First off, I am very supportive of a move up as long as it is to the right conference. From what I understand, the feasibility study has revealed that ASU generates more revenue from tickets, merchandise and corporate sponsors than any team currently in the Sun Belt or MAC. A move to either of these conferences would be lateral at best and a terrible move for the university.
All signs point to Conference USA, which I think would be a great fit for our program. For starters, we would revive pre-existing rivalries with Marshall and East Carolina. The importance of this cannot be underestimated; what is college football without a hated rival? ECU has long since left the Southern Conference, but anybody who remembers Marhall's stay in the SoCon knows how nasty that rivalry was. They were the class of the conference at that time and had fans that loved to tell you about it. As the new SoCon power, I'd welcome the opportunity to move up and show the Herd what we've got going on in Boone these days. Looking back, the timing of that 2009 ECU game couldn't have been better. Losing 29-24 with our best player in street clothes has eaten at me since leaving the stadium that day, and a true in-state rival is exactly what the Mountaineers need. Sorry Catamounts, 18 wins in 75 tries is not a rivalry.
ASU continues to lead the FCS in attendance and already has FBS caliber facilities, so the support is there. An expansion of Kidd Brewer Stadium would be necessary though; 21,650 isn't going to cut it at the next level and end zone seating seems imminent. Despite the long-term need for stadium enhancement, our attendance and overall facilities would be on par with most Conference USA programs as-is.
Although a regular season slate of ECU, Marshall, Central Florida, Tulsa, Houston and SMU seems much more appealing than our current SoCon schedule, there is the obvious issue of the postseason. I love the playoffs. The champion is crowned on the field and if you have a worthy season, you get a shot. However, given the fact that playoff attendance remains shaky and we've got nothing left to prove at the FCS level, I think it is time for a move.
As fans, we have to be realistic. As long as the Mountaineer faithful don't kid themselves with thoughts of Boise State by 2015, this can be an exciting and successful transition. There will be growing pains, and it will take sustained success to get quality non-conference opponents into Boone. Given the proper scheduling, recruiting and patience from the fans, I truly believe that we can increase Boone's visibility on the college football map.
