CAA Realignment

Quinn · **Joined:** Thu Oct 17, 2002 8:05 am **Posts:** 3752

accseahawk wrote:

This is obviously very good news. If the CAA can reaffirm VCU's commitment that would be even better and I am hoping that becomes a reality next week. I am not too optimistic on ODU though because they are all in on football and CUSA is a no brainer b/c they are very unlikely to get a better football deal than that.

If the CAA can get out of this and only lose ODU and Ga St that would be a very very good thing!

I hear ya. ODU is in a spot: if they don't take the invite now, they likely will never will have one in the future. I mean, a 14 school CUSA isn't going to be jumping to 16 too soon...especially if there is some alliance with a 10 (or 12) school MWC. I know CUSA isn't their dream destination, but you have to start somewhere, and CUSA with ECU, MArshall and Charlotte is better than the MAC, which would likely be their only future option.

As for VCU, it will be interesting. With ODU out of the A10 mix for 16, it meant only 1 possible spot in the A10 between GMU and VCU or else the A10 had to expand to 15 schools, with NO #16 options available that would do a thing for the conference.

Will be interesting to see if VCU takes the bait and moves out of the CAA. Figure if ODU is, there is less need to be united with the VA schools, especially given that JMU and UD will always remain flight risks for FBS conferences.

Like you said, should know this week. The CAA really needs VCU to stay. The Paul Hewitt GMU is not the GMU we became accustomed to. VCU though has proven it can handle change year in and year out.

The Bishin Cutter · **Joined:** Mon Apr 16, 2012 11:41 am **Posts:** 537

I take this to mean at least one of the other CAA VA publics are staying put, too.

accseahawk · **Posted:** Fri May 11, 2012 12:52 pm

Quinn wrote:

accseahawk wrote:

This is obviously very good news. If the CAA can reaffirm VCU's commitment that would be even better and I am hoping that becomes a reality next week. I am not too optimistic on ODU though because they are all in on football and CUSA is a no brainer b/c they are very unlikely to get a better football deal than that.

If the CAA can get out of this and only lose ODU and Ga St that would be a very very good thing!

I hear ya. ODU is in a spot: if they don't take the invite now, they likely will never will have one in the future. I mean, a 14 school CUSA isn't going to be jumping to 16 too soon...especially if there is some alliance with a 10 (or 12) school MWC. I know CUSA isn't their dream destination, but you have to start somewhere, and CUSA with ECU, MArshall and Charlotte is better than the MAC, which would likely be their only future option.

As for VCU, it will be interesting. With ODU out of the A10 mix for 16, it meant only 1 possible spot in the A10 between GMU and VCU or else the A10 had to expand to 15 schools, with NO #16 options available that would do a thing for the conference.

Will be interesting to see if VCU takes the bait and moves out of the CAA. Figure if ODU is, there is less need to be united with the VA schools, especially given that JMU and UD will always remain flight risks for FBS conferences.

Like you said, should know this week. The CAA really needs VCU to stay. The Paul Hewitt GMU is not the GMU we became accustomed to. VCU though has proven it can handle change year in and year out.

VCU's biggest CAA rival is ODU so them leaving definitely loosens their tie to the CAA. BUT VCU is taken care of very well in the CAA. They will not get that type of treatment in the A10. I disagree that their were no viable options for the A10 #16, so GMU staying gives me some optimism that VCU will as well.

Losing Ga St. really was not that bad for the CAA and considering their ambitions for FBS it was better to go ahead and get it over with b/c Ga. St really did not fit into the long term plans for the CAA. It was a beneficial relationship for both parties and no hard feelings as it works out better for both parties that Ga St is gone.

Losing ODU was to be expected once they started football. They are in to great of a market to stay FCS, not too mention their outstanding fan support. They have to take this CUSA invite and I think everyone understands that.

Keeping GMU is huge! Keeping GMU means WMU will likely not consider Patriot league overtures and JMU will think long and hard before upgrading to MAC FBS. Will VCU join the A10 by themselves???? I just don't think so as they were hesitant as is to join with GMU. GMU staying could be the final nudge the CAA needed to keep VCU. Also, Charlotte was never really satisfied in the A10 and I think VCU is in a similar situation as pre football Charlotte. A10 is tempting but would a very BIG RISK. I never really thought Delaware would upgrade or they would have done so already. They seem to want all all sports FCS conference and the CAA provides that for them. No one else is really looking to leave.

