(08-27-2012 11:16 AM)Chappy Wrote:  

We need some unity 'round here.

I'll forward that up to Louisville for you.

(08-27-2012 10:58 AM)Big Dub Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 10:48 AM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 10:42 AM)Big Dub Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 10:31 AM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 10:28 AM)49RFootballNow Wrote:  At a certain point, complaining about multiple schools now in your same conference over, and over, and over again for more than a week, in thread after thread not even remotely related to the topic, becomes insulting and tedious. If you feel so poorly about it than its an ECU only issue and you need to take it to the CSNBBS for East Carolina or back to BoneYardBanter.

Yep you are right. C-USA is on the rise and I'm going to sit back and enjoy it. Complete change of heart from me. Big East be damned that league can't hold a candle to this conference lineup we are putting together. Once this group gets together the bowl games and networks will be lining up around the block to try to attach themselves to the C-USA brand. Oh what a brand it's going to become.

Look at the bright side.

Playing start-ups will give ECU some gimme wins and an excuse to keep legacy-hire Coach Ruffin McNeill around for a few more years. It is known that he is well-loved by the Pirates because he is former player and an alum, so fabricating a reason to keep for a few years seems beneficial to the program.

Not sure where you are going with this post these teams we brought in aren't going to be gimmes for anyone. They are coming in ready to win big and compete for not just wins in C-USA but national rankings and potential playoff spots. Won't be any gimme games for ECU in the future. C-USA 4 lyfe!!!!

OK, you caught me, that was just an insult at your expense.

but seriously, having a travel-friendly addition like App. St. will satisfy Pirate fans' desire for more regionality and help replace the loss of UCF, which the Pirates regard as their chief rival.

Best of both worlds.(for ECU)

App would certainly be a great start, but if our goal is to pass the ACC like Holland has said in his letters then it's going to take more than just App in this area to do it. JMU is a must to ensure we lock down Virgina as C-USA country. App obviously is needed, but probably 1 more in NC would be required to take over North Carolina. I'm thinking Davidson. They turned down the ACC at its formation, so if we could pull them in all sports now that would just be a real slap in the face to the ACC and their ego. Then it would be just a matter of time.

(08-27-2012 11:05 AM)HerdZoned Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 10:58 AM)Big Dub Wrote:  but seriously, having a travel-friendly addition like App. St. will satisfy Pirate fans' desire for more regionality and help replace the loss of UCF, which the Pirates regard as their chief rival.

If b0ndsj0ns whats a travel friendly partner like Appy, he can tell Terry Holland to send ECU back to the SoCon. No one but ECU supported Appy and I don't think anyone ever will support Appy to be added to CUSA.

I think they should start letting their peers (i.e. major conference/Big East AD's, presidents, etc...) start going to bat for them and tell of how good of a program ECU is and can be with an upgrade in conference since the Big East has ECU on ignore much like many people have B0nds on this board.

(08-27-2012 11:11 AM)blunderbuss Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 11:05 AM)HerdZoned Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 10:58 AM)Big Dub Wrote:  but seriously, having a travel-friendly addition like App. St. will satisfy Pirate fans' desire for more regionality and help replace the loss of UCF, which the Pirates regard as their chief rival.

If b0ndsj0ns whats a travel friendly partner like Appy, he can tell Terry Holland to send ECU back to the SoCon. No one but ECU supported Appy and I don't think anyone ever will support Appy to be added to CUSA.

Terry Holland NOT the ECU fanbase supported Appy. Big difference. It does get a little old lumping it all together like ECU fans would be thrilled with App.

Perfect example of the "you" and "we" comment you had a few days ago. Like any of us have any input/influence regarding what our presidents or ADs support. I have a hard time defending my decisions, and have no hope of defending someone else's.

(08-27-2012 10:32 AM)NBPirate Wrote:  everyone, please dont let the remarks of a few posters tarnish our reputation as a member school

I like all our member schools in spite of some of their fans.

The Sun Belt followed the same formula as CUSA is this expansion round so no they will not be able to "catch" CUSA.

