(05-08-2014 05:35 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:30 PM)WKUYG Wrote:  As far as Tech...

no way in hell

The SBC offered 4 C-USA schools just a year or two ago and no one took the bait

Who did they offer?

I will try to find the article but I believe it was Marshall, Charlotte (or maybe ECU), USM, UAB

(05-08-2014 06:27 PM)WKUYG Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:35 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:30 PM)WKUYG Wrote:  As far as Tech...

no way in hell

The SBC offered 4 C-USA schools just a year or two ago and no one took the bait

Who did they offer?

I will try to find the article but I believe it was Marshall, Charlotte (or maybe ECU), USM, UAB

That would have been an interesting change. Just think soon everyone will want to be joining us.
Hard to keep them out now. At least Liberty and EKU it seems. Hopefully for the Sun Belt it's
going to be good to continue to be king.
jk-kind of

(05-08-2014 05:45 PM)Redwolves06 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:38 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:29 PM)Redwolves06 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:23 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:10 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  Considering Neck pretty much voluntarily turned down a bowl game two years ago to avoid playing ULM, they'll never play in a league with the Warhawks. ULL is a different story, the two have a regular nonconference series...however its hard to say whether or not the same generosity would extend to playing in the same league.

LaTech seemed pretty easy to get along with when the WAC was folding and they needed a place to play. Why do you call them Neck? Is it a take off on Tech?
Back to basics, why do they hate ULM? Did ULM take away their candy or is it some kind of false ego contempt like a lot of schools get that they think they are better than someone else?

As I'm married to a techster, I'd say it's the last part regarding ego. But when there's
2 fbs schools 30 minutes apart, you've gotta do something to separate yourself for recruiting, etc, which apparently tech has done a better job at. There are limited resources to go around in Louisiana and tech has set itself apart regarding facilities, enrollment, etc.

Ahhhhhh, 30 minutes apart. That probably explains a lot. Us newbie Easterners have no concept sometimes.
Why Neck? Is it in an area called the Neck of La.?

Just sun belt posters trying to be funny...

La Neck = Red neck or hick

Z

Tech has no interest in being conference mates with ULM because only 30 miles separate our campuses. It has nothing to do with the Sun Belt Conference. Tech competes with ULM for fans, recruits, and financial backing. It isn't personal, it's business. Also, most Tech fans I know would be fine with UL-L as a conference mate. Lafayette is located in south Louisiana on I-10 and Tech is located in north Louisiana on I-20, so our two universities occupy completely different parts of the state. We would coexist in the same conference just fine.

(05-08-2014 07:44 PM)zeebart21 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:45 PM)Redwolves06 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:38 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:29 PM)Redwolves06 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:23 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  LaTech seemed pretty easy to get along with when the WAC was folding and they needed a place to play. Why do you call them Neck? Is it a take off on Tech?
Back to basics, why do they hate ULM? Did ULM take away their candy or is it some kind of false ego contempt like a lot of schools get that they think they are better than someone else?

As I'm married to a techster, I'd say it's the last part regarding ego. But when there's
2 fbs schools 30 minutes apart, you've gotta do something to separate yourself for recruiting, etc, which apparently tech has done a better job at. There are limited resources to go around in Louisiana and tech has set itself apart regarding facilities, enrollment, etc.

Ahhhhhh, 30 minutes apart. That probably explains a lot. Us newbie Easterners have no concept sometimes.
Why Neck? Is it in an area called the Neck of La.?

Just sun belt posters trying to be funny...

La Neck = Red neck or hick

Z

La Tech = Tier I University

(05-08-2014 05:38 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:29 PM)Redwolves06 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:23 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:10 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  Considering Neck pretty much voluntarily turned down a bowl game two years ago to avoid playing ULM, they'll never play in a league with the Warhawks. ULL is a different story, the two have a regular nonconference series...however its hard to say whether or not the same generosity would extend to playing in the same league.

LaTech seemed pretty easy to get along with when the WAC was folding and they needed a place to play. Why do you call them Neck? Is it a take off on Tech?
Back to basics, why do they hate ULM? Did ULM take away their candy or is it some kind of false ego contempt like a lot of schools get that they think they are better than someone else?

As I'm married to a techster, I'd say it's the last part regarding ego. But when there's
2 fbs schools 30 minutes apart, you've gotta do something to separate yourself for recruiting, etc, which apparently tech has done a better job at. There are limited resources to go around in Louisiana and tech has set itself apart regarding facilities, enrollment, etc.

