With the possibility of Texas A&M jumping to the SEC, Air Force emerged as a rumored replacement for the Big 12, if the Aggies do end up leaving.
There isn’t a whole lot Air Force can or will say at the moment, considering it doesn’t have much idea what the future holds for the conference landscape in college athletics. Air Force declined an interview request for athletic director Hans Mueh but it did have a statement on the matter:
“The Air Force Academy is a proud and happy member of the Mountain West Conference and looking forward to a great future,” Mueh said in the statement. “The Academy will continue to work towards what is best for our cadet-athletes in every area on and off the field as we continue working to produce officers of character for our Air Force and the nation. “
Air Force needs to stand pat in the MWC. Only reason to even contemplate a move is if the NCAA is about to melt down, with the top 60-70 schools forming a new Athletic Association; and even that would be questionable since AFA would basically be joining a pro league.
Short of that Doomsday scenario, the MWC should be able to remain intact, and competitive enough to put teams into the Top 20, with an occasional BCS Bowl (or Playoff when it arrives).
They’re competitive in the MWC and it’s enjoyable to watch them play against teams who aren’t ultra-funded, such as Texas and others in the Big 12. For the simple reason of making more money, is it worth it?
Right now, Air Force is the best bargain in college sports. Season tickets for football are considerably less than, for example CU. The lowest priced ticket there is over $50. Air Force – $12. And we’d want to give that up WHY?