(08-27-2012 10:58 AM)Big Dub Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 10:48 AM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 10:42 AM)Big Dub Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 10:31 AM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 10:28 AM)49RFootballNow Wrote:  At a certain point, complaining about multiple schools now in your same conference over, and over, and over again for more than a week, in thread after thread not even remotely related to the topic, becomes insulting and tedious. If you feel so poorly about it than its an ECU only issue and you need to take it to the CSNBBS for East Carolina or back to BoneYardBanter.

Yep you are right. C-USA is on the rise and I'm going to sit back and enjoy it. Complete change of heart from me. Big East be damned that league can't hold a candle to this conference lineup we are putting together. Once this group gets together the bowl games and networks will be lining up around the block to try to attach themselves to the C-USA brand. Oh what a brand it's going to become.

Look at the bright side.

Playing start-ups will give ECU some gimme wins and an excuse to keep legacy-hire Coach Ruffin McNeill around for a few more years. It is known that he is well-loved by the Pirates because he is former player and an alum, so fabricating a reason to keep for a few years seems beneficial to the program.

Not sure where you are going with this post these teams we brought in aren't going to be gimmes for anyone. They are coming in ready to win big and compete for not just wins in C-USA but national rankings and potential playoff spots. Won't be any gimme games for ECU in the future. C-USA 4 lyfe!!!!

OK, you caught me, that was just an insult at your expense.

but seriously, having a travel-friendly addition like App. St. will satisfy Pirate fans' desire for more regionality and help replace the loss of UCF, which the Pirates regard as their chief rival.

Best of both worlds.(for ECU)

For the record, we do not see UCF as a rival

(08-27-2012 11:52 AM)oldtiger Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 11:11 AM)blunderbuss Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 11:05 AM)HerdZoned Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 10:58 AM)Big Dub Wrote:  but seriously, having a travel-friendly addition like App. St. will satisfy Pirate fans' desire for more regionality and help replace the loss of UCF, which the Pirates regard as their chief rival.

If b0ndsj0ns whats a travel friendly partner like Appy, he can tell Terry Holland to send ECU back to the SoCon. No one but ECU supported Appy and I don't think anyone ever will support Appy to be added to CUSA.

Terry Holland NOT the ECU fanbase supported Appy. Big difference. It does get a little old lumping it all together like ECU fans would be thrilled with App.

Perfect example of the "you" and "we" comment you had a few days ago. Like any of us have any input/influence regarding what our presidents or ADs support. I have a hard time defending my decisions, and have no hope of defending someone else's.

Yeah OT, I've always hated the use of "we" and "us" and "you" regarding sports fandom. It's beyond stupid in my opinion as if anybody here puts on the uniform or sits in the AD / Prez chair week to week. Just doesn't make a lot of sense when you really think about it.

(08-27-2012 12:01 PM)Saint3333 Wrote:  The Sun Belt followed the same formula as CUSA is this expansion round so no they will not be able to "catch" CUSA.

Yes, but CUSA's lost more than the SBC did.

Houston, SMU, UCF, Memphis.

The first 3 were all pretty good in Footbal, (Houston being VERY good) while Memphis was the strongest Basketball program.

SBC lost UNT and FIU.

UNT has been atrocious in football for the past 5 years and decent in Basketball.

FIU is the reverse being atrocious in Basketball, and decent in football for the past 2 years.

I think the SBC closed the gap. Not by a lot but still closed the gap. If stAte and the Cajuns can have a "Breakout" year and get ranked then the argument becomes even closer.

(08-27-2012 10:20 AM)AndreWhere Wrote:  The WAC does seem to have a sort of downward mobility that defies the overall trend. I perceive this to be part of a general Eastern bias that has crept into CFB as ESPN has become more important. When CUSA was formed, one big question was "how does it compare to the WAC?" Then, when the MWC was formed, the obvious question was "how does it compare to CUSA?" Both of these questions seem to have been answered in CUSA's favor, and this relates to the shift in thinking that's occured with respect to geography. About 18 years ago, Wyoming was threatening to snatch Jeff Bower away from us, and this would have been perceived as USM losing out to a bigger program. Now, the tables seem to have turned.

And Karl Benson was at the helm while the WAC went straight down. Which is why I am not worried about the Sunbelt surpassing C-USA.

(08-27-2012 12:51 PM)OwlFamily Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 12:01 PM)Saint3333 Wrote:  The Sun Belt followed the same formula as CUSA is this expansion round so no they will not be able to "catch" CUSA.