SO, operating under the assumption that ODU and Ga St are the only 2 losses, the CAA would be wise to add Stony Brook and Coastal Carolina for all sports. App St. would be great but not likely to jump from 1 FCS to another and seem to really want FBS. Coastal would be awesome for UNCW and would make a nice travel partner. The trip down south for the rest of the league would be an easy double shot as opposed to an inconvenient 1 game swing that it is now. Stony Brook fits the CAA profile and is the best northern FCS candidate out there. The division split would be another win.

accseahawk · **Posted:** Fri May 11, 2012 12:56 pm

Also, even if VCU stays and Stony Brook and Coastal are added, I would also push for expansion to 14 with either Davidson and Coc or Boston U and CoC, so the risk of the CAA falling apart does not occur again. Davidson and CoC would be my two choices but Boston U and CoC would be easier for scheduling with 7 northern and 7 southern schools. I think the CAA could snag both of those schools if VCU stays and the conference chooses to go to 14.

Quinn · **Joined:** Thu Oct 17, 2002 8:05 am **Posts:** 3752

accseahawk wrote:

Also, even if VCU stays and Stony Brook and Coastal are added, I would also push for expansion to 14 with either Davidson and Coc or Boston U and CoC, so the risk of the CAA falling apart does not occur again. Davidson and CoC would be my two choices but Boston U and CoC would be easier for scheduling with 7 northern and 7 southern schools. I think the CAA could snag both of those schools if VCU stays and the conference chooses to go to 14.

Love it. Bring some balance to the conference so that depending on what happens in the future, they are safe. Say JMU and UD fo FBS, no worries, since it means they can still look north or south for replacements.

tute79 · **Joined:** Fri Jun 23, 2006 4:25 pm **Posts:** 1490

Stony Brook seem slike an obvious choice for the CAA. In the CAA footprint, plays FCS football, needs a better FCS home than the Big South.
Can't imagine why hey would say no.

Coastal Carolina would be upgrading to a better league.
Before issuign the invitation, I might wait and see what the A-10 does.
A-10 has lost Temple and Charlotte, they need 2 for 14.
If it's VCU, then A-10 may be done, and CAA has to replace Ga. State, VCU, and likely ODU.

CAA's current northern flank appears fragmented... Drexel, Hofstra, Northeastern (none of whom play FB).
I REALLY think a merger with AE would firm up football, and gove those 3 schools some local opponents.
And it would bring Stony Brook football in.
AE mght listen if they thought they were in danger of losing Stony Brook, UNH, Maine in lieu of a merger.

If the CAA tries to grow southward to placate UNCW, they risk alienating Drexel, Hofstra, Northeastern...
Yeager needs to lay out a long-term vision for CAA FB before acting.

I think it's worth studying a merger with AE, and perhaps adding YSU as a FB affiliate (they have to be tired of trips to the Dakotas...)

JPSchmack · **Joined:** Sat Mar 21, 2009 10:21 pm **Posts:** 851

Quinn wrote:

accseahawk wrote:

This is obviously very good news. If the CAA can reaffirm VCU's commitment that would be even better and I am hoping that becomes a reality next week. I am not too optimistic on ODU though because they are all in on football and CUSA is a no brainer b/c they are very unlikely to get a better football deal than that.

If the CAA can get out of this and only lose ODU and Ga St that would be a very very good thing!

I hear ya. ODU is in a spot: if they don't take the invite now, they likely will never will have one in the future. I mean, a 14 school CUSA isn't going to be jumping to 16 too soon...especially if there is some alliance with a 10 (or 12) school MWC. I know CUSA isn't their dream destination, but you have to start somewhere, and CUSA with ECU, MArshall and Charlotte is better than the MAC, which would likely be their only future option.

As for VCU, it will be interesting. With ODU out of the A10 mix for 16, it meant only 1 possible spot in the A10 between GMU and VCU or else the A10 had to expand to 15 schools, with NO #16 options available that would do a thing for the conference.

Will be interesting to see if VCU takes the bait and moves out of the CAA. Figure if ODU is, there is less need to be united with the VA schools, especially given that JMU and UD will always remain flight risks for FBS conferences.

Like you said, should know this week. The CAA really needs VCU to stay. The Paul Hewitt GMU is not the GMU we became accustomed to. VCU though has proven it can handle change year in and year out.

With a George Mason announcement, could it simply be that the A-10 is gonna go to 14 with VCU, had no room for GMU and GMU is saving face by saying "No, A-10, we won't join you!"

accseahawk · **Posted:** Fri May 11, 2012 1:38 pm

JPSchmack wrote:

Quinn wrote:

accseahawk wrote:

This is obviously very good news. If the CAA can reaffirm VCU's commitment that would be even better and I am hoping that becomes a reality next week. I am not too optimistic on ODU though because they are all in on football and CUSA is a no brainer b/c they are very unlikely to get a better football deal than that.

