Why wouldn’t Delaware St. and Morgan St. play football in the sister conference that the ASUN is partnered and in business with, the UAC? Outside of the fact they probably aren’t desired.
I would think the two top contenders of the teams you have selected to fill those last two UAC spots would be Florida A&M and Alabama A&M, clearly within the geo footprint and both state schools. Unless you can get a Tennessee Tech or Tennessee St. which aren’t much better than Bama A&M.
It’ll be interesting to see how the cards all play out.
(05-12-2020 04:49 PM)army56mike Wrote: [ -> ]Why wouldn’t Delaware St. and Morgan St. play football in the sister conference that the ASUN is partnered and in business with, the UAC? Outside of the fact they probably aren’t desired.
I would think the two top contenders of the teams you have selected to fill those last two UAC spots would be Florida A&M and Alabama A&M, clearly within the geo footprint and both state schools. Unless you can get a Tennessee Tech or Tennessee St. which aren’t much better than Bama A&M.
It’ll be interesting to see how the cards all play out.
I have Delaware State and Morgan State playing in the Big South football for a couple of reasons.
1. History with other football schools
2. The ASUN and Big South will presumably still have a football agreement
3. Way out of the UAC footprint.
I have FAMU and Bethune Cookman in the SWAC both would go to the East division.
I dont think AAMU or Bama State would leave the SWAC
I was assuming 1 more OVC school, until it was stated that no D2 schools would join. So it would have to be 2 more OVC schools. If that happened, I would have to think Western Illinois would join the OVC. They have said they want to join in the past.
Like you said, we will see how it plays out, if it even does.
(05-12-2020 03:41 PM)lion1983 Wrote: [ -> ]It's kinda like what I was saying in an earlier post.
The SoCon loses UTC, ETSU and Western Carolina
Then adds Campbell, Gardner Webb and Charlston Southern.
The Big South can then add 3 regional MEAC schools to go along with Hampton and NCA&T.
The MEAC effectively shuts down, the SWAC absorbs the rest of the MEAC, realigning their divisions and the SWAC championship game becomes the HBCU national championship.
I get the feeling several MEAC schools want to go to the playoffs. NCA&T may break the MEAC down with their move.
The Citadel will never let CSU happen in the SoCON.
(05-12-2020 06:03 PM)Ewglenn Wrote: [ -> ] (05-12-2020 03:41 PM)lion1983 Wrote: [ -> ]It's kinda like what I was saying in an earlier post.
The SoCon loses UTC, ETSU and Western Carolina
Then adds Campbell, Gardner Webb and Charlston Southern.
The Big South can then add 3 regional MEAC schools to go along with Hampton and NCA&T.
The MEAC effectively shuts down, the SWAC absorbs the rest of the MEAC, realigning their divisions and the SWAC championship game becomes the HBCU national championship.
I get the feeling several MEAC schools want to go to the playoffs. NCA&T may break the MEAC down with their move.
The Citadel will never let CSU happen in the SoCON.
Who knows....
The UAC has a tough task—finding at least 6 malcontents that would rather play FCS with Kenn St and UNA than in their current conferences.
On the bright side they have a lot of places they can go: MEAC, SWAC, OVC, Big South, SoCon
Lots of moving pieces. if they could get the trio of UTC, ETSU, and WCU to jump over I think it triggers a reaction that leaves the Big South with 7 non-football schools plus the 2 HBCUs they just added. This could allow the UAC to acquire that pair, Hampton and NC A&T, as either full members or fb affiliates.
If they can’t get the SoCon schools to budge it comes down trying coax a lot of HBCUs to abandon years of history and/or getting more than just Jacksonville St from the OVC.
The other part of the gambit that’s going to be an uphill battle is finding schools who want to be in a conference with 4 Florida schools, 2 mid/upper south schools, Liberty, and NJIT. That’s a pretty wonky conference.
(05-12-2020 06:43 PM)lion1983 Wrote: [ -> ] (05-12-2020 06:03 PM)Ewglenn Wrote: [ -> ] (05-12-2020 03:41 PM)lion1983 Wrote: [ -> ]It's kinda like what I was saying in an earlier post.
The SoCon loses UTC, ETSU and Western Carolina
Then adds Campbell, Gardner Webb and Charlston Southern.
The Big South can then add 3 regional MEAC schools to go along with Hampton and NCA&T.