Yes, but CUSA's lost more than the SBC did.

Houston, SMU, UCF, Memphis.

The first 3 were all pretty good in Footbal, (Houston being VERY good) while Memphis was the strongest Basketball program.

SBC lost UNT and FIU.

UNT has been atrocious in football for the past 5 years and decent in Basketball.

FIU is the reverse being atrocious in Basketball, and decent in football for the past 2 years.

I think the SBC closed the gap. Not by a lot but still closed the gap. If stAte and the Cajuns can have a "Breakout" year and get ranked then the argument becomes even closer.

The only thing CUSA really lost was Memphis basketball. UCF you never know what you are going to get. They are Jekal and Hyde. Houston has been lucky with Klob and Keenum. The year Keenum was out they went 5-7. SMU is paying 2 million dollars a year to a coach that is trying to find the fastest way out of Dallas.

FIU and UNT aren't lotto winners, but they are both better than Texas State or GA State.

(08-27-2012 09:52 AM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  I doubt your opinion would be much different that mine if you were stuck in this turd of a league most likely forever.

Dude, you need to get a grip. Judging by the ALWAYS negative tone of your posts, I would be willing to bet that you're someone who feels as if they have no control over their life. In other words, you would be a loser who never tries. You would be akin to some of the Occupiers (those remaining) who just want to upset everyone. Get a grip.

ECU will be fine in due time; there may indeed come a point that we "catch the BE"... although I am really only concerned with making the best of this situation. Could it have turned out better? Yes. However, it could have been MUCH worse.

Adding ODU and UTSA, in particular, were very good moves. Charlotte will add to the conference as while Louisiana and FIU bring other positives.

We'll be OK... and we'll still be able to achieve greatness. We may just have to go about it a different way...

(08-27-2012 01:03 PM)HerdZoned Wrote:  The only thing CUSA really lost was Memphis basketball. UCF you never know what you are going to get. They are Jekal and Hyde. Houston has been lucky with Klob and Keenum. The year Keenum was out they went 5-7. SMU is paying 2 million dollars a year to a coach that is trying to find the fastest way out of Dallas.

FIU and UNT aren't lotto winners, but they are both better than Texas State or GA State.

I didnt want to go into replcaments but since you did.

I would counter argue that CUSA with UNCC,ODU, and UTSA = the SBC picking up TState, GSU, and USA. And with UNCC not even playing a down yet, I think the SBC came out ahead in that regard.

CUSA lost more than the SBC. Not by a tremendous amount to be sure, but you still lost more. THATS why the SBC has a chance to make a move.

Who knows if we will, historically we havent had teams crack that top echelon of the Top 25. But the confrence has gotten better every year.

(08-27-2012 01:27 PM)OwlFamily Wrote:  I didnt want to go into replcaments but since you did.

I would counter arque that CUSA with UNCC,ODU, and UTSA = the SBC picking up TState, GSU, and USA. And with UNCC not even playing a down yet, I think the SBC came out ahead in that regard.

Um...........yeah..............no.

First, lets break these down in order and pair up "like" schools as best we can.

UTSA, Tex St = That's a wash to me, slight edge to TXST for having already been playing football

ODU, USA = ODU market and basketball are the advantage. I know USA isn't bad in BBall but ODU is better.

CHARLOTTE, GSU = Charlotte basketball exceeds GSU 3 year head start in football. Market could go for GSU, but actually having Georgia and Tech IN their market is pretty rough for them.

Shall we compare UNT and UTA now?

We (C-USA) still have the same problem we did - the top of the league is pulling all the weight and the bottom of the league is doing everything it can to bring us down a notch. The only difference now is that we have more weight on the bottom than we've had before, thus making our problem worse.

(08-27-2012 01:03 PM)HerdZoned Wrote:  The only thing CUSA really lost was Memphis basketball. UCF you never know what you are going to get. They are Jekal and Hyde. Houston has been lucky with Klob and Keenum. The year Keenum was out they went 5-7. SMU is paying 2 million dollars a year to a coach that is trying to find the fastest way out of Dallas.

FIU and UNT aren't lotto winners, but they are both better than Texas State or GA State.

