"Does conference realignment pay off?"

by **jsaluki080** » February 6th, 2022, 7:32 am

Since conference realignment has been an extremely hot topic here recently, I thought I'd link this article and get your thoughts on it.

https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bulls/2 ... -research/

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by **MVCfans** » February 6th, 2022, 9:35 am

This article seems specific to FBS football realignment. If conference moves focused on college basketball were viewed separately, I think there might be a different conclusion.

by **TBS_20** » February 6th, 2022, 1:28 pm

Overall, I think the MVC is a stronger conference than what they were 3 months ago. However, I dont think that'll translate to more bids. Still, 1 with the occasional 2.

by **Action10** » February 6th, 2022, 1:41 pm

TBS_20 wrote:Overall, I think the MVC is a stronger conference than what they were 3 months ago. However, I dont think that'll translate to more bids. Still, 1 with the occasional 2.

Are you thinking that Murray State and Belmont will show regression or is there some other reason?

by **RacerJoeD** » February 6th, 2022, 1:54 pm

That’s the crux of the question. I mean, Murray and Belmont have made the OVC a multibid conference. Putting them into a conference 10 places higher in the rankings can’t hurt

by **racernation** » February 6th, 2022, 5:36 pm

I'm gonna say what many Racer fans are thinking. Next year is PIVOTAL for Murray. If Coach McMahon leaves, if Tevin Brown and KJ Williams forgo their covid year, and since MVC competition is significantly better than the OVC, things could get ugly quick. If all that happens, hoping it's a fluke season and we can rebuild.

by **RacerJoeD** » February 6th, 2022, 8:07 pm

That’s too short sighted. It will absolutely pay off for Murray State

by **Redbird82** » February 6th, 2022, 9:30 pm

RacerJoeD wrote:That’s the crux of the question. I mean, Murray and Belmont have made the OVC a multibid conference. Putting them into a conference 10 places higher in the rankings can’t hurt

If I’m looking at it correctly, in the last 30+ years the OVC has had 1 at large bid despite Murray and Belmont success. If that’s correct why do we assume the MVC will now be a consistent 2 bid conference?

by **BCPanther** » February 6th, 2022, 9:40 pm

Redbird82 wrote:
RacerJoeD wrote:That’s the crux of the question. I mean, Murray and Belmont have made the OVC a multibid conference. Putting them into a conference 10 places higher in the rankings can’t hurt

If I’m looking at it correctly, in the last 30+ years the OVC has had 1 at large bid despite Murray and Belmont success. If that’s correct why do we assume the MVC will now be a consistent 2 bid conference?

Belmont has only been in the league for 8 years.

Also, there's nothing they can do about the boat anchors that are the rest of the league.

by **MissouriValleyUnite** » February 6th, 2022, 10:02 pm

Redbird82 wrote:
RacerJoeD wrote:That’s the crux of the question. I mean, Murray and Belmont have made the OVC a multibid conference. Putting them into a conference 10 places higher in the rankings can’t hurt

If I’m looking at it correctly, in the last 30+ years the OVC has had 1 at large bid despite Murray and Belmont success. If that’s correct why do we assume the MVC will now be a consistent 2 bid conference?

The OVC is perennially ranked in the 20s which makes it near impossible for Murray/Belmont. Half the league, or close to it, is ranked in the 300s year after year.

Murray’s 2012 team would’ve gotten an at-large (6-seed) and Belmont’s 2019 team did get an at-large.

The only other examples I can think of with at-larges by leagues ranked that low are 2012 Iona and 2006 Bucknell (if they didn’t win Patriot autobid, 9-seed). It almost never happens in those lower leagues.