I wrote this in the UCF thread, but's it applicable here, with some additional points:
The Big XII "almost" expansion a while back was the last chance UCF realistically had for a chance at the P5 no matter how many students (not always a plus) or their erector set stadium (already needing serious repairs) The landscape has changed:
- The next rights fee round will not be as lucrative. The tech companies, seen as a saviour, are much smarter with their $$$, E$ECPN, Fox (who just did a deal) are hurting and will pay less...Less money to go around to existing members.
- Prestige/Flash in the pan factor. Nobody wants a directional school not named "Southern California" especially one ranked
#171 in US News. Flash in the pan? Yeah, Swofford allowing entry by Louisville into the ACC is looking dumber by the day. Academic mismatch, scandal-plagued and not winning even the Tax Slayer. Long term, they are a middle feeder and should be jettisoned for someone like Army (football-only). I'm sure the Louisville debacle has been studied (well, laughed at) by the other P5 conferences.
- As a matter of course, SEC entry blocked by UF, ACC entry blocked by FSU/UM
- UCF still only averages 35,000 a home game at the rusty errector set...Hey, they bludgeoned UM with this year in and out, turnabout is fair play on Dan LeRetard's new favorite team.
- Now throw in a meglomaniac AD, enabled by the meglomaniacs at "the Mouse" and you have one ****ed title sponsor and who knows how many P5 power brokers
Finally, if your NATIONAL CHAMPIONS, why is your HC and his whole staff going to 4-8 Nebraska?