Here is another idea for the SBC to 12.....add ETSU, App St, G.Southern

SBC East: App St, ETSU, Georgia St., G.Southern, Troy, USA
SBC West: ULL, ULM, UALR, Arkansas St, UTA, Texas St.

-Adding ETSU as a non-FB school makes for a better geographical split than adding New Mexico State.

-Having 9 schools in FB allows for a round robin 8 game conference football schedule where everybody plays everyone 1 time.

Also 9 schools is nice for a smaller split of the playoff money and an easier road to access bowl than CUSA since a school doesn't have to worry about losing in a conference championship game. The SBC right now is only about 2 bowl games deep so there is no reason to over expand the conference.

Ga. So. App St. Nmsu -- the west takes Lamar and the east takes Jax St. for the good of the conference nice tight footprint with great natural rivalries. Filled stadiums exciting football something everyone wants to see.

(03-24-2013 09:50 AM)Louis Kitton Wrote:  Here is another idea for the SBC to 12.....add ETSU, App St, G.Southern

SBC East: App St, ETSU, Georgia St., G.Southern, Troy, USA
SBC West: ULL, ULM, UALR, Arkansas St, UTA, Texas St.

-Adding ETSU as a non-FB school makes for a better geographical split than adding New Mexico State.

-Having 9 schools in FB allows for a round robin 8 game conference football schedule where everybody plays everyone 1 time.

Also 9 schools is nice for a smaller split of the playoff money and an easier road to access bowl than CUSA since a school doesn't have to worry about losing in a conference championship game. The SBC right now is only about 2 bowl games deep so there is no reason to over expand the conference.

ETSU's bringing back football, their target conference is the SoCon

(03-24-2013 07:21 AM)MarshallHerdFanz Wrote:  Idaho
NMSU
Montana
Montana St.
Appy St.

They didn't want to join the WAC. Why would they join the Sun Belt?

(03-24-2013 01:48 AM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  

(03-23-2013 10:51 PM)BeliefBlazer Wrote:  I don't think Benson will be able to convince the Presidents to go to 12/14. App State, Georgia Southern, and NMSU would get them back to 10.

Missouri State is planning up to a $40 million upgrade to their stadium. I have to think they'd get invited before Liberty.

JMU is an interesting choice. Do they even want to move up?

Rumor is that JMU has already turned the Belt down. Apparently they'd rather watch FCS fall apart all around them and hope for a MAC or CUSA bid that isn't coming.

There was an article back last year quoting the Akron AD saying the MAC was contemplating adding a couple of Virginia schools (JMU, ODU) during its expansion committee meetings. ODU obviously ended up picked up by CUSA. The MAC has definitely given James Madison serious consideration.

One of the thoughts though at time was with the Big East sitting at 13 schools (Boise St, SDSU, Louisville, Rutgers on board at that time) there was going to be at least some additional expansion by the Big East which may include a MAC school like UMass.

Now with CUSA and the SBC so badly damaged the MAC is considering a raid of those conferences once the ink is dry on Aresco League membership. We now know the Aresco League is going to stop at 12 and take 1 additional school which should be announced in the next 6 weeks.

Could the MAC to entice Old Dominion from CUSA by offering James Madison as part of the package? This I could absolutely see. ODU's main attraction for joining CUSA was that East Carolina was also playing in the conference. ECU's ship has literally sailed....

The MAC might decide on expanding with the full JMU-ODU-Del trifecta if that is what it takes to pull these schools in.

(03-24-2013 10:12 AM)mufanatehc Wrote:  

(03-24-2013 09:50 AM)Louis Kitton Wrote:  Here is another idea for the SBC to 12.....add ETSU, App St, G.Southern

SBC East: App St, ETSU, Georgia St., G.Southern, Troy, USA
SBC West: ULL, ULM, UALR, Arkansas St, UTA, Texas St.

-Adding ETSU as a non-FB school makes for a better geographical split than adding New Mexico State.

