REPORT: Murray to the Valley?

[BCPanther]

As I have stated in an earlier post, I have no idea whether or not Missouri state is going to make a move this time around. However, I think some of you are delusional if you think that there’s not gonna be a lot more conference reshuffling in the next couple of years that will affect the MVC. I think we’re going to lose some private schools to places like the A-10 and the Big East. It’s a risk that you run with a bunch of small private Universities. I’m certainly not knocking them, I love being in a conference with them but it is reality.

I truly believe that the Bears Will be going to FBS if not this time around then the next time around. Most people around Springfield want to see it happen. Just my two cents worth.

I completely agree about Missouri State. It's been the goal since Smart got the job. Frankly, Missouri State is no longer a cultural fit and I totally understand them wanting to be with more like minded institutions. I don't think CUSA is it but something will be.

I struggle with the A10. Is it really a step up? That league is the Valley except it has the East Coast media buzz and the bottom is just an absolute trainwreck. I see so many sides to that league when it comes to Loyola and Bradley.

[Drakey]

I'm fairly sure that FBS Football at the Conference USA level is a money loser regardless of the payout. Obviously some schools are willing and able to pay that price. I assume it is based on a belief that the exposure will increase enrollment? I'm fairly confident that no private university can move to FBS unless they are backed by big religion or have some other never ending source of income. The only private school to move to FBS this century is Liberty.

[MSUBear42]

If the Valley can survive and thrive after losing Creighton and Wichita, I think we'll be fine in the event that Missouri State decides to pursue their football dreams. I would feel bad for actual MSU basketball fans though.

Why would you feel bad? Our best years in our history all came in the Mid Continent Conference, a lesser league. As long as we keep funding the program the way we have, we will be alright. Best arena in MVC -> Best arena in CUSA.

[mvfcfan]

Does anyone actually think Murray State is joining the Valley at this point? I sure don't.

Why should Missouri State stay? I doubt a school as big as MSU has long term goals of hanging out with little bitty private schools and several public schools that have seen better days. They'd be better off testing the FBS waters. You can always go FCS again (see Idaho). If CUSA adds Liberty, NM State, and keeps schools like WKU and MTSU that league will be fine for hoops.

[Kyle_Saluki_17]

If the Valley can survive and thrive after losing Creighton and Wichita, I think we'll be fine in the event that Missouri State decides to pursue their football dreams. I would feel bad for actual MSU basketball fans though.

Why would you feel bad? Our best years in our history all came in the Mid Continent Conference, a lesser league. As long as we keep funding the program the way we have, we will be alright. Best arena in MVC -> Best arena in CUSA.

Using that logic, I'm pretty sure that the OVC has openings as well. Go for the tournament! Lol

[BEARZ77]

Some of you seem to want to turn this conversation ugly but I'm not sure why. I don't think that will serve any good purpose for the board, but choose your path. Personally I have nothing but good things to say about the Valley overall , and generally hope we stay for the long term; but conference affiliations like many other aspects of collegiate sports are undergoing huge shifts and I certainly won't apologize for MSU trying to look after it's best interests even if I don't always agree with our choices. Unlike WSU , I don't think the majority of Missouri State fans see MSU as being above the Valley, and we wouldn't be moving for that line of thinking.I don't recall seeing any scathing posts from MSU fans about getting out of the Valley and disparaging conference rivals . But some here seem to want to go that way towards MSU and are being disingenuous , because I frequent most team fan boards here and it's a rare board that doesn't have fans speculating or some wishing they could move to a next level league at some point. But like i said, choose your path.

[Drakey]

Some of you seem to want to turn this conversation ugly but I'm not sure why. I don't think that will serve any good purpose for the board, but choose your path. Personally I have nothing but good things to say about the Valley overall , and generally hope we stay for the long term; but conference affiliations like many other aspects of collegiate sports are undergoing huge shifts and I certainly won't apologize for MSU trying to look after it's best interests even if I don't always agree with our choices. Unlike WSU , I don't think the majority of Missouri State fans see MSU as being above the Valley, and we wouldn't be moving for that line of thinking.I don't recall seeing any scathing posts from MSU fans about getting out of the Valley and disparaging conference rivals . But some here seem to want to go that way towards MSU and are being disingenuous , because I frequent most team fan boards here and it's a rare board that doesn't have fans speculating or some wishing they could move to a next level league at some point. But like i said, choose your path.

I think most posters on here are basketball fans and football is not a consideration, hence the confusion as to why MSU would want to leave. Obviously MSU had aspirations of being a football school, so they have no choice but to find a conference that will allow them to be an FBS team. Obviously conference USA is not a "next level league" in Basketball, and may not even be in Football, but they do play an FBS schedule in theory. Maybe moving to a conference like that enables Missouri State to be in some conference with legit FBS schools in 30 years. I really don't think that the Power 5 are going to want the pool to expand, but who knows.

[squirrel]

I don't care one way or another if MSU stays or goes. Being prepared to make the move is great. They are there. But again, a bride in the nicest dress still needs a groom and an opportunity to wear it.

Ask Murray State how their overt commitment to joining the Valley has worked out for them so far.

While joining CUSA gives them a seat at the table, there really is no other unifying or geographic structure to that league at this time. They may make a go of it for a few years with some desperate adds, but long-term, I think even that future CUSA splits.

[BCPanther]

If anybody is begrudging Missouri State for this, or anybody else that would choose the FBS route, they haven't been paying attention for the last decade and have been living in a hole for the past 3 months.

Football drives the bus. Period. If you can improve your football situation, you improve your departments total financial situation. Full stop. That doesn't even take the positive impact it has on enrollment and research dollars and the entire academic side into account.

FCS football will be, if it's not already, the third tier of college football. The SEC, Big Ten, ACC and PAC12 are going to be done playing anybody outside those leagues within the next decade and at that point you've got separation and the FCS is dead. Missouri State is really smart to be getting out in front of it and the rest of the MVC football schools need to act as well. The non-footballs also need to realize that it's in their best interest to support that or be damn sure that they can get into the A10 or they're in a really bad spot.

[BEARZ77]

I think basing decisions on football at our level given it will always be a money loser is a strange dynamic. And I think any thoughts that moving to an FBS conference will somehow pay off with a better invite down the road is very very wishful at best, probably borderline delusional. But it's not like staying pat has any glittering future promises either, so........ It's all just collegiate athletics ; luv em, but learned not to see it as anything more. I root for Missouri State,wherever , whenever.