(04-19-2016 07:56 AM)Indiana Bones Wrote: [ -> ] (04-18-2016 09:56 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote: [ -> ]It is a very nice stadium but ECU has other hurdles.
Agreed, however I would argue that those hurdles are more superficial than substantive. Once you look past the surface there are a lot of benefits that ECU could bring to the SEC that would substantially outweigh any detriments. Further, academics are on the rise. It's nothing to write home about but ECU is only 30 spots behind Miss St. in the latest USNWR. If the SEC did take the chance on ECU in conjunction with a blue blood (eg. Oklahoma) it would be the perfect way for the SEC to hedge its bets. ECU would be the premiere football school of the state (if not already) but it would also be a dagger to the entire ACC (particularly the NC schools) without having to poach any of their members.
You may be right. That would be a great plan.
But, ECU's real problem is not USNWR ranking or really any ranking setup. It is the student population itself. ECU has a student population with only 2% elite students, ACT 30-36. Miss. State has 16%.
To visualize...
Vanderbilt 92%
***North Carolina 51%
***Clemson 41%
Florida 40%
Alabama 36%
Georgia 34%
Auburn 31%
Tennessee 27%
A&M 27%
South Carolina 24%
***Oklahoma 22%
Missouri 18%
Arkansas 18%
Kentucky 18%
Mississippi State 16%
LSU 15%
Ole Miss 15%
***Oklahoma State 14%
***Florida State 10%
***Texas Tech 9%
***West Virginia 5%
***East Carolina 2%
To see it in terms of expansion...
ECU 2%
Oklahoma 22%
West Virginia 5%
FSU 10%
Texas Tech 9%
Oklahoma State 14%
North Carolina 51%
Clemson 41%
ECU's biggest problem is having so many schools ahead of it on the totem pole within its own state. Ideally, a premier conference wants flagship institutions. ECU will always get the short end of the stick when it comes to state funding and other intangibles.
I thnk NC State is most lkely school in NC to be offered by SEC. It is the largest college in the state and has the most dedicatd fan base for football among the ACC schools in NC.
UNC would want to stay with Duke and UVA due to the 'prestige' factor. I kind of doubt NC state would take it but if they did they would keep their rivalry with UNC and probaby play either Duke or Wake most years.
(04-19-2016 07:56 AM)Indiana Bones Wrote: [ -> ] (04-18-2016 09:56 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote: [ -> ]It is a very nice stadium but ECU has other hurdles.
Agreed, however I would argue that those hurdles are more superficial than substantive. Once you look past the surface there are a lot of benefits that ECU could bring to the SEC that would substantially outweigh any detriments. Further, academics are on the rise. It's nothing to write home about but ECU is only 30 spots behind Miss St. in the latest USNWR. If the SEC did take the chance on ECU in conjunction with a blue blood (eg. Oklahoma) it would be the perfect way for the SEC to hedge its bets. ECU would be the premiere football school of the state (if not already) but it would also be a dagger to the entire ACC (particularly the NC schools) without having to poach any of their members.
With Boren changing his tune this is at least somewhat more probable than it was yesterday.
What people outside NC don't realize is that ECU moves the needle considerably within the state. Football ratings are above Duke and Wake and are equal w/ NCSU & UNC notwithstanding having to play in a non-power conference. ECU's attendance numbers are well documented but what is not is the fact that ECU is roughly the same size as UNC & NCSU and is growing faster. Moreover, ECU has huge alumni numbers in Charlotte & Raleigh. If you come to NC you will see ECU stickers on cars and ECU gear all across the state. That derives from being the only football school in the state. Cultural mentality and football atmosphere is already SEC caliber. If the SEC took the chance it wouldn't be disappointed.
(05-13-2016 07:50 AM)B easy Wrote: [ -> ] (04-19-2016 07:56 AM)Indiana Bones Wrote: [ -> ] (04-18-2016 09:56 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote: [ -> ]It is a very nice stadium but ECU has other hurdles.
Agreed, however I would argue that those hurdles are more superficial than substantive. Once you look past the surface there are a lot of benefits that ECU could bring to the SEC that would substantially outweigh any detriments. Further, academics are on the rise. It's nothing to write home about but ECU is only 30 spots behind Miss St. in the latest USNWR. If the SEC did take the chance on ECU in conjunction with a blue blood (eg. Oklahoma) it would be the perfect way for the SEC to hedge its bets. ECU would be the premiere football school of the state (if not already) but it would also be a dagger to the entire ACC (particularly the NC schools) without having to poach any of their members.
