I keep going back and forth on this, but ultimately I believe that C-USA will survive as an FBS conference for several reasons:
1) FBS conference status itself- this gives teams a small slimmer of hope of playing in a 12-team CFP; unlikely, but small
2) The exit fees- dissolving the conference will result in the loss of substantial exit fees
3) The schools will have no where else to go (more on that in a bit)
4) I've changed my tune on this too- I don't think the MAC is taking both of WKU and MTSU; I think the only way WKU bolts is if UMass raises their hand, and I have a feeling they won't
This would leave five schools: MTSU, WKU, FIU, UTEP, and LaTech. The conference only needs three more to survive.
NMSU is an easy yes. That is six. Liberty, UConn, UMass, and Army aren't interested in an all-sports invite, and only UMass might be interested in a football-only invite, but that doesn't help C-USA.
At this point, the conference will probably go to 10-12 to create some sort of stability. I think the key to making it halfway successful is adding programs that fill in the center of the map. The deep south is loaded with FBS programs. You don't need more. Cross off Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia.
Keep in mind, there are no FCS programs in Kansas, Oklahoma, or Nebraska so adding Dakota schools is too far of a land bridge.
So here is who I think would help the cause:
1. Missouri State
2. Central Arkansas
3. Sam Houston State
4. Tarleton State
5. Stephen F. Austin
6. Northern Colorado
West: UNC, TSU, SFA, SHSU, NMSU, UTEP
East: MSU, UCA, WKU, MTSU, FIU, LaTech