(03-21-2015 09:06 AM)GE and MTS Wrote:  What is keeping the Sun Belt from inviting UAB now before they get kicked out of C-USA? You guys would help them save face from being expelled, give them an FBS home should they potentially restart football, and are right in their geographic footprint. I can see why they would say no (they want to stay in C-USA as long as possible or find a better home for basketball) but you guys could improve the perception of the league by poaching a C-USA school rather than picking up a C-USA cast away depending on when you invite them.

That scenario could be no longer an option if C-USA decides to violate its own bylaws and allow UAB to remain as a non-football member and not invite any new program at this time. There is talk that option will bill put on the table at their next meetings.

(03-21-2015 09:06 AM)GE and MTS Wrote:  What is keeping the Sun Belt from inviting UAB now before they get kicked out of C-USA? You guys would help them save face from being expelled, give them an FBS home should they potentially restart football, and are right in their geographic footprint. I can see why they would say no (they want to stay in C-USA as long as possible or find a better home for basketball) but you guys could improve the perception of the league by poaching a C-USA school rather than picking up a C-USA cast away depending on when you invite them.

UAB has to pick up the phone.

But I don't think its an easy vote for Sun Belt.

For App, Ga So, Ga St, Troy and USA UAB is an much easier vote as a basketball member than MSU as an all sports member.

(03-21-2015 10:19 AM)AppManDG Wrote:  For App, Ga So, Ga St, Troy and USA UAB is an much easier vote as a basketball member than MSU as an all sports member.

Except UAB isn't available, NMSU IS. . . . . .

If you like NMSU, then you must love UMASS. Distance issue is roughly the same as NMSU and the basketball is even better. Now we know they wouldn't join the MAC for all sports, but if we are going to throw the geography criteria out the window, we may as well make a Hail Mary for UMASS.

No doubt the western teams will be all for this as it improves basketball and once you get on a plane, geography doesn't matter so we hear.

(03-21-2015 09:06 AM)GE and MTS Wrote:  What is keeping the Sun Belt from inviting UAB now before they get kicked out of C-USA? You guys would help them save face from being expelled, give them an FBS home should they potentially restart football, and are right in their geographic footprint. I can see why they would say no (they want to stay in C-USA as long as possible or find a better home for basketball) but you guys could improve the perception of the league by poaching a C-USA school rather than picking up a C-USA cast away depending on when you invite them.

CUSA also has an exit fee. So if UAB leaves of it's own accord, they pay. If they are booted, no exit fee.

(03-21-2015 11:07 AM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  If you like NMSU, then you must love UMASS. Distance issue is roughly the same as NMSU and the basketball is even better. Now we know they wouldn't join the MAC for all sports, but if we are going to throw the geography criteria out the window, we may as well make a Hail Mary for UMASS.

No doubt the western teams will be all for this as it improves basketball and once you get on a plane, geography doesn't matter so we hear.

Get to 12, and have divisions, and it doesn't matter . . .

(03-21-2015 11:19 AM)Bobcat87 Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 11:07 AM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  If you like NMSU, then you must love UMASS. Distance issue is roughly the same as NMSU and the basketball is even better. Now we know they wouldn't join the MAC for all sports, but if we are going to throw the geography criteria out the window, we may as well make a Hail Mary for UMASS.

No doubt the western teams will be all for this as it improves basketball and once you get on a plane, geography doesn't matter so we hear.

Get to 12, and have divisions, and it doesn't matter . . .

Unfortunately there are no acceptable and available candidates to get to 12.

Until JMU and MoSt change their minds, the obvious answer is to not do anything. Any other schools don't bring enough to the table unless UAB becomes available.

(03-21-2015 10:19 AM)AppManDG Wrote:  For App, Ga So, Ga St, Troy and USA UAB is an much easier vote as a basketball member than MSU as an all sports member.

Sun Belt shares all revenue with all members. Adding a school that is going to get a piece of the CFP action without the expense of football is not a slam dunk vote.

