(03-14-2015 05:42 PM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(03-14-2015 01:37 PM)NewTimes Wrote:  So if the SBC gets poached again by CUSA, and if NMSU ends up an indy or in the MWC or elsewhere, does the SBC stoop to take FCS Jax St, Liberty, Lamar..... to stay afloat, or do the remaining SBC schools say, say nahhhhh and seek invites as an expansion from CUSA and others. If this is a reality that could happen, the SBC may be playing poker with a weak poker face. One would think existing SBC schools would rather have their own identity, with FCS call ups, rather than mesh into another conference. This is/could be a turn out to have an inkling of a WAC repeat.

The problem with your question is that pretty much all members of the Sun Belt are already seeking invites as an expansion from CUSA and others. Since it's already occurring, I don't think it would have an impact on decision making.

But on the larger scale, I think given Benson's history, he will invite any and everyone possible to keep the conference alive. He did so in the WAC where he was inviting teams that had no desire or intent to move up.

Given that he has folks openly campaigning to join the Sun Belt, I think those would be the second group invited (first being the best choices), then he would approach those that aren't interested with the notion of convincing them to move up.

His final gasp would be to try and convince the Montanas to move up, probably.

If what you say is true, then ifvmost SBC teams are already seeking new conference membership, that would give credibility to regional conferences. If so, the south and southeast would have an advantage with the number of close by teams. Much closer than an east/west SBC or CUSA.

(03-14-2015 06:08 PM)NewTimes Wrote:  If what you say is true, then ifvmost SBC teams are already seeking new conference membership, that would give credibility to regional conferences. If so, the south and southeast would have an advantage with the number of close by teams. Much closer than an east/west SBC or CUSA.

I don't follow. Most Sun Belt teams are looking for a new conference (mainly CUSA, but MWC & AAC are being sought as well). I don't see how that correlates to an east/west SBC or CUSA.

(03-14-2015 10:44 AM)CajunExpress Wrote:  

(03-14-2015 08:53 AM)AppManDG Wrote:  "While TV markets have driven much of conference realignment, it isn't always as big a factor for conferences like C-USA. In recent years the conference has primarily added schools from bigger markets, though also dipped into areas like Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Middle Tennessee State) and Bowling Green, Ky. (Western Kentucky).

The conference now has six schools in the nation's Top 50 television markets, including Miami, Houston and Charlotte, but its TV rights deal pales in comparison to Power 5 conferences. How popular a school actually is in its market can be just as, if not more, important than the market size.

"We'll have to factor in what's the penetration of that school in that particular TV market and how many sets they turn on," Rice AD Karlgaard said. "You can be in a big market and not turn on many sets, or in a small market and turn on a lot. In that sense, it's a wash."

A prime example is UAB. Birmingham is consistently the top-rated market for college football television viewing, yet the school has had issues with its football game attendance for decades. Just because a city is big, or even if it loves college football like Birmingham, it doesn't make the school itself benefits.

The more important factor could be finding a good geographic fit. The conference has a huge footprint, ranging from Old Dominion in Virginia to Florida International to Texas El-Paso, making traveling a costly endeavor for most schools. C-USA would need to add a school that not only adds to the bottom line, but won't considerably increase travel costs."

Can it be some writers and conference officials are FINALLY coming to their senses in the conference realignment madness? CUSA's CEO's need to kick Banowsky to the curb and replace him with Rice's AD. This guy ctually gets it.

So you just got to convince ESPN, Fox, or CBS that we are better than most CUSA schools, and many AAC schools for fan interest. You are not going to win that battle with Boone, Statesboro, Troy, Jonesboro, and MOANrow. As horrible a team, and as weak a fan base as Ga St has ESPN prefers them to y'all and us.

