(07-12-2017 05:59 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote: Does anyone have solid numbers for what C-USA schools are bringing in each year versus what the Sunbelt does?
There seems to be some conception from Sunbelt folks that somehow the Sunbelt as currently configured is better than C-USA. It's my opinion that while C-USA is oversized and would be better off slit in two with each side raiding the Sunbelt for a few additional members they have superior programs.
All 4 Texas C-USA schools have better programs than Texas St.
I would argue that ULL and Arkansas St are on par with LA Tech but LA Twch seems to think otherwise since they avoided them during their stint in the WAC.
ULM is one of the poorest funded FBS schools in the nation
On the Gulf Coast USM trumps USA for longevity and tradition
While UAB plays in an old off campus stadium they are in a much more attractive market than Troy
The Charlotte and Georgia St programs are about equivalent as start ups in big markets--one has a dinky but brand new stadium the other a retrofitted baseball field
Coastal and the F_U twins are somewhat similar but the F_Us have a big head start on the Chanticleers
That leaves Georgia Southern and App St in the Sunbelt and WKU, MTSU, Marshall, and ODU in C-USA. The SBC schools have storied FCS pasts but so does Marshall. I'd say the value of those 4 trumps the value of the SBCs pair
Just my opinion:
"All 4 Texas C-USA schools have better programs than Texas St."
Well, that depends on your idea of better. Texas St has only been TEXAS STATE and FBS for 4 years. 3/4 from CUSA has had decades to get marginally ahead. I dare say that Rice and UTEP's appeal appear to be dwindling instead of growing.
Give Texas State's 40k students and local residents another decade of growth under that name and with that campus and I guarantee they will rise to the top of that list. Texas St has nothing but huge upside. I think we will look back in a decade and say, "dang, old Benson got that one right". Adding the Bobcats was a smart move.
"I would argue that ULL and Arkansas St are on par with LA Tech but LA Tech seems to think otherwise since they avoided them during their stint in the WAC."
Again, on par maybe. But would I trade what Louisiana and Arkansas St are doing and building for where LA Tech is? No way do I make that trade.
"ULM is one of the poorest funded FBS schools in the nation."
Ok, this is true. Actually the poorest. At least they are competitive.
"On the Gulf Coast USM trumps USA for longevity and tradition."
As of right now, correct. But I see USA in Mobile, with their medical school and growth potential capturing much more of the panhandle fans in the future than USM. Have to look long term.
"While UAB plays in an old off campus stadium they are in a much more attractive market than Troy."
The market is literally all they have. Troy's football program and facilities far surpass UAB at this juncture. Tell Auburn they have no attractive market.
"The Charlotte and Georgia St programs are about equivalent as start ups in big markets--one has a dinky but brand new stadium the other a retrofitted baseball field."
True. But they are 1/7 FBS schools in state and GSU is 1/4. I think we are a lot less likely to get lost in the shuffle. I know I'm biased but I anticipate having more long term success than the 49ers.
"Coastal and the F_U twins are somewhat similar but the F_Us have a big head start on the Chanticleers."
Nah, I disagree. Coastal won't need long at all to be where those two currently are. Not to mention they're in a unique FBS market. The FL Twins have been having a rough go of it recently. I like the FL recruiting angle but I think CCU is another rising star.
"That leaves Georgia Southern and App St in the Sunbelt and WKU, MTSU, Marshall, and ODU in C-USA. The SBC schools have storied FCS pasts but so does Marshall. I'd say the value of those 4 trumps the value of the SBCs pair." Well yeah, I suppose 4 is better than 2 but that's an unfair premise. What about paired up? Who has the better 2 programs?
A.) GS and App
B.) MTSU and WKU
C.) Marshall and ODU
Now it's not so clear. As a matter of fact there's no clear cut answer. I'm sure someone on here could argue for all 3.
I just don't see where CUSA has a big advantage anymore. I think our 2 conferences are more evenly keeled than not but there certainly isn't an advantage like was suggested after the last realignment. Nothing personal, just my perspective.