Does UTEP want to be in C-USA long term and see this as an ideal conference for them, or are they just afraid of being left behind in the WAC if Boise ST. and possibly Nevada or Fresno state eventually go to the MTN WEST?
If UTEP joins C-USA and builds there program up to being highly desirable by the MTN. WEST, and they come courting in a few years would the administration of UTEP think of the MTN WEST as a better fit? Or, do they view C-USA as superior and feel it is a long term move?
If/When the MWC ever extends an invite to UTEP - they WILL accept.
My opinion
Considering the WAC just signed a Whopping 1 Million Dollar a Year ESPN Contract plus the fact No One ever Hears about the WAC, I would Say Its a HUGE step Up.
We currently Have what 2 WAC members begging for entry into CUSA?
CUSA = Much Superior Than WAC.
I Meant in comparison the the MTN WEST, but thanks for your input Top USM EAGLE
Only if it would benefit them financially. Miner fans don't want anything to do with the MWC. And the east coast exposure that the Miners would be giving up and also the fact the competition level football wise is the same and basketball probably better in CUSA would lead me to think UTEP would stay. Now if the PAC10 came a calling that would be a different story.
Only if it would benefit them financially. Miner fans don't want anything to do with the MWC. And the east coast exposure that the Miners would be giving up and also the fact the competition level football wise is the same and basketball probably better in CUSA would lead me to think UTEP would stay. Now if the PAC10 came a calling that would be a different story.
I am sure that is true for any school in C-USA.
I'm sure UTEP fans can address this better than me, but here are my thoughts.
1. UTEP struggled for years in a western-based conference. They were never a serious player in Texas recruiting because of their location and the old conference line-up. The entry of SMU, TCU, Rice, Tulsa and later La Tech gave them exposure that they've never had. The MWC, even with TCU, will never offer the advantages of the new CUSA.
2. The same can be said for cultivating the huge alumni presence in Dallas, Houston etc. The distance prevented many alums from seeing the Miners regularly. Playing in front of local alumni chapters helps with fundraising among other benefits.
3. The MWC is an ethically-challenged conference, and of all the teams that were abandoned by those scoundrels, UTEP should have the biggest grudge since they were longtime members and located in the same "footprint". The conference leadership will always cater to BYU, and 3 of the dwarves: Utah, Air Force and CSU, to the detriment of anyone else.
4. MWC has lost more bowls than they have ever gained or successfully started. They are in TV hell with some of the smallest markets with little potential. Hence the selection of TCU. They bring a market and a bowl. I'm still shocked the Frogs would make their bed with those knuckleheads. Oh well, I digress...
5. The Perception/Awareness issue: What the heck is MWC. And for that matter what is the WAC. The conferences have changed so many times that many people think BYU is still in the WAC or confuse the names. CUSA, while still a new and evolving conference as well, has a group of core schools and common values. I see the west side as a very stable and cohesive 5 that will probably stay together for the forseeable future. The east took a hit, but Marshall and UCF filled the gaps quite nicely at least for football. It is a solid 11-team all-sports conference. The conference championship game will be the icing on the cake. The "value" of CUSA is much stronger, IMHO, than anything the WAC or MWC will ever offer.
And now the disclaimer...I am neither for or against any of the three CUSA candidate schools that have been mentioned as of late. I was simply responding to the thread focused on UTEPs probable long-term ambitions.
I'm sure UTEP fans can address this better than me, but here are my thoughts.
1. UTEP struggled for years in a western-based conference. They were never a serious player in Texas recruiting because of their location and the old conference line-up. The entry of SMU, TCU, Rice, Tulsa and later La Tech gave them exposure that they've never had. The MWC, even with TCU, will never offer the advantages of the new CUSA.
2. The same can be said for cultivating the huge alumni presence in Dallas, Houston etc. The distance prevented many alums from seeing the Miners regularly. Playing in front of local alumni chapters helps with fundraising among other benefits.
3. The MWC is an ethically-challenged conference, and of all the teams that were abandoned by those scoundrels, UTEP should have the biggest grudge since they were longtime members and located in the same "footprint". The conference leadership will always cater to BYU, and 3 of the dwarves: Utah, Air Force and CSU, to the detriment of anyone else.
