(10-22-2021 07:56 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(10-22-2021 07:54 PM)APPrising Wrote:  We want to be the top G-5 conference as a short term goal. Thanks for expediting that process by joining the AAC.

How are ODU and USM going to expedite that process?

1. Resumes old rivalries, fan's interest and butts in the seats
2. Reduced travel, especially for the East Division Schools
3. Helps with recruiting in Virginia/Mississippi
4. Brings in new TV viewers, not large markets but Norfolk and DC aren't nothing
5. Other than Rice, much better national known brands than the AAC invitees.

(10-23-2021 05:45 AM)InjunJohn86 Wrote:  

(10-22-2021 09:26 PM)Side.Show.Joe Wrote:  

(10-22-2021 09:08 PM)Bobcat87 Wrote:  

(10-22-2021 07:49 PM)Side.Show.Joe Wrote:  I was a regular poster on this board years ago, before UNT left for C-USA. And, I don't usually come over here and post. I think this is the first thread I have started on the board since leaving back in 2013. I know many on this board are not fond of UNT, but this isn't about my program and I didn't come here to argue. I am respectfully asking for insight, and thank you for any information you can offer.

I would just like to know what the Sun Belt wants to look like after they add all of their C-USA targets? Again thank you for any insight you can provide.

Why does there have to be an end game? You guys were here, once upon a time, and I’m sure you remember what it was like . . . There was a very definite pecking order in those days, and The Sun Belt was viewed as being on the bottom, subsequently the butt of jokes, always backfilling with FCs call ups, because we didn’t have the respect to draw any established programs from FBS Conferences.

Times change, Conferences evolve (some devolve). I doubt at the time y’all left, that y’all (or the rest of CUSA, not to mention the rest of the G5) would have predicted that the collection of misfit toys in The Belt would have come so far so fast (and I wish TXST could take more credit for that, FB wise we’re still trying to figure it out).

That’s really what the conference has been about, being the best that it could be, while at the same time changing other people’s perception of this conference. Being respected as a quality conference with quality programs, programs capable of competing with anyone in the Nation. Programs that when they step between the lines on Saturday, you better not take lightly.

I still don’t think that the members of this conference are satisfied with where we are, and that’s why I asked: why does there have to be an end game? … . We’re still evolving, the process to be the best continues . . . it’s at the heart of what sports are about.

Why did y’all leave The Belt for CUSA? Why’d you leave CUSA for the AAC? You believe it’s in your best interests, it’s part of your own unique evolution. I admit to being biased where UNT is concerned. My youngest just got his Business Degree there this past May. So I’ll always be a fan of UNT, y’all are now Family. So I say in all sincerity that I wish y’all nothing but the best in your new conference. And I’d also add: Watch you rear view: Objects are larger than they appear. Love me some Denton.

My endgame question was in regard to how the Belt would resolve their expansion in this round of realignment. More of a question about the programs you were targeting and why. Congratulations to your youngest! I'm happy for your family.

By adding the schools that we did, we actually compressed our divisions somewhat. And while the talk is mostly about football, each of those schools bring other sports that will help out the conference. The SBC is a pretty darn good baseball conference. We got a whole lot better just by adding USM. Now we can legitimately look at being a multi bid league every year. Basketball gets better.

I totally agree with this post. Each of the C-USA programs you appear to be adding will enhance several of your sports (USM-baseball, Marshall-football, basketball, & soccer-if you sponsor it, ODU-basketball & baseball). Thank you for your answer. It was what I was wanting to know.

Personally, I think UTEP would enhance your track and field, WKU and possibly MTSU would strengthen basketball, and LA Tech would be a asset in football, baseball, basketball, & softball. I know LT has rubbed the Belt the wrong way in the past, but they do bring a lot to the table. Maybe more than any program you are currently targeting. Just my opinion.

Huh? No. Look forward to beating vaulted AAC members going forward.

The AAC has largely ignored us, they now laugh at the notice we can compete with them. Soon they will fight us. CUSA 4.0.

(10-22-2021 07:56 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(10-22-2021 07:54 PM)APPrising Wrote:  We want to be the top G-5 conference as a short term goal. Thanks for expediting that process by joining the AAC.

How are ODU and USM going to expedite that process?

If anyone knows what Southern Miss has the potential to accomplish, it is ECU. Beat us while you can. By 2023, we will be ready.

(10-22-2021 08:03 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(10-22-2021 07:57 PM)slycat Wrote:  

(10-22-2021 07:56 PM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(10-22-2021 07:54 PM)APPrising Wrote:  We want to be the top G-5 conference as a short term goal. Thanks for expediting that process by joining the AAC.

How are ODU and USM going to expedite that process?

Same way Charlotte and UNT get you back to being a "P6"

Far be it from me to pretend Charlotte is good, but they’ve won twice as many games this year than ODU has in their last 2 seasons. They’ve won twice as many games as ODU and USM combined this year. Just to be clear, I think Charlotte sucks, but currently they objectively and measurably suck way less than those 2. Records don’t lie and you guys are the one who always swear adding winners matters more than markets. In that case adding the last 4 CUSA champs, 4 of the top 6 in the current standings, and the only top 25 team seems to be the “winners”.

Charlotte can't even fill their tiny 15K stadium. Good luck with that.

The only thing Charlotte is really decent in, is soccer. And Marshall has now dethroned them there too.

The end game is the same for everyone. To be the best you can as a collective whole. The New AAC took what they think might be hot shots with a media market where SB took smaller medias with the production.

(10-22-2021 07:49 PM)Side.Show.Joe Wrote:  I was a regular poster on this board years ago, before UNT left for C-USA. And, I don't usually come over here and post. I think this is the first thread I have started on the board since leaving back in 2013. I know many on this board are not fond of UNT, but this isn't about my program and I didn't come here to argue. I am respectfully asking for insight, and thank you for any information you can offer.

I would just like to know what the Sun Belt wants to look like after they add all of their C-USA targets? Again thank you for any insight you can provide.

Well, I think the idea was to improve as many sports as possible without harming others.

So you bring in JMU who will be competitive in FBS immediately, unlike Coastal who had a transition coming from the Big South. You add Marshall who is in a culture shuffle and may have depth issues but they have the potential to be great, I believe.

ODU and USM have some work to do in football but both programs began to suffer the I'll effects of the decrease in visibility brought on by Judy's genius plan to work with CBS, Stadium, and Facebook.

Then I think the idea is to maximize the value proposition of the programs added to maximize the potential television package, which has been reported to match the AAC's deal for the new programs and the number of linear network games will be matched.

ODU, Marshall, and JMU bring good basketball, I believe.