Ahhhhhh, 30 minutes apart. That probably explains a lot. Us newbie Easterners have no concept sometimes.
Why Neck? Is it in an area called the Neck of La.?

To most Cajuns, from Rapides parish on north is redneck land. Tech falls way into that territory, hence the name "Neck". ULM fans and Tech fans are pretty much the same group but Tech is cursed with good rhyming. The name has caught on over the years.

Since you're an App fan, I'll try and help you understand the difference in the two cultures. Just think of someone from the coastal areas of NC compared to someone from your area. Or like Tidewater Virginia compared to West Virginia folk. Two totally different groups right?

(05-08-2014 09:12 PM)CajunFan3406 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:38 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:29 PM)Redwolves06 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:23 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:10 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  Considering Neck pretty much voluntarily turned down a bowl game two years ago to avoid playing ULM, they'll never play in a league with the Warhawks. ULL is a different story, the two have a regular nonconference series...however its hard to say whether or not the same generosity would extend to playing in the same league.

LaTech seemed pretty easy to get along with when the WAC was folding and they needed a place to play. Why do you call them Neck? Is it a take off on Tech?
Back to basics, why do they hate ULM? Did ULM take away their candy or is it some kind of false ego contempt like a lot of schools get that they think they are better than someone else?

As I'm married to a techster, I'd say it's the last part regarding ego. But when there's
2 fbs schools 30 minutes apart, you've gotta do something to separate yourself for recruiting, etc, which apparently tech has done a better job at. There are limited resources to go around in Louisiana and tech has set itself apart regarding facilities, enrollment, etc.

Ahhhhhh, 30 minutes apart. That probably explains a lot. Us newbie Easterners have no concept sometimes.
Why Neck? Is it in an area called the Neck of La.?

To most Cajuns, from Rapides parish on north is redneck land. Tech falls way into that territory, hence the name "Neck". ULM fans and Tech fans are pretty much the same group but Tech is cursed with good rhyming. The name has caught on over the years.

Since you're an App fan, I'll try and help you understand the difference in the two cultures. Just think of someone from the coastal areas of NC compared to someone from your area. Or like Tidewater Virginia compared to West Virginia folk. Two totally different groups right?

Yep.
Makes sense. Kind of a shame though that
being so close makes the two schools so
distant. Can understand competing for the
same fans, etc. though.
That's a tough one.

(05-08-2014 05:23 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:10 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  Considering Neck pretty much voluntarily turned down a bowl game two years ago to avoid playing ULM, they'll never play in a league with the Warhawks. ULL is a different story, the two have a regular nonconference series...however its hard to say whether or not the same generosity would extend to playing in the same league.

LaTech seemed pretty easy to get along with when the WAC was folding and
they needed a place to play. Why do you call them Neck? Is it a take off on Tech?
Back to basics, why do they hate ULM? Did ULM take away their candy or is it
some kind of false ego contempt like a lot of schools get that they think they are
better than someone else?

La Tech was a member of the Sun Belt. They left on very bad terms. The animus is all on La Tech.

(05-08-2014 04:55 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  Gotta ask --- why does LaTech hate ULM so much?
Is it reciprocated, does ULM hate LaTech a lot?

Take it from someone that is from Lafayette and now lives in Monroe. LaTech is trying to separate themselves from the rest of the universities in this state. They believe that ULM should of never been built, the fact that if you took the total population of Monroe metropolitan area you talking maybe 120,000 people. We have 3 universities Grambling, Tech, and ULM. All have less than 8,000 students

Tech was willing to travel to Hawaii and Fresno to not play ULM and to not be associate with any other Louisiana Universities. When WAC collapse Tech was willing to get on there knees and whore itself to C-USA so they would not have to play in the Sunbelt or ULM. Tech fans also like to use this Tier I status against UL. LaTech never has been or ever will be better than UL academically.

The cultures of Monroe and Lafayette is vastly different. Monroe and Ruston area is very regressive and Lafayette is very progressive economically. Lafayette is a growing city where businesses are thriving, oil is booming, where people take pride in there city. Monroe is kinda the opposite.

(05-08-2014 05:29 PM)Redwolves06 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:23 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:10 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  Considering Neck pretty much voluntarily turned down a bowl game two years ago to avoid playing ULM, they'll never play in a league with the Warhawks. ULL is a different story, the two have a regular nonconference series...however its hard to say whether or not the same generosity would extend to playing in the same league.

LaTech seemed pretty easy to get along with when the WAC was folding and they needed a place to play. Why do you call them Neck? Is it a take off on Tech?
Back to basics, why do they hate ULM? Did ULM take away their candy or is it some kind of false ego contempt like a lot of schools get that they think they are better than someone else?