-Having 9 schools in FB allows for a round robin 8 game conference football schedule where everybody plays everyone 1 time.

Also 9 schools is nice for a smaller split of the playoff money and an easier road to access bowl than CUSA since a school doesn't have to worry about losing in a conference championship game. The SBC right now is only about 2 bowl games deep so there is no reason to over expand the conference.

ETSU's bringing back football, their target conference is the SoCon

That is another reason why you bring ETSU into the SBC.....FB.

ETSU can play at the FCS level for 5-10 years and then move up to FBS ball with a solid SBC membership in hand like Western Kentucky did.

(03-24-2013 10:19 AM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  

(03-24-2013 07:21 AM)MarshallHerdFanz Wrote:  Idaho
NMSU
Montana
Montana St.
Appy St.

They didn't want to join the WAC. Why would they join the Sun Belt?

Yep.

And here is another point, it may be difficult to add more than 2 FCS upgrades at once into a conference and maintain the required 5 FBS home games for schools in that conference.

Case in point; look at how the FCS upgrade movement has been conducted so far. Note that no more than 2 FCS schools have been added at each time. I have their transitioning years listed.

WAC UTSA(2012-13), Texas St(2012-13)
SBC USA (2012-13), Georgia St (2013-14)
MAC UMass (2012-13)
CUSA ODU (2014-15), Charlotte (2015-16)

Its not the second year of the transitioning period here that is as important as the first because in year 2 a school can count as a fully transitioned member for home game counting purposes.

This is why the SBC has held back somewhat from additional FCS call ups and also why CUSA has to expand with FBS teams at this point with 2 FCS upgrades already on their way.

If Tulsa heads to the Aresco League in 2014-15, replaced by WKU in CUSA.....the SBC will have Texas St and USA fully transitioned in 2014 and Georgia State in year 2 so Appalachian State could be added for 2014-15 from the FCS ranks and perhaps G.Southern.

I just don't think its possible for the SBC to transition 4 schools from the FCS ranks at once like some are suggesting (Missouri St, App St, G.Southern, Liberty). If the SBC is to go to 12 it makes sense to do it more in stages. Why go to 12 either until the next TV deal is to be signed by the SBC in 2019-20?

The MAC's TV deal is up for renewal in 2016 which ironically is the same time as CUSA's. It might make sense for the MAC to add James Madison for 2014-15 and then ODU/Delaware for 2015-16. The MAC can't afford to wait too much longer looking for expansion candidates.

(03-24-2013 10:23 AM)Louis Kitton Wrote:  

(03-24-2013 01:48 AM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  

(03-23-2013 10:51 PM)BeliefBlazer Wrote:  I don't think Benson will be able to convince the Presidents to go to 12/14. App State, Georgia Southern, and NMSU would get them back to 10.

Missouri State is planning up to a $40 million upgrade to their stadium. I have to think they'd get invited before Liberty.

JMU is an interesting choice. Do they even want to move up?

Rumor is that JMU has already turned the Belt down. Apparently they'd rather watch FCS fall apart all around them and hope for a MAC or CUSA bid that isn't coming.

There was an article back last year quoting the Akron AD saying the MAC was contemplating adding a couple of Virginia schools (JMU, ODU) during its expansion committee meetings. ODU obviously ended up picked up by CUSA. The MAC has definitely given James Madison serious consideration.

One of the thoughts though at time was with the Big East sitting at 13 schools (Boise St, SDSU, Louisville, Rutgers on board at that time) there was going to be at least some additional expansion by the Big East which may include a MAC school like UMass.

Now with CUSA and the SBC so badly damaged the MAC is considering a raid of those conferences once the ink is dry on Aresco League membership. We now know the Aresco League is going to stop at 12 and take 1 additional school which should be announced in the next 6 weeks.

Could the MAC to entice Old Dominion from CUSA by offering James Madison as part of the package? This I could absolutely see. ODU's main attraction for joining CUSA was that East Carolina was also playing in the conference. ECU's ship has literally sailed....

