Apparently, all 12 of the full members of the Sun Belt (even those without a football team) have a vote. NMSU and Idaho need 9 yes votes to stay in. This article says that the SBC could possibly vote to keep one but not the other, though that seems unlikely.

http://www.santafenewmexican.com/sports/...c5762.html

Quote:Sun Belt Conference presidents will vote to either extend or terminate the football only membership of both NMSU and Idaho on March 10 during the Sun Belt Conference Basketball Tournament in New Orleans.

NMSU needs 75 percent approval, or nine of the 12 votes to remain in the league.

This could go either way.

The good news is that UALR and UTA probably want to keep the league a 'hybrid'.
Texas State probably wants NMSU, so they'll probably vote to extend both

Beyond that, its a crap shoot.

-USA might want to stay West, and if they don't split up NMSU/Idaho that could impact their decision
-stAte recruits Alabama heavily. If they feel they'll be in a division without the Alabama teams (USA would choose ULL, rather than stAte, in a cross division rival setup) they might vote to avoid divisions. But that's just pure speculation on my part.

But on the other side, if the league ejects NMSU and Idaho, they'll probably go to a 9 game league schedule, which could impact some schools that want payday games to help earn money.

I have no idea what they're going to do.

I hope NMSU sues them if they're voted out. They were good enough to fill a need, went the steps for full inclusion, but, because they aren't located on a certain point on a map, they now don't belong or are no longer needed?

It's different with Idaho, who we know has options. Maybe NMSU has been doing its work, too, but they've played this like a school who's done what it takes for inclusion. And choosing Coastal, as the SBC did, kind of made any argument NMSU could have all the more pertinent. Coastal must spend to make itself something NMSU's been for some time now.

(02-21-2016 01:23 PM)The Cutter of Bish Wrote:  I hope NMSU sues them if they're voted out. They were good enough to fill a need, went the steps for full inclusion, but, because they aren't located on a certain point on a map, they now don't belong or are no longer needed?

It's different with Idaho, who we know has options. Maybe NMSU has been doing its work, too, but they've played this like a school who's done what it takes for inclusion. And choosing Coastal, as the SBC did, kind of made any argument NMSU could have all the more pertinent. Coastal must spend to make itself something NMSU's been for some time now.

A bit of perspective is in order here.

NMSU was a member of the Sun Belt in all sports, and the conference even added basketball only Denver to make it work for them. NMSU proceeded to leave at the first opportunity, which left the league to have to scramble (and left us with Denver as a far outlier in our oly sports)

Even after that, the Belt gave them a (clearly labelled as conditional and not necessarily permanent) lifeline for their football program.

I support retaining NMSU at this time. But the Belt has neither a contractual obligation nor a moral one to retain them.

I fully understand that academics is a minor consideration in realignment, and that the USNWR rankings are far from being a definitive assessment of academics, but look at how the Sun Belt compares to the rest of the G5 on the USNWR rankings and specifically where Idaho and NMSU are compared to the rest of the conference.


#018- Rice
#041- Tulane
#057- UConn
#061- SMU
#075- UMass
#082- Miami
#086- Tulsa
#099- Buffalo

#115- Temple
#127- Colorado State
#135- Ohio
#140- Cincinnati
#149- UAB
#149- San Diego State
#156- USF
#161- Hawaii
#168- Ball State
#168- UCF
#168- Idaho
#168- Wyoming
#175- Kent State
#180- New Mexico
#185- Bowling Green
#187- Houston
#187- Nevada
#187- Western Michigan
#194- Central Michigan
#194- Charlotte
#194- East Carolina
#199- La Tech
#199- New Mexico State

RNP- Memphis
RNP- Florida Atlantic
RNP- Florida International
RNP- Middle Tennessee
RNP- North Texas
RNP- Old Dominion
RNP- Southern Mississippi
RNP- UTEP
RNP- UTSA
RNP- Akron
RNP- Northern Illinois
RNP- Toledo
RNP- UNLV
RNP- Utah State
RNP- Georgia Southern
RNP- Georgia State
RNP- LA Lafayette
RNP- South Alabama

Not Ranked- Navy
Not Ranked- Marshall
Not Ranked- Western Kentucky
Not Ranked- Eastern Michigan
Not Ranked- Air Force
Not Ranked- Boise State
Not Ranked- Fresno State
Not Ranked- San Jose State
Not Ranked- Appalachian State
Not Ranked- Arkansas State
Not Ranked- Texas State
Not Ranked- Troy
Not Ranked- ULM

(02-21-2016 01:23 PM)The Cutter of Bish Wrote:  I hope NMSU sues them if they're voted out. They were good enough to fill a need, went the steps for full inclusion, but, because they aren't located on a certain point on a map, they now don't belong or are no longer needed?