As I'm married to a techster, I'd say it's the last part regarding ego. But when there's
2 fbs schools 30 minutes apart, you've gotta do something to separate yourself for recruiting, etc, which apparently tech has done a better job at. There are limited resources to go around in Louisiana and tech has set itself apart regarding facilities, enrollment, etc.

Or in the case of Duke-UNC 8miles apart you build an amazing rivalry.

(05-08-2014 05:52 PM)cleburneslim Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 05:10 PM)arkstfan Wrote:  My theory remains this:
1. No C-USA would consider Sun Belt until after 2015-16 because no one is walking away from the current TV deal.
2. If the next C-USA TV deal is not as attractive and the Sun Belt is able to use the renegotiation window to get similar money the dynamic becomes a bit different.
3. The highest threat to shift would be UAB and then only if it is the only way to clear the political opposition to an on-campus stadium.
4. The next highest threat would be the Texas schools if as a group it can be demonstrated that the revenue in Sun Belt with them in would be better (unlikely) than C-USA or essentially equal and unlike C-USA the political clout of the Texans would be such that they could dominate the awarding of conference events and such.

Uab is tied to the ua bot. An on campus stadium was as much as done when the ua bot said no. Moving to the sbc will not help with this matter. Leaving the ua bot will.

UA BOT like its contemporaries elsewhere is a political animal.

Right now there aren't any people out there with sufficient political clout to support UAB getting an on-campus stadium apparently. The city at this point isn't even likely to be in their corner especially since UAB already abandoned the civic center.

But politics I've learned is an arena where almost anything is possible if you are willing to pay the price.

UAB could find political allies in other state schools who go to the governor asking that the way be cleared for UAB if...

The city goes to the governor saying we can move on redevelop the Legion Field property if UAB is in a conference with several schools that are close and will be bringing visitors to the city.

Now does UAB want to pay that price? Not right now for sure. If the CUSA TV money picture changes and football isn't on an upswing mired in Legion Field, the perceived cost could change.

(05-09-2014 07:59 AM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 04:55 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  Gotta ask --- why does LaTech hate ULM so much?
Is it reciprocated, does ULM hate LaTech a lot?

Take it from someone that is from Lafayette and now lives in Monroe. LaTech is trying to separate themselves from the rest of the universities in this state. They believe that ULM should of never been built, the fact that if you took the total population of Monroe metropolitan area you talking maybe 120,000 people. We have 3 universities Grambling, Tech, and ULM. All have less than 8,000 students

Tech was willing to travel to Hawaii and Fresno to not play ULM and to not be associate with any other Louisiana Universities. When WAC collapse Tech was willing to get on there knees and whore itself to C-USA so they would not have to play in the Sunbelt or ULM. Tech fans also like to use this Tier I status against UL. LaTech never has been or ever will be better than UL academically.

The cultures of Monroe and Lafayette is vastly different. Monroe and Ruston area is very regressive and Lafayette is very progressive economically. Lafayette is a growing city where businesses are thriving, oil is booming, where people take pride in there city. Monroe is kinda the opposite.

I think the bolded text is all you need to know.

Everyone needs someone to look down on. Texas State moved up to create separation from the Southland Conference schools and increase our brand. North Texas (and other SBC schools) looked down on us because we were a former SLC school. It was only after they left that we were extended an invitation. SMU, Houston (and other CUSA schools) looked down on North Texas and kept UNT isolated in the Belt. It was only after they moved to the AAC that UNT was invited. Big XII schools in the state look down on all of the G5 schools in the state.


LaTech is not alone in their thinking to offer something different to increase branding -
Texas State and UTSA are separated by 40 miles of Interstate. We both recruit San Antonio for students (and players). As conference mates, it was natural that a rivalry would form. We played for an Olympic sports trophy because they didn't have football. After they started their football team, they dodged us the first year, were begrudgingly forced to play us the second year (as WAC conference mates), and won't book any future games with us now that we are in separate leagues. They are branding themselves as San Antonio's team and boxing us out at every turn. Our TV, print, and radio coverage in SA has decreased.

Despite what some of our fans have said about their AD championing us for a CUSA invite because our rivalry, I think that we will be C-blocked from CUSA by the other Texas like UNT before us.

....
TCU was willing to take their chances in the Mountain West rather than be associated with their Texas peers (SMU, Rice, Houston) in CUSA. It paid off with a Big XII invite.

A&M's recent SECession in part to help them build a brand that was different from the other Texas (and Oklahoma) schools. It paid off on the recruiting trail and public perception.