The MAC might decide on expanding with the full JMU-ODU-Del trifecta if that is what it takes to pull these schools in.

ODU will never go to the MAC, and when asked we declined.

If anything, ODU wants to separate themselves from JMU, and the administration was fully aware that ECU and others may depart when they made their decision.

ODU will absolutely be in CUSA for the foreseeable future.

(03-24-2013 11:06 AM)monarchman Wrote:  

(03-24-2013 10:23 AM)Louis Kitton Wrote:  

(03-24-2013 01:48 AM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  

(03-23-2013 10:51 PM)BeliefBlazer Wrote:  I don't think Benson will be able to convince the Presidents to go to 12/14. App State, Georgia Southern, and NMSU would get them back to 10.

Missouri State is planning up to a $40 million upgrade to their stadium. I have to think they'd get invited before Liberty.

JMU is an interesting choice. Do they even want to move up?

Rumor is that JMU has already turned the Belt down. Apparently they'd rather watch FCS fall apart all around them and hope for a MAC or CUSA bid that isn't coming.

There was an article back last year quoting the Akron AD saying the MAC was contemplating adding a couple of Virginia schools (JMU, ODU) during its expansion committee meetings. ODU obviously ended up picked up by CUSA. The MAC has definitely given James Madison serious consideration.

One of the thoughts though at time was with the Big East sitting at 13 schools (Boise St, SDSU, Louisville, Rutgers on board at that time) there was going to be at least some additional expansion by the Big East which may include a MAC school like UMass.

Now with CUSA and the SBC so badly damaged the MAC is considering a raid of those conferences once the ink is dry on Aresco League membership. We now know the Aresco League is going to stop at 12 and take 1 additional school which should be announced in the next 6 weeks.

Could the MAC to entice Old Dominion from CUSA by offering James Madison as part of the package? This I could absolutely see. ODU's main attraction for joining CUSA was that East Carolina was also playing in the conference. ECU's ship has literally sailed....

The MAC might decide on expanding with the full JMU-ODU-Del trifecta if that is what it takes to pull these schools in.

ODU will never go to the MAC, and when asked we declined.

If anything, ODU wants to separate themselves from JMU, and the administration was fully aware that ECU and others may depart when they made their decision.

ODU will absolutely be in CUSA for the foreseeable future.

I generally agree with you here. You've just moved into a new conference and unless its critical for your survival it doesn't make sense to hop to another G5 league.

It might make a lot of sense for ODU to take its fledgling football program against a CUSA schedule with other FCS upstarts than to try and row through the MAC.

James Madison might want to use MAC membership to distinguish themselves from ODU in CUSA. Offer a different product to the state of Virginia.

Either way I'm glad ODU moved up as the state of Virginia is in need of more FBS programs. ODU and JMU at the G5 level and VT/UVA at the AQ level.

(03-24-2013 09:24 AM)He1nousOne Wrote:  Of course Appy State looks to be an obvious quality expansion target for the conference.

Sam Houston seems like a good one too. That Texas exposure is a good thing.

Not so sure about all the western expansion with football only. In regards to Idaho, that State needs to understand that it needs to merge the University of Idaho and Boise State. Idaho does not and should not be saved.

In regard to NMSU, still too far but would be acceptable IF it became necessary.


If things happen as I am betting on, then the SBC should seriously be looking at expanding up to 16 at some point in the future when certain "advancements" happen.

I wouldn't be surprised if CUSA ends up folding but Sun Belt schools need to stand in solidarity and not leave for CUSA. If that happens then some great schools could become available to the SBC.

What? Where in the world do you get that? CUSA is at 14 and likely to lose one more to the nBE. We would have to lose 6 to get down to the minimum of 8 for an FBS conference. Most of your posts are reasonable but that one is way out there.

