Waiting on a response, WAC on hold as McNeese weighs invitation
Published 8:27 am Friday, November 5, 2021
- Linebacker Kordell Williams leads McNeese State with a teamhigh 67 tackles and was an integral component in the Cowboys’ 28-20 upset of Incarnate Word last week. McNeese made 10 sacks, forced four turnovers — three interceptions — and limited the Cardinals to a season-low 33 rushing yards. (Rick Hickman / American Press)
As McNeese State ponders its next move on the chess board that is college football realignment, today could be a decisive day.
Having received an official invitation to the Western Athletic Conference earlier in the week, school officials say they are doing their due diligence before joining the restarted football league.
“We are very excited to get the invitation from the WAC,” said McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer. “It has been a lot of hard work by a lot of people to get to this point.”
McNeese and Incarnate Word were the latest Southland Conference teams looking to exit the league over the last two years. Seven football-playing schools have left for other Football Championship Subdivision leagues.
Four Texas schools left for the WAC last year, leaving the SLC with six football members. The league added Texas A&M-Commerce on Sept. 28, with more moves expected.
Meanwhile, Schroyer said he continues to work to give McNeese the best deal possible. He has said all along one thing is clear: the Cowboys are looking for the quickest path to becoming a Football Bowl Subdivision program.
Everybody is looking for the same thing: a quick path to the television and bowl bucks.
Today some of the other pieces could fall into place. Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State could leave Conference USA for the Mid-America Conference, leaving C-USA with three active members.
It has been reported that C-USA has reached out to Liberty, Jacksonville State and current WAC members Sam Houston State and New Mexico State about joining the league. That would leave C-USA one short of being at the NCAA minimum number of eight to stay on the FBS level.
Could McNeese fill that spot?
University officials are quiet about what the next move, if any, might be. However, it would make travel sense if the Cowboys were to partner with Louisiana Tech. Then again, if the four say no Tech and the remaining two, Florida International and Texas-El Paso, would be left looking for a home. Maybe the WAC could come into play for them.
If Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee stay put, then all bets are off, though national reports have them likely on the move.
As for UIW, it is expected to accept the WAC’s invitation sooner rather than later.
Schroyer said there was no time limit given by the WAC on its invitation to McNeese, however he said he would like this wrapped as quick as possible.