UTEP, New Mexico State, and University of New Mexico would be ideal conference mates if geography was the only factor. However, neither UTEP nor UNM have invited NMSU to their leagues (most likely to keep a recruiting advantage over the Aggies).

(05-09-2014 10:41 AM)chrisattsu Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 07:59 AM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 04:55 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  Gotta ask --- why does LaTech hate ULM so much?
Is it reciprocated, does ULM hate LaTech a lot?

Take it from someone that is from Lafayette and now lives in Monroe. LaTech is trying to separate themselves from the rest of the universities in this state. They believe that ULM should of never been built, the fact that if you took the total population of Monroe metropolitan area you talking maybe 120,000 people. We have 3 universities Grambling, Tech, and ULM. All have less than 8,000 students

Tech was willing to travel to Hawaii and Fresno to not play ULM and to not be associate with any other Louisiana Universities. When WAC collapse Tech was willing to get on there knees and whore itself to C-USA so they would not have to play in the Sunbelt or ULM. Tech fans also like to use this Tier I status against UL. LaTech never has been or ever will be better than UL academically.

The cultures of Monroe and Lafayette is vastly different. Monroe and Ruston area is very regressive and Lafayette is very progressive economically. Lafayette is a growing city where businesses are thriving, oil is booming, where people take pride in there city. Monroe is kinda the opposite.

I think the bolded text is all you need to know.

Everyone needs someone to look down on. Texas State moved up to create separation from the Southland Conference schools and increase our brand.

North Texas (and other SBC schools) looked down on us because we were a former SLC school. It was only after they left that we were extended an invitation.

SMU, Houston (and other CUSA schools) looked down on North Texas and kept UNT isolated in the Belt. It was only after they moved to the AAC that UNT was invited.

Big XII schools in the state look down on all of the G5 schools in the state.


LaTech is not alone in their thinking to offer something different to increase branding -
Texas State and UTSA are separated by 40 miles of Interstate. We both recruit San Antonio for students (and players). As conference mates, it was natural that a rivalry would form. We played for an Olympic sports trophy because they didn't have football.

After they started their football team, they dodged us the first year, were begrudgingly forced to play us the second year (as WAC conference mates), and won't book any future games with us now that we are in separate leagues. They are branding themselves as San Antonio's team and boxing us out at every turn. Our TV, print, and radio coverage in SA has decreased.

....
TCU was willing to take their chances in the Mountain West rather than be associated with their Texas peers (SMU, Rice, Houston) in CUSA. It paid off with a Big XII invite.

A&M's recent SECession in part to help them build a brand that was different from the other Texas (and Oklahoma) schools. It paid off on the recruiting trail and public perception.

UTEP, New Mexico State, and University of New Mexico would be ideal conference mates if geography was the only factor. However, neither UTEP nor UNM have invited NMSU to their leagues (most likely to keep a recruiting advantage over the Aggies).

That is pretty much all accurate.

But the business of "separation" can morph into religious dogma and away from pragmatic business decision over time...and that can end up limiting your options instead of increasing them.

(05-09-2014 10:47 AM)ark30inf Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 10:41 AM)chrisattsu Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 07:59 AM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 04:55 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  Gotta ask --- why does LaTech hate ULM so much?
Is it reciprocated, does ULM hate LaTech a lot?

Take it from someone that is from Lafayette and now lives in Monroe. LaTech is trying to separate themselves from the rest of the universities in this state. They believe that ULM should of never been built, the fact that if you took the total population of Monroe metropolitan area you talking maybe 120,000 people. We have 3 universities Grambling, Tech, and ULM. All have less than 8,000 students

Tech was willing to travel to Hawaii and Fresno to not play ULM and to not be associate with any other Louisiana Universities. When WAC collapse Tech was willing to get on there knees and whore itself to C-USA so they would not have to play in the Sunbelt or ULM. Tech fans also like to use this Tier I status against UL. LaTech never has been or ever will be better than UL academically.

The cultures of Monroe and Lafayette is vastly different. Monroe and Ruston area is very regressive and Lafayette is very progressive economically. Lafayette is a growing city where businesses are thriving, oil is booming, where people take pride in there city. Monroe is kinda the opposite.

I think the bolded text is all you need to know.

Everyone needs someone to look down on. Texas State moved up to create separation from the Southland Conference schools and increase our brand.

North Texas (and other SBC schools) looked down on us because we were a former SLC school. It was only after they left that we were extended an invitation.

SMU, Houston (and other CUSA schools) looked down on North Texas and kept UNT isolated in the Belt. It was only after they moved to the AAC that UNT was invited.