4. MWC has lost more bowls than they have ever gained or successfully started. They are in TV hell with some of the smallest markets with little potential. Hence the selection of TCU. They bring a market and a bowl. I'm still shocked the Frogs would make their bed with those knuckleheads. Oh well, I digress...
5. The Perception/Awareness issue: What the heck is MWC. And for that matter what is the WAC. The conferences have changed so many times that many people think BYU is still in the WAC or confuse the names. CUSA, while still a new and evolving conference as well, has a group of core schools and common values. I see the west side as a very stable and cohesive 5 that will probably stay together for the forseeable future. The east took a hit, but Marshall and UCF filled the gaps quite nicely at least for football. It is a solid 11-team all-sports conference. The conference championship game will be the icing on the cake. The "value" of CUSA is much stronger, IMHO, than anything the WAC or MWC will ever offer.
And now the disclaimer...I am neither for or against any of the three CUSA candidate schools that have been mentioned as of late. I was simply responding to the thread focused on UTEPs probable long-term ambitions.
Damn Kandy,
You nailed that one. Right on every count! 
The only way UTEP goes back to the MWC is if CUSA dies or is on its' last leg and there is no other viable option. :crying:
I agree. Some Miner fans miss the rivalries with the old WAC teams now in the MWC. But as posted above, UTEP did not thrive with the Western school label. Having more of a presence in Texas and further eastward will help UTEP significantly. The MWC can rot for all I care. Should UTEP move to CUSA, I would feel bad for the WAC teams, particularly NMSU. Our leaving the WAC would be the beginning of the end of a conference that was hanging on by a thread.
As far as the MWC goes, however, I would never want to go back there. Of course I'm bitter and biased. If we were invited sometime in the future after joining CUSA, I'm sure it would be considered and accepted only if it made financial sense. Considering the additional exposure UTEP would get in CUSA, going back to being a "western school" might not be so appealing.
I agree. Some Miner fans miss the rivalries with the old WAC teams now in the MWC. But as posted above, UTEP did not thrive with the Western school label. Having more of a presence in Texas and further eastward will help UTEP significantly. The MWC can rot for all I care. Should UTEP move to CUSA, I would feel bad for the WAC teams, particularly NMSU. Our leaving the WAC would be the beginning of the end of a conference that was hanging on by a thread.
As far as the MWC goes, however, I would never want to go back there. Of course I'm bitter and biased. If we were invited sometime in the future after joining CUSA, I'm sure it would be considered and accepted only if it made financial sense. Considering the additional exposure UTEP would get in CUSA, going back to being a "western school" might not be so appealing.
Totally agree..I hate the MWC! There is no way we would go to the MWC..It would probably create a huge backlash for the university if it would consider going with them traitors over there. I would love for UTEP to stay in CUSA as long as it is wanted there.
UTEP stayed in the WAC since the 60's, UTEP will probably also be with CUSA(if invited) for a very long time.
YES TO CUSA, NO TO MOUNTAIN WEAK!
Can't wait to get some of these rivalries goin' in the West!
Does UTEP want to be in C-USA long term and see this as an ideal conference for them, or are they just afraid of being left behind in the WAC if Boise ST. and possibly Nevada or Fresno state eventually go to the MTN WEST?
If UTEP joins C-USA and builds there program up to being highly desirable by the MTN. WEST, and they come courting in a few years would the administration of UTEP think of the MTN WEST as a better fit? Or, do they view C-USA as superior and feel it is a long term move?
They have no choice.
They are, at best, FIFTH on the MWC's wish list behind Boise, Nevada, Fresno and Hawaii.
Where does that leave them?
Could be.
If UTEP blooms, sure they could move up.
If UTEP blooms, it probably means c-usa's doing pretty well.
But, honestly, I'd guess that if the MWC wants them, they'd go. Just like TCU was 5th on the list, their fans loathed the MWC, until they got invited.
Regardless, I don't think that is a consideration.
I dont really see the mt west doing anything real soon. with 9 scheduling and $$$ are at the max. they wouldnt get enough new revenue from champ game to pay for 3 more schools. the only reason to go to 12 would be if they were guaranteed BCS which is unlikely. My guess is Utep would have trouble switching for 3 or 4 years.. for money reasons.