The atmosphere of the games between you guys and La Tech and the Ga Southern / App were as good as you could ask for. The illusion of big markets = big viewership in the G5 is being exposed for what it is. I was a Communications / Radio & TV Major and still in contact with classmates and friends on the advertising & corporate side of the media. The tide is turning and advertisers are getting wise to this flawed approach. Advertisers are more inclined to spend their dollars on games that generate interest, not just because the school is in a big market. The environment at that sold out Thursday Night game between Ga Southern / App generated a ton of interest and grabbed a lot of people's (advertisers) attention because the big time environment, not because it was played in a big TV market. Companies want their products associated with an exciting environment regardless of the market. It is up to App to duplicate or exceed that environment this year. More games like that will open a lot of pocketbooks.

(03-14-2015 05:42 PM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(03-14-2015 01:37 PM)NewTimes Wrote:  So if the SBC gets poached again by CUSA, and if NMSU ends up an indy or in the MWC or elsewhere, does the SBC stoop to take FCS Jax St, Liberty, Lamar..... to stay afloat, or do the remaining SBC schools say, say nahhhhh and seek invites as an expansion from CUSA and others. If this is a reality that could happen, the SBC may be playing poker with a weak poker face. One would think existing SBC schools would rather have their own identity, with FCS call ups, rather than mesh into another conference. This is/could be a turn out to have an inkling of a WAC repeat.

The problem with your question is that pretty much all members of the Sun Belt are already seeking invites as an expansion from CUSA and others. Since it's already occurring, I don't think it would have an impact on decision making.

But on the larger scale, I think given Benson's history, he will invite any and everyone possible to keep the conference alive. He did so in the WAC where he was inviting teams that had no desire or intent to move up.

Given that he has folks openly campaigning to join the Sun Belt, I think those would be the second group invited (first being the best choices), then he would approach those that aren't interested with the notion of convincing them to move up.

His final gasp would be to try and convince the Montanas to move up, probably.

Having had to live through the demise of the WAC, I wouldn't wish that kind of misery on anyone. I don't think that the demise of the Sun Belt Conference is likely to come about anytime soon. Even if it were to lose three of its current members, the SBC would survive.

(03-14-2015 07:32 PM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(03-14-2015 06:08 PM)NewTimes Wrote:  If what you say is true, then ifvmost SBC teams are already seeking new conference membership, that would give credibility to regional conferences. If so, the south and southeast would have an advantage with the number of close by teams. Much closer than an east/west SBC or CUSA.

I don't follow. Most Sun Belt teams are looking for a new conference (mainly CUSA, but MWC & AAC are being sought as well). I don't see how that correlates to an east/west SBC or CUSA.

In that highly unlikely scenario where the SBC were raided, to the point that the potential new teams geographic location allowed discussion of an east west region is the premise. This is a strong "what if" and has many moving parts that would have to fall into place. But it is safe to say that geographic location will play a higher priority in the future to make more economic sense. If this is approached from a business approach, in true dollars and sense, it's always economically wiser to be nearer your product and reduce transport cost, ala fans and teams. The way conferences have evolved is less than an exact science. It's been more of knee jerk reaction rather than a well thought out business plan.

(03-15-2015 08:18 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(03-14-2015 07:32 PM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(03-14-2015 06:08 PM)NewTimes Wrote:  If what you say is true, then ifvmost SBC teams are already seeking new conference membership, that would give credibility to regional conferences. If so, the south and southeast would have an advantage with the number of close by teams. Much closer than an east/west SBC or CUSA.

I don't follow. Most Sun Belt teams are looking for a new conference (mainly CUSA, but MWC & AAC are being sought as well). I don't see how that correlates to an east/west SBC or CUSA.

In that highly unlikely scenario where the SBC were raided, to the point that the potential new teams geographic location allowed discussion of an east west region is the premise. This is a strong "what if" and has many moving parts that would have to fall into place. But it is safe to say that geographic location will play a higher priority in the future to make more economic sense. If this is approached from a business approach, in true dollars and sense, it's always economically wiser to be nearer your product and reduce transport cost, ala fans and teams. The way conferences have evolved is less than an exact science. It's been more of knee jerk reaction rather than a well thought out business plan.

So maybe it's time for a long overdue Market Adjustment . . .