(03-21-2015 11:07 AM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  If you like NMSU, then you must love UMASS. Distance issue is roughly the same as NMSU and the basketball is even better. Now we know they wouldn't join the MAC for all sports, but if we are going to throw the geography criteria out the window, we may as well make a Hail Mary for UMASS.

No doubt the western teams will be all for this as it improves basketball and once you get on a plane, geography doesn't matter so we hear.

I would love to have UMass - i remeber hosting them in the Cajundome when they were No 1 in the nation .. Camby and Roe.

Unfortunately, I don't think they would ever even consider the SBC as an option. Perception and all.

(03-21-2015 01:14 PM)epiccajun Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 11:07 AM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  If you like NMSU, then you must love UMASS. Distance issue is roughly the same as NMSU and the basketball is even better. Now we know they wouldn't join the MAC for all sports, but if we are going to throw the geography criteria out the window, we may as well make a Hail Mary for UMASS.

No doubt the western teams will be all for this as it improves basketball and once you get on a plane, geography doesn't matter so we hear.

I would love to have UMass - i remeber hosting them in the Cajundome when they were No 1 in the nation .. Camby and Roe.

Unfortunately, I don't think they would ever even consider the SBC as an option. Perception and all.

You should really love NDSU too. They have a solid basketball program that went to the round of 32 in 2014 and gave Gonzaga a tough game last night. Plus their football program is better than any in the SBC.

If geography doesn't matter and the "once you're on a plane the distance doesn't matter" then NDSU is much more attractive than NMSU.

I am a firm believer in the southeastern footprint, but for those that don't think that matters and love NMSU, you should really, really love NDSU.

(03-21-2015 01:51 PM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 01:14 PM)epiccajun Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 11:07 AM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  If you like NMSU, then you must love UMASS. Distance issue is roughly the same as NMSU and the basketball is even better. Now we know they wouldn't join the MAC for all sports, but if we are going to throw the geography criteria out the window, we may as well make a Hail Mary for UMASS.

No doubt the western teams will be all for this as it improves basketball and once you get on a plane, geography doesn't matter so we hear.

I would love to have UMass - i remeber hosting them in the Cajundome when they were No 1 in the nation .. Camby and Roe.

Unfortunately, I don't think they would ever even consider the SBC as an option. Perception and all.

You should really love NDSU too. They have a solid basketball program that went to the round of 32 in 2014 and gave Gonzaga a tough fame last night. Plus their football program is better than any in the SBC.

If geography doesn't matter and the "once your on a plane the distance doesn't matter" then NDSU is much. more attractive than NMSU.

I am a firm believer in the southeastern footprint, but for those that don think that matters and love NMSU, you should really, really love NDSU.

Except their FCS, would have to complete a transition . . . Where NMSU is already FBS and ready to go . . . .

Travel seems to be a real sore spot with Southern and App posters, perhaps y'all should have stayed in your bus league . . . .

(03-21-2015 01:51 PM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 01:14 PM)epiccajun Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 11:07 AM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  If you like NMSU, then you must love UMASS. Distance issue is roughly the same as NMSU and the basketball is even better. Now we know they wouldn't join the MAC for all sports, but if we are going to throw the geography criteria out the window, we may as well make a Hail Mary for UMASS.

No doubt the western teams will be all for this as it improves basketball and once you get on a plane, geography doesn't matter so we hear.

I would love to have UMass - i remeber hosting them in the Cajundome when they were No 1 in the nation .. Camby and Roe.

Unfortunately, I don't think they would ever even consider the SBC as an option. Perception and all.

You should really love NDSU too. They have a solid basketball program that went to the round of 32 in 2014 and gave Gonzaga a tough game last night. Plus their football program is better than any in the SBC.

If geography doesn't matter and the "once you're on a plane the distance doesn't matter" then NDSU is much more attractive than NMSU.

I am a firm believer in the southeastern footprint, but for those that don think that matters and love NMSU, you should really, really love NDSU.