The MEAC effectively shuts down, the SWAC absorbs the rest of the MEAC, realigning their divisions and the SWAC championship game becomes the HBCU national championship.
I get the feeling several MEAC schools want to go to the playoffs. NCA&T may break the MEAC down with their move.
The Citadel will never let CSU happen in the SoCON.
Who knows....
I grew up in SC and know a ton of high ups there. They will NEVER allow that.
(05-12-2020 07:56 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote: [ -> ]The UAC has a tough task—finding at least 6 malcontents that would rather play FCS with Kenn St and UNA than in their current conferences.
On the bright side they have a lot of places they can go: MEAC, SWAC, OVC, Big South, SoCon
Lots of moving pieces. if they could get the trio of UTC, ETSU, and WCU to jump over I think it triggers a reaction that leaves the Big South with 7 non-football schools plus the 2 HBCUs they just added. This could allow the UAC to acquire that pair, Hampton and NC A&T, as either full members or fb affiliates.
If they can’t get the SoCon schools to budge it comes down trying coax a lot of HBCUs to abandon years of history and/or getting more than just Jacksonville St from the OVC.
The other part of the gambit that’s going to be an uphill battle is finding schools who want to be in a conference with 4 Florida schools, 2 mid/upper south schools, Liberty, and NJIT. That’s a pretty wonky conference.
You may be able to pull one or 2 besides Jacksonville State from the OVC... maybe.
I would look at UT Martin, and Austin Peay. Murray State has made it clear they want out, but I think they want the Missouri Valley Conference. But maybe, the right lineup in the new conference, and the fact that conference money would only be split 8 ways may be a selling point, maybe to all involved. Less mouths to feed equal more per school.
If Murray State could be a contender for the new conference, I'm sure Austin Peay would be as well.
UNA
Kennesaw
Chattanooga
Jacksonville State
Murray State
Austin Peay
Western Carolina
ETSU
I'd say the best bet for the UAC is to go call up schools. Honestly in school in the south is a possibility. Unless you are on the school board or have some ACTUAL insight then dont nix anyone's idea
(05-26-2020 10:06 PM)KingSean Wrote: [ -> ]I'd say the best bet for the UAC is to go call up schools. Honestly in school in the south is a possibility. Unless you are on the school board or have some ACTUAL insight then dont nix anyone's idea
Well, the insight is from the Commissioner himself, and he's pretty clear about it not being any "call up schools".
And he has said there is good intrest from the schools, but can't, for various reasons say who the schools are. We are just speculating who they will be, kinda like a kid trying to figure out his Christmas gifts that sit under the tree for weeks.
Hmm everything I've read or seen wont say any schools either. D2 or others.... I hate this waiting game but at the same time I understand as well
(05-26-2020 10:52 PM)KingSean Wrote: [ -> ]Hmm everything I've read or seen wont say any schools either. D2 or others.... I hate this waiting game but at the same time I understand as well
The "committee" charged with finding the schools did go after 1 D2 school. But that school, for whatever reasons, said they would have to decline for the time being.
I have a good idea who that school was. But I dont know 100%.
I do know that all FCS schools in the wanted footprint was approached.
UTC, Western Carolina, and ETSU leaving the SoCon? Why would they leave the stability, tradition, and tight geographic layout of the SoCon? Especially ETSU. I don't think you guys understand the hatred that their fans have for the ASUN.
Another point I'd like to add. The ASUN has tried many times to add new teams, and has only had two options: D2 school, or D1 that is in a tough spot and needs a home (Liberty, NJIT, ETSU). The ASUN would love to add established D1 schools over those years, but they couldn't. So why now is that all of a sudden going to change? Sure, maybe the UAC side could pull it off. But the "new" ASUN side? How?
(05-27-2020 04:27 AM)MercerFan Wrote: [ -> ]UTC, Western Carolina, and ETSU leaving the SoCon? Why would they leave the stability, tradition, and tight geographic layout of the SoCon? Especially ETSU. I don't think you guys understand the hatred that their fans have for the ASUN.
Another point I'd like to add. The ASUN has tried many times to add new teams, and has only had two options: D2 school, or D1 that is in a tough spot and needs a home (Liberty, NJIT, ETSU). The ASUN would love to add established D1 schools over those years, but they couldn't. So why now is that all of a sudden going to change? Sure, maybe the UAC side could pull it off. But the "new" ASUN side? How?
