This sounds crazy I am no way advocating for there move to the sunbelt, more or less to just open up the discussion, we are talking about how UNC Greensboro being a good non-football and travel partner for App St.. Let me get to my point.

UT-Pan America and UT-Brownsville are merging into one university in 2015 called UT--Rio Grande Valley, nickname (Vaqueros.) What are the result of these two universities merging? What are the chances of UTRGV raising there prestige, name recognition, and profile in the up and coming years? Would they ever start football?

(04-19-2015 07:03 PM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  This sounds crazy I am no way advocating for there move to the sunbelt, more or less to just open up the discussion, we are talking about how UNC Greensboro being a good non-football and travel partner for App St.. Let me get to my point.

UT-Pan America and UT-Brownsville are merging into one university in 2015 called UT--Rio Grande Valley, nickname (Vaqueros.) What are the result of these two universities merging? What are the chances of UTRGV raising there prestige, name recognition, and profile in the up and coming years? Would they ever start football?

I believe they are merging for the establishment of a branch of ut's medical school and to pool their resources. have not heard of any football plans. texas a&i is the go to football program for the kids down there.

(04-19-2015 07:34 PM)runamuck Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 07:03 PM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  This sounds crazy I am no way advocating for there move to the sunbelt, more or less to just open up the discussion, we are talking about how UNC Greensboro being a good non-football and travel partner for App St.. Let me get to my point.

UT-Pan America and UT-Brownsville are merging into one university in 2015 called UT--Rio Grande Valley, nickname (Vaqueros.) What are the result of these two universities merging? What are the chances of UTRGV raising there prestige, name recognition, and profile in the up and coming years? Would they ever start football?

I believe they are merging for the establishment of a branch of ut's medical school and to pool their resources. have not heard of any football plans. texas a&i is the go to football program for the kids down there.

Not to be technical, but A&I became A&M Kingsville a long time ago . . . .

(04-19-2015 09:21 PM)Bobcat87 Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 07:34 PM)runamuck Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 07:03 PM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  

I believe they are merging for the establishment of a branch of ut's medical school and to pool their resources. have not heard of any football plans. texas a&i is the go to football program for the kids down there.

Not to be technical, but A&I became A&M Kingsville a long time ago . . . .

I didn't know about North Texas State University's name change for over 15 years. And same with East Texas State Univ.

Tarleton State has a plan to build a satellite campus in Fort Worth.

(04-19-2015 10:08 PM)theothermav Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 09:21 PM)Bobcat87 Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 07:34 PM)runamuck Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 07:03 PM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  

I believe they are merging for the establishment of a branch of ut's medical school and to pool their resources. have not heard of any football plans. texas a&i is the go to football program for the kids down there.

Not to be technical, but A&I became A&M Kingsville a long time ago . . . .

I didn't know about North Texas State University's name change for over 15 years. And same with East Texas State Univ.

Tarleton State has a plan to build a satellite campus in Fort Worth.

NP, they adopted the A&M moniker back in '93 . . . . A lot of the Alum are still pissed about it, some have been trying to get the Legislature to change the name back . . . .

(04-19-2015 10:14 PM)Bobcat87 Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 10:08 PM)theothermav Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 09:21 PM)Bobcat87 Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 07:34 PM)runamuck Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 07:03 PM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  

I believe they are merging for the establishment of a branch of ut's medical school and to pool their resources. have not heard of any football plans. texas a&i is the go to football program for the kids down there.

Not to be technical, but A&I became A&M Kingsville a long time ago . . . .

I didn't know about North Texas State University's name change for over 15 years. And same with East Texas State Univ.

Tarleton State has a plan to build a satellite campus in Fort Worth.

NP, they adopted the A&M moniker back in '93 . . . . A lot of the Alum are still pissed about it, some have been trying to get the Legislature to change the name back . . . .

The name change from ETSU to TAMU-Commerce is really severe. That seems to be the Aggie way though.

(04-19-2015 10:30 PM)theothermav Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 10:14 PM)Bobcat87 Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 10:08 PM)theothermav Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 09:21 PM)Bobcat87 Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 07:34 PM)runamuck Wrote:  I believe they are merging for the establishment of a branch of ut's medical school and to pool their resources. have not heard of any football plans. texas a&i is the go to football program for the kids down there.

Not to be technical, but A&I became A&M Kingsville a long time ago . . . .

I didn't know about North Texas State University's name change for over 15 years. And same with East Texas State Univ.

Tarleton State has a plan to build a satellite campus in Fort Worth.

NP, they adopted the A&M moniker back in '93 . . . . A lot of the Alum are still pissed about it, some have been trying to get the Legislature to change the name back . . . .

The name change from ETSU to TAMU-Commerce is really severe. That seems to be the Aggie way though.

AGGIES: Closest thing to a CULT in Texas!

ETSU, had some friends graduate from there . . . . Used to call it Eeeeeeasy T . . .