(03-15-2015 08:18 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  In that highly unlikely scenario where the SBC were raided, to the point that the potential new teams geographic location allowed discussion of an east west region is the premise. This is a strong "what if" and has many moving parts that would have to fall into place. But it is safe to say that geographic location will play a higher priority in the future to make more economic sense. If this is approached from a business approach, in true dollars and sense, it's always economically wiser to be nearer your product and reduce transport cost, ala fans and teams. The way conferences have evolved is less than an exact science. It's been more of knee jerk reaction rather than a well thought out business plan.

In general you're right. But I think you're ignoring the bigger factor: Revenue streams.

Now, it seems (I say seems because I don't know this for a fact, just what it appears) CUSA was looking to maximize revenue streams by being in as large of markets as possible, with the thinking the market would raise television revenue. If that pans out, it will more than offset the additional cost.

Further, in regards to scenario above where Sun Belt is in survival mode, I think just about all factors (geographic location, like minded university, financial viability, readiness, etc) will be thrown out the window.

(03-15-2015 08:50 AM)Bobcat87 Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 08:18 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(03-14-2015 07:32 PM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(03-14-2015 06:08 PM)NewTimes Wrote:  If what you say is true, then ifvmost SBC teams are already seeking new conference membership, that would give credibility to regional conferences. If so, the south and southeast would have an advantage with the number of close by teams. Much closer than an east/west SBC or CUSA.

I don't follow. Most Sun Belt teams are looking for a new conference (mainly CUSA, but MWC & AAC are being sought as well). I don't see how that correlates to an east/west SBC or CUSA.

In that highly unlikely scenario where the SBC were raided, to the point that the potential new teams geographic location allowed discussion of an east west region is the premise. This is a strong "what if" and has many moving parts that would have to fall into place. But it is safe to say that geographic location will play a higher priority in the future to make more economic sense. If this is approached from a business approach, in true dollars and sense, it's always economically wiser to be nearer your product and reduce transport cost, ala fans and teams. The way conferences have evolved is less than an exact science. It's been more of knee jerk reaction rather than a well thought out business plan.

So maybe it's time for a long overdue Market Adjustment . . .

We who where the owners of real estate businesses got a reality check from about 2008 to 2012. Talk about market adjustment, or lack of market. We who withstood the downward spiral cut back expenses and maintained our businesses. Many who were flying high, with lots of fluff and marketing, lost their shirt and were sucked up by the downward vacuum of no to little business. If we can ever get athletic conferences to be viewed from a business perspective they will all advance further. Those that have have excelled.

I understand the nature of collegiate athletics is wrapped in a cloak of academia. Many of the admins and prez have the college speak and dialogue down to a science. They feed us the tried and true spin that we have come to accept and expect. What is said behind closed doors is much different that what we fans hear. The fact is that most colleges are non-profits that operate as for profits. In a true twist of irony, the NLF is operated as a non-profit. And most high level college admins are selected in their ability to be university fund raisers. It's like a huge alligator that needs to be feed.

So what's the answer. A revision of the existing conferences and a realignment based on economic impact and stability. The only realistic way this has any chance of occurring is if their is a near collapse of the current system. In the SBC example, a loss of so many schools that the current format is unfeasible to maintain.

Each school is like it's own ivory tower with it's self imposed prestige and uniqueness. There is a reason that college professors teach about subjects and topics and never actually do it in the business world. We need the concepts and out-of-box thinking colleges provide. They provide creativity and impulses for new ideas. But many new ideas fail as individuals start small businesses every day wanting their part of the American dream and academia has no real world experience of that. We need colleges to continue to be a source of new ideas and inspiration. We need to have college prez and admins to put their egos and university self imposed prestige aside for a common sense, business approach, dollars and sense sensibility.

(03-15-2015 09:59 AM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 08:18 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  In that highly unlikely scenario where the SBC were raided, to the point that the potential new teams geographic location allowed discussion of an east west region is the premise. This is a strong "what if" and has many moving parts that would have to fall into place. But it is safe to say that geographic location will play a higher priority in the future to make more economic sense. If this is approached from a business approach, in true dollars and sense, it's always economically wiser to be nearer your product and reduce transport cost, ala fans and teams. The way conferences have evolved is less than an exact science. It's been more of knee jerk reaction rather than a well thought out business plan.

