The point of this merger is TV money. Big markets bring more TV. Plain and simple. We wouldnt be considering a merger otherwise.

(01-23-2012 10:15 AM)eager eagle Wrote:  I was told and posted more than once that my source has said cusa would be selecting a team or teams in large markets that have invested heavily in their programs. A poster on the latechbbb.com board yesterday pasted an e-mail he had sent to one of their athletic officials and his response. They have deleted the post, not the thread, and obviously are displeased that the official responded to the effect that I am afraid now that markets are the primary driving force behind selecting a team.

what is it with your weird obsession with LaTech?

(01-23-2012 01:52 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 01:34 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 12:59 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 12:46 PM)LR Eagle Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 12:15 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  Yes, a few of them but isn't that the point of competition? They are one of the few schools that brings a good amount of fans to "The Rock". The SEC is what is now because of the rivalries that have been cultivated due to their proximity to one another.

The $EC is what is because it is made up of some of the strongest programs in the country at the time the big TV deals started getting inked. La Tech has a smaller stadium than USM, a smaller budget, no market, and every sport other football sucks. The love affair some people have for them us just silly. Take UNT, FIU, and ODU and call it a day. Those schools have markets don't poach anyone else's recruiting territory.

Do you not understand how those programs became that powerful? Rivalries! They weren't just given all of this money, they built their programs and conference up due to rivalries. Almost every school is an easy 4 to 6 hour drive away from one another, with the exception of a few. Heck, some are closer than that. I'm not saying Tech is a perfect fit but a team in Miami is beyond ridiculous. I think we need to close the gaps between UTEP and Marshall/ECU.

Honestly, I don't understand all the hate for Tech.

Tech isn't closing any gaps. Georgia State would be closing a gap. MTSU would be closing a gap. Even App State would be closing a gap. Tech just adds another team in a general area we already have a bunch of teams in. I don't hate them, just don't see them being of any help to ECU in any way. Doubt they are increasing our payout, aren't helping us in terms of decreasing our travel. USM fans seem to be the ones in love with Tech, but then again I'm probably higher on ODU than most others for a lot of the same reason USM is high on Tech.

Well, we never know if ECU is going to jump to the BE.

What a great response that is. We aren't going to be leaving anytime soon, and even if we were are you just going to leave Marshall completely isolated? Tech just isn't helping fill the massive void in the east.

(01-23-2012 01:57 PM)MadEagle Wrote:  You know, I find it funny there is so much hate between some La. Tech fans and Southern Miss fans but La. Tech enjoyed the most success in their history while being coached by a southern miss alum Coach Maxie Lambright

"Some" is the key word here... and I would even challenge that as actually "very few." I don't know any Tech fans who hate USM. The overwhelming majority, if not all, respect USM. There are about 3 very vocal USM fans here who hate Tech, other than that, USM is our biggest ally.

(01-23-2012 02:07 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 01:52 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 01:34 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 12:59 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 12:46 PM)LR Eagle Wrote:  The $EC is what is because it is made up of some of the strongest programs in the country at the time the big TV deals started getting inked. La Tech has a smaller stadium than USM, a smaller budget, no market, and every sport other football sucks. The love affair some people have for them us just silly. Take UNT, FIU, and ODU and call it a day. Those schools have markets don't poach anyone else's recruiting territory.

Do you not understand how those programs became that powerful? Rivalries! They weren't just given all of this money, they built their programs and conference up due to rivalries. Almost every school is an easy 4 to 6 hour drive away from one another, with the exception of a few. Heck, some are closer than that. I'm not saying Tech is a perfect fit but a team in Miami is beyond ridiculous. I think we need to close the gaps between UTEP and Marshall/ECU.

Honestly, I don't understand all the hate for Tech.

Tech isn't closing any gaps. Georgia State would be closing a gap. MTSU would be closing a gap. Even App State would be closing a gap. Tech just adds another team in a general area we already have a bunch of teams in. I don't hate them, just don't see them being of any help to ECU in any way. Doubt they are increasing our payout, aren't helping us in terms of decreasing our travel. USM fans seem to be the ones in love with Tech, but then again I'm probably higher on ODU than most others for a lot of the same reason USM is high on Tech.

Well, we never know if ECU is going to jump to the BE.

What a great response that is. We aren't going to be leaving anytime soon, and even if we were are you just going to leave Marshall completely isolated? Tech just isn't helping fill the massive void in the east.

It's an honest response because historically ECU fans have stated repeatedly they are going to get an invite to B-East. I've said numerous times which teams I like and some have been in your neck of the woods.