(04-19-2015 07:03 PM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  This sounds crazy I am no way advocating for there move to the sunbelt, more or less to just open up the discussion, we are talking about how UNC Greensboro being a good non-football and travel partner for App St.. Let me get to my point.

UT-Pan America and UT-Brownsville are merging into one university in 2015 called UT--Rio Grande Valley, nickname (Vaqueros.) What are the result of these two universities merging? What are the chances of UTRGV raising there prestige, name recognition, and profile in the up and coming years? Would they ever start football?

When you start making things up that when I start calling BS. Who in their right mind would name a college UT-Rio Grande Valley?

(04-19-2015 11:54 PM)rbostic218 Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 07:03 PM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  This sounds crazy I am no way advocating for there move to the sunbelt, more or less to just open up the discussion, we are talking about how UNC Greensboro being a good non-football and travel partner for App St.. Let me get to my point.

UT-Pan America and UT-Brownsville are merging into one university in 2015 called UT--Rio Grande Valley, nickname (Vaqueros.) What are the result of these two universities merging? What are the chances of UTRGV raising there prestige, name recognition, and profile in the up and coming years? Would they ever start football?

When you start making things up that when I start calling BS. Who in their right mind would name a college UT-Rio Grande Valley?

He ain't making it up . .. The Vaqueros are for REAL. . . . . If you doubt, the proof is just a GOOGLE away . . . . Not sure I'd want 'em in the Belt though . ..

(04-19-2015 04:19 PM)AppinVA Wrote:  Right now, I'm for adding a non football school like UNC Greensboro, and letting football ride as is for a little while. It'd cure the travel problems in the non football sports, and as a league we'd be able to keep our options open in regards to football. Low risk. Schedules are more fair for App, and other schools have a travel partner to not have to go to Boone on a one-off.

This makes sense if paired with U Mass to collect more CFP money.
The conference gets paid a million plus per football member up to twelve.

What was the football attendance for the recent call ups before moving up?
I know APP ST and GASO was really strong just curios if the others seen a nice increase.
USA and GA ST being new programs are probably bad examples .

(04-19-2015 11:54 PM)rbostic218 Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 07:03 PM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  This sounds crazy I am no way advocating for there move to the sunbelt, more or less to just open up the discussion, we are talking about how UNC Greensboro being a good non-football and travel partner for App St.. Let me get to my point.

UT-Pan America and UT-Brownsville are merging into one university in 2015 called UT--Rio Grande Valley, nickname (Vaqueros.) What are the result of these two universities merging? What are the chances of UTRGV raising there prestige, name recognition, and profile in the up and coming years? Would they ever start football?

When you start making things up that when I start calling BS. Who in their right mind would name a college UT-Rio Grande Valley?

They will have a med school, and also there is talk of a law school as well. Also if they merge the two schools enrollment will be up to 28,000 students. Wonder what is the potential of this new school? This University would dwarf A&M Kingsville.

Enrollment oftentimes does not equate to attendance. It defiantly does not equal support, look at the F_Us. These schools have large enrollments but small attendance. It always makes me laugh when these schools with large online programs think that that automatically opens them up to new avenues of support. Truth is the majority of online students just want the degree they could care less about the sports programs. I myself attended SNHU a DII school and don't care one bit if they win of loose, I just want the degree.

(04-20-2015 03:14 AM)Bigtom12 Wrote:  

They will have a med school, and also there is talk of a law school as well. Also if they merge the two schools enrollment will be up to 28,000 students. Wonder what is the potential of this new school? This University would dwarf A&M Kingsville.

I like the logo, but come on... Orange and Green?

I've yet to see a single school in the UT system pull off the use of Orange (other than the main campus). Closest I've seen was UTSA, who minimalized the orange and used it as an accent color to their shade of blue (which I personally like).

(04-20-2015 06:33 AM)rbostic218 Wrote:  Enrollment oftentimes does not equate to attendance. It defiantly does not equal support, look at the F_Us. These schools have large enrollments but small attendance. It always makes me laugh when these schools with large online programs think that that automatically opens them up to new avenues of support. Truth is the majority of online students just want the degree they could care less about the sports programs. I myself attended SNHU a DII school and don't care one bit if they win of loose, I just want the degree.

Exactly, see The Citadel. Enrollment 3,500, football attendance around 10,000 avg during losing seasons. UNCC enrollment near 30k but can barely get 10,000 to show and half that to stay past halftime.

(04-19-2015 07:00 PM)ManOnABuffalo Wrote:  Since we are looking outside the box here, any reason we can't entertain a state school in South Carolina in a major metro area. SC is loaded with football talent and only has two FBS football schools.

