Ga. Southern did not work with NMSU to get into the Sun Belt with the purpose of excluding App. St. It was understood at the time that App. St. was going to be invited, so Ga. Southern was trying to make sure if NMSU was invited in all sports Ga. Southern would be invited also. We were trying to make sure we were not left out.

At the time there was considerable thought here in Statesboro that App. St. and possibly NMSU would be invited and Ga. Southern would get left out.

This sounds harsh, but I don't know what will happen with NMSU. I don't foresee them being in the Sun Belt for too long, and the same goes for Idaho. Both of these schools struggle to meet attendance requirements, while also not bringing a ton to the table if you don't look at NMSU's basketball program. Like others have said, it will be interesting to see what happens when Missouri State and James Madison catch up to speed. I don't see James Madison going anywhere anytime soon, and same goes for Missouri State. Inviting those two teams and letting go NMSU and Idaho would compact the Sun Belt's footprint, while also bringing in two solid up-and-coming programs rather than sticking with two just getting by programs.

I wish the best for NMSU and I hope things look up quickly so you can remain with us, but at this time, unless drastic changes are made, I don't see that happening.

(06-29-2014 03:10 PM)GaSoEagle Wrote:  Ga. Southern did not work with NMSU to get into the Sun Belt with the purpose of excluding App. St. It was understood at the time that App. St. was going to be invited, so Ga. Southern was trying to make sure if NMSU was invited in all sports Ga. Southern would be invited also. We were trying to make sure we were not left out.

At the time there was considerable thought here in Statesboro that App. St. and possibly NMSU would be invited and Ga. Southern would get left out.

I never heard anything about Georgia Southern working against App State. I had always heard that the two schools were working together all along.

(06-29-2014 12:50 PM)DoubleAggie Wrote:  

(06-29-2014 12:15 PM)Rik Flair Wrote:  NMSU is in a tough spot. I doubt any of your fans are really excited about being a football member of the Sun Belt. A Sunbelt conference schedule is not going to bring out more fans. They just know its better to be in any conference instead of being independent. The MWC is the only true salvation. I'm not slamming NMSU or the conference, just being honest. Sun Belt members are happy to have NMSU . . . (in lieu of the other options like Liberty). Be interesting to see what happens if Missouri State and James Madison are ready or seek a SBC invitation. It may be goodbye to NMSU and Idaho,

I can't speak for all, but I do recall NMSU's previous engagement with the SunBelt - NMSU's best all time attendance numbers come from that period!

There were some close and interesting games from that time.

A lot was a rivalry of sorts with North Texas, with whom we shared some ancient history.

But I still recall the games against ASU and the Louisiana pardners'
(in fact, last year's game in Louisiana was kinda interesting ).

And of course, as an independent, a Bowl game is all but impossible for a mid-major. Now, even if remote, there is hope for a good conference showing and a bowl bid. That statement shouldn't be construed at all as indicating that a bowl bid is likely, but it is at least possible.

Looking forward to SunBelt association starting in two days.

Is it kickoff time yet?

NMSU and stAte did have some good football games . . I remember them well.

Go SBC !!

App. St. and Ga. Southern were in constant communication through the entire process of joining the Sun Belt. It is on very high authority that both schools were campaigning for the other to join also. That being said it was a real fear here at Ga. Southern that App. St. and NMSU would be invited for all sports and Ga. Southern left out. Of course that is before WKU left.

(06-29-2014 03:14 PM)rknj8993 Wrote:  This sounds harsh, but I don't know what will happen with NMSU. I don't foresee them being in the Sun Belt for too long, and the same goes for Idaho. Both of these schools struggle to meet attendance requirements, while also not bringing a ton to the table if you don't look at NMSU's basketball program. Like others have said, it will be interesting to see what happens when Missouri State and James Madison catch up to speed. I don't see James Madison going anywhere anytime soon, and same goes for Missouri State. Inviting those two teams and letting go NMSU and Idaho would compact the Sun Belt's footprint, while also bringing in two solid up-and-coming programs rather than sticking with two just getting by programs.

I wish the best for NMSU and I hope things look up quickly so you can remain with us, but at this time, unless drastic changes are made, I don't see that happening.

NMSU is geographically in a unique position . . NMSU can align with Western schools but I do not see the MWC taking them as UTEP (and a Texas presence) or Texas State would get the nod over a second New Mexico school . . NMSU can align with schools in the West/Southwestern portion of the SBC (Texas State, UTA, stAte, UALR, UL, and ULM) but they have not yet been able to secure an all sports bid. Until NMSU decides what they want to be the future will be very unstable and uncertain for them.

Go SBC !!