In general you're right. But I think you're ignoring the bigger factor: Revenue streams.

Now, it seems (I say seems because I don't know this for a fact, just what it appears) CUSA was looking to maximize revenue streams by being in as large of markets as possible, with the thinking the market would raise television revenue. If that pans out, it will more than offset the additional cost.

Further, in regards to scenario above where Sun Belt is in survival mode, I think just about all factors (geographic location, like minded university, financial viability, readiness, etc) will be thrown out the window.

This is scaring me Rev with you and I agreeing so clearly on this point as we have disagreed so much in the past. But you're 100% right. Some of the most high visible teams play in minuscule markets. The CUSA experiment of taking the biggest market and hoping the team carves out it's share is not a fool proof plan. There are many examples where many teams, in big markets, fight for media and recognition. There are many examples where tiny markets, with predominate schools, achieve huge recognition and success. It's time for conferences to have plan that makes economic sense rather than another academia conceptional plan.

(03-14-2015 03:52 PM)arkstfan Wrote:  

(03-14-2015 03:01 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  APPALACHIAN STATE is almost dead center in the oval drawn on the maps above.Other G5 schools inside the oval include Ohio University and the Miami(OH) Redhawks.Interesting. Makes a lot of sense.Probably why it won't happen.But you never know.

I think on the probability scale, CUSA 16 is more probable with some Virginia school rounding out the east, but you can form a snug little mostly travel friendly league never going west of Bowling Green and you've got two MAC and three Sun Belt for potential members all fairly close by to help bridge to Florida.

Hmm....

The easiest move to make for CUSA is just going to be to add 1 in the West. ULL, AState, TXST and NMSU are all good candidates that in different ways could help CUSA.

Could 2 of those schools help you out if you are CUSA? I guess if there was a debate on which one you could take two of them...(ULL & AState e.g.). Then you'll need a member in the East to balance out unless you want to move Southern Miss to the East. USM with AState and ULL in CUSA might not want to move East at that point.

Then CUSA is looking at Georgia St, Georgia Southern, App St, Troy and USA from CUSA. The best FB school out of that group is Georgia Southern. App St is a close #2 and helps you with travel. Georgia State has the market.

CUSA wanting to raise its football profile to contend for the access bowl is best going to be able to do that with an AState, ULL, Georgia Southern combination. They are not the biggest schools or the largest markets but the best football schools on the table and by taking those 3 you really put distance on the SBC competitively.

The SBC would almost have to vote in Liberty for survival and throw an all sport life raft to NMSU and maybe UMKC as another non-FB school. JMU and Mo State if they weren't interested before are definitely not going to be interested without ASate, ULL and GoSo.

(03-15-2015 10:14 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 09:59 AM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 08:18 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  In that highly unlikely scenario where the SBC were raided, to the point that the potential new teams geographic location allowed discussion of an east west region is the premise. This is a strong "what if" and has many moving parts that would have to fall into place. But it is safe to say that geographic location will play a higher priority in the future to make more economic sense. If this is approached from a business approach, in true dollars and sense, it's always economically wiser to be nearer your product and reduce transport cost, ala fans and teams. The way conferences have evolved is less than an exact science. It's been more of knee jerk reaction rather than a well thought out business plan.

In general you're right. But I think you're ignoring the bigger factor: Revenue streams.

Now, it seems (I say seems because I don't know this for a fact, just what it appears) CUSA was looking to maximize revenue streams by being in as large of markets as possible, with the thinking the market would raise television revenue. If that pans out, it will more than offset the additional cost.

Further, in regards to scenario above where Sun Belt is in survival mode, I think just about all factors (geographic location, like minded university, financial viability, readiness, etc) will be thrown out the window.