Yea - you're not exhausting, don't be stupid, and quit wasting the internet's bandwidth for your hilarious commentary.

You're pissing off Al Gore.

Plus, personally, I'd rather fly to Bismark than Statesboro any day. Also, the basketball team probably would too, since at least at NDSU they don't play basketball at the local playground and possibly even indoors.

Can we avoid the ad hominem attacks and keep in on subject?

(03-21-2015 02:06 PM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  Can we avoid the ad hominem attacks and keep in on subject?

Sure - go take a one way bus ticket to Indianapolis, IN and go take a tour of the FCS and Div II administration offices at the NCAA offices. You'd love it I'm sure.

Is that on topic enough for you ... geographically?

I realize that it is still ad hominem, but it is on your favorite topic of geography and you being able to ride your bike in your neighborhood to watch the conference pickup games at the park and have a picnic!

(03-21-2015 01:51 PM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 01:14 PM)epiccajun Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 11:07 AM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  If you like NMSU, then you must love UMASS. Distance issue is roughly the same as NMSU and the basketball is even better. Now we know they wouldn't join the MAC for all sports, but if we are going to throw the geography criteria out the window, we may as well make a Hail Mary for UMASS.

No doubt the western teams will be all for this as it improves basketball and once you get on a plane, geography doesn't matter so we hear.

I would love to have UMass - i remeber hosting them in the Cajundome when they were No 1 in the nation .. Camby and Roe.

Unfortunately, I don't think they would ever even consider the SBC as an option. Perception and all.

You should really love NDSU too. They have a solid basketball program that went to the round of 32 in 2014 and gave Gonzaga a tough game last night. Plus their football program is better than any in the SBC.

If geography doesn't matter and the "once you're on a plane the distance doesn't matter" then NDSU is much more attractive than NMSU.

I am a firm believer in the southeastern footprint, but for those that don't think that matters and love NMSU, you should really, really love NDSU.

Maybe your school should put them forward since NDSU is closer to you than NMSU and travel is too big a financial strain.

(03-21-2015 02:30 PM)arkstfan Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 01:51 PM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 01:14 PM)epiccajun Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 11:07 AM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  If you like NMSU, then you must love UMASS. Distance issue is roughly the same as NMSU and the basketball is even better. Now we know they wouldn't join the MAC for all sports, but if we are going to throw the geography criteria out the window, we may as well make a Hail Mary for UMASS.

No doubt the western teams will be all for this as it improves basketball and once you get on a plane, geography doesn't matter so we hear.

I would love to have UMass - i remeber hosting them in the Cajundome when they were No 1 in the nation .. Camby and Roe.

Unfortunately, I don't think they would ever even consider the SBC as an option. Perception and all.

You should really love NDSU too. They have a solid basketball program that went to the round of 32 in 2014 and gave Gonzaga a tough game last night. Plus their football program is better than any in the SBC.

If geography doesn't matter and the "once you're on a plane the distance doesn't matter" then NDSU is much more attractive than NMSU.

I am a firm believer in the southeastern footprint, but for those that don't think that matters and love NMSU, you should really, really love NDSU.

Maybe your school should put them forward since NDSU is closer to you than NMSU and travel is too big a financial strain.

Nah, neither fit the "southeastern based" criteria that is important. Just throwing out some options for the "fly across the country" crowd since they seem willing to do that for a poor performer. Plus NDSU is closer to Ark St than NMSU. 1,126 from Jonesboro to Las Cruses. 983 from Jonesboro to Fargo. Fargo is about 350 miles further than Las Cruses from LaFayette which is about 40 more minutes on the plane.

(03-21-2015 04:21 PM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 02:30 PM)arkstfan Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 01:51 PM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 01:14 PM)epiccajun Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 11:07 AM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  If you like NMSU, then you must love UMASS. Distance issue is roughly the same as NMSU and the basketball is even better. Now we know they wouldn't join the MAC for all sports, but if we are going to throw the geography criteria out the window, we may as well make a Hail Mary for UMASS.