I think Kandy hit the nail right on the head. The only way UTEP would jump ship is if the MWC was doing better and therefor offered more money. A LOT of UTEP brass hold a grudge against the MWC, for the obvious reasons. Plus, the alumni base in Texas will love the fact that we are playing against Texas Teams and our recruiting efforts will be aided by that fact as well.
I think Kandy hit the nail right on the head. The only way UTEP would jump ship is if the MWC was doing better and therefor offered more money. A LOT of UTEP brass hold a grudge against the MWC, for the obvious reasons. Plus, the alumni base in Texas will love the fact that we are playing against Texas Teams and our recruiting efforts will be aided by that fact as well.
Well, according to my sources, Shreveport city officials offered the I-Bowl to the MWC if they would take UTEP. :wave:
Well, according to my sources, Shreveport city officials offered the I-Bowl to the MWC if they would take UTEP. :wave:
Don't DO that! :chair:
*wiping tea & cough medicine off monitor*
:laugh:
I think Kandy hit the nail right on the head. The only way UTEP would jump ship is if the MWC was doing better and therefor offered more money. A LOT of UTEP brass hold a grudge against the MWC, for the obvious reasons. Plus, the alumni base in Texas will love the fact that we are playing against Texas Teams and our recruiting efforts will be aided by that fact as well.
Well, according to my sources, Shreveport city officials offered the I-Bowl to the MWC if they would take UTEP. :wave:
Might be the funniest post EVER on the subject of expansion. 
By the time UTEP would even be considered by the MWC, its new contract would have been made (with the lower $$$). It has now three name programs (BYU, AFA, and TCU) and some nice state schools with modest followings. But more particularly UTEP is one of the Universities of Texas and wants to be included in a league with Texas based schools. The MWC can offer up one. CUSA offers up three plus Tulane and Tulsa. They will not leave CUSA for the MWC unless CUSA is on life support. I am certain the TCU will after a few years make a push for another Southwestern school to be added to the MWC either UTEP or another CUSA school.
Does UTEP want to be in C-USA long term and see this as an ideal conference for them, or are they just afraid of being left behind in the WAC if Boise ST. and possibly Nevada or Fresno state eventually go to the MTN WEST?
If UTEP joins C-USA and builds there program up to being highly desirable by the MTN. WEST, and they come courting in a few years would the administration of UTEP think of the MTN WEST as a better fit? Or, do they view C-USA as superior and feel it is a long term move?
They have no choice.
They are, at best, FIFTH on the MWC's wish list behind Boise, Nevada, Fresno and Hawaii.
Where does that leave them?
PD, for once we agree, You are absolutely correct. UTEP is AT BEST the MWC's 5th preferred choice.
So, how does that make you feel? CUSA will be getting somebody elses' 5th choice. Is that any way to build a conference?
HD
There is one good thing about UTEP, they only have 4 men's sports teams, so Marshall, CFla and E Carolina won't have to make many long trips in the men's minor sports. The Women's teams, well that's another story!! :D
If UTEP goes to CUSA, it's only a matter of time before New Mexico State (NMSU) will pass the Miners by.
Most of you CUSA fans have never been to El Paso, so you are very unfamiliar with the "western" culture in the area. To be sure, it's a beautiful culture........but make no mistake, it's a WESTERN culture, with very little in common with the east.
As stated before, El Paso is closer to California than it is to Dallas or Houston. The people of El Paso act, sleep, breath, think and live a WESTERN life, not eastern. Because of their commitment to the western culture, the average layman in metro El Paso is MUCH more interested in WAC sports than CUSA sports. Afterall, they've been following WAC sports for 40 years.
The people of El Paso know Fresno St., Hawaii, SJSU and Nevada (even though Nevada has only been in the WAC for 4 years.) And they know NMSU too. But they DON'T know UCF, Tulane, UAB, ECU, USM, Memphis and Marshall. Now that NMSU will be flourishing in the new WESTERN based WAC, NMSU will outrecruit and outperform UTEP on every level.
This is why NMSU will become STRONGER and STRONGER over the next few years and UTEP will only become weaker if the Miners join CUSA. NMSU, located only 35 miles from El Paso, will become "our WAC team" to the locals.
