?

[bigearl]

Turbine, what's the story with Idaho "probably gone?"

[bigearl]

and can we get up to a 12 member conference? Who are possible candidates to join the Belt to get us up to 12? I'm thinking Tech might join, but I'm not sure after that.

[Turbine]

Originally posted by bigearl
Turbine, what's the story with Idaho "probably gone?"

It's just my opinion, but others have it as well, and I'm not the first to state it, I just agree with them.

The WAC is down to 8 members and are in serious danger (at some point in the future) of losing at least another school.

If and when that happens, they would (as it stands now) be left with less than 8 members. When it comes to bowls and bids they would be under the minimum, and I am not so sure a 7 member group could even be called a conference.

Idaho is in their back yard, and would jump for the same reasons New Mexico State and Utah State jumped.

[bigearl]

Makes sense, and I think you're probably right.

[1stTake]

Hey Big Earl I started this thead and I can answer your question. There is no way in a dozen years the Sunbelt can get up to twelve teams.

[bigearl]

Why not? Like you just said, if NMSU and USU would have stayed we'd be at 11. Add Tech and we have 12. I think it is possible and I don;t understand your argument.

[bigearl]

why doesn't Notre Dame ever join a conference? I would think it would be to there benefit to join either the Big 10, or the Big East. I think they will join the Big 10 within the next year or so, then they will have a 12 member conference as well.

[Textitan]

If they actually joined a conference in football (remember this is the only sport they are an independent in) then they would have to give up all of that money from the TV deal with NBC. No other school has this opportunity. Notre Dame will not be giving this up anytime soon.

[bigearl]

good point