No doubt the western teams will be all for this as it improves basketball and once you get on a plane, geography doesn't matter so we hear.

I would love to have UMass - i remeber hosting them in the Cajundome when they were No 1 in the nation .. Camby and Roe.

Unfortunately, I don't think they would ever even consider the SBC as an option. Perception and all.

You should really love NDSU too. They have a solid basketball program that went to the round of 32 in 2014 and gave Gonzaga a tough game last night. Plus their football program is better than any in the SBC.

If geography doesn't matter and the "once you're on a plane the distance doesn't matter" then NDSU is much more attractive than NMSU.

I am a firm believer in the southeastern footprint, but for those that don't think that matters and love NMSU, you should really, really love NDSU.

Maybe your school should put them forward since NDSU is closer to you than NMSU and travel is too big a financial strain.

Nah, neither fit the "southeastern based" criteria that is important. Just throwing out some options for the "fly across the country" crowd since they seem willing to do that for a poor performer. Plus NDSU is closer to Ark St than NMSU. 1,126 from Jonesboro to Las Cruses. 983 from Jonesboro to Fargo. Fargo is about 350 miles further than Las Cruses from LaFayette which is about 40 more minutes on the plane.

Of course the difference being NMSU is FBS and is ALREADY in for their weakest sport AND can help the other sports.

Weird to me that the league was able to function with full members from Miami to Las Cruces before and now it is bad.

(03-22-2015 12:00 PM)arkstfan Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 04:21 PM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 02:30 PM)arkstfan Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 01:51 PM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  

(03-21-2015 01:14 PM)epiccajun Wrote:  I would love to have UMass - i remeber hosting them in the Cajundome when they were No 1 in the nation .. Camby and Roe.

Unfortunately, I don't think they would ever even consider the SBC as an option. Perception and all.

You should really love NDSU too. They have a solid basketball program that went to the round of 32 in 2014 and gave Gonzaga a tough game last night. Plus their football program is better than any in the SBC.

If geography doesn't matter and the "once you're on a plane the distance doesn't matter" then NDSU is much more attractive than NMSU.

I am a firm believer in the southeastern footprint, but for those that don't think that matters and love NMSU, you should really, really love NDSU.

Maybe your school should put them forward since NDSU is closer to you than NMSU and travel is too big a financial strain.

Nah, neither fit the "southeastern based" criteria that is important. Just throwing out some options for the "fly across the country" crowd since they seem willing to do that for a poor performer. Plus NDSU is closer to Ark St than NMSU. 1,126 from Jonesboro to Las Cruses. 983 from Jonesboro to Fargo. Fargo is about 350 miles further than Las Cruses from LaFayette which is about 40 more minutes on the plane.

Of course the difference being NMSU is FBS and is ALREADY in for their weakest sport AND can help the other sports.

Weird to me that the league was able to function with full members from Miami to Las Cruces before and now it is bad.

NMSU football needs to go as well once we are 100% sure we are stable and can withstand another round of realignment. Right now they do offer stability especially knowing Idaho's days appear numbered.

FIU and FAU have much more to offer than NMSU. They fit the geography of the conference better and open up the fertile Florida recruiting grounds. That is why CUSA chose FAU and FIU and has zero interest in NMSU.

In reality, if you support adding teams that are outside the region, NDSU is much more attractive than NMSU. The distance is the same, their basketball has been to two straight ncaa's including a round of 32 appearance and their football is better than ALL current Sun Belt schools.

Yes, they have to transition but that happens quickly and with 11 schools there is little risk.

Again, I don't advocate adding NDSU as it does not fit the geographic footprint, but adding them makes more sense than NMSU. Losing NMSU and adding NDSU would improve our football RPI immediately and potentially improve our payout ranking.

Simple solution, add NMSU in all sports. Drop Idaho, add UAB. Go to a 9 game conference slate and be done with it.