(06-29-2014 03:14 PM)rknj8993 Wrote:  This sounds harsh, but I don't know what will happen with NMSU. I don't foresee them being in the Sun Belt for too long, and the same goes for Idaho. Both of these schools struggle to meet attendance requirements, while also not bringing a ton to the table if you don't look at NMSU's basketball program. Like others have said, it will be interesting to see what happens when Missouri State and James Madison catch up to speed. I don't see James Madison going anywhere anytime soon, and same goes for Missouri State. Inviting those two teams and letting go NMSU and Idaho would compact the Sun Belt's footprint, while also bringing in two solid up-and-coming programs rather than sticking with two just getting by programs.

I wish the best for NMSU and I hope things look up quickly so you can remain with us, but at this time, unless drastic changes are made, I don't see that happening.

Boston is in trouble because his football team is 23-88 over the last nine seasons. No fan is going to find that entertaining. They have to be competitive and entertaining. They are neither. I think Boston and Doug Martin will be let go if the football does not improve this season.

I think NMSU football will be in the SBC for many years. I think eventually they will improve in football and possibly join the SBC for all-sports. Idaho will be judged by their contribution to SBC football.

JMU could change their minds, but Missouri State has shown no interest in moving up or leaving the MVC. There are not a lot of good FCS moveup candidates at this time. Schools that actually want to move up to the SBC. That is why Idaho and NMSU are safe in the SBC.

I found an old vhs tape that had recorded the steve roberts show and the particular episode was highlighting the then ASU Indians come from behind victory over NMSU in 2003

(06-29-2014 03:18 PM)ManzanoWolf Wrote:  

(06-29-2014 12:50 PM)DoubleAggie Wrote:  

(06-29-2014 12:15 PM)Rik Flair Wrote:  NMSU is in a tough spot. I doubt any of your fans are really excited about being a football member of the Sun Belt. A Sunbelt conference schedule is not going to bring out more fans. They just know its better to be in any conference instead of being independent. The MWC is the only true salvation. I'm not slamming NMSU or the conference, just being honest. Sun Belt members are happy to have NMSU . . . (in lieu of the other options like Liberty). Be interesting to see what happens if Missouri State and James Madison are ready or seek a SBC invitation. It may be goodbye to NMSU and Idaho,

I can't speak for all, but I do recall NMSU's previous engagement with the SunBelt - NMSU's best all time attendance numbers come from that period!

There were some close and interesting games from that time.

A lot was a rivalry of sorts with North Texas, with whom we shared some ancient history.

But I still recall the games against ASU and the Louisiana pardners'
(in fact, last year's game in Louisiana was kinda interesting ).

And of course, as an independent, a Bowl game is all but impossible for a mid-major. Now, even if remote, there is hope for a good conference showing and a bowl bid. That statement shouldn't be construed at all as indicating that a bowl bid is likely, but it is at least possible.

Looking forward to SunBelt association starting in two days.

Is it kickoff time yet?

NMSU and stAte did have some good football games . . I remember them well.

Go SBC !!

Fans in Las Cruces will not support NMSU football to a great extent until it can become much more competitive and produce a few winning seasons. It has been 50 plus years since NMSU had back-to-back winning seasons or was invited to a bowl game. That is a tough sell.

As one Aggie fan already indicated, Las Cruces supports its high school teams very well - but that's because they win. Last year's independent schedule brought some quality programs to Las Cruces, but attendance was still not that great. Outside of UNM and UTEP, fans don't really care about who NMSU plays, they just want to see a successful program.

With NMSU located in an area with few quality FB recruits and being pretty isolated from other schools geographically, along with being in a small media market, it is VERY hard to garner the resources for a winning program. We keep trying though.

IMO Boston has done a reasonable job in most areas - except figure out how to drastically improve the FB program. If he had done that, he could have failed on most other things and people would forgive him. His FB failures have amplified all his other faults.

(06-29-2014 06:58 PM)SoCalBobcat78 Wrote:  

(06-29-2014 03:14 PM)rknj8993 Wrote:  This sounds harsh, but I don't know what will happen with NMSU. I don't foresee them being in the Sun Belt for too long, and the same goes for Idaho. Both of these schools struggle to meet attendance requirements, while also not bringing a ton to the table if you don't look at NMSU's basketball program. Like others have said, it will be interesting to see what happens when Missouri State and James Madison catch up to speed. I don't see James Madison going anywhere anytime soon, and same goes for Missouri State. Inviting those two teams and letting go NMSU and Idaho would compact the Sun Belt's footprint, while also bringing in two solid up-and-coming programs rather than sticking with two just getting by programs.

I wish the best for NMSU and I hope things look up quickly so you can remain with us, but at this time, unless drastic changes are made, I don't see that happening.

