What's the next realignment domino to fall?

[RoyalShock]

Does anyone blame them? The big question is football? Committing the money to start football at a full FBS level would have to impact other program right?

I don't think you can start at the FBS level. But if your ultimate goal is to get there it is good to know what the financial expectations/requirements will be before you start down the path. You can be sure Bardo will be confident in the ability to raise whatever funds are necessary before even hinting at a commitment. The guy is a visionary and he has already made a major imprint on the campus and academic side of things with a new dorm, another in the planning stages and the innovation campus, of which construction is already underway.

[Red]

I don't think there's any value if the plan is FCS more than a couple of years. You need to get like a billion dollar endowment from the Koch with the intent of moving to the AAC or MWC or just stop.

[Cdizzle]

I don't think there's any value if the plan is FCS more than a couple of years. You need to get like a billion dollar endowment from the Koch with the intent of moving to the AAC or MWC or just stop.

Just about sums it up for me, too. Still, you never know if something like that might actually be possible.

Moving to the AAC without football is the only other attractive and *somewhat* realistic option I see.

[ShoxNAwe]

The goal is to answer the question about football at WSU once and for all, for Bardo's tenure anyway. Maybe some Valley schools and fans would like to contribute to the cause in order to expedite WSU's departure. Write that check today!!

Wouldn't you like to be a fly on the wall in the meeting Bardo and Doug Elgin will have this weekend? Elgin will attend WSU's men's game against Utah and the women's game against Tennessee. Maybe they will strategically pause at the All Sports Trophy case as they stroll around the concourse at Koch Arena, talking about the future of WSU and the MVC.

[Cdizzle]

The goal is to answer the question about football at WSU once and for all, for Bardo's tenure anyway. Maybe some Valley schools and fans would like to contribute to the cause in order to expedite WSU's departure. Write that check today!!

Wouldn't you like to be a fly on the wall in the meeting Bardo and Doug Elgin will have this weekend? Elgin will attend WSU's men's game against Utah and the women's game against Tennessee. Maybe they will strategically pause at the All Sports Trophy case as they stroll around the concourse at Koch Arena, talking about the future of WSU and the MVC.

Timing of going public definitely not a coincidence.

[Red]

The goal is to answer the question about football at WSU once and for all, for Bardo's tenure anyway. Maybe some Valley schools and fans would like to contribute to the cause in order to expedite WSU's departure. Write that check today!!

Wouldn't you like to be a fly on the wall in the meeting Bardo and Doug Elgin will have this weekend? Elgin will attend WSU's men's game against Utah and the women's game against Tennessee. Maybe they will strategically pause at the All Sports Trophy case as they stroll around the concourse at Koch Arena, talking about the future of WSU and the MVC.

Timing of going public definitely not a coincidence.

So it's just posturing? What does WSU want from the Valley?

[unipanther99]

Right... What does an "improved" Valley look like to WSU? (Outside of billions of dollars toward endowments dropping out of thin air.)

[Cdizzle]

The goal is to answer the question about football at WSU once and for all, for Bardo's tenure anyway. Maybe some Valley schools and fans would like to contribute to the cause in order to expedite WSU's departure. Write that check today!!

Wouldn't you like to be a fly on the wall in the meeting Bardo and Doug Elgin will have this weekend? Elgin will attend WSU's men's game against Utah and the women's game against Tennessee. Maybe they will strategically pause at the All Sports Trophy case as they stroll around the concourse at Koch Arena, talking about the future of WSU and the MVC.

Timing of going public definitely not a coincidence.

So it's just posturing? What does WSU want from the Valley?

I don't believe that it's just posturing. I think they are taking an honest look at what all the options are, how stupid or great some of them might be, and what support certain options might garner. But I find it difficult to see the timing of going public as coincidental.

[RoyalShock]

Right... What does an "improved" Valley look like to WSU? (Outside of billions of dollars toward endowments dropping out of thin air.)

In listening to President Bardo I don't think the picture is limited to just endowment or athletics, but all things that make a university. I seem to recall when the decision was made to include Loyola, he made comments about being impressed by their commitment to improving athletic facilities, among other things. It wasn't about what Loyola was at the time, but what they could, and were striving to be.

There is a disconnect due to WSU's unique profile within the Valley. They are the only public university in a semi-major metropolitan area, which means their focus and role in the community is different. So what each of the other nine schools can do to improve their institutions is going to be different, as well.

[McBulldog]

To Royal and some of the other Dingle Berry Head fans, this is not personal or anything, you are great people and all but ... LEAVE! Don't let door hit ya where the good Lord ...

This isn't even a Valley message board anymore. It is smoke and mirrors and really is a Dingle Berry Head board. Owned and operated by Dingle Berry Heads and probably moderated, at least somewhat, out of nice, upscale trailer court.

Good luck to the Shockers! Bye Bye!!!