Big XII schools in the state look down on all of the G5 schools in the state.


LaTech is not alone in their thinking to offer something different to increase branding -
Texas State and UTSA are separated by 40 miles of Interstate. We both recruit San Antonio for students (and players). As conference mates, it was natural that a rivalry would form. We played for an Olympic sports trophy because they didn't have football.

After they started their football team, they dodged us the first year, were begrudgingly forced to play us the second year (as WAC conference mates), and won't book any future games with us now that we are in separate leagues. They are branding themselves as San Antonio's team and boxing us out at every turn. Our TV, print, and radio coverage in SA has decreased.

....
TCU was willing to take their chances in the Mountain West rather than be associated with their Texas peers (SMU, Rice, Houston) in CUSA. It paid off with a Big XII invite.

A&M's recent SECession in part to help them build a brand that was different from the other Texas (and Oklahoma) schools. It paid off on the recruiting trail and public perception.

UTEP, New Mexico State, and University of New Mexico would be ideal conference mates if geography was the only factor. However, neither UTEP nor UNM have invited NMSU to their leagues (most likely to keep a recruiting advantage over the Aggies).

That is pretty much all accurate.

But the business of "separation" can morph into religious dogma and away from pragmatic business decision over time...and that can end up limiting your options instead of increasing them.

This is a great post and so true. Both Tech and ULM have similar facilities and both could use the crowds and virtually zero travel cost. I've honestly always thought Tech has little man syndrome and knows that ULM has the advantages of a larger population, airport, hotels, restaurants, etc. and is afraid if we ever get good leadership and start winning we will pass them by. Truth is our football and baseball are better than they are right now. I've always said if you are so great then prove it on the field. At this point though I don't really care if we play or not except I do think it is depriving north Louisiana a great rivalry and a game that took precedence over any game in the state the day it was played. Also, I wouldn't mind an easy win over a C-USA team.

I am confused by the question. The original post is describing a move up.

(05-09-2014 10:54 AM)Arrowhead Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 10:47 AM)ark30inf Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 10:41 AM)chrisattsu Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 07:59 AM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  

(05-08-2014 04:55 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  Gotta ask --- why does LaTech hate ULM so much?
Is it reciprocated, does ULM hate LaTech a lot?

Take it from someone that is from Lafayette and now lives in Monroe. LaTech is trying to separate themselves from the rest of the universities in this state. They believe that ULM should of never been built, the fact that if you took the total population of Monroe metropolitan area you talking maybe 120,000 people. We have 3 universities Grambling, Tech, and ULM. All have less than 8,000 students

Tech was willing to travel to Hawaii and Fresno to not play ULM and to not be associate with any other Louisiana Universities. When WAC collapse Tech was willing to get on there knees and whore itself to C-USA so they would not have to play in the Sunbelt or ULM. Tech fans also like to use this Tier I status against UL. LaTech never has been or ever will be better than UL academically.

The cultures of Monroe and Lafayette is vastly different. Monroe and Ruston area is very regressive and Lafayette is very progressive economically. Lafayette is a growing city where businesses are thriving, oil is booming, where people take pride in there city. Monroe is kinda the opposite.

I think the bolded text is all you need to know.

Everyone needs someone to look down on. Texas State moved up to create separation from the Southland Conference schools and increase our brand.

North Texas (and other SBC schools) looked down on us because we were a former SLC school. It was only after they left that we were extended an invitation.

SMU, Houston (and other CUSA schools) looked down on North Texas and kept UNT isolated in the Belt. It was only after they moved to the AAC that UNT was invited.

Big XII schools in the state look down on all of the G5 schools in the state.


LaTech is not alone in their thinking to offer something different to increase branding -
Texas State and UTSA are separated by 40 miles of Interstate. We both recruit San Antonio for students (and players). As conference mates, it was natural that a rivalry would form. We played for an Olympic sports trophy because they didn't have football.

After they started their football team, they dodged us the first year, were begrudgingly forced to play us the second year (as WAC conference mates), and won't book any future games with us now that we are in separate leagues. They are branding themselves as San Antonio's team and boxing us out at every turn. Our TV, print, and radio coverage in SA has decreased.

....
TCU was willing to take their chances in the Mountain West rather than be associated with their Texas peers (SMU, Rice, Houston) in CUSA. It paid off with a Big XII invite.

A&M's recent SECession in part to help them build a brand that was different from the other Texas (and Oklahoma) schools. It paid off on the recruiting trail and public perception.

