Sacramento State Joins MAC: A Strategic or Risky Move?

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Sacramento State's Controversial Move to Join the MAC

The move by Sacramento State to join the Mid-American Conference (MAC) has been met with skepticism and surprise. Initially presumed to be misinformation from a fake Twitter account, the decision is indeed genuine. This shift sees the school joining a league traditionally composed of core Midwestern schools like the six Ohio colleges and the directional Michigan institutions (Central, Eastern, and Western Michigan).

The MAC is known for its minimal disparity in competitiveness between teams, which often leads to thrilling weekday games. However, Sacramento State's addition is peculiar for multiple reasons, not the least being the logistical challenges and financial implications. Given that Sacramento State is not flush with resources like some larger programs and has moderate ticket revenue, the costs associated with this move, including $6 million in the first year and covering all travel expenses, might prove to be a considerable gamble.

The discussion also touched upon the historical context of teams that have left the MAC, such as Northern Illinois' move to the Mountain West Conference, and how they fared post-departure. For Sacramento State, the hope might be to enhance their football program's stature similarly to how past MAC members used their exposure in the league as a stepping stone to greater successes.

The decision by the MAC to integrate a team from California raises questions about the financial and practical viability of such an arrangement, especially when considering the extensive travel from the Pacific Coast to the traditional MAC locales near the Great Lakes. Observers are left to wonder about the long-term consequences of this bold strategy, both for Sacramento State and the MAC itself.