(01-23-2012 01:17 PM)nastybunch Wrote:  Obviously you are a youngster. Please go back and check the history of tech's athletic program before you look like a fool. Thanks

La Tech's history, outside of their womens' basketball program, is absymal. You're the one who is looking like a fool.

(01-23-2012 02:24 PM)PATiger Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 01:17 PM)nastybunch Wrote:  Obviously you are a youngster. Please go back and check the history of tech's athletic program before you look like a fool. Thanks

La Tech's history, outside of their womens' basketball program, is absymal. You're the one who is looking like a fool.

You left out powerlifting!

National Titles:

Men's Powerlifting (18)
1978, 1985, 1986, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010

Women's Powerlifting (15)
1984, 1985, 1986, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007

(01-23-2012 02:07 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 01:52 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 01:34 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 12:59 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 12:46 PM)LR Eagle Wrote:  The $EC is what is because it is made up of some of the strongest programs in the country at the time the big TV deals started getting inked. La Tech has a smaller stadium than USM, a smaller budget, no market, and every sport other football sucks. The love affair some people have for them us just silly. Take UNT, FIU, and ODU and call it a day. Those schools have markets don't poach anyone else's recruiting territory.

Do you not understand how those programs became that powerful? Rivalries! They weren't just given all of this money, they built their programs and conference up due to rivalries. Almost every school is an easy 4 to 6 hour drive away from one another, with the exception of a few. Heck, some are closer than that. I'm not saying Tech is a perfect fit but a team in Miami is beyond ridiculous. I think we need to close the gaps between UTEP and Marshall/ECU.

Honestly, I don't understand all the hate for Tech.

Tech isn't closing any gaps. Georgia State would be closing a gap. MTSU would be closing a gap. Even App State would be closing a gap. Tech just adds another team in a general area we already have a bunch of teams in. I don't hate them, just don't see them being of any help to ECU in any way. Doubt they are increasing our payout, aren't helping us in terms of decreasing our travel. USM fans seem to be the ones in love with Tech, but then again I'm probably higher on ODU than most others for a lot of the same reason USM is high on Tech.

Well, we never know if ECU is going to jump to the BE.

What a great response that is. We aren't going to be leaving anytime soon, and even if we were are you just going to leave Marshall completely isolated? Tech just isn't helping fill the massive void in the east.

I think each of you are accurate to some extent of your assessment and opinion. Kudos for being at least open to the discussion. Tech is not a large market, large revenue producing, or even a large student/alumni base. The aspirations are there, but not the private revenue as publicly indicated.

The school is solid. The reputation is solid. Some say what have they proved. Check your history, check the NCAA record books, check The NFL players, NFL Super Bowl Rings, and even The NFL Hall of Fame. There are some LA Tech folks there - and in other sports. Sports performance is NOT the issue here.

The issue is POPULATION of Market, but not really - because of the loopholes. If the main campus of Tech was in Shreveport, there is no doubt that this realignment would even be a current topic. Conferences would care for LA Tech, if anything, to tie in the Indy Bowl. Let's be real.

The issue is what can a conference add to their POPS to try to say "...our deal covers 'X' amount of households..." How many times do we watch a game and the TV only shows the lower bowl, or the Home side - because the other is empty and vacant. This is no longer a sporting alliance, but a corporate-run, stock game. Of course, in my opinion.

(01-23-2012 02:27 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 02:24 PM)PATiger Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 01:17 PM)nastybunch Wrote:  Obviously you are a youngster. Please go back and check the history of tech's athletic program before you look like a fool. Thanks

La Tech's history, outside of their womens' basketball program, is absymal. You're the one who is looking like a fool.

You left out powerlifting!

National Titles:

Men's Powerlifting (18)
1978, 1985, 1986, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010

Women's Powerlifting (15)
1984, 1985, 1986, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007

It is not a varsity sport at La Tech. You should've figured that out from the Wikipedia article where you copied that info.

(01-23-2012 02:38 PM)PATiger Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 02:27 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 02:24 PM)PATiger Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 01:17 PM)nastybunch Wrote:  Obviously you are a youngster. Please go back and check the history of tech's athletic program before you look like a fool. Thanks

La Tech's history, outside of their womens' basketball program, is absymal. You're the one who is looking like a fool.

You left out powerlifting!

National Titles:

Men's Powerlifting (18)
1978, 1985, 1986, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010

Women's Powerlifting (15)
1984, 1985, 1986, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007

It is not a varsity sport at La Tech. You should've figured that out from the Wikipedia article where you copied that info.