This is scaring me Rev with you and I agreeing so clearly on this point as we have disagreed so much in the past. But you're 100% right. Some of the most high visible teams play in minuscule markets. The CUSA experiment of taking the biggest market and hoping the team carves out it's share is not a fool proof plan. There are many examples where many teams, in big markets, fight for media and recognition. There are many examples where tiny markets, with predominate schools, achieve huge recognition and success. It's time for conferences to have plan that makes economic sense rather than another academia conceptional plan.

For Liberty sake if the SBC were to take a 3 team hit with CUSA going to 16 I don't see how they couldn't be admitted into the SBC.

Its either going to come down to EKU or Liberty and at that point I think the choice for the SBC is obvious.

As it is now there is thinking that EKU might get taken as bridge to JMU but with another raid I don't see JMU leaving the CAA for that.

(03-15-2015 01:18 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  The easiest move to make for CUSA is just going to be to add 1 in the West. ULL, AState, TXST and NMSU are all good candidates that in different ways could help CUSA.

In truth, the EASIEST move to make is for CUSA to offer an eastern team waived exit fees for admittance to the Sun Belt (obviously it would be one of their lesser performers).

It would increase payout from the BCS for them, make for even divisions, and effectively stop FCS move ups unless P5 decides to expand their conferences.

For CUSA, it allows them to remove some dead weight, and creates a clean conference. For Sun Belt, it gives us 12 teams (clean divisions), and improves the Sun Belt image as we are adding FBS schools instead of focusing on FCS schools.

And to the team that is moving from CUSA to the Sun Belt, they are either gaining a chance to compete with "lesser" teams, or having to raise their bar by facing tougher competition (depending on the point of view).

This is starting to sound like WAC 2.0. The West Coast teams were stuck on teams like UC Davis and CalPoly. Not to mention Montana and University of Seattle. Bottom line as a conference geography should be second on list of importance. NMSU is a great add. They bring a brand that is recognized. Moving to divisions is the way to go for stability.

(03-15-2015 01:23 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 10:14 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 09:59 AM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 08:18 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  In that highly unlikely scenario where the SBC were raided, to the point that the potential new teams geographic location allowed discussion of an east west region is the premise. This is a strong "what if" and has many moving parts that would have to fall into place. But it is safe to say that geographic location will play a higher priority in the future to make more economic sense. If this is approached from a business approach, in true dollars and sense, it's always economically wiser to be nearer your product and reduce transport cost, ala fans and teams. The way conferences have evolved is less than an exact science. It's been more of knee jerk reaction rather than a well thought out business plan.

In general you're right. But I think you're ignoring the bigger factor: Revenue streams.

Now, it seems (I say seems because I don't know this for a fact, just what it appears) CUSA was looking to maximize revenue streams by being in as large of markets as possible, with the thinking the market would raise television revenue. If that pans out, it will more than offset the additional cost.

Further, in regards to scenario above where Sun Belt is in survival mode, I think just about all factors (geographic location, like minded university, financial viability, readiness, etc) will be thrown out the window.

This is scaring me Rev with you and I agreeing so clearly on this point as we have disagreed so much in the past. But you're 100% right. Some of the most high visible teams play in minuscule markets. The CUSA experiment of taking the biggest market and hoping the team carves out it's share is not a fool proof plan. There are many examples where many teams, in big markets, fight for media and recognition. There are many examples where tiny markets, with predominate schools, achieve huge recognition and success. It's time for conferences to have plan that makes economic sense rather than another academia conceptional plan.

For Liberty sake if the SBC were to take a 3 team hit with CUSA going to 16 I don't see how they couldn't be admitted into the SBC.

Its either going to come down to EKU or Liberty and at that point I think the choice for the SBC is obvious.

As it is now there is thinking that EKU might get taken as bridge to JMU but with another raid I don't see JMU leaving the CAA for that.

I've said all along that it would take more movement for Liberty to get in to an FBS conference. It feels like the other shoe will drop very soon.

