(08-01-2015 12:41 AM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(07-31-2015 11:39 PM)polkhigh Wrote:  I think realignment would be a better route than expansion. Sunbelt and CUSA teams should take after what the AAC did and start something new. Imagine...

West
New Mexico State
UTEP
Texas State
Arkansas State
Louisiana Tech
Louisiana

East
Southern Miss
Georgia Southern
Appalachian State
Old Dominion
Marshall
Ohio

Any opinions of fans from schools listed?

It's like the anti-market conference. Most of those schools are located in very small local markets (albeit large regional markets).

I would like 18 schools in it and only Midwest/Midsouth.

North: NIU, Ball State, WMU, BGSU, Miami, Ohio, Kent State, Marshall
South: App St., Ga Southern, WKU, MTSU, Troy, Southern Miss, La Tech, ULL

Everyone playing rivals. Everyone playing against schools in college towns. How real college football should be.

When I think of Ball State, WMU, Miami, Kent State, MTSU, WKU, and Troy I dont.... well, I don't think of them to be honest. I know everyone is all about markets but I think brand perception plays a big role also. Many of the big time programs' local markets could be considered small.

(08-01-2015 12:41 AM)Kittonhead Wrote:  

(07-31-2015 11:39 PM)polkhigh Wrote:  I think realignment would be a better route than expansion. Sunbelt and CUSA teams should take after what the AAC did and start something new. Imagine...

West
New Mexico State
UTEP
Texas State
Arkansas State
Louisiana Tech
Louisiana

East
Southern Miss
Georgia Southern
Appalachian State
Old Dominion
Marshall
Ohio

Any opinions of fans from schools listed?

It's like the anti-market conference. Most of those schools are located in very small local markets (albeit large regional markets).

I would like 18 schools in it and only Midwest/Midsouth.

North: NIU, Ball State, WMU, BGSU, Miami, Ohio, Kent State, Marshall
South: App St., Ga Southern, WKU, MTSU, Troy, Southern Miss, La Tech, ULL

Everyone playing rivals. Everyone playing against schools in college towns. How real college football should be.

Which would be considered easier? Realignment or Expansion if that's the question.

The market that matters is the size of the market of people who will part with their hard earned money and their limited free time to watch a game.

If we are thinking of TV markets in the mode of the 1980's syndicated network Nebraska (entire state) is a tiny market and a relic in major college football.
If we are thinking market as it truly exists today, Nebraska is a major market program because the people who will change providers or pony up extra to see the Huskers play football is massive.

What the Sun Belt needs is schools with a dedicated fan base or on a positive trend to developing such a base.

Of Course JMU is choice #1 but they don't want the SBC or they would already be in.

Coastal is the choice right now. (most likely to be voted in )

The SBC can wait on Missouri St. or a change in the administration at JMU.

eku does not have the votes and is in the shadow of the states flagship school. (it would be like eastern michigan)

(08-01-2015 11:57 AM)David Krumudgen Wrote:  Of Course JMU is choice #1 but they don't want the SBC or they would already be in.

Coastal is the choice right now. (most likely to be voted in )

The SBC can wait on Missouri St. or a change in the administration at JMU.

eku does not have the votes and is in the shadow of the states flagship school. (it would be like eastern michigan)

I hope we move on and leave JMU on the outside wanting in. I like EKU but being so close to University of Kentucky is a realistic problem. They need to attract fans from the eastern side of them. Coastal Carolina most likely has the votes and will be a good member. Missouri State needs to make a decision on going FBS or be like JMU being on the outside looking in. NMSU going full membership needs to happen.

Idaho will be safe as football only until the Sun Belt can get Missouri State to decide to go FBS and be "big time" or stay a small fry or the Belt decides to agree to add EKU. Missouri State needs to realize they need to make the move now or be viewed as another JMU.

IF the Big 12 does decide to expand..and that appears to be more and more likely. They will probably add Cincinnati and Colorado State.

Mountain West will decide between NMSU and Idaho.

AAC could go with Massachusettes...leaving CUSA unblemished.

