Realignment Junkie: Back from Rehab

I am lucky to be alive, I really am.  My conference realignment addiction has been going strong for a few years now, and was never as serious as it was the last few months.  My Nikki Sixx moment came when the news broke that UTSA would be joining Conference USA.  At that moment, I had the ultimate hit, I flatlined.  When I came back to, I realized that it wasn't going to get any better than that.  So instead of jumping back in and following the Big East drama, I went to rehab.  Rehab was great, it was in beautiful southern California in an area with many resorts.  I played golf, spent time with family and got clean.  Sure there were a few relapses, I did read an article about Boise State bailing on the Big East and one about Florida State wanting to go to the Big 12, but I came out better for it.

What I learned is that conference realignment resembles a food or sex addiction more than alcohol or drugs, in that it is something you have to live with everyday.  It seems that it is a staple in following college sports, just like new coach hires, or even scores.  Realignment is something we just have to embrace, but small portions are optimal.

All that being said, I don't think the latest rumors will affect UTSA, or should I say Conference USA West.  With the Mountain West and Conference USA playing nice, I would say the seven western teams are locked in for some time.  At worst, Conference USA could lose East Carolina and/or Southern Miss, maybe two of the strongest programs in the conference.  Eh, not too worried about that.  If the Mountain West can pull back Boise State, that would be quite impressive.  With Boise State back in the fold, I would say it is clear that MWC is superior to Conference USA.  If that also meant SDSU also came back, the already superior basketball conference would get it's strongest program back.

Like I said though, I am healed.  I have broken free from my addiction.  Well let's just take it day by day...

Email me at shafer@cokerchronicles.com and follow me on twitter @ShaferCC