It's different with Idaho, who we know has options. Maybe NMSU has been doing its work, too, but they've played this like a school who's done what it takes for inclusion. And choosing Coastal, as the SBC did, kind of made any argument NMSU could have all the more pertinent. Coastal must spend to make itself something NMSU's been for some time now.

Sue for what? They signed a 4 year agreement renewable only if both parties agree. It was a marriage of convenience from the start---and it will end when its no longer convenient. Hell, can the SB sue W Kentucky for leaving the Sunbelt?

lol...If NMS is going to sue, they may as well sue the Big12 for not letting them in. There's at least a big pot a gold at the end of that rainbow.

The reality is that the new rules for a CCG make the two out of footprint schools unnecessary. The Sunbelt can form 2 5 team divisions and play an 8 game schedule with a CCG (assuming they even want a CCG, the interview I recently heard with the AState AD sounded like he thought the SB wasn't too interested in a CCG).

(02-21-2016 02:21 PM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  

(02-21-2016 01:23 PM)The Cutter of Bish Wrote:  I hope NMSU sues them if they're voted out. They were good enough to fill a need, went the steps for full inclusion, but, because they aren't located on a certain point on a map, they now don't belong or are no longer needed?

It's different with Idaho, who we know has options. Maybe NMSU has been doing its work, too, but they've played this like a school who's done what it takes for inclusion. And choosing Coastal, as the SBC did, kind of made any argument NMSU could have all the more pertinent. Coastal must spend to make itself something NMSU's been for some time now.

A bit of perspective is in order here.

NMSU was a member of the Sun Belt in all sports, and the conference even added basketball only Denver to make it work for them. NMSU proceeded to leave at the first opportunity, which left the league to have to scramble (and left us with Denver as a far outlier in our oly sports)

Even after that, the Belt gave them a (clearly labelled as conditional and not necessarily permanent) lifeline for their football program.

I support retaining NMSU at this time. But the Belt has neither a contractual obligation nor a moral one to retain them.

Exactly. To the Sun Belt and Denver's credit, that relationship lasted over a decade. But NMSU has shown over the last 35 years where their hearts lie - they align with the west.

(02-21-2016 01:23 PM)The Cutter of Bish Wrote:  I hope NMSU sues them if they're voted out. They were good enough to fill a need, went the steps for full inclusion, but, because they aren't located on a certain point on a map, they now don't belong or are no longer needed?

It's different with Idaho, who we know has options. Maybe NMSU has been doing its work, too, but they've played this like a school who's done what it takes for inclusion. And choosing Coastal, as the SBC did, kind of made any argument NMSU could have all the more pertinent. Coastal must spend to make itself something NMSU's been for some time now.

The Sun Belt has six sets of travel partners for olympic sports.
The conference can retain Idaho and NMSU with a league friendly contract for stability. They will never be full members so the geographic and basketball advantage NMSU has does not matter.Idaho's more recent bowl wins and winning record vs NMSU does not matter either .Academics probably help but not as much because it's football only. NMSU has had conferences interested in their Olympic sports. A Big Sky or MVFC spot would most likely open up for them if they drop down. Idaho is only in a better situation if you prefer BSC to the WAC.

Hopefully both are extended and can gain some stability.
Best case scenario they change the voting to 9 votes to expel with a two year notice. The contract could include an entrance fee that is refundable with the refund reducing each year after the two guaranteed years.

Gives the conference an out in case of a home run candidate.
Gives both schools much needed stability for their football programs.

Worst case no extension and the schools giving up and dropping down embarrassing their fan bases.

Could the MWC or WAC come calling?