(08-01-2015 12:59 PM)ARSTATEFAN1986 Wrote:  

(08-01-2015 11:57 AM)David Krumudgen Wrote:  Of Course JMU is choice #1 but they don't want the SBC or they would already be in.

Coastal is the choice right now. (most likely to be voted in )

The SBC can wait on Missouri St. or a change in the administration at JMU.

eku does not have the votes and is in the shadow of the states flagship school. (it would be like eastern michigan)

I hope we move on and leave JMU on the outside wanting in. I like EKU but being so close to University of Kentucky is a realistic problem. They need to attract fans from the eastern side of them. Coastal Carolina most likely has the votes and will be a good member. Missouri State needs to make a decision on going FBS or be like JMU being on the outside looking in. NMSU going full membership needs to happen.

Idaho will be safe as football only until the Sun Belt can get Missouri State to decide to go FBS and be "big time" or stay a small fry or the Belt decides to agree to add EKU. Missouri State needs to realize they need to make the move now or be viewed as another JMU.

Why would Coastal be ahead of Missouri State?

Coastal's stadium seats less than 10k, MSU's seats 17.5k (and was just renovated before the 2014 season).

Seems like MSU would be the slam dunk school to add.

Idaho is staying put unless if the Big 12 adds Boise State; even then New Mexico State may have more votes simply because of their proximity to the Front Range schools. Even then the MWC may add a school from FCS if the logistical hurdles could be cleared at Portland State or Sacramento State. Even NDSU may get picked ahead of Idaho or NMSU.

As much as it would be a nice wish, NDSU isn't in the MWC's league by a long shot.

Bohl (the previous head coach that won three national titles 2011 - 2013) was making something like $250k - $300k at NDSU, which was near the top of the FCS.

He went to Wyoming, a middling MWC program, and instantly bumped that up to $1 million.


NDSU (currently) just doesn't have that kind of money.

(08-01-2015 01:06 PM)ARSTATEFAN1986 Wrote:  IF the Big 12 does decide to expand..and that appears to be more and more likely. They will probably add Cincinnati and Colorado State.

Mountain West will decide between NMSU and Idaho.

AAC could go with Massachusettes...leaving CUSA unblemished.

What about replacing Colorado State with UTEP?

(08-01-2015 02:57 PM)MplsBison Wrote:  

(08-01-2015 12:59 PM)ARSTATEFAN1986 Wrote:  

(08-01-2015 11:57 AM)David Krumudgen Wrote:  Of Course JMU is choice #1 but they don't want the SBC or they would already be in.

Coastal is the choice right now. (most likely to be voted in )

The SBC can wait on Missouri St. or a change in the administration at JMU.

eku does not have the votes and is in the shadow of the states flagship school. (it would be like eastern michigan)

I hope we move on and leave JMU on the outside wanting in. I like EKU but being so close to University of Kentucky is a realistic problem. They need to attract fans from the eastern side of them. Coastal Carolina most likely has the votes and will be a good member. Missouri State needs to make a decision on going FBS or be like JMU being on the outside looking in. NMSU going full membership needs to happen.

Idaho will be safe as football only until the Sun Belt can get Missouri State to decide to go FBS and be "big time" or stay a small fry or the Belt decides to agree to add EKU. Missouri State needs to realize they need to make the move now or be viewed as another JMU.

Why would Coastal be ahead of Missouri State?

Coastal's stadium seats less than 10k, MSU's seats 17.5k (and was just renovated before the 2014 season).

Seems like MSU would be the slam dunk school to add.

The Sun Belt has said they want a "travel partner" for APP State. Missouri State is tooooo far away from APP St. So it looks like EKU, Coastal or JMU.

(08-01-2015 03:48 PM)SMUfan Wrote:  

(08-01-2015 02:57 PM)MplsBison Wrote:  

(08-01-2015 12:59 PM)ARSTATEFAN1986 Wrote:  

(08-01-2015 11:57 AM)David Krumudgen Wrote:  Of Course JMU is choice #1 but they don't want the SBC or they would already be in.