Boston is in trouble because his football team is 23-88 over the last nine seasons. No fan is going to find that entertaining. They have to be competitive and entertaining. They are neither. I think Boston and Doug Martin will be let go if the football does not improve this season.

I think NMSU football will be in the SBC for many years. I think eventually they will improve in football and possibly join the SBC for all-sports. Idaho will be judged by their contribution to SBC football.

JMU could change their minds, but Missouri State has shown no interest in moving up or leaving the MVC. There are not a lot of good FCS moveup candidates at this time. Schools that actually want to move up to the SBC. That is why Idaho and NMSU are safe in the SBC.

Althought Martin is Boston's hire, he is only starting his second season. Boston is in trouble now but Martin still has a little more time to prove his worth.

Not very hard to normally get support for a winning team.
Fans have to like football, and especially their school to get good
support when team is not winning.

(06-29-2014 06:58 PM)SoCalBobcat78 Wrote:  

(06-29-2014 03:14 PM)rknj8993 Wrote:  This sounds harsh, but I don't know what will happen with NMSU. I don't foresee them being in the Sun Belt for too long, and the same goes for Idaho. Both of these schools struggle to meet attendance requirements, while also not bringing a ton to the table if you don't look at NMSU's basketball program. Like others have said, it will be interesting to see what happens when Missouri State and James Madison catch up to speed. I don't see James Madison going anywhere anytime soon, and same goes for Missouri State. Inviting those two teams and letting go NMSU and Idaho would compact the Sun Belt's footprint, while also bringing in two solid up-and-coming programs rather than sticking with two just getting by programs.

I wish the best for NMSU and I hope things look up quickly so you can remain with us, but at this time, unless drastic changes are made, I don't see that happening.

Boston is in trouble because his football team is 23-88 over the last nine seasons. No fan is going to find that entertaining. They have to be competitive and entertaining. They are neither. I think Boston and Doug Martin will be let go if the football does not improve this season.

I think NMSU football will be in the SBC for many years. I think eventually they will improve in football and possibly join the SBC for all-sports. Idaho will be judged by their contribution to SBC football.

JMU could change their minds, but Missouri State has shown no interest in moving up or leaving the MVC. There are not a lot of good FCS moveup candidates at this time. Schools that actually want to move up to the SBC. That is why Idaho and NMSU are safe in the SBC.

EKU wants to move up, but I think we have some facility issues to address before the SBC will really look at us.

That's one reason I did a thread on Michigan Going Down ! Go Apps!
Was about what Michigan had done to actually run fans off.
Would think a lot of basics like doing Football 101 for the ladies, to
teach them basics and some advanced of football fundamentals and
so they will know what's going on and enjoy it and go to games and
actually hold a conversation about football is important every year.

Sounds like a small thing, but really adds up.

(06-29-2014 07:42 PM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote:  

(06-29-2014 06:58 PM)SoCalBobcat78 Wrote:  

(06-29-2014 03:14 PM)rknj8993 Wrote:  This sounds harsh, but I don't know what will happen with NMSU. I don't foresee them being in the Sun Belt for too long, and the same goes for Idaho. Both of these schools struggle to meet attendance requirements, while also not bringing a ton to the table if you don't look at NMSU's basketball program. Like others have said, it will be interesting to see what happens when Missouri State and James Madison catch up to speed. I don't see James Madison going anywhere anytime soon, and same goes for Missouri State. Inviting those two teams and letting go NMSU and Idaho would compact the Sun Belt's footprint, while also bringing in two solid up-and-coming programs rather than sticking with two just getting by programs.

I wish the best for NMSU and I hope things look up quickly so you can remain with us, but at this time, unless drastic changes are made, I don't see that happening.

Boston is in trouble because his football team is 23-88 over the last nine seasons. No fan is going to find that entertaining. They have to be competitive and entertaining. They are neither. I think Boston and Doug Martin will be let go if the football does not improve this season.

I think NMSU football will be in the SBC for many years. I think eventually they will improve in football and possibly join the SBC for all-sports. Idaho will be judged by their contribution to SBC football.

JMU could change their minds, but Missouri State has shown no interest in moving up or leaving the MVC. There are not a lot of good FCS moveup candidates at this time. Schools that actually want to move up to the SBC. That is why Idaho and NMSU are safe in the SBC.

Althought Martin is Boston's hire, he is only starting his second season. Boston is in trouble now but Martin still has a little more time to prove his worth.

I agree, Martin's immediate future is pretty secure. He inherited a total mess (worse than what his predecessor inherited IMO) and he will be given time to turn things around. Also for NMSU a couple of 6-6 seasons would be considered "turned around".

(06-30-2014 01:29 PM)NuMexAg Wrote:  I agree, Martin's immediate future is pretty secure. He inherited a total mess (worse than what his predecessor inherited IMO) and he will be given time to turn things around. Also for NMSU a couple of 6-6 seasons would be considered "turned around".

