The news broke today that UMass might be leaving the CAA to play football in the MAC. If it happens, UMass would play a provisional FBS schedule the next two seasons and then join their new conference in 2013.<\/p>\n
It also so happens that just yesterday the powers that be in the CAA tweeted that a major announcement was to be made today. Folks who hoped it would be related to this UMass news were probably disappointed. It turns out the “big announcement” was that CAA tourney tickets go on sale this week, making the news the real world equivalent of “be sure to drink your Ovaltine.” Unfortunate timing aside, if the CAA won’t comment, JMUSB will.<\/p>\n
Assuming UMass makes the move, that would make UNH and Maine virtually cut off from the rest of the league. Rhode Island announced that they are leaving for the NEC, and Northeastern and Hofstra already closed shop. Add in the fact that UNH and Maine don’t have the facilities or fan support of many of the other CAA schools and the fact that they are football only schools, and it sure seems feasible that they’d be open to finding a new conference. <\/p>\n
We also need to consider the fact that Villanova could be on the way out. They’ve got an offer on the table from the Big East. So even with the addition of ODU and Georgia State, the CAA could be down a few teams by 2013. If that happens, there might not be that many schools able to fill in. App State would be most fans’ choice, but they are seriously looking into moving to FBS already. The CAA is the premier FCS conference so you’d think schools would be eager to join. I’m not sure there are schools ready to commit the resources required to be competitive in the league however. <\/p>\n
This really might be a situation where the dominos are starting to fall in a way that not only changes the CAA, but drastically alters FCS football as a whole. It just isn’t feasible for the CAA to replace members by poaching the top programs from other leagues. There isn’t enough depth in the other leagues to withstand the losses and stay competitive. You can’t make a “super conference” in FCS so that the playoffs are literally less of a challenge than the regular season. Nor can you expect schools try to compete “on a budget” while other schools like, say JMU, invest tens of millions of dollars in their programs. It just won’t work. FCS football isn’t the moneymaker BCS football is.<\/p>\n
We don’t know what is going to happen, but I think it’s pretty clear JMU won’t be playing in this CAA in a few years. A serious shake up is coming. Whether that means JMU, the CAA, and a select few try to form a FBS league on their own, it becomes a mad dash for each school to go it alone, or something else altogether is unknown. However it plays out, JMU is in a good position. The school is investing big time in the program and should be set to compete for FCS championships, or move up if the opportunity presents itself. Assuming of course the offense can score more than two touchdowns a game that is. <\/p>\n