Coastal is the choice right now. (most likely to be voted in )

The SBC can wait on Missouri St. or a change in the administration at JMU.

eku does not have the votes and is in the shadow of the states flagship school. (it would be like eastern michigan)

I hope we move on and leave JMU on the outside wanting in. I like EKU but being so close to University of Kentucky is a realistic problem. They need to attract fans from the eastern side of them. Coastal Carolina most likely has the votes and will be a good member. Missouri State needs to make a decision on going FBS or be like JMU being on the outside looking in. NMSU going full membership needs to happen.

Idaho will be safe as football only until the Sun Belt can get Missouri State to decide to go FBS and be "big time" or stay a small fry or the Belt decides to agree to add EKU. Missouri State needs to realize they need to make the move now or be viewed as another JMU.

Why would Coastal be ahead of Missouri State?

Coastal's stadium seats less than 10k, MSU's seats 17.5k (and was just renovated before the 2014 season).

Seems like MSU would be the slam dunk school to add.

The Sun Belt has said they want a "travel partner" for APP State. Missouri State is tooooo far away from APP St. So it looks like EKU, Coastal or JMU.

Except JMU has already turned down the Sun Belt, so why they moved on to EKU and Coastal.

Missouri State isn't too interested in moving up for a SBC offer.

JMU, UTC, Missouri St and JSU have all expressed to the SB its either uninterested or the timing isnt right.

(08-02-2015 07:59 AM)Gemofthehills Wrote:  JMU, UTC, Missouri St and JSU have all expressed to the SB its either uninterested or the timing isnt right.

I could see the SBC adding CCU/EKU and staying at twelve for a while.

The combination of Idaho/UALR and NMSU/UTA works for the schools and conference.
Travel will be cheap for olympic sports with the two each state model.
The ten members who have an instate rival benefit greatly from that.
The G5 struggles for exposure having two in Alabama vs UAB is a plus same for other states.
CCU makes the most sense because they would have two future rivals in GS and App St.

The TV contract runs until 2020 by then either CCU/EKU will probably be playing football in the SBC also.
I think Idaho and NMSU get extended until 2020 unless a slam dunk candidate emerges.
The TV deal will probably be a mostly digital deal like the MAC has for less money.
I would imagine the ten full sports members will receive the majority of the TV money.
The football only schools will probably receive none and the non football schools half shares .
maybe at that point the MVC deal will be less than the SBC's and Missouri ST will want FBS.

(08-01-2015 02:57 PM)MplsBison Wrote:  

(08-01-2015 12:59 PM)ARSTATEFAN1986 Wrote:  

(08-01-2015 11:57 AM)David Krumudgen Wrote:  Of Course JMU is choice #1 but they don't want the SBC or they would already be in.

Coastal is the choice right now. (most likely to be voted in )

The SBC can wait on Missouri St. or a change in the administration at JMU.

eku does not have the votes and is in the shadow of the states flagship school. (it would be like eastern michigan)

I hope we move on and leave JMU on the outside wanting in. I like EKU but being so close to University of Kentucky is a realistic problem. They need to attract fans from the eastern side of them. Coastal Carolina most likely has the votes and will be a good member. Missouri State needs to make a decision on going FBS or be like JMU being on the outside looking in. NMSU going full membership needs to happen.

Idaho will be safe as football only until the Sun Belt can get Missouri State to decide to go FBS and be "big time" or stay a small fry or the Belt decides to agree to add EKU. Missouri State needs to realize they need to make the move now or be viewed as another JMU.

Why would Coastal be ahead of Missouri State?

Coastal's stadium seats less than 10k, MSU's seats 17.5k (and was just renovated before the 2014 season).

Seems like MSU would be the slam dunk school to add.

Coastal is ahead because Coastal is indicating interest.

Sun Belt priority #1 is an eastern travel partner in Olympic sports.

I believe priority #2 is to eventually have 12 full sports members playing football (and 14 total full members).

Missouri State does nothing for priority #1.

The problem that may face Missouri State is that I believe that by June 1, 2016 the Sun Belt may have invited members #12, #13, and #14 and be done.

