Meanwhile, La Tech and MTSU, which have passionate fan bases, decent-sized stadiums, and histories of periodic success get left out.

It's hard to feel sorry for UTEP, WKU, and FIU.

C-USA still has a chance to stay alive if they simply humble themselves and invite the four independents: Liberty, NMSU, UConn, and UMass. That conference is so weak, that maybe even Army would consider joining (five of these schools are on their schedule this year). UConn and UMass wouldn't bring their non-football programs into the conference.

NMSU has to be doing a happy dance. This kind of scenario was basically their only chance of landing a spot in a conference. UTEP will be pushing hard for their inclusion, as the only other potential school within a thousand miles.