I don't know who was in your candidate's pool when you hired Doug Martin in 2013. But he had to be one of the bottom choices if you had a good AD. Martin was the HC of Kent State from 2004-2010 and had a record of 29-53. He never had a winning season with his best record being 6-6 in 2006.

The thing about fixing a program is you have multiple moving parts that have to line up.

I've been a regular at AState games since 1971 and there have been few times when administration, coaching, and player talent all lined up.

The foundation for AState's turn-around started 2005-2008. We went 23-25 over those four years. But we didn't have the administrative pieces in place and 2008 was really the end of Steve Roberts as coach (even though he lasted two more years). Steve became convinced he couldn't recruit good enough talent to win and 2008 he should have been fired at 6-6 because mentally he was done. After losing at Cajun Field and FIU Stadium despite carrying two score leads into the fourth quarter and then an epic meltdown at Troy, he was a changed man. Yet his recruits under other leadership 20-6 the first two years he was gone.

And this time we put leadership in place that got aggressive about salaries and facilities.

You can rarely fix a program by fixing one thing.

(06-30-2014 04:46 PM)arkstfan Wrote:  The thing about fixing a program is you have multiple moving parts that have to line up.

I've been a regular at AState games since 1971 and there have been few times when administration, coaching, and player talent all lined up.

The foundation for AState's turn-around started 2005-2008. We went 23-25 over those four years. But we didn't have the administrative pieces in place and 2008 was really the end of Steve Roberts as coach (even though he lasted two more years). Steve became convinced he couldn't recruit good enough talent to win and 2008 he should have been fired at 6-6 because mentally he was done. After losing at Cajun Field and FIU Stadium despite carrying two score leads into the fourth quarter and then an epic meltdown at Troy, he was a changed man. Yet his recruits under other leadership 20-6 the first two years he was gone.

And this time we put leadership in place that got aggressive about salaries and facilities.
You can rarely fix a program by fixing one thing.

Thats what we have started to do as well. This summer we have renovated our weightroom and also are puting in field turf. Also Raising our head coaches and OC's salaries.

(06-30-2014 03:22 PM)HerdZoned Wrote:  

(06-30-2014 01:29 PM)NuMexAg Wrote:  I agree, Martin's immediate future is pretty secure. He inherited a total mess (worse than what his predecessor inherited IMO) and he will be given time to turn things around. Also for NMSU a couple of 6-6 seasons would be considered "turned around".

I don't know who was in your candidate's pool when you hired Doug Martin in 2013. But he had to be one of the bottom choices if you had a good AD. Martin was the HC of Kent State from 2004-2010 and had a record of 29-53. He never had a winning season with his best record being 6-6 in 2006.

Sounds cruel, but you have to consider who would take the job. Makes you wonder if they were beating down the door.

(06-30-2014 07:55 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(06-30-2014 03:22 PM)HerdZoned Wrote:  

(06-30-2014 01:29 PM)NuMexAg Wrote:  I agree, Martin's immediate future is pretty secure. He inherited a total mess (worse than what his predecessor inherited IMO) and he will be given time to turn things around. Also for NMSU a couple of 6-6 seasons would be considered "turned around".

I don't know who was in your candidate's pool when you hired Doug Martin in 2013. But he had to be one of the bottom choices if you had a good AD. Martin was the HC of Kent State from 2004-2010 and had a record of 29-53. He never had a winning season with his best record being 6-6 in 2006.

Sounds cruel, but you have to consider who would take the job. Makes you wonder if they were beating down the door.

The thing that a casual observer might not be aware of was that Martin had Kent State on an upward trajectory. His successor was able to parlay that into some winning seasons using Martin's recruits who were then upperclassmen. I don't see Martin as one who will bring championships to Las Cruces, but he can make them competitive. I believe that he will.

(06-30-2014 09:15 PM)NotANewbie Wrote:  The thing that a casual observer might not be aware of was that Martin had Kent State on an upward trajectory. His successor was able to parlay that into some winning seasons using Martin's recruits who were then upperclassmen. I don't see Martin as one who will bring championships to Las Cruces, but he can make them competitive. I believe that he will.

Hazell had a year at Kent to change the culture there. His 1st season he was 5-7. He took a sub par RB and turned him into a superstar for a year in Dri Archer. The 2 years before his 2012 year he was very average. In 2010 he was in 11 games, 58 attempts and rushed 246 yards and 2011, 10 games 40 attempts and rushed 130 yard. In 2012 it went from 376 yards the past 2 seasons to 159 attempts and 1429 yards.

Without Archer at Kent, Hazell would probably still be there swimming in mediocracy at Kent instead of being in over his head at Purdue.