(08-02-2015 09:55 AM)arkstfan Wrote:  

(08-01-2015 02:57 PM)MplsBison Wrote:  

(08-01-2015 12:59 PM)ARSTATEFAN1986 Wrote:  

(08-01-2015 11:57 AM)David Krumudgen Wrote:  Of Course JMU is choice #1 but they don't want the SBC or they would already be in.

Coastal is the choice right now. (most likely to be voted in )

The SBC can wait on Missouri St. or a change in the administration at JMU.

eku does not have the votes and is in the shadow of the states flagship school. (it would be like eastern michigan)

I hope we move on and leave JMU on the outside wanting in. I like EKU but being so close to University of Kentucky is a realistic problem. They need to attract fans from the eastern side of them. Coastal Carolina most likely has the votes and will be a good member. Missouri State needs to make a decision on going FBS or be like JMU being on the outside looking in. NMSU going full membership needs to happen.

Idaho will be safe as football only until the Sun Belt can get Missouri State to decide to go FBS and be "big time" or stay a small fry or the Belt decides to agree to add EKU. Missouri State needs to realize they need to make the move now or be viewed as another JMU.

Why would Coastal be ahead of Missouri State?

Coastal's stadium seats less than 10k, MSU's seats 17.5k (and was just renovated before the 2014 season).

Seems like MSU would be the slam dunk school to add.

Coastal is ahead because Coastal is indicating interest.

Sun Belt priority #1 is an eastern travel partner in Olympic sports.

I believe priority #2 is to eventually have 12 full sports members playing football (and 14 total full members).

Missouri State does nothing for priority #1.

The problem that may face Missouri State is that I believe that by June 1, 2016 the Sun Belt may have invited members #12, #13, and #14 and be done.

Which three are those? Coastal, EKU and ?

The following wouldn't be impossible: MO St/AR St, UALR/UTA, TX St/ULL, ULM/USA, Troy/GSo, GA St/App.

(08-02-2015 12:08 PM)MplsBison Wrote:  

(08-02-2015 09:55 AM)arkstfan Wrote:  

(08-01-2015 02:57 PM)MplsBison Wrote:  

(08-01-2015 12:59 PM)ARSTATEFAN1986 Wrote:  

(08-01-2015 11:57 AM)David Krumudgen Wrote:  Of Course JMU is choice #1 but they don't want the SBC or they would already be in.

Coastal is the choice right now. (most likely to be voted in )

The SBC can wait on Missouri St. or a change in the administration at JMU.

eku does not have the votes and is in the shadow of the states flagship school. (it would be like eastern michigan)

I hope we move on and leave JMU on the outside wanting in. I like EKU but being so close to University of Kentucky is a realistic problem. They need to attract fans from the eastern side of them. Coastal Carolina most likely has the votes and will be a good member. Missouri State needs to make a decision on going FBS or be like JMU being on the outside looking in. NMSU going full membership needs to happen.

Idaho will be safe as football only until the Sun Belt can get Missouri State to decide to go FBS and be "big time" or stay a small fry or the Belt decides to agree to add EKU. Missouri State needs to realize they need to make the move now or be viewed as another JMU.

Why would Coastal be ahead of Missouri State?

Coastal's stadium seats less than 10k, MSU's seats 17.5k (and was just renovated before the 2014 season).

Seems like MSU would be the slam dunk school to add.

Coastal is ahead because Coastal is indicating interest.

Sun Belt priority #1 is an eastern travel partner in Olympic sports.

I believe priority #2 is to eventually have 12 full sports members playing football (and 14 total full members).

Missouri State does nothing for priority #1.

The problem that may face Missouri State is that I believe that by June 1, 2016 the Sun Belt may have invited members #12, #13, and #14 and be done.

Which three are those? Coastal, EKU and ?

The following wouldn't be impossible: MO St/AR St, UALR/UTA, TX St/ULL, ULM/USA, Troy/GSo, GA St/App.

Coastal Carolina, NMSU (full) and either EKU or Missouri State. If Missouri wants the last spot...they need to make noise.