Wednesday--April 20, 2011

Lots of articles on UMass' move to FBS. Most of them are short on details, so don't be surprised if accounts differ. We'll know more later today.

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The Boston Globe says UMass lobbied hard to get into the Big East.

The Boston Herald says UMass plans to upgrade McGuirk.

MassLive.com says UMass will begin the transition by playing a mix of FBS and FCS teams in 2012.

Matty V. probably has the most details on the move. UMass would play a full MAC slate in 2012. He says UMass would not cut any men's sports or add any women's teams because of the move. The increase in women's scholarships would probably be absorbed by restoring rides in women's tennis, track, rowing and lacrosse.

Matty has some more details on the MAC and notes UMass is a good demographic match for the current teams.

He also talk about the challenges inherent in the move.

Meanwhile, in Michigan, they're saying adding UMass makes sense.

The official MAC media alert. Note in the comments some MAC fans are already interested in visiting Gillette.

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Again, I would like to advise not to get too worked up over details. This is just the start of UMass' journey. We need to make this work for any later long term goals to happen.

Looks like we'll have a lot to talk about over the next couple of years. Enjoy the ride!