With Boren changing his tune this is at least somewhat more probable than it was yesterday.
What people outside NC don't realize is that ECU moves the needle considerably within the state. Football ratings are above Duke and Wake and are equal w/ NCSU & UNC notwithstanding having to play in a non-power conference. ECU's attendance numbers are well documented but what is not is the fact that ECU is roughly the same size as UNC & NCSU and is growing faster. Moreover, ECU has huge alumni numbers in Charlotte & Raleigh. If you come to NC you will see ECU stickers on cars and ECU gear all across the state. That derives from being the only football school in the state. Cultural mentality and football atmosphere is already SEC caliber. If the SEC took the chance it wouldn't be disappointed.
I don't think anybody doubts the ECU fanbase in that way.
(05-13-2016 07:50 AM)B easy Wrote: [ -> ] (04-19-2016 07:56 AM)Indiana Bones Wrote: [ -> ] (04-18-2016 09:56 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote: [ -> ]It is a very nice stadium but ECU has other hurdles.
Agreed, however I would argue that those hurdles are more superficial than substantive. Once you look past the surface there are a lot of benefits that ECU could bring to the SEC that would substantially outweigh any detriments. Further, academics are on the rise. It's nothing to write home about but ECU is only 30 spots behind Miss St. in the latest USNWR. If the SEC did take the chance on ECU in conjunction with a blue blood (eg. Oklahoma) it would be the perfect way for the SEC to hedge its bets. ECU would be the premiere football school of the state (if not already) but it would also be a dagger to the entire ACC (particularly the NC schools) without having to poach any of their members.
With Boren changing his tune this is at least somewhat more probable than it was yesterday.
What people outside NC don't realize is that ECU moves the needle considerably within the state. Football ratings are above Duke and Wake and are equal w/ NCSU & UNC notwithstanding having to play in a non-power conference. ECU's attendance numbers are well documented but what is not is the fact that ECU is roughly the same size as UNC & NCSU and is growing faster. Moreover, ECU has huge alumni numbers in Charlotte & Raleigh. If you come to NC you will see ECU stickers on cars and ECU gear all across the state. That derives from being the only football school in the state. Cultural mentality and football atmosphere is already SEC caliber. If the SEC took the chance it wouldn't be disappointed.
The problem is that I don't the SEC is looking for any projects at this point. The conference has worked hard to shed the academic inferiority label. ECU would partially undue that effort.
As I've stated before, ECU's best chance is to hope the B12 continues to survive. At that point, the SEC would IMO look to add one more school to alleviate the current scheduling headache. The would be ECU's only way in.
Well I am going to say it. Does SEC really wait 20 years to get into North Carolina?
We have sexellent baseball great football. Basketball is what it is but we are getting sec transfers from auburn. Please take us and we will give you nc and all the trimmings of acc scalps.
Only project we have is basketball and that's only a problem if your the big least
(07-20-2016 12:13 PM)Starfox207 Wrote: [ -> ]Only project we have is basketball and that's only a problem if your the big least
Well then, we at least share the same problem! We can't fault you for that.
If my theory about the Big 12 is correct then the options for SEC expansion will be limited.
If the SEC is to open up their contract and get a better deal then we may need to expand. We'll need 9 games and all the additional content that comes with those sorts of additions. I would also recommend looking at new markets although suitable additions in such locales will also be limited.
I'd recommend 2 of a handful of targets...
#1. ECU - They have strong fan support and halfway decent TV ratings despite the lack of competition, the lack of exposure, and the lack of money. Nationally ranked academics as opposed to most non-flagships.
#2. UCF - A large research institution in the heart of growing FL. While it's not technically a flagship level institution, it likely will be at some point. Florida State is no longer an option, but UCF could be an FSU one day.
#3. SMU - A solid school in the middle of Dallas. They have a long history albeit a very small fan base.
That's all I've got. I think any other potential additions within a reasonable distance of the core of the conference have too many negatives for consideration at this time.
(07-25-2016 12:17 AM)AllTideUp Wrote: [ -> ]If my theory about the Big 12 is correct then the options for SEC expansion will be limited.
If the SEC is to open up their contract and get a better deal then we may need to expand. We'll need 9 games and all the additional content that comes with those sorts of additions. I would also recommend looking at new markets although suitable additions in such locales will also be limited.
I'd recommend 2 of a handful of targets...
