The Service Academies

[All4SU]

I'm not naive enough to think there is any justice in this conference shifting process. But one group of teams I feel for are Army, Navy and Air Force. Granted, Army and Navy deliberately tried to downgrade their scheduling a short while back. But to me, any conversation about which teams can and cannot compete for a national championship needs to include those three. True they are undersized, sometimes lacking in speed, and unable to recruit the "special student athletes" that many D1 schools can sneak into a curriculum. But they are important to keep in the mix.

 

[MCuse44]

im glad we are in a stable conference now, but ive always had a hard time believing this whole thing can do down leaving people out. sure the money will be consolidated but everyone will still have a shot (whatever that means).

no way i can believe people will be shut out.

 

[TexanMark]

Air Force is still in the MWC. Are they any more deserving than Boise? Army and Navy were asked by the BE to join...they said no...they made their bed.

I still don't think 4/16/64 is the end all...they have to build in guarantees for inclusion for the Misfit Toys, MWC, C-Ugly and indy ND/BYU.

 

[All4SU]

Mark, I thought you of all people would jump in to the aid of the Academies. I know what you're saying. And I understand the Superconference model. I just don't think teams should be left out in the cold -- most specifically, those three. From a pure football on-the-field standpoint, of course Boise State is more "deserving" -- whatever that means these days. But Army, Navy, and AF are the best of our student athlete model. I don't want to see them downgraded to the Patriot League. (Even though the name would fit.)

 

[Scooch]

What cold is someone being left out in?

There is not going to be a true playoff. Maybe a +1 at best. There will be the usual provisions for the have-nots to make a BCS bowl game if they rank high enough.

Not sure what the academies have to do with anything.

 

[TexanMark]

Well realistically they will still survive even if they have no realistic shot at the BCS...those kids are playing for different reasons. I see Army, Navy and Air Force comfortable if a new mid major tier evolves with their own championship...they would even thrive there. They will always be in demand as OOC opponents for the Big Boys. I understand what you are saying but reality is saying something else. Yes, the Academies should still be playing a mix of BCS, Mid Tier and Low Tier teams to get winning records. I think it stays that way.