(03-24-2013 10:57 AM)Louis Kitton Wrote:  

(03-24-2013 10:19 AM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  

(03-24-2013 07:21 AM)MarshallHerdFanz Wrote:  Idaho
NMSU
Montana
Montana St.
Appy St.

They didn't want to join the WAC. Why would they join the Sun Belt?

Yep.

And here is another point, it may be difficult to add more than 2 FCS upgrades at once into a conference and maintain the required 5 FBS home games for schools in that conference.

Case in point; look at how the FCS upgrade movement has been conducted so far. Note that no more than 2 FCS schools have been added at each time. I have their transitioning years listed.

WAC UTSA(2012-13), Texas St(2012-13)
SBC USA (2012-13), Georgia St (2013-14)
MAC UMass (2012-13)
CUSA ODU (2014-15), Charlotte (2015-16)

Its not the second year of the transitioning period here that is as important as the first because in year 2 a school can count as a fully transitioned member for home game counting purposes.

This is why the SBC has held back somewhat from additional FCS call ups and also why CUSA has to expand with FBS teams at this point with 2 FCS upgrades already on their way.

If Tulsa heads to the Aresco League in 2014-15, replaced by WKU in CUSA.....the SBC will have Texas St and USA fully transitioned in 2014 and Georgia State in year 2 so Appalachian State could be added for 2014-15 from the FCS ranks and perhaps G.Southern.

I just don't think its possible for the SBC to transition 4 schools from the FCS ranks at once like some are suggesting (Missouri St, App St, G.Southern, Liberty). If the SBC is to go to 12 it makes sense to do it more in stages. Why go to 12 either until the next TV deal is to be signed by the SBC in 2019-20?

The MAC's TV deal is up for renewal in 2016 which ironically is the same time as CUSA's. It might make sense for the MAC to add James Madison for 2014-15 and then ODU/Delaware for 2015-16. The MAC can't afford to wait too much longer looking for expansion candidates.

USA and Txst are both eligible for the Sunbelt championship in 2013. GSU will be eligible in 2014.

If 3: App St., Ga Southern, NMSU
If 5: Throw in JMU, Missouri St.


I don't see what's in it for the current members if they add Idaho for fb. They're not good and so far from everyone even if they add NMSU.

(03-24-2013 02:41 PM)Fresno St. Alum Wrote:  If 3: App St., Ga Southern, NMSU
If 5: Throw in JMU, Missouri St.


I don't see what's in it for the current members if they add Idaho for fb. They're not good and so far from everyone even if they add NMSU.

I'd agree except that JMU appears to be comfortable in the CAA and has no apparent interest in moving up right now.

http://hamptonroads.com/2013/02/wilder-w...erence-usa

So if the Sun Belt chooses to go to 12 in football (and I'm not saying they will; I think 10 is more likely) what are the realistic alternatives to Idaho? Liberty, Jacksonville State, Sam Houston State, and Lamar. It seems each of those is objectionable to a portion of the current Sun Belt membership for one reason or another, leaving Idaho as the potential compromise choice.

(03-24-2013 01:48 AM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  

(03-23-2013 10:51 PM)BeliefBlazer Wrote:  I don't think Benson will be able to convince the Presidents to go to 12/14. App State, Georgia Southern, and NMSU would get them back to 10.

Missouri State is planning up to a $40 million upgrade to their stadium. I have to think they'd get invited before Liberty.

JMU is an interesting choice. Do they even want to move up?

Rumor is that JMU has already turned the Belt down. Apparently they'd rather watch FCS fall apart all around them and hope for a MAC or CUSA bid that isn't coming.

If JMU turned down the Sunbelt then they must not be serious about moving up.

(03-24-2013 10:23 AM)Louis Kitton Wrote:  

(03-24-2013 01:48 AM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  

(03-23-2013 10:51 PM)BeliefBlazer Wrote:  I don't think Benson will be able to convince the Presidents to go to 12/14. App State, Georgia Southern, and NMSU would get them back to 10.

