If the series was this year and UD was playing Nevada or Fresno State, it would definitely help us. But we would definitely not play Nevada -- VCU probably would. Maybe Davidson. And Fresno?
URI or Davidson may have better metrics there as well. So we're third at best in the pecking order.
If these conferences had 5-6-7 at-large contenders this would all be a moot point, but the leagues are looking at 1-2 NCAA teams at best -- now and maybe even next year. Once the first cpl teams from each league get first dibs on matchups, what's left but sloppy seconds we would rarely schedule anyway? You dont need to travel 2000 miles to schedule a game like that -- MAC teams are a bus ride away. We could be playing at Toledo right now and saving ourselves the hassle and paying immensely better dividends.
Im not sure this challenge can't help us, Im just saying a lot must fall into place for it to help more than we'd be able to help ourselves if left to our own devices. The risk/reward is pretty luke warm. Now 3-4 years ago when the A10 was getting 5 bids and SDSU was kicking it, Boise was rocking, and Eustachy was kicking it at Colorado State when he wasnt drinking with the coeds? Yeah that may have been a windfall arrangement b/t the two leagues. A lot has changed since then however. UD has scheduling leverage only 1-2 other teams in the A10 have -- and its not even as much leverage as we'd like to have given the landscape. Does playing 3rd, 4th or 5th place teams in the MWC improve our NCAA chances?
Not convinced. Sure we can say "just be the best team in the A10 and youll guarantee you play Nevada or whomever is the next Nevada." But VCU and URI and Davidson give out schollies too and are trying to achieve the same thing. Easier said than done. At least when you schedule your own non-con game there is certainty. You know who you are playing well in advance, can plan well ahead for travel and placement of that game so its not a dumb date slot, can run 5-10yr metrics on that program and gauge who they are bringing back, their league strengths, projected finish etc. You control the whole thing. Yep you have to ink the deals yourself so there's more risk if you dont, but by and large I have not ever doubted UDs ability to create an NCAA at-large schedule every year even though it does get more difficult.
Id have been happier with an AAC Challenge. A Top-5 A10 projection would guarantee far better matchup payoffs in that league. But the AAC may not want us for the very opposite reason. In the end I think the MWC and A10 found their equals -- which is to say is a push at best in terms of mechanical advantage. Of course if the leagues improve in the next cpl years that changes everything. And that could happen.