If the CAA can get out of this and only lose ODU and Ga St that would be a very very good thing!

I hear ya. ODU is in a spot: if they don't take the invite now, they likely will never will have one in the future. I mean, a 14 school CUSA isn't going to be jumping to 16 too soon...especially if there is some alliance with a 10 (or 12) school MWC. I know CUSA isn't their dream destination, but you have to start somewhere, and CUSA with ECU, MArshall and Charlotte is better than the MAC, which would likely be their only future option.

As for VCU, it will be interesting. With ODU out of the A10 mix for 16, it meant only 1 possible spot in the A10 between GMU and VCU or else the A10 had to expand to 15 schools, with NO #16 options available that would do a thing for the conference.

Will be interesting to see if VCU takes the bait and moves out of the CAA. Figure if ODU is, there is less need to be united with the VA schools, especially given that JMU and UD will always remain flight risks for FBS conferences.

Like you said, should know this week. The CAA really needs VCU to stay. The Paul Hewitt GMU is not the GMU we became accustomed to. VCU though has proven it can handle change year in and year out.

With a George Mason announcement, could it simply be that the A-10 is gonna go to 14 with VCU, had no room for GMU and GMU is saving face by saying "No, A-10, we won't join you!"

i mean that is definitely a possibility BUT the A10 had been planning to go to 16 w/ Butler, GMU, and VCU so you would think that another #16 could be found in the Horizon or MVC in order to maintain that plan. Plus taking GMU with VCU makes the move to the A10 more attractive for VCU.

Adding another southern school like Coastal to replace Ga St won't rock the boat too much as everyone realizes UNCW needs a southern companion, that was why Ga St was added in the first place to try and meet that need. Adding Stony Brook and Coastal is a net gain for the northern schools because it allows for a true northern division of 6 schools as opposed to the funky scheduling arrangement they have now with only 5. The only way the northern schools get upset would be if all expansion candidates were southern.

Quinn · **Joined:** Thu Oct 17, 2002 8:05 am **Posts:** 3752

accseahawk wrote:

JPSchmack wrote:

Quinn wrote:

accseahawk wrote:

This is obviously very good news. If the CAA can reaffirm VCU's commitment that would be even better and I am hoping that becomes a reality next week. I am not too optimistic on ODU though because they are all in on football and CUSA is a no brainer b/c they are very unlikely to get a better football deal than that.

If the CAA can get out of this and only lose ODU and Ga St that would be a very very good thing!

I hear ya. ODU is in a spot: if they don't take the invite now, they likely will never will have one in the future. I mean, a 14 school CUSA isn't going to be jumping to 16 too soon...especially if there is some alliance with a 10 (or 12) school MWC. I know CUSA isn't their dream destination, but you have to start somewhere, and CUSA with ECU, MArshall and Charlotte is better than the MAC, which would likely be their only future option.

As for VCU, it will be interesting. With ODU out of the A10 mix for 16, it meant only 1 possible spot in the A10 between GMU and VCU or else the A10 had to expand to 15 schools, with NO #16 options available that would do a thing for the conference.

Will be interesting to see if VCU takes the bait and moves out of the CAA. Figure if ODU is, there is less need to be united with the VA schools, especially given that JMU and UD will always remain flight risks for FBS conferences.

Like you said, should know this week. The CAA really needs VCU to stay. The Paul Hewitt GMU is not the GMU we became accustomed to. VCU though has proven it can handle change year in and year out.

With a George Mason announcement, could it simply be that the A-10 is gonna go to 14 with VCU, had no room for GMU and GMU is saving face by saying "No, A-10, we won't join you!"

i mean that is definitely a possibility BUT the A10 had been planning to go to 16 w/ Butler, GMU, and VCU so you would think that another #16 could be found in the Horizon or MVC in order to maintain that plan. Plus taking GMU with VCU makes the move to the A10 more attractive for VCU.

Adding another southern school like Coastal to replace Ga St won't rock the boat too much as everyone realizes UNCW needs a southern companion, that was why Ga St was added in the first place to try and meet that need. Adding Stony Brook and Coastal is a net gain for the northern schools because it allows for a true northern division of 6 schools as opposed to the funky scheduling arrangement they have now with only 5. The only way the northern schools get upset would be if all expansion candidates were southern.