It's a joke.

(01-23-2012 01:57 PM)MadEagle Wrote:  You know, I find it funny there is so much hate between some La. Tech fans and Southern Miss fans but La. Tech enjoyed the most success in their history while being coached by a southern miss alum Coach Maxie Lambright

I've been a Tech fan for almost 40 years. I promise from my lifetime perspective there is RESPECT for USM from me and most every single one of the Tech folks I know. No hate here, bro...RESPECT.

I do appreciate the support many of you have shown for our University's inclusion.

If we are invited, GREAT. If we aren't, I hope we can renew the contract to play y'all beyond 2014.

(01-23-2012 02:27 PM)93GetReal06 Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 02:07 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 01:52 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 01:34 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 12:59 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  Do you not understand how those programs became that powerful? Rivalries! They weren't just given all of this money, they built their programs and conference up due to rivalries. Almost every school is an easy 4 to 6 hour drive away from one another, with the exception of a few. Heck, some are closer than that. I'm not saying Tech is a perfect fit but a team in Miami is beyond ridiculous. I think we need to close the gaps between UTEP and Marshall/ECU.

Honestly, I don't understand all the hate for Tech.

Tech isn't closing any gaps. Georgia State would be closing a gap. MTSU would be closing a gap. Even App State would be closing a gap. Tech just adds another team in a general area we already have a bunch of teams in. I don't hate them, just don't see them being of any help to ECU in any way. Doubt they are increasing our payout, aren't helping us in terms of decreasing our travel. USM fans seem to be the ones in love with Tech, but then again I'm probably higher on ODU than most others for a lot of the same reason USM is high on Tech.

Well, we never know if ECU is going to jump to the BE.

What a great response that is. We aren't going to be leaving anytime soon, and even if we were are you just going to leave Marshall completely isolated? Tech just isn't helping fill the massive void in the east.

I think each of you are accurate to some extent of your assessment and opinion. Kudos for being at least open to the discussion. Tech is not a large market, large revenue producing, or even a large student/alumni base. The aspirations are there, but not the private revenue as publicly indicated.

The school is solid. The reputation is solid. Some say what have they proved. Check your history, check the NCAA record books, check The NFL players, NFL Super Bowl Rings, and even The NFL Hall of Fame. There are some LA Tech folks there - and in other sports. Sports performance is NOT the issue here.

The issue is POPULATION of Market, but not really - because of the loopholes. If the main campus of Tech was in Shreveport, there is no doubt that this realignment would even be a current topic. Conferences would care for LA Tech, if anything, to tie in the Indy Bowl. Let's be real.

The issue is what can a conference add to their POPS to try to say "...our deal covers 'X' amount of households..." How many times do we watch a game and the TV only shows the lower bowl, or the Home side - because the other is empty and vacant. This is no longer a sporting alliance, but a corporate-run, stock game. Of course, in my opinion.

Solid post.

Its odd because the model which built the major conferences to what they are today (tradition, competition, and rivalries, among other things) has been abandoned, as it seems impossible to most that any smaller conference could advance to that level. So they fight for what's left (TV money from large market schools)

I don't think anyone can argue against the fact that a Tulane-UAB game where you can hand count the fans makes for bad TV. (No offense to either school). Today's CUSA values that, simply because it has the potential to reach more viewers, regardless of the actual number of viewers.

Yes, I'm a Tech fan. But does anyone else think that model is simply taking the instant gratification route?

(01-23-2012 02:41 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  It's a joke.

Hard to tell around here with all the man crush some USM fans have on La Tech.

Honestly, they may be one of the BOTTOM FIVE choices we could have.

(01-23-2012 02:45 PM)PATiger Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 02:41 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  It's a joke.

Hard to tell around here with all the man crush some USM fans have on La Tech.

Honestly, they may be one of the BOTTOM FIVE choices we could have.

I like Tech but I also like to make fun. I can see why you reacted that way as I would've probably done the same.

Hell it's not like they'll come to me and say, Steven, who'd you like to add in this mythical conference expansion.

Temple
FAU
FIU
even UNT (Dallas market)

before La Tech.

(01-23-2012 02:49 PM)UofMemphis Wrote:  Temple
FAU
FIU
even UNT (Dallas market)

before La Tech.

You may get your wish. I hope you have a great rivalry with whomever you select.