(02-21-2016 01:23 PM)The Cutter of Bish Wrote:  I hope NMSU sues them if they're voted out. They were good enough to fill a need, went the steps for full inclusion, but, because they aren't located on a certain point on a map, they now don't belong or are no longer needed?

It's different with Idaho, who we know has options. Maybe NMSU has been doing its work, too, but they've played this like a school who's done what it takes for inclusion. And choosing Coastal, as the SBC did, kind of made any argument NMSU could have all the more pertinent. Coastal must spend to make itself something NMSU's been for some time now.

Let's not make the Sun Belt the bad guy here. They weren't under any obligation to take in Idaho & NMSU but did so anyway at a very low point for both programs. I know the time in the Belt has helped Idaho immeasurably the past couple years and I'll be grateful no matter which way the vote goes.

That said, I think it's still obviously in the conference's best interest to extend both schools. Recent rule changes notwithstanding, 12 is still a much better number for divisions and a CCG than 10. The Belt may have some schools they could call up to take our places, but that's been an option for the conference all along and they haven't pulled the trigger, so clearly there's not a lot of interest in the potential FCS callups as all-sports members. Idaho & NMSU as affiliate members are a much more reversible commitment than adding new full members to the conference.

As an added benefit, we do provide some extra stability to the conference in the event of raids. We're also paying travel subsidies so that's not an issue. Plus our on-field products have already improved to the point where we're at the very least not hurting the conference and both schools have young teams that stand a decent chance of helping for at least the near future. Extension is a no-brainer.

Idaho and nmsu out. Bring along West Florida and another southern team

It should also be mentioned, that NMSU has been contacted by conferences that don't play football. So they might have just publicly said they are looking for a new basketball home. Does it deserve its own thread or belong here?

(02-21-2016 07:15 PM)shere khan Wrote:  Idaho and nmsu out. Bring along West Florida and another southern team

Yea, Memphis' basketball is looking like a good mid range fit for the Sun Belt this year. Maybe you guys should apply.

(02-21-2016 07:33 PM)jdgaucho Wrote:  It should also be mentioned, that NMSU has been contacted by conferences that don't play football. So they might have just publicly said they are looking for a new basketball home. Does it deserve its own thread or belong here?

Its no secret that NMSU wants out of the WAC. They really want to be in the Sun Belt all sports.

(02-21-2016 05:39 PM)Erictelevision Wrote:  Could the MWC or WAC come calling?

In NMSU case: no! Could Idaho jump to one of them?

(02-21-2016 08:07 PM)Erictelevision Wrote:  

(02-21-2016 05:39 PM)Erictelevision Wrote:  Could the MWC or WAC come calling?

In NMSU case: no! Could Idaho jump to one of them?

Idaho jumped out of one of them 2 years ago, and we've been jumping up and down trying to get the attention of the other one for about a decade.

(02-21-2016 07:33 PM)jdgaucho Wrote:  It should also be mentioned, that NMSU has been contacted by conferences that don't play football. So they might have just publicly said they are looking for a new basketball home. Does it deserve its own thread or belong here?

Like who? Big West isn't stretching out to Las Cruces. Back to the Valley? The Summit? Are you counting the Big Sky as non-football? The Southland?

WCC isn't a fit at all.

(02-21-2016 09:00 PM)johnbragg Wrote:  

(02-21-2016 07:33 PM)jdgaucho Wrote:  It should also be mentioned, that NMSU has been contacted by conferences that don't play football. So they might have just publicly said they are looking for a new basketball home. Does it deserve its own thread or belong here?

Like who? Big West isn't stretching out to Las Cruces. Back to the Valley? The Summit? Are you counting the Big Sky as non-football? The Southland?

WCC isn't a fit at all.

The real problem that NMSU has is that they'd leave just about any basketball home, including the WCC and the MVC, for all sports membership in the Sun Belt Conference. And everyone knows it.

Joining the Sun Belt Conference as a full member takes away the 'sword of damocles' hanging over their football program. For a school that spent an awful year in the wilderness that is FBS independence, and the last couple of years with that threat of returning to that status hanging over their program, the promise of stability has to be a very powerful motivation.

