UMass as an Independent in Football: Tough to Schedule

[UConnJim]

I just don't understand how people want UMass. They would not add anything to the AAC.

Well, let's look at the facts.

First, let's look at UMass basketball. The AAC will have 11 basketball members. How does UMass stack up?

5 Year average attendance:

1) Memphis
2) UConn
3) Cincinnati
4) Temple
5) UCF
6) Tulsa
7) UMass

UMass has averaged 4673, barely above USF at 4552 and ECU at 4464.

Where would UMass place in basketball in the AAC based on Sagarin ratings?

2014: 5th
2013: 5th
2012: 6th
2011: 8th
2010: 8th

Bottom line: UMass would be a below average addition to AAC basketball.


Now let's look at football?

Obviously, it's an unfair comparison because UMass is a newbie to FBS, but...

5 year average football attendance:

UMass would be in last place in the AAC in each of the last 5 years.

Where would UMass place in football in the AAC based on Sagarin ratings?

2013: 13th
2012: 13th
2011: 11th
2010: 11th
2009: 11th

Bottom line: UMass would probably be the worst football program in the AAC.

So people want to add a school to the AAC that would be below average in basketball and probably the worst football program in the AAC because they could drive to an away game?