Before you start reading, I promise that this piece is significantly shorter than the first one. It is merely an update to some new information. That information? The Davidson College Wildcats are likely to join the Atlantic 10 Conference. The Wildcats were what kept the idea of the Southern Conference alive. The league knew that even with the loss of football powers Appalachian State University and Georgia Southern University it could build a basketball core around Davidson. That, my friends, is now impossible.
Do you know who really is in trouble? Elon University. Davidson was a key private school ally of Elon and a future rival in basketball. Now, Elon is left in a crumbling conference that seems to have a power shift in favor of the public schools.
Now you ask the question: So, Matt, just what in the name of Dr. Danieley do we do?
I’m going to take back my words from the previous article. Elon should join the Colonial Athletic Association. I’ve said all along that only one of the SoCon/CAA group would survive. Now, it looks like that conference is going to be the CAA. The CAA has money from television, history, and a wide base.
The most common rumor I have heard involves Elon, Furman, and Wofford moving to the CAA as a unit.
So, what two huge benefits will Elon gain by making this move?
1. Television
Ever watched a Southern Conference regular season game on TV? I know the answer. It’s no, because the SoCon doesn’t have a TV deal. The conference has an online-only contract with ESPN3.com for streaming of its games. The CAA, on the other hand, has a deal with NBC Sports Network that allows dozens of football and men’s basketball contests to be aired nationally. As Elon tries to build its athletic image, exposure helps. Imagine Alumni Gym on national television. It could happen.
2. Geography
Elon students have long complained about the opponents the maroon and gold faces in the SoCon. With much of Elon’s student body hailing from points north of Elon, schools such as The Citadel, Western Carolina University and Samford University mean nothing to them. If Elon were to play teams such as the College of William & Mary, the University of Delaware or Drexel University, students would be more inclined to attend games. When Elon went on the road, prospective students and alumni would be able to attend. Elon has many more alumni in Baltimore, Philadelphia or New York City than Cullowhee, N.C. or Chattanooga, Tenn.
In all, Elon should leave the Southern Conference while it can. The conference is an unhealthy environment for the university’s athletic program, and many more benefits can be gained from joining the Colonial Athletic Association. One thing is for sure...stay tuned.