#1. ECU - They have strong fan support and halfway decent TV ratings despite the lack of competition, the lack of exposure, and the lack of money. Nationally ranked academics as opposed to most non-flagships.
#2. UCF - A large research institution in the heart of growing FL. While it's not technically a flagship level institution, it likely will be at some point. Florida State is no longer an option, but UCF could be an FSU one day.
#3. SMU - A solid school in the middle of Dallas. They have a long history albeit a very small fan base.
That's all I've got. I think any other potential additions within a reasonable distance of the core of the conference have too many negatives for consideration at this time.
ECU and UCF would be decent adds but don't think UCF will ever be what FSU is.
(07-25-2016 12:17 AM)AllTideUp Wrote: [ -> ]If my theory about the Big 12 is correct then the options for SEC expansion will be limited.
If the SEC is to open up their contract and get a better deal then we may need to expand. We'll need 9 games and all the additional content that comes with those sorts of additions. I would also recommend looking at new markets although suitable additions in such locales will also be limited.
I'd recommend 2 of a handful of targets...
#1. ECU - They have strong fan support and halfway decent TV ratings despite the lack of competition, the lack of exposure, and the lack of money. Nationally ranked academics as opposed to most non-flagships.
#2. UCF - A large research institution in the heart of growing FL. While it's not technically a flagship level institution, it likely will be at some point. Florida State is no longer an option, but UCF could be an FSU one day.
#3. SMU - A solid school in the middle of Dallas. They have a long history albeit a very small fan base.
That's all I've got. I think any other potential additions within a reasonable distance of the core of the conference have too many negatives for consideration at this time.
There is no need for us to take anything other than a flagship university.
Why take chopped liver when filet is still on the table?
(07-27-2016 11:48 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote: [ -> ] (07-25-2016 12:17 AM)AllTideUp Wrote: [ -> ]If my theory about the Big 12 is correct then the options for SEC expansion will be limited.
If the SEC is to open up their contract and get a better deal then we may need to expand. We'll need 9 games and all the additional content that comes with those sorts of additions. I would also recommend looking at new markets although suitable additions in such locales will also be limited.
I'd recommend 2 of a handful of targets...
#1. ECU - They have strong fan support and halfway decent TV ratings despite the lack of competition, the lack of exposure, and the lack of money. Nationally ranked academics as opposed to most non-flagships.
#2. UCF - A large research institution in the heart of growing FL. While it's not technically a flagship level institution, it likely will be at some point. Florida State is no longer an option, but UCF could be an FSU one day.
#3. SMU - A solid school in the middle of Dallas. They have a long history albeit a very small fan base.
That's all I've got. I think any other potential additions within a reasonable distance of the core of the conference have too many negatives for consideration at this time.
There is no need for us to take anything other than a flagship university.
Why take chopped liver when filet is still on the table?
My suggestion is predicated on the idea of both the ACC and Big 12 staying together for the long haul.
(07-27-2016 01:45 PM)AllTideUp Wrote: [ -> ] (07-27-2016 11:48 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote: [ -> ] (07-25-2016 12:17 AM)AllTideUp Wrote: [ -> ]If my theory about the Big 12 is correct then the options for SEC expansion will be limited.
If the SEC is to open up their contract and get a better deal then we may need to expand. We'll need 9 games and all the additional content that comes with those sorts of additions. I would also recommend looking at new markets although suitable additions in such locales will also be limited.
I'd recommend 2 of a handful of targets...
#1. ECU - They have strong fan support and halfway decent TV ratings despite the lack of competition, the lack of exposure, and the lack of money. Nationally ranked academics as opposed to most non-flagships.
#2. UCF - A large research institution in the heart of growing FL. While it's not technically a flagship level institution, it likely will be at some point. Florida State is no longer an option, but UCF could be an FSU one day.
#3. SMU - A solid school in the middle of Dallas. They have a long history albeit a very small fan base.
That's all I've got. I think any other potential additions within a reasonable distance of the core of the conference have too many negatives for consideration at this time.
There is no need for us to take anything other than a flagship university.
Why take chopped liver when filet is still on the table?
My suggestion is predicated on the idea of both the ACC and Big 12 staying together for the long haul.
Wouldn't that speak more directly to the theory that no movement means no movement?
(07-27-2016 01:49 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote: [ -> ] (07-27-2016 01:45 PM)AllTideUp Wrote: [ -> ] (07-27-2016 11:48 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote: [ -> ] (07-25-2016 12:17 AM)AllTideUp Wrote: [ -> ]If my theory about the Big 12 is correct then the options for SEC expansion will be limited.