UTEP, New Mexico State, and University of New Mexico would be ideal conference mates if geography was the only factor. However, neither UTEP nor UNM have invited NMSU to their leagues (most likely to keep a recruiting advantage over the Aggies).

That is pretty much all accurate.

But the business of "separation" can morph into religious dogma and away from pragmatic business decision over time...and that can end up limiting your options instead of increasing them.

This is a great post and so true. Both Tech and ULM have similar facilities and both could use the crowds and virtually zero travel cost. I've honestly always thought Tech has little man syndrome and knows that ULM has the advantages of a larger population, airport, hotels, restaurants, etc. and is afraid if we ever get good leadership and start winning we will pass them by. Truth is our football and baseball are better than they are right now. I've always said if you are so great then prove it on the field. At this point though I don't really care if we play or not except I do think it is depriving north Louisiana a great rivalry and a game that took precedence over any game in the state the day it was played. Also, I wouldn't mind an easy win over a C-USA team.

I agree ULM has more potential than Tech. ULM has one of the only pharmacy schools in Louisiana. It is surrounded by a larger population, this area is also surrounded by the best High school football teams in the nation like. West Monroe, Ouachita, West Ouachita, Sterlington, Neville high schools. I think ULM campus also looks better than LaTech.

Can't speak for all Cajun fans but the only reason I oppose ULM is because of the name issue.

(05-09-2014 12:03 PM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 10:54 AM)Arrowhead Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 10:47 AM)ark30inf Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 10:41 AM)chrisattsu Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 07:59 AM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  Take it from someone that is from Lafayette and now lives in Monroe. LaTech is trying to separate themselves from the rest of the universities in this state. They believe that ULM should of never been built, the fact that if you took the total population of Monroe metropolitan area you talking maybe 120,000 people. We have 3 universities Grambling, Tech, and ULM. All have less than 8,000 students

Tech was willing to travel to Hawaii and Fresno to not play ULM and to not be associate with any other Louisiana Universities. When WAC collapse Tech was willing to get on there knees and whore itself to C-USA so they would not have to play in the Sunbelt or ULM. Tech fans also like to use this Tier I status against UL. LaTech never has been or ever will be better than UL academically.

The cultures of Monroe and Lafayette is vastly different. Monroe and Ruston area is very regressive and Lafayette is very progressive economically. Lafayette is a growing city where businesses are thriving, oil is booming, where people take pride in there city. Monroe is kinda the opposite.

I think the bolded text is all you need to know.

Everyone needs someone to look down on. Texas State moved up to create separation from the Southland Conference schools and increase our brand.

North Texas (and other SBC schools) looked down on us because we were a former SLC school. It was only after they left that we were extended an invitation.

SMU, Houston (and other CUSA schools) looked down on North Texas and kept UNT isolated in the Belt. It was only after they moved to the AAC that UNT was invited.

Big XII schools in the state look down on all of the G5 schools in the state.


LaTech is not alone in their thinking to offer something different to increase branding -
Texas State and UTSA are separated by 40 miles of Interstate. We both recruit San Antonio for students (and players). As conference mates, it was natural that a rivalry would form. We played for an Olympic sports trophy because they didn't have football.

After they started their football team, they dodged us the first year, were begrudgingly forced to play us the second year (as WAC conference mates), and won't book any future games with us now that we are in separate leagues. They are branding themselves as San Antonio's team and boxing us out at every turn. Our TV, print, and radio coverage in SA has decreased.

....
TCU was willing to take their chances in the Mountain West rather than be associated with their Texas peers (SMU, Rice, Houston) in CUSA. It paid off with a Big XII invite.

A&M's recent SECession in part to help them build a brand that was different from the other Texas (and Oklahoma) schools. It paid off on the recruiting trail and public perception.

UTEP, New Mexico State, and University of New Mexico would be ideal conference mates if geography was the only factor. However, neither UTEP nor UNM have invited NMSU to their leagues (most likely to keep a recruiting advantage over the Aggies).

That is pretty much all accurate.

But the business of "separation" can morph into religious dogma and away from pragmatic business decision over time...and that can end up limiting your options instead of increasing them.

This is a great post and so true. Both Tech and ULM have similar facilities and both could use the crowds and virtually zero travel cost. I've honestly always thought Tech has little man syndrome and knows that ULM has the advantages of a larger population, airport, hotels, restaurants, etc. and is afraid if we ever get good leadership and start winning we will pass them by. Truth is our football and baseball are better than they are right now. I've always said if you are so great then prove it on the field. At this point though I don't really care if we play or not except I do think it is depriving north Louisiana a great rivalry and a game that took precedence over any game in the state the day it was played. Also, I wouldn't mind an easy win over a C-USA team.