The best athletes and best students from Dallas and Houston DO NOT attend UTEP. They have too many other GOOD college choices. UTEP can't compete. Most of UTEP's students and athletes come from El Paso proper and New Mexico. CUSA can't change that.
HD
I think Houston would be invited before UTEP. TCU wants company and wants Houston.
If UTEP goes to CUSA, it's only a matter of time before New Mexico State (NMSU) will pass the Miners by.
Most of you CUSA fans have never been to El Paso, so you are very unfamiliar with the "western" culture in the area. To be sure, it's a beautiful culture........but make no mistake, it's a WESTERN culture, with very little in common with the east.
As stated before, El Paso is closer to California than it is to Dallas or Houston. The people of El Paso act, sleep, breath, think and live a WESTERN life, not eastern. Because of their commitment to the western culture, the average layman in metro El Paso is MUCH more interested in WAC sports than CUSA sports. Afterall, they've been following WAC sports for 40 years.
The people of El Paso know Fresno St., Hawaii, SJSU and Nevada (even though Nevada has only been in the WAC for 4 years.) And they know NMSU too. But they DON'T know UCF, Tulane, UAB, ECU, USM, Memphis and Marshall. Now that NMSU will be flourishing in the new WESTERN based WAC, NMSU will outrecruit and outperform UTEP on every level.
This is why NMSU will become STRONGER and STRONGER over the next few years and UTEP will only become weaker if the Miners join CUSA. NMSU, located only 35 miles from El Paso, will become "our WAC team" to the locals.
The best athletes and best students from Dallas and Houston DO NOT attend UTEP. They have too many other GOOD college choices. UTEP can't compete. Most of UTEP's students and athletes come from El Paso proper and New Mexico. CUSA can't change that.
HD
UTEP fans pay money to see UTEP, they are not like Louisiana Tech fans who won't go to the games unless they like the other team. If your assertion is correct how do you explain our sellout crowds against central time zone teams?
"As stated before, El Paso is closer to California than it is to Dallas or Houston. The people of El Paso act, sleep, breath, think and live a WESTERN life, not eastern. Because of their commitment to the western culture, the average layman in metro El Paso is MUCH more interested in WAC sports than CUSA sports. Afterall, they've been following WAC sports for 40 years. "
*****What does this mean? I live in El Paso and don't relate with Californians. The culture in El Paso is similar to the culture in San Antonio. Does San Antonio have a "western culture" How many WAC fans are there in San Antonio? Sure, most El Pasoans are much more interested in the WAC than in CUSA. Let's think about this. Perhaps that's because UTEP is currently in the WAC and not CUSA. Certainly a strong possibility.********
"The people of El Paso know Fresno St., Hawaii, SJSU and Nevada (even though Nevada has only been in the WAC for 4 years.) And they know NMSU too. But they DON'T know UCF, Tulane, UAB, ECU, USM, Memphis and Marshall. Now that NMSU will be flourishing in the new WESTERN based WAC, NMSU will outrecruit and outperform UTEP on every level."
******The people in El Paso do know the teams you mentioned. They also know Tulsa, Rice, and SMU. Why? These are the teams we have been playing the last couple of years. Rivalries were beginning to develop with Nevada because both teams did well this past year.
As far as NMSU outrecruiting UTEP. Puhleez! UTEP's increased presence in eastward will do wonders for recruiting. I'm sure out of conference schedules will include western schools. We'll have the best of both worlds.**********
"This is why NMSU will become STRONGER and STRONGER over the next few years and UTEP will only become weaker if the Miners join CUSA. NMSU, located only 35 miles from El Paso, will become "our WAC team" to the locals."
****Do you honestly expect anyone to believe that the people of El Paso are Miner fans because of the WAC!?! We are Miner fans because we're in El Paso-Hello! To think that El Pasoans will suddenly switch loyalties to NMSU is completely insane.********
"The best athletes and best students from Dallas and Houston DO NOT attend UTEP. They have too many other GOOD college choices. UTEP can't compete. Most of UTEP's students and athletes come from El Paso proper and New Mexico. CUSA can't change that."