If the SEC is to open up their contract and get a better deal then we may need to expand. We'll need 9 games and all the additional content that comes with those sorts of additions. I would also recommend looking at new markets although suitable additions in such locales will also be limited.
I'd recommend 2 of a handful of targets...
#1. ECU - They have strong fan support and halfway decent TV ratings despite the lack of competition, the lack of exposure, and the lack of money. Nationally ranked academics as opposed to most non-flagships.
#2. UCF - A large research institution in the heart of growing FL. While it's not technically a flagship level institution, it likely will be at some point. Florida State is no longer an option, but UCF could be an FSU one day.
#3. SMU - A solid school in the middle of Dallas. They have a long history albeit a very small fan base.
That's all I've got. I think any other potential additions within a reasonable distance of the core of the conference have too many negatives for consideration at this time.
There is no need for us to take anything other than a flagship university.
Why take chopped liver when filet is still on the table?
My suggestion is predicated on the idea of both the ACC and Big 12 staying together for the long haul.
Wouldn't that speak more directly to the theory that no movement means no movement?
Potentially, but if the Big 12 can increase their value with the likes of Cincinnati and Houston then I think we have to consider if we can access some new markets and increase our value as well.
I'm not saying we should do it unequivocally, but we I think due diligence is warranted.
(07-27-2016 04:23 PM)AllTideUp Wrote: [ -> ] (07-27-2016 01:49 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote: [ -> ] (07-27-2016 01:45 PM)AllTideUp Wrote: [ -> ] (07-27-2016 11:48 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote: [ -> ] (07-25-2016 12:17 AM)AllTideUp Wrote: [ -> ]If my theory about the Big 12 is correct then the options for SEC expansion will be limited.
If the SEC is to open up their contract and get a better deal then we may need to expand. We'll need 9 games and all the additional content that comes with those sorts of additions. I would also recommend looking at new markets although suitable additions in such locales will also be limited.
I'd recommend 2 of a handful of targets...
#1. ECU - They have strong fan support and halfway decent TV ratings despite the lack of competition, the lack of exposure, and the lack of money. Nationally ranked academics as opposed to most non-flagships.
#2. UCF - A large research institution in the heart of growing FL. While it's not technically a flagship level institution, it likely will be at some point. Florida State is no longer an option, but UCF could be an FSU one day.
#3. SMU - A solid school in the middle of Dallas. They have a long history albeit a very small fan base.
That's all I've got. I think any other potential additions within a reasonable distance of the core of the conference have too many negatives for consideration at this time.
There is no need for us to take anything other than a flagship university.
Why take chopped liver when filet is still on the table?
My suggestion is predicated on the idea of both the ACC and Big 12 staying together for the long haul.
Wouldn't that speak more directly to the theory that no movement means no movement?
Potentially, but if the Big 12 can increase their value with the likes of Cincinnati and Houston then I think we have to consider if we can access some new markets and increase our value as well.
I'm not saying we should do it unequivocally, but we I think due diligence is warranted.
Hey guys, I get the Big 12 expansion issues, but remember this thread is dedicated to E.C.U. and their chances of attaining a SEC membership. If the Big 12 loads up on G5's and extends their GOR then this topic and this thread gains some momentum.
Let us in, you won't regret it. We're natural fit, Geographically, football, and baseball. We would only take off with SEC $/branding.
I heard we hit over 30,000 enrollment with this last incoming freshman class. We are on pace to be the largest school in the Carolinas. We will know in Sept. when the official enrollment is completed.
Jake Trotter obtained the letter that ECU sent the Big 12 to express interest:
From Twitter
Also this one...
From Twitter
What's interesting to me is that the AD claims that ECU will bring the entire state of NC into the fold. Obviously, he's talking about cable households and overall ratings. Nonetheless, I find it interesting that an official would make that claim. I'm not doubting him at all. Actually, I think it gives the statement more credence than an upper level official would make it.
Writer in jest (I think anyway) promotes an 8 team SEC that includes ECU & Clemson
http://saturdayblitz.com/2016/05/31/sec-...nce-needs/
Alabama Crimson Tide
Arkansas Razorbacks
Clemson Tigers
East Carolina Pirates
Georgia Bulldogs
LSU Tigers
Ole Miss Rebels
Tennessee Volunteers