UMass didn't miscalculate badly. They never intended to move all their sports to the MAC like the MAC wanted (the MAC wanted Temple and UMass as an eastern pair), so they MAC kicked them out after Temple left as UMass properly refused to leave the A10 in other sports, which pays much higher.PlayerRep said:UMass completely miscalculated and missed important signs and trends. Don't know what they were thinking. Wonder how long it will take them to recover, if they ever do.
The whole time, UMass had their eyes on the American, the Big East football successor. When UConn didn't get an invite to the ACC, that was where UMass miscalculated. But now there have been reports the Cincy and Memphis may get invites to the Big 12. UMass would be near the top of potential invitees if the happens. UMass didn't make the FBS decision lightly: TV execs told that it was the proper move to position themselves later. Even CUSA might have interest in UMass, with UAB gone. Montana doesn't have that luxury of multiple conferences needing them in the future.