(03-16-2015 11:30 AM)knucklehead Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 01:23 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 10:14 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 09:59 AM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 08:18 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  In that highly unlikely scenario where the SBC were raided, to the point that the potential new teams geographic location allowed discussion of an east west region is the premise. This is a strong "what if" and has many moving parts that would have to fall into place. But it is safe to say that geographic location will play a higher priority in the future to make more economic sense. If this is approached from a business approach, in true dollars and sense, it's always economically wiser to be nearer your product and reduce transport cost, ala fans and teams. The way conferences have evolved is less than an exact science. It's been more of knee jerk reaction rather than a well thought out business plan.

In general you're right. But I think you're ignoring the bigger factor: Revenue streams.

Now, it seems (I say seems because I don't know this for a fact, just what it appears) CUSA was looking to maximize revenue streams by being in as large of markets as possible, with the thinking the market would raise television revenue. If that pans out, it will more than offset the additional cost.

Further, in regards to scenario above where Sun Belt is in survival mode, I think just about all factors (geographic location, like minded university, financial viability, readiness, etc) will be thrown out the window.

This is scaring me Rev with you and I agreeing so clearly on this point as we have disagreed so much in the past. But you're 100% right. Some of the most high visible teams play in minuscule markets. The CUSA experiment of taking the biggest market and hoping the team carves out it's share is not a fool proof plan. There are many examples where many teams, in big markets, fight for media and recognition. There are many examples where tiny markets, with predominate schools, achieve huge recognition and success. It's time for conferences to have plan that makes economic sense rather than another academia conceptional plan.

For Liberty sake if the SBC were to take a 3 team hit with CUSA going to 16 I don't see how they couldn't be admitted into the SBC.

Its either going to come down to EKU or Liberty and at that point I think the choice for the SBC is obvious.

As it is now there is thinking that EKU might get taken as bridge to JMU but with another raid I don't see JMU leaving the CAA for that.

I've said all along that it would take more movement for Liberty to get in to an FBS conference. It feels like the other shoe will drop very soon.

Would that "shoe" be falling For Liberty? Or ON Liberty?

(03-16-2015 11:30 AM)knucklehead Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 01:23 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 10:14 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 09:59 AM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 08:18 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  In that highly unlikely scenario where the SBC were raided, to the point that the potential new teams geographic location allowed discussion of an east west region is the premise. This is a strong "what if" and has many moving parts that would have to fall into place. But it is safe to say that geographic location will play a higher priority in the future to make more economic sense. If this is approached from a business approach, in true dollars and sense, it's always economically wiser to be nearer your product and reduce transport cost, ala fans and teams. The way conferences have evolved is less than an exact science. It's been more of knee jerk reaction rather than a well thought out business plan.

In general you're right. But I think you're ignoring the bigger factor: Revenue streams.

Now, it seems (I say seems because I don't know this for a fact, just what it appears) CUSA was looking to maximize revenue streams by being in as large of markets as possible, with the thinking the market would raise television revenue. If that pans out, it will more than offset the additional cost.

Further, in regards to scenario above where Sun Belt is in survival mode, I think just about all factors (geographic location, like minded university, financial viability, readiness, etc) will be thrown out the window.

This is scaring me Rev with you and I agreeing so clearly on this point as we have disagreed so much in the past. But you're 100% right. Some of the most high visible teams play in minuscule markets. The CUSA experiment of taking the biggest market and hoping the team carves out it's share is not a fool proof plan. There are many examples where many teams, in big markets, fight for media and recognition. There are many examples where tiny markets, with predominate schools, achieve huge recognition and success. It's time for conferences to have plan that makes economic sense rather than another academia conceptional plan.

For Liberty sake if the SBC were to take a 3 team hit with CUSA going to 16 I don't see how they couldn't be admitted into the SBC.

Its either going to come down to EKU or Liberty and at that point I think the choice for the SBC is obvious.

As it is now there is thinking that EKU might get taken as bridge to JMU but with another raid I don't see JMU leaving the CAA for that.

I've said all along that it would take more movement for Liberty to get in to an FBS conference. It feels like the other shoe will drop very soon.

The other shoe is otherwise known as UAB. It might be another year before that thing drops.

