By Chris Williams, CycloneFanatic.com Publisher
Earlier today, I gave you just a few of my thoughts on the rumors that are flying around regarding conference expansion. Now, I’ll get to a few of your questions/thoughts from my weekly mailbag segment that I posted earlier this week.
Let’s start off with a comment from NobodyBeatsCy.
NobodyBeatsCy writes: What the hell is ISU doing in the face of the mega-conference threat?!?!
CW: I’m sure that the powers that be in Ames are up to something but I have no clue what. Trust me, I’m not that connected. I’ve written this before and I’ll write it again. I think that a lot of people look at conference realignment and think that this is an athletic director type of decision. While I’m sure guys like Jamie Pollard are in the loop, I highly doubt that at the end of the day, they’ll have a ton of say in the issue. Having said that, when you’re talking about this Big 12-PAC 10 Network, I’m sure that the AD’s are very connected. As far as Iowa State goes, really, what can you do right now? It’s too bad but you’re not that attractive on a national scale. Your football program seems to be growing but it does lack tradition. Geographically, Ames isn’t in an ideal spot. Your bargaining chips are limited. Still, if you read what I posted earlier, you know that I don’t think this whole situation is going to be the end of an era for Iowa State athletics.
Clonefan32 writes: I’ve purposefully evaded the “conference realignment” threads…as an avid Iowa State fans should I:
— Go back and read them, at the risk of being sent into an uncontrollable panic.
— Remain blissfully ignorant on the topic, and deal with the situation when/if it comes.
— Accept our fate and book tickets to the MWC Championship game.
CW: It depends on how much time you have. If you want, you could absorb your life in this discussion. I write that because there is so much crap out there, it isn’t even funny. Yes, I did use the word crap. I chose that because I really believe that the majority of the stuff floating around out there isn’t trust. I think that a lot of people are out in the dark with this issue, regardless of what they lead you to think. When all the smoke has cleared, I hope that you choose number three and support Iowa State athletics no matter what conference they are in.
Cyclonepower writes: Who do you think will be our biggest rival in the MAC? I will go with Northern Ill. I think we will be battling them for recruits.
CW: You’re one of those doom and gloom Fanatics aren’t you? I really don’t see a day where Iowa State is in the MAC. That’s just me. I could be wrong. I just don’t see it.
Wxman1 writes: Are as tired as me with all the crap speculation on conference expansion/realignment? Do people really think were just going to become some no name school in the MAC?
CW: Like two months ago, I was extremely tired of it. But that WHB report from earlier this week was kind of a wake up call for me. The fact that a station like that put their neck on the line is telling to me. I’m not saying that I believe the report. There is just way too much smoke out there. Something is going to happen so I figure it is time for me to start taking this seriously.
Pyrocyz writes: Will the world implode if the Big 10 expands?
CW: Yes. The world as we know it would come to an end. Make sure to stock up on a bunch of everlasting food items and plenty of water.