(01-23-2012 02:22 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 02:07 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 01:52 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 01:34 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 12:59 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  Do you not understand how those programs became that powerful? Rivalries! They weren't just given all of this money, they built their programs and conference up due to rivalries. Almost every school is an easy 4 to 6 hour drive away from one another, with the exception of a few. Heck, some are closer than that. I'm not saying Tech is a perfect fit but a team in Miami is beyond ridiculous. I think we need to close the gaps between UTEP and Marshall/ECU.

Honestly, I don't understand all the hate for Tech.

Tech isn't closing any gaps. Georgia State would be closing a gap. MTSU would be closing a gap. Even App State would be closing a gap. Tech just adds another team in a general area we already have a bunch of teams in. I don't hate them, just don't see them being of any help to ECU in any way. Doubt they are increasing our payout, aren't helping us in terms of decreasing our travel. USM fans seem to be the ones in love with Tech, but then again I'm probably higher on ODU than most others for a lot of the same reason USM is high on Tech.

Well, we never know if ECU is going to jump to the BE.

What a great response that is. We aren't going to be leaving anytime soon, and even if we were are you just going to leave Marshall completely isolated? Tech just isn't helping fill the massive void in the east.

It's an honest response because historically ECU fans have stated repeatedly they are going to get an invite to B-East. I've said numerous times which teams I like and some have been in your neck of the woods.

Who do you like that's in "our neck of the woods?"

(01-23-2012 03:08 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 02:22 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 02:07 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 01:52 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 01:34 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  Tech isn't closing any gaps. Georgia State would be closing a gap. MTSU would be closing a gap. Even App State would be closing a gap. Tech just adds another team in a general area we already have a bunch of teams in. I don't hate them, just don't see them being of any help to ECU in any way. Doubt they are increasing our payout, aren't helping us in terms of decreasing our travel. USM fans seem to be the ones in love with Tech, but then again I'm probably higher on ODU than most others for a lot of the same reason USM is high on Tech.

Well, we never know if ECU is going to jump to the BE.

What a great response that is. We aren't going to be leaving anytime soon, and even if we were are you just going to leave Marshall completely isolated? Tech just isn't helping fill the massive void in the east.

It's an honest response because historically ECU fans have stated repeatedly they are going to get an invite to B-East. I've said numerous times which teams I like and some have been in your neck of the woods.

Who do you like that's in "our neck of the woods?"

ODU and JMU for sure. Little bit further away but like the prospects of Georgia State in the coming years.

(01-23-2012 03:10 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 03:08 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 02:22 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 02:07 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 01:52 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  Well, we never know if ECU is going to jump to the BE.

What a great response that is. We aren't going to be leaving anytime soon, and even if we were are you just going to leave Marshall completely isolated? Tech just isn't helping fill the massive void in the east.

It's an honest response because historically ECU fans have stated repeatedly they are going to get an invite to B-East. I've said numerous times which teams I like and some have been in your neck of the woods.

Who do you like that's in "our neck of the woods?"

ODU and JMU for sure. Little bit further away but like the prospects of Georgia State in the coming years.

Ok we actually agree I think those are the 3 best FCS teams available on the east coast. ODU's quite a bit closer to us, JMU's quite a bit closer to Marshall, and Georgia State is the one who actually fits the best in terms of geography. ODU and JMU are both close to FBS ready right now, with JMU's stadium just being a little further along. Georgia State has the stadium to do it, but might need a couple more years of football to be ready.

(01-23-2012 03:15 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 03:10 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 03:08 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 02:22 PM)Its The Talons Wrote:  

(01-23-2012 02:07 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  What a great response that is. We aren't going to be leaving anytime soon, and even if we were are you just going to leave Marshall completely isolated? Tech just isn't helping fill the massive void in the east.

It's an honest response because historically ECU fans have stated repeatedly they are going to get an invite to B-East. I've said numerous times which teams I like and some have been in your neck of the woods.

Who do you like that's in "our neck of the woods?"

ODU and JMU for sure. Little bit further away but like the prospects of Georgia State in the coming years.

Ok we actually agree I think those are the 3 best FCS teams available on the east coast. ODU's quite a bit closer to us, JMU's quite a bit closer to Marshall, and Georgia State is the one who actually fits the best in terms of geography. ODU and JMU are both close to FBS ready right now, with JMU's stadium just being a little further along. Georgia State has the stadium to do it, but might need a couple more years of football to be ready.

We finally agree! Haha. I understand Marshall and ECU's travel concerns and it has to be taxing on y'alls respective fanbases.