Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Wednesday--July 20th, 2016

Matty Vautour looks at the ins and outs for UMass football if the Big 12 expands.

Sports Illustrated says a Big 12 expansion is a near certainty.

CBS Sports reports Big 12 expansion is alive, well and likely.

ESPN says the Big 12 is looking for teams with good programs and big markets.

WLBZ reports the dominoes could reach as far as UMass.

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Teams available could be BYU, Colorado State, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Memphis, Houston and Central Florida.

For a two team expansion, I would speculate BYU (good team, good athletic dept and a national following) and Houston (big market in state with the best economy in the USA). BYU and Houston also fit the geographical footprint of the Big 12.

If four teams, then add Central Florida (big market and a chance to gain a foothold in SEC country) and one other team of your choice.

UMass would be a good fit for the AAC if a slot opens. The AAC would work even if UConn was picked by the Big 12. The Minutemen would probably open to C-USA or the Sun Belt for a football only.

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Rocky Top Sports previews South Carolina and says the Gamecocks should be rested after a game with UMass.

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The News-Star looks at OOC games for C-USA including FIU.

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The Indianapolis Colts signed former UMass star Emil Igwenagu to a free-agent contract.

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Ball State's Kevonn Mabon has been added to the Biletnikoff Award Watch list. He torched the UMass seconday for 150 yards in last year's game.

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