I agree ULM has more potential than Tech. ULM has one of the only pharmacy schools in Louisiana. It is surrounded by a larger population, this area is also surrounded by the best High school football teams in the nation like. West Monroe, Ouachita, West Ouachita, Sterlington, Neville high schools. I think ULM campus also looks better than LaTech.

Can't speak for all Cajun fans but the only reason I oppose ULM is because of the name issue.

More potential? You do realize that tech crushes ulm historically in academics and athletics right? I'm very in tune to what ulm has going on, and they're barely surviving.

(05-09-2014 01:26 PM)Redwolves06 Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 12:03 PM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 10:54 AM)Arrowhead Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 10:47 AM)ark30inf Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 10:41 AM)chrisattsu Wrote:  I think the bolded text is all you need to know.

Everyone needs someone to look down on. Texas State moved up to create separation from the Southland Conference schools and increase our brand.

North Texas (and other SBC schools) looked down on us because we were a former SLC school. It was only after they left that we were extended an invitation.

SMU, Houston (and other CUSA schools) looked down on North Texas and kept UNT isolated in the Belt. It was only after they moved to the AAC that UNT was invited.

Big XII schools in the state look down on all of the G5 schools in the state.


LaTech is not alone in their thinking to offer something different to increase branding -
Texas State and UTSA are separated by 40 miles of Interstate. We both recruit San Antonio for students (and players). As conference mates, it was natural that a rivalry would form. We played for an Olympic sports trophy because they didn't have football.

After they started their football team, they dodged us the first year, were begrudgingly forced to play us the second year (as WAC conference mates), and won't book any future games with us now that we are in separate leagues. They are branding themselves as San Antonio's team and boxing us out at every turn. Our TV, print, and radio coverage in SA has decreased.

....
TCU was willing to take their chances in the Mountain West rather than be associated with their Texas peers (SMU, Rice, Houston) in CUSA. It paid off with a Big XII invite.

A&M's recent SECession in part to help them build a brand that was different from the other Texas (and Oklahoma) schools. It paid off on the recruiting trail and public perception.

UTEP, New Mexico State, and University of New Mexico would be ideal conference mates if geography was the only factor. However, neither UTEP nor UNM have invited NMSU to their leagues (most likely to keep a recruiting advantage over the Aggies).

That is pretty much all accurate.

But the business of "separation" can morph into religious dogma and away from pragmatic business decision over time...and that can end up limiting your options instead of increasing them.

This is a great post and so true. Both Tech and ULM have similar facilities and both could use the crowds and virtually zero travel cost. I've honestly always thought Tech has little man syndrome and knows that ULM has the advantages of a larger population, airport, hotels, restaurants, etc. and is afraid if we ever get good leadership and start winning we will pass them by. Truth is our football and baseball are better than they are right now. I've always said if you are so great then prove it on the field. At this point though I don't really care if we play or not except I do think it is depriving north Louisiana a great rivalry and a game that took precedence over any game in the state the day it was played. Also, I wouldn't mind an easy win over a C-USA team.

I agree ULM has more potential than Tech. ULM has one of the only pharmacy schools in Louisiana. It is surrounded by a larger population, this area is also surrounded by the best High school football teams in the nation like. West Monroe, Ouachita, West Ouachita, Sterlington, Neville high schools. I think ULM campus also looks better than LaTech.

Can't speak for all Cajun fans but the only reason I oppose ULM is because of the name issue.

More potential? You do realize that tech crushes ulm historically in academics and athletics right? I'm very in tune to what ulm has going on, and they're barely surviving.

ULM has far more potential than people let on. They have a lot of things working against them, but they have made a lot of progress the last few years. They have a lot of work to do...especially facility wise...but as Arkansas State has proven the last few years...you can win in the Sun Belt even without the greatest facilities around.

And anyone arguing Tech's potential has obviously never seen some of their athletic facilities, or been to Ruston

(05-09-2014 01:26 PM)Redwolves06 Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 12:03 PM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 10:54 AM)Arrowhead Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 10:47 AM)ark30inf Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 10:41 AM)chrisattsu Wrote:  I think the bolded text is all you need to know.

Everyone needs someone to look down on. Texas State moved up to create separation from the Southland Conference schools and increase our brand.

North Texas (and other SBC schools) looked down on us because we were a former SLC school. It was only after they left that we were extended an invitation.

SMU, Houston (and other CUSA schools) looked down on North Texas and kept UNT isolated in the Belt. It was only after they moved to the AAC that UNT was invited.