Missouri State is planning up to a $40 million upgrade to their stadium. I have to think they'd get invited before Liberty.

JMU is an interesting choice. Do they even want to move up?

Rumor is that JMU has already turned the Belt down. Apparently they'd rather watch FCS fall apart all around them and hope for a MAC or CUSA bid that isn't coming.

There was an article back last year quoting the Akron AD saying the MAC was contemplating adding a couple of Virginia schools (JMU, ODU) during its expansion committee meetings. ODU obviously ended up picked up by CUSA. The MAC has definitely given James Madison serious consideration.

One of the thoughts though at time was with the Big East sitting at 13 schools (Boise St, SDSU, Louisville, Rutgers on board at that time) there was going to be at least some additional expansion by the Big East which may include a MAC school like UMass.

Now with CUSA and the SBC so badly damaged the MAC is considering a raid of those conferences once the ink is dry on Aresco League membership. We now know the Aresco League is going to stop at 12 and take 1 additional school which should be announced in the next 6 weeks.

Could the MAC to entice Old Dominion from CUSA by offering James Madison as part of the package? This I could absolutely see. ODU's main attraction for joining CUSA was that East Carolina was also playing in the conference. ECU's ship has literally sailed....

The MAC might decide on expanding with the full JMU-ODU-Del trifecta if that is what it takes to pull these schools in.

Do you "really" believe that?....

I have some ocean front property for sale in Wyoming if you are interested. Dirt cheap.

Oh please the Sun Belt do something?

(03-24-2013 01:44 AM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  

(03-23-2013 10:47 PM)BullsFanInTX Wrote:  My predictions:

App St.
Georgia Southern
Liberty
NMSU
Idaho (football only)

Other options:

JMU
Sam Houston
Lamar

What do you think?

I will never support such a phony institution such as Liberty. I'm not alone. They aren't a real college. They discriminate. They apparently are the private property of a family. Their football stinks. Their coach is a loser, but he is a sanctamonious F"C"A blowhard. Liberty is involved in shocking human rights abuse advocacy. They aren't interested in competing, but rather as using my conference as a platform to preach AT people. If they get in the confernce, be prepared for them to demand that we all be adhere to their talibanic demands.

And can you just imagine the epic game day experience at Liberty for visiting fans? Abuse of non-Christians, no alcohol, and can you imagine all the hotness of perhaps catching a glimpse of some "hot ankle" on the fundamentalist coeds?

I thank God that the fundamentalist Gottfrieds are gone from USA. I've already called the alumni office and have let them know that if anyone in the AD at USA supports the inclusion of Liberty, that my Jaguar donations will end immediately and will not be reinstated until Liberty drops football.

Are they full of hate too?

(03-24-2013 02:41 PM)Fresno St. Alum Wrote:  If 3: App St., Ga Southern, NMSU
If 5: Throw in JMU, Missouri St.


I don't see what's in it for the current members if they add Idaho for fb. They're not good and so far from everyone even if they add NMSU.

You're right, mostly. If they needed a 12th to have a CCG, then Idaho is available. Otherwise, I'm seeing App, GaSo, and NMSU getting added for a total of 10. No 11th at the moment, maybe in a couple of years, but not now. (I seriously doubt the SBC will add Liberty). Until there's an 11th football member, there will probably be no need to take Idaho.

I don't think the Belt is acting quickly enough to be a league that wants to go to 12, so I think they'll add NMSU, Appy & GaSo and call it a day.

(03-24-2013 06:01 PM)Chappy Wrote:  I don't think the Belt is acting quickly enough to be a league that wants to go to 12, so I think they'll add NMSU, Appy & GaSo and call it a day.

You are probably right. When members are more concerned with getting an invite to another conference instead of improving the league, nothing too big will happen. The current plan seems to be, "let me wait to see if i get another invite before i will get serious about doing anything." If they didnt have the June 1 deadline to bring on FCS schools, no telling how long this would drag on.