Exactly. Leaving the WAC after that stupid expansion saved the original MWC schools. I like the idea of 12 for the championship game, but hate how much it dilutes rivalries. It blows that the MWC champion is sometimes crowned with a week or two to go, or on the road after beating the last place team. Very undramatic. If we were going to go for 12, we'd need three teams. We can't kick anyone out. Imagine if after the Vic K era, the MWC booted Wyoming. Not cool. Thats said, you are not touching the Pac 10 or the Big 12. I also do not support the idea of bringing in ANY 1-AA schools. Montana is a good school with great 1-AA tradition, but would get smacked around for several years, and may never adjust. Not to mention, I think they prefer 1-AA. Plus, how is that upgrading the conf? Boise St. is an obvious good choice. Very strong, up and coming football team, that already has some ties with current teams. Would be much like the TCU addition. Average b-ball team, but thats less of the concern. Plus we dont have any orange yet, lol!
The only other WAC team I'd support bringing in is Nevada, and only mildly at this point. Fresno maybe, as they were an original WAC and have average to good F-ball and B-ball. But thats another Cali team, and we are not the Pacific West Conference. Hawaii is suddenly very strong at football, but NO ONE wants that again. Flying half way to Asia for a 2 hour basketball game is simply not worth it. Sorry. Nevada brings an average football team, and a pretty strong b-ball team, as well as good location and a rivalry with UNLV, who lets face it, doesnt have one with any current MWC school. And this conference has been down somewhat recently in basketball. That leaves on more slot. I vote UTEP. Again an original WAC foe, and again decent in both major sports. Also additonal Texas recruiting.
Organization:
MWC North:
Wyoming
CSU
BYU
Utah
Boise St.
Air Force
MWC South:
TCU
SDSU
New Mexico
UNLV
Nevada
UTEP
The con of this arrangement is a stronger North for football from top to bottom, although TCU may still keep the championships equal. Would be very equal for basketball, and very good geographically. This would actually be a great b-ball conference!! BYU, Utah, AFA, SDSU, New Mexico, UNLV, Nevada!!! And Wyoming and UTEP have their years.