Big XII schools in the state look down on all of the G5 schools in the state.


LaTech is not alone in their thinking to offer something different to increase branding -
Texas State and UTSA are separated by 40 miles of Interstate. We both recruit San Antonio for students (and players). As conference mates, it was natural that a rivalry would form. We played for an Olympic sports trophy because they didn't have football.

After they started their football team, they dodged us the first year, were begrudgingly forced to play us the second year (as WAC conference mates), and won't book any future games with us now that we are in separate leagues. They are branding themselves as San Antonio's team and boxing us out at every turn. Our TV, print, and radio coverage in SA has decreased.

....
TCU was willing to take their chances in the Mountain West rather than be associated with their Texas peers (SMU, Rice, Houston) in CUSA. It paid off with a Big XII invite.

A&M's recent SECession in part to help them build a brand that was different from the other Texas (and Oklahoma) schools. It paid off on the recruiting trail and public perception.

UTEP, New Mexico State, and University of New Mexico would be ideal conference mates if geography was the only factor. However, neither UTEP nor UNM have invited NMSU to their leagues (most likely to keep a recruiting advantage over the Aggies).

That is pretty much all accurate.

But the business of "separation" can morph into religious dogma and away from pragmatic business decision over time...and that can end up limiting your options instead of increasing them.

This is a great post and so true. Both Tech and ULM have similar facilities and both could use the crowds and virtually zero travel cost. I've honestly always thought Tech has little man syndrome and knows that ULM has the advantages of a larger population, airport, hotels, restaurants, etc. and is afraid if we ever get good leadership and start winning we will pass them by. Truth is our football and baseball are better than they are right now. I've always said if you are so great then prove it on the field. At this point though I don't really care if we play or not except I do think it is depriving north Louisiana a great rivalry and a game that took precedence over any game in the state the day it was played. Also, I wouldn't mind an easy win over a C-USA team.

I agree ULM has more potential than Tech. ULM has one of the only pharmacy schools in Louisiana. It is surrounded by a larger population, this area is also surrounded by the best High school football teams in the nation like. West Monroe, Ouachita, West Ouachita, Sterlington, Neville high schools. I think ULM campus also looks better than LaTech.

Can't speak for all Cajun fans but the only reason I oppose ULM is because of the name issue.

More potential? You do realize that tech crushes ulm historically in academics and athletics right? I'm very in tune to what ulm has going on, and they're barely surviving.

Big tom is just being polite. You've got ulm pegged correctly. They'd never believe that criticism if it came from instate. And they can't see that robbing your other programs to prop up football is just not a sound long term strategy.

(05-09-2014 01:41 PM)AstroCajun Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 01:26 PM)Redwolves06 Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 12:03 PM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 10:54 AM)Arrowhead Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 10:47 AM)ark30inf Wrote:  That is pretty much all accurate.

But the business of "separation" can morph into religious dogma and away from pragmatic business decision over time...and that can end up limiting your options instead of increasing them.

This is a great post and so true. Both Tech and ULM have similar facilities and both could use the crowds and virtually zero travel cost. I've honestly always thought Tech has little man syndrome and knows that ULM has the advantages of a larger population, airport, hotels, restaurants, etc. and is afraid if we ever get good leadership and start winning we will pass them by. Truth is our football and baseball are better than they are right now. I've always said if you are so great then prove it on the field. At this point though I don't really care if we play or not except I do think it is depriving north Louisiana a great rivalry and a game that took precedence over any game in the state the day it was played. Also, I wouldn't mind an easy win over a C-USA team.

I agree ULM has more potential than Tech. ULM has one of the only pharmacy schools in Louisiana. It is surrounded by a larger population, this area is also surrounded by the best High school football teams in the nation like. West Monroe, Ouachita, West Ouachita, Sterlington, Neville high schools. I think ULM campus also looks better than LaTech.

Can't speak for all Cajun fans but the only reason I oppose ULM is because of the name issue.

More potential? You do realize that tech crushes ulm historically in academics and athletics right? I'm very in tune to what ulm has going on, and they're barely surviving.

Big tom is just being polite. You've got ulm pegged correctly. They'd never believe that criticism if it came from instate. And they can't see that robbing your other programs to prop up football is just not a sound long term strategy.

Its not the greatest long term strategy...but its very similar to what ASU did when we were first trying to grow. Football drives the bus. If you grow your football program, you increase your donor and fan base.

An administration that can grow their football program, and then use that success to help the growth of their Olympic Sports programs are the ones that can really move.