*******You're right, UTEP is not currently getting the best athletes in Dallas and Houston. Perhaps that's because there is no exposure in Dallas in Houston. Even though we've been playing there recently, with the WAC's pathetic TV contract, nobody realizes the Miners are playing there. Aligning with Texas schools in a more eastern conference will increase exposure and improve recruiting. Having been to the big dance this year and having Mike Price on board will certainly not hurt.
UTEP to CUSA is good for UTEP and good for CUSA. UTEP's momentum will continue to build with the move, all these "western-cultured" fans will fill up the Sun Bowl and the Haskins Center, and that will be good for the conference. :rofl:
Most of you CUSA fans have never been to El Paso, so you are very unfamiliar with the "western" culture in the area. To be sure, it's a beautiful culture........but make no mistake, it's a WESTERN culture, with very little in common with the east.
As stated before, El Paso is closer to California than it is to Dallas or Houston. The people of El Paso act, sleep, breath, think and live a WESTERN life, not eastern.
HD
At the end of the day, El Pasoans are Texans. El Paso is tied in a lot more ways to Texas than to points west.
Politics, culture, alumni base, etc.
CUSA is a step in the right direction for UTEP.
This is why NMSU will become STRONGER and STRONGER over the next few years and UTEP will only become weaker if the Miners join CUSA. NMSU, located only 35 miles from El Paso, will become "our WAC team" to the locals.
HD
This has to be one the dumbest things I have read by any Tech fan yet..
Why would UTEP fans care about NMSU all of a sudden? Just because they are going to be in the WAC now? NO WAY!!.. UTEP fans love UTEP because its UTEP, even if it played in the WAC or Sunbelt or CUSA..or you name it...UTEP will be loved by its fans no matter what. Luckily for UTEP (Unlike Lousiana Tech) our university doesnt have to compete with other teams for fan support in El Paso. It's the main attraction in town. If I was one of you Tech fans I would worry more about other Tech fans not wanting to see L.Tech play in a weaker WAC in the future...than worrying about UTEP fans going to see UTEP games in the CUSA.
Louisiana Tech fans ..please dont worry about how UTEP will do in the CUSA.. Let us UTEP fans worry about that. You guys just need to worry about your Tech's future.
Does UTEP want to be in C-USA long term and see this as an ideal conference for them, or are they just afraid of being left behind in the WAC if Boise ST. and possibly Nevada or Fresno state eventually go to the MTN WEST?
If UTEP joins C-USA and builds there program up to being highly desirable by the MTN. WEST, and they come courting in a few years would the administration of UTEP think of the MTN WEST as a better fit? Or, do they view C-USA as superior and feel it is a long term move?
They have no choice.
They are, at best, FIFTH on the MWC's wish list behind Boise, Nevada, Fresno and Hawaii.
Where does that leave them?
PD, for once we agree, You are absolutely correct. UTEP is AT BEST the MWC's 5th preferred choice.
So, how does that make you feel? CUSA will be getting somebody elses' 5th choice. Is that any way to build a conference?
HD
Well Hogwash, how does it make you feel to know that La Tech is NOBODIES choice?
We should probably cut HogDawg and other La Tech fans some slack for their attacks on UTEP. At least until the dust settles on this issue. But it is getting more difficult to avoid getting pissed at some of the remarks.
To sum up Miner fan feelings towards most (not all) C-USA schools:
May you live long and prosper! The exlcluded schools would be those that vote against us, of course.
To sum up Miner fans feelings towards ALL mwc schools:
Eat dirt and die ugly.
To sum up Miner fans feelings towards ALL mwc schools:
Eat dirt and die ugly.
I echo what you said. Conference USA will never have to worry about us jumping to another non-bcs conference, let alone the hated MWC. Even though we appreciate the fact that TCU created this opening for us in Conference USA we still think the frogs are making a huge mistake that will set them back many years.
To sum up Miner fans feelings towards ALL mwc schools:
Eat dirt and die ugly.
I echo what you said. Conference USA will never have to worry about us jumping to another non-bcs conference, let alone the hated MWC. Even though we appreciate the fact that TCU created this opening for us in Conference USA we still think the frogs are making a huge mistake that will set them back many years.
You guys need to send a case of wine and several boxes of cigars to the TCU administration this XMAS. :D
(might wanna do the same for Gillespie, because even though he left, you gotta admit that you guys sure picked a good time to turn back the clock to the glory days)