The Citadel
Enrollment: 3,500
Endowment: $270 million
Location: Charleston, SC pop. 127,999, MSA of 712,220 (76th in US)
Additional Tidbits: The Citadel has won two Southern Conference Championships, played in and won one bowl game (Tangerine Bowl 1960), and participated in the Division I-AA (now FCS) playoffs three times, with a record of 1-3. As of 2010 the football program had a graduation success rate of 90%, compared to the Division I average of 65%.
Closet SBC Members: App State 299 miles, Georgia Southern 152 miles, Ga State 306 miles.
Stadium Capacity: 21,000
2014 Average Attendance: 9,671

Pros: Their football stadium is on par with the rest of the conference and overall they have nice facilities. Located in Charleston, have dedicated and loyal alumni, get a foot into SC, makes travel easier for App, Ga State, and GaSouth.

Cons: Small enrollment, limited budget currently, limited history of success in most major money sports. Tough sell to move up, due to military focus of administration. Weak football attendance has some to do with limited success, and some due to low enrollment numbers.

Johnson Hagood Stadium

I love the idea of visiting Charleston every other year and it would make the east more compact. Both App & GaSo have played them in the SoCon so I'll ask you this - " Do you really think the Citadel could make it in FBS?" I have some major doubts

(04-20-2015 06:33 AM)rbostic218 Wrote:  Enrollment oftentimes does not equate to attendance. It defiantly does not equal support, look at the F_Us. These schools have large enrollments but small attendance. It always makes me laugh when these schools with large online programs think that that automatically opens them up to new avenues of support. Truth is the majority of online students just want the degree they could care less about the sports programs. I myself attended SNHU a DII school and don't care one bit if they win of loose, I just want the degree.

i agree enrollment does not equate to attendance. I will play devil's advocate. FIU, FAU, and GaSt. are all in big markets, markets where you have other things to do then just watch football. Plus people who live in smaller towns do have more civic pride then big cities like Miami. Look at the Miami Dolphins, they have trouble selling out home games, look at Los Angeles they do not even have a football team because when they were there no one showed up. Same with Atlanta unless it's GT or the Falcons.

We are talking about a mid-size city in the south part of Texas where you have 28,000 students where the only football you have is A&M Kingsville. I just think the potential is there. I think they would get the support.

Again I am not saying that we should add them. I am strictly just talking about potential.

There is a strong correlation between the month of the offseason and the viability of potential expansion candidates.

May is typically the peak month for unreasonable options. We are getting close to the down slope!

(04-20-2015 03:11 AM)MJG Wrote:  

(04-19-2015 04:19 PM)AppinVA Wrote:  Right now, I'm for adding a non football school like UNC Greensboro, and letting football ride as is for a little while. It'd cure the travel problems in the non football sports, and as a league we'd be able to keep our options open in regards to football. Low risk. Schedules are more fair for App, and other schools have a travel partner to not have to go to Boone on a one-off.

This makes sense if paired with U Mass to collect more CFP money.
The conference gets paid a million plus per football member up to twelve.

What was the football attendance for the recent call ups before moving up?
I know APP ST and GASO was really strong just curios if the others seen a nice increase.
USA and GA ST being new programs are probably bad examples .

We have actually seen a little bit of a decrease, but I don't think that has as much to do with moving into FBS as some of our naysayers (and the JM cult) want to say. I think the weather plays the biggest factor, as we are still near our seating capacity -- 96 percent last year. People are not going to pay $30-$40 to sit on a muddy hill some 30 yards from the near end zone, unless the weather is nice, though some hearty souls still do. Provided the skies are friendly, we should see a good bump in our average attendance, given our finish to the 2014 season.

(04-20-2015 09:04 AM)Saint3333 Wrote:  There is a strong correlation between the month of the offseason and the viability of potential expansion candidates.

May is typically the peak month for unreasonable options. We are getting close to the down slope!

At this point...if the Sun Belt makes a move...

First on the list will be adding EKU, followed by adding NMSU as a full member as a compromise. If this doesn't happen...Liberty might get the nod...otherwise nothing will happen.

(04-20-2015 09:23 AM)ARSTATEFAN1986 Wrote:  

(04-20-2015 09:04 AM)Saint3333 Wrote:  There is a strong correlation between the month of the offseason and the viability of potential expansion candidates.

May is typically the peak month for unreasonable options. We are getting close to the down slope!

At this point...if the Sun Belt makes a move...

First on the list will be adding EKU, followed by adding NMSU as a full member as a compromise. If this doesn't happen...Liberty might get the nod...otherwise nothing will happen.

The way I see it, with no need for 12 to get a championship game, Liberty loses it's best chance to get in (for now). The biggest thing was "you NEED 12, and no one else is ready. So overlook our warts, and let's get this ball rolling!" That is no longer applicable.

I think it is EKU (with a side of NMSU all sports to appease the west) or bust. But that makes 13 Olympic sports, which seems kinda funky (though I don't know enough about scheduling those sports to say if it REALLY is funky or not).

Missouri State from the sounds of it just has an open invitation. When they are invited, Idaho is shown the door.

So really, it is now a battle between JMU & EKU, as I don't know that JMU gets an invite if EKU is invited. Don't see the western teams agree to add 2 east.