Some misinformation let people to think "16". The A10 was on the record as to thinking that Charlotte and Temple would both be gone for some time now, well before the McMurphy Butler, VCU, GMU article.

We will never know what exactly was going on.

What we do know is this: only 4 schools are close to being quality enough "Gets" for the A10 to expand.

Of those, the #1 was brought in to replace Temple: Butler.

In theory, the A10 then, if they wanted both VCU and GMU, would need a 16th. Since they knew 2 schools would be gone, then expansion plans (we don't know the specific plans) would seem to be to add (2) schools.

Again, Butler #1, and then a 14th for #2.

With ODU in the CUSA mix, and looking like they will join, then that left the original schools mentioned, GMU and VCU for #14.

Seems a bit odd to me that 1 school, GMU, issues a release, rather than the CAA giving a JOINT release that BOTH GMU and VCU are staying (since most expect ODU to leave).

But they didn't.

So until VCU announces they are staying, the CAA needs to be a bit on edge. Because until they do, this GMU announcement might be more like when a coach says "he's remaining at School A and committed to the future there" when in reality, the school passed over the coach to go in another direction.

accseahawk · **Posted:** Fri May 11, 2012 2:08 pm

This is true Quinn. I am just glad that the CAA is not losing a key member like GMU. Losing Ga st, was bearable, losing ODU was sadly expected, losing VCU would suck, but losing all 4 would be crushing and could cause a lot of instability. So no matter how the CAA is keeping GMU, I am just glad that they are in fact keeping GMU. I am hoping however that they still wanted both and GMU independently turned them down and now GMU and the rest of the CAA are using GMU's rejection to pressure VCU to stay.

Fresno St. Alum · **Posted:** Fri May 11, 2012 2:41 pm

You guys are forgetting that Creighton was also brought up as a A10 candidate. They just seem a little far west. So they could have went to 16 w/ them and if VCU says no. I think we'll hear Creighton come up again, they may settle for Detroit as #14, if all the ifs happen

JPSchmack · **Joined:** Sat Mar 21, 2009 10:21 pm **Posts:** 851

Fresno St. Alum wrote:

You guys are forgetting that Creighton was also brought up as a A10 candidate. They just seem a little far west. So they could have went to 16 w/ them and if VCU says no. I think we'll hear Creighton come up again, they may settle for Detroit as #14, if all the ifs happen

I think Creighton would be a good get as well. I don't know how willing the A-10 would be to do that, though.

I know that geography doesn't "matter" in terms of ruling out candidates, but that's pushing it. The Omaha market isn't a big untapped stronghold for the A-10 to go after. Nebraska-Omaha is moving up to D-I and might be a thorn in the side of Creighton. Creighton also just ended a five-year NCAA drought.

I think the best part of adding Creighton is that you also weaken the MVC at the same time C-USA, MWC, CAA and Horizon get weaker. There's could be 2-4 more at-large bids out there because of these changes.

And those are going to go to the ACC and A10.

What makes a league strong is depth. Winning OOC games. Adding the likes of Butler, Creighton, VCU and GMU means that the A-10 can "tone down" their OOC scheduling.

Butler went 6-6 OOC in the Horizon. But they HAD to play Louisville, Xavier, Purdue, Gonzaga and Stanford because their conference was so weak.
VCU played Alabama, USF, Ga Tech, Seton Hall
Creighton played UAB, SDSU, SJU, NW and LBSU
Mason didn't play the tough schedule. They went 9-4 OOC.

You play a 16-game schedule, and get the four newbies playing only two tough opponents each, and going 10-4 OOC, and you've got 13 teams in the league turning in good OOC records, you're going to get bids.

With VCU, Butler, Creighton and Mason you've got brand name recognition to make your CONFERENCE games be your marquee games.

tkalmus · **Joined:** Fri Sep 10, 2010 11:40 pm **Posts:** 1033

This is about a year old...

http://letsgoguins.com/fan-blog/375-fan ... town-state

freaked4collegefb · **Joined:** Tue Jun 13, 2006 2:37 pm **Posts:** 7045

Article out of Richmond with comments from CAA Commish,VCU President and others regarding GMU decision to stay in CAA and ongoing ODU and VCU decisions regarding staying or leaving.Link at http://www2.timesdispatch.com/sports/sp ... ar-1909401

freaked4collegefb · **Joined:** Tue Jun 13, 2006 2:37 pm **Posts:** 7045

Brett McMurphy blog article(previously posted in another thread)reporting that VCU should/could be making a A-10 invite announcement tomorrow.Also,nothing new on ODU/C-USA front.Link at http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketb ... 10-in-2013

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