Same song, different verse. Lemme guess, you think SMU will win the west this year like every pre-season prognosticator ever it seems? How can you expect a true freshman to lead a team to a good record, it'd be like the Texans throwing in Keenum from the practice squad in the middle of the year and expecting him to lead them to the playoffs.

This team is more talented overall than any since 1990, which may not translate to the W/L column because they have to prove it, get on the same page and the coaching is a huge question mark. Nevermind that Piland did admirably well (Freshman All-American HM) given the circumstances and now is entering his third year in the program after two years to grow personally and as a player under the most prolific QB in school history. Did I add that part of the reason they went 5-7 was because of the daunting non-conference schedule, which isn't even nearly tough this year?

The point is that UH is more a program than one player. UH isn't Central Michigan when they lost LaF (I'm not even gonna try to spell that).

(08-27-2012 01:37 PM)goldenhurricane2 Wrote:  We (C-USA) still have the same problem we did - the top of the league is pulling all the weight and the bottom of the league is doing everything it can to bring us down a notch. The only difference now is that we have more weight on the bottom than we've had before, thus making our problem worse.

Is there any thoughts about CUSA West splitting off into it own conference? (UTEP, Tulsa, UTSA, N. Tex, Rice, LA Tech, Tulane....then have NMSU and Tex. St. to start for 9 total....#10??? Louisana?). Take over the WAC's spot as FBS conference and auto bid for bball? (Revive the SWC name?)
Then work in conjuction with the MW to have the champs meet in a bowl.

(08-27-2012 01:37 PM)49RFootballNow Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 01:27 PM)OwlFamily Wrote:  I didnt want to go into replcaments but since you did.

I would counter arque that CUSA with UNCC,ODU, and UTSA = the SBC picking up TState, GSU, and USA. And with UNCC not even playing a down yet, I think the SBC came out ahead in that regard.

Um...........yeah..............no.

First, lets break these down in order and pair up "like" schools as best we can.

UTSA, Tex St = That's a wash to me, slight edge to TXST for having already been playing football

ODU, USA = ODU market and basketball are the advantage. I know USA isn't bad in BBall but ODU is better.

CHARLOTTE, GSU = Charlotte basketball exceeds GSU 3 year head start in football. Market could go for GSU, but actually having Georgia and Tech IN their market is pretty rough for them.

Shall we compare UNT and UTA now?

Football please.

I will admit to not knowing much about Basketball and since this expansion was primarily Football driven thats the basis I was going for. I mentioned Memphis basketball because even I as a Basketball neophyte have heard of them and seen them in the Tourney high up.

For Football:

I agree UTSA vs TState a virtual Wash.

ODU vs USA: Advantage USA they will count as of next year and are already in transtition.

UNCC vs GSU: Advantage GSU, Playing already (Although not well) and will be full FBS in 2013 3 years before you guys play a down.

(08-27-2012 01:45 PM)BroncoPaul Wrote:  

(08-27-2012 01:37 PM)goldenhurricane2 Wrote:  We (C-USA) still have the same problem we did - the top of the league is pulling all the weight and the bottom of the league is doing everything it can to bring us down a notch. The only difference now is that we have more weight on the bottom than we've had before, thus making our problem worse.

Is there any thoughts about CUSA West splitting off into it own conference? (UTEP, Tulsa, UTSA, N. Tex, Rice, LA Tech, Tulane....then have NMSU and Tex. St. to start for 9 total....#10??? Louisana?). Take over the WAC's spot as FBS conference and auto bid for bball? (Revive the SWC name?)
Then work in conjuction with the MW to have the champs meet in a bowl.

That sounds horrible - the only competition we would have would be La Tech.

I'd rather stay in this league and continue to play USM and ECU than that mess.

(08-27-2012 08:56 AM)Caltex2 Wrote:  Sigh, except rare circumstances (the WAC opposed to the Sun Belt and MAC), the pecking order doesn't change. Short of a minor FCS conference rising to D-1, the Sun Belt will be the worst conference in FBS.

Some here are upset at the damage the nBE has done to C-USA (and rightfully so) but C-USA can at any time poach the best of the Sun Belt.

College football has been ruin in opinion. I'm just hoping the same doesn't happen to college basketball. At least the smaller programs gets a chance to compete for a national championship no matter how large the odds are against them.