Truthfully, it might be better for Liberty if they do wait a year...that way the SBC doesn't start to consider absorbing a one team loss and sitting at 10.

(03-16-2015 12:49 PM)Bobcat87 Wrote:  

(03-16-2015 11:30 AM)knucklehead Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 01:23 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 10:14 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 09:59 AM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  In general you're right. But I think you're ignoring the bigger factor: Revenue streams.

Now, it seems (I say seems because I don't know this for a fact, just what it appears) CUSA was looking to maximize revenue streams by being in as large of markets as possible, with the thinking the market would raise television revenue. If that pans out, it will more than offset the additional cost.

Further, in regards to scenario above where Sun Belt is in survival mode, I think just about all factors (geographic location, like minded university, financial viability, readiness, etc) will be thrown out the window.

This is scaring me Rev with you and I agreeing so clearly on this point as we have disagreed so much in the past. But you're 100% right. Some of the most high visible teams play in minuscule markets. The CUSA experiment of taking the biggest market and hoping the team carves out it's share is not a fool proof plan. There are many examples where many teams, in big markets, fight for media and recognition. There are many examples where tiny markets, with predominate schools, achieve huge recognition and success. It's time for conferences to have plan that makes economic sense rather than another academia conceptional plan.

For Liberty sake if the SBC were to take a 3 team hit with CUSA going to 16 I don't see how they couldn't be admitted into the SBC.

Its either going to come down to EKU or Liberty and at that point I think the choice for the SBC is obvious.

As it is now there is thinking that EKU might get taken as bridge to JMU but with another raid I don't see JMU leaving the CAA for that.

I've said all along that it would take more movement for Liberty to get in to an FBS conference. It feels like the other shoe will drop very soon.

Would that "shoe" be falling For Liberty? Or ON Liberty?

looks like benson plans to build east. that's sad for us in the west. In my view nmsu and mostate are more relevant adds than just picking anybody in the east who raises their hand.

(03-16-2015 06:07 PM)runamuck Wrote:  

(03-16-2015 12:49 PM)Bobcat87 Wrote:  

(03-16-2015 11:30 AM)knucklehead Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 01:23 PM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(03-15-2015 10:14 AM)NewTimes Wrote:  This is scaring me Rev with you and I agreeing so clearly on this point as we have disagreed so much in the past. But you're 100% right. Some of the most high visible teams play in minuscule markets. The CUSA experiment of taking the biggest market and hoping the team carves out it's share is not a fool proof plan. There are many examples where many teams, in big markets, fight for media and recognition. There are many examples where tiny markets, with predominate schools, achieve huge recognition and success. It's time for conferences to have plan that makes economic sense rather than another academia conceptional plan.

For Liberty sake if the SBC were to take a 3 team hit with CUSA going to 16 I don't see how they couldn't be admitted into the SBC.

Its either going to come down to EKU or Liberty and at that point I think the choice for the SBC is obvious.

As it is now there is thinking that EKU might get taken as bridge to JMU but with another raid I don't see JMU leaving the CAA for that.

I've said all along that it would take more movement for Liberty to get in to an FBS conference. It feels like the other shoe will drop very soon.

Would that "shoe" be falling For Liberty? Or ON Liberty?

looks like benson plans to build east. that's sad for us in the west. In my view nmsu and mostate are more relevant adds than just picking anybody in the east who raises their hand.

The SBC lost one western team and four in the east. So far they replaced the western team and three of the four in the east. I would say what Benson and the Presidents are doing is "getting us back to where we were." NMSU is too far west and Mo St isn't interested. It sounds like you are for Lamar or Sam Houston?

(03-16-2015 07:54 PM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  The SBC lost one western team and four in the east. So far they replaced the western team and three of the four in the east. I would say what Benson and the Presidents are doing is "getting us back to where we were." NMSU is too far west and Mo St isn't interested. It sounds like you are for Lamar or Sam Houston?

Um............................NO!

I agree with Chief. Another year will make things clearer. Liberty is stacked and should make another playoff run and hopefully build basketball and the landscape should be more clear as well.