(02-21-2016 02:58 PM)perimeterpost Wrote:  I fully understand that academics is a minor consideration in realignment, and that the USNWR rankings are far from being a definitive assessment of academics, but look at how the Sun Belt compares to the rest of the G5 on the USNWR rankings and specifically where Idaho and NMSU are compared to the rest of the conference.


#018- Rice
#041- Tulane
#057- UConn
#061- SMU
#075- UMass
#082- Miami
#086- Tulsa
#099- Buffalo

#115- Temple
#127- Colorado State
#135- Ohio
#140- Cincinnati
#149- UAB
#149- San Diego State
#156- USF
#161- Hawaii
#168- Ball State
#168- UCF
#168- Idaho
#168- Wyoming
#175- Kent State
#180- New Mexico
#185- Bowling Green
#187- Houston
#187- Nevada
#187- Western Michigan
#194- Central Michigan
#194- Charlotte
#194- East Carolina
#199- La Tech
#199- New Mexico State

RNP- Memphis
RNP- Florida Atlantic
RNP- Florida International
RNP- Middle Tennessee
RNP- North Texas
RNP- Old Dominion
RNP- Southern Mississippi
RNP- UTEP
RNP- UTSA
RNP- Akron
RNP- Northern Illinois
RNP- Toledo
RNP- UNLV
RNP- Utah State
RNP- Georgia Southern
RNP- Georgia State
RNP- LA Lafayette
RNP- South Alabama

Not Ranked- Navy
Not Ranked- Marshall
Not Ranked- Western Kentucky
Not Ranked- Eastern Michigan
Not Ranked- Air Force
Not Ranked- Boise State
Not Ranked- Fresno State
Not Ranked- San Jose State
Not Ranked- Appalachian State
Not Ranked- Arkansas State
Not Ranked- Texas State
Not Ranked- Troy
Not Ranked- ULM

Just the fact Navy and Air Force aren't ranked is telling in regards to the reliability of USNWR rankings for academic prowess.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

(02-21-2016 09:20 PM)bearforce Wrote:  

(02-21-2016 02:58 PM)perimeterpost Wrote:  I fully understand that academics is a minor consideration in realignment, and that the USNWR rankings are far from being a definitive assessment of academics, but look at how the Sun Belt compares to the rest of the G5 on the USNWR rankings and specifically where Idaho and NMSU are compared to the rest of the conference.


#018- Rice
#041- Tulane
#057- UConn
#061- SMU
#075- UMass
#082- Miami
#086- Tulsa
#099- Buffalo

#115- Temple
#127- Colorado State
#135- Ohio
#140- Cincinnati
#149- UAB
#149- San Diego State
#156- USF
#161- Hawaii
#168- Ball State
#168- UCF
#168- Idaho
#168- Wyoming
#175- Kent State
#180- New Mexico
#185- Bowling Green
#187- Houston
#187- Nevada
#187- Western Michigan
#194- Central Michigan
#194- Charlotte
#194- East Carolina
#199- La Tech
#199- New Mexico State

RNP- Memphis
RNP- Florida Atlantic
RNP- Florida International
RNP- Middle Tennessee
RNP- North Texas
RNP- Old Dominion
RNP- Southern Mississippi
RNP- UTEP
RNP- UTSA
RNP- Akron
RNP- Northern Illinois
RNP- Toledo
RNP- UNLV
RNP- Utah State
RNP- Georgia Southern
RNP- Georgia State
RNP- LA Lafayette
RNP- South Alabama

Not Ranked- Navy
Not Ranked- Marshall
Not Ranked- Western Kentucky
Not Ranked- Eastern Michigan
Not Ranked- Air Force
Not Ranked- Boise State
Not Ranked- Fresno State
Not Ranked- San Jose State
Not Ranked- Appalachian State
Not Ranked- Arkansas State
Not Ranked- Texas State
Not Ranked- Troy
Not Ranked- ULM

Just the fact Navy and Air Force aren't ranked is telling in regards to the reliability of USNWR rankings for academic prowess.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

I seem to remember that there is a reason that they are not .
Army is not either but the service academies are great schools.
They are not regional schools either or ranked in the East or West but exempt from the rankings .