If ETSU left the SoCon for the ASUN their fans would burn Johnson City down.
(05-27-2020 04:27 AM)MercerFan Wrote: [ -> ]UTC, Western Carolina, and ETSU leaving the SoCon? Why would they leave the stability, tradition, and tight geographic layout of the SoCon? Especially ETSU. I don't think you guys understand the hatred that their fans have for the ASUN.
Another point I'd like to add. The ASUN has tried many times to add new teams, and has only had two options: D2 school, or D1 that is in a tough spot and needs a home (Liberty, NJIT, ETSU). The ASUN would love to add established D1 schools over those years, but they couldn't. So why now is that all of a sudden going to change? Sure, maybe the UAC side could pull it off. But the "new" ASUN side? How?
I agree with you on what you said about on the ASUN side about no current D1 School joining.
Maybe the MEAC schools from Florida.
I’m not sure which D2 schools are being look at, but I think they should approach Nova Southeastern, North Georgia, Francis Marion, Lincoln Memorial. Within a few years I could see Alabama-Huntsville.
(05-27-2020 08:17 AM)Courtside Wrote: [ -> ] (05-27-2020 04:27 AM)MercerFan Wrote: [ -> ]UTC, Western Carolina, and ETSU leaving the SoCon? Why would they leave the stability, tradition, and tight geographic layout of the SoCon? Especially ETSU. I don't think you guys understand the hatred that their fans have for the ASUN.
Another point I'd like to add. The ASUN has tried many times to add new teams, and has only had two options: D2 school, or D1 that is in a tough spot and needs a home (Liberty, NJIT, ETSU). The ASUN would love to add established D1 schools over those years, but they couldn't. So why now is that all of a sudden going to change? Sure, maybe the UAC side could pull it off. But the "new" ASUN side? How?
If ETSU left the SoCon for the ASUN their fans would burn Johnson City down.
If, Hypothetically, Chattanooga left the SoCon, ETSU would be on their heels. But they would not leave for the ASUN, I agree.
(05-27-2020 04:27 AM)MercerFan Wrote: [ -> ]UTC, Western Carolina, and ETSU leaving the SoCon? Why would they leave the stability, tradition, and tight geographic layout of the SoCon? Especially ETSU. I don't think you guys understand the hatred that their fans have for the ASUN.
Another point I'd like to add. The ASUN has tried many times to add new teams, and has only had two options: D2 school, or D1 that is in a tough spot and needs a home (Liberty, NJIT, ETSU). The ASUN would love to add established D1 schools over those years, but they couldn't. So why now is that all of a sudden going to change? Sure, maybe the UAC side could pull it off. But the "new" ASUN side? How?
Here is what you may not understand about SoCon...
And this comes from an official from UT Chattanooga that I have talked to as recently as Memorial day.
"The SoCon is not what it used to be, and will never be again."
"The SoCon is catering to two schools in particular, and they are private schools. If they vote a certain way, no matter what any other schools wants, it goes their way, especially for the public schools. They are getting the shaft since Georgia Southern and App State moved."
"It dont make sense that Chattanooga is not in the same conference as JSU, Kennessaw and North Alabama. It makes less sense that they are all in three different conferences. "
(05-26-2020 11:26 PM)lion1983 Wrote: [ -> ] (05-26-2020 10:52 PM)KingSean Wrote: [ -> ]Hmm everything I've read or seen wont say any schools either. D2 or others.... I hate this waiting game but at the same time I understand as well
The "committee" charged with finding the schools did go after 1 D2 school. But that school, for whatever reasons, said they would have to decline for the time being.
I have a good idea who that school was. But I dont know 100%.
I do know that all FCS schools in the wanted footprint was approached.
Hmm interesting
(05-29-2020 01:17 PM)KingSean Wrote: [ -> ] (05-26-2020 11:26 PM)lion1983 Wrote: [ -> ] (05-26-2020 10:52 PM)KingSean Wrote: [ -> ]Hmm everything I've read or seen wont say any schools either. D2 or others.... I hate this waiting game but at the same time I understand as well
The "committee" charged with finding the schools did go after 1 D2 school. But that school, for whatever reasons, said they would have to decline for the time being.
I have a good idea who that school was. But I dont know 100%.
I do know that all FCS schools in the wanted footprint was approached.
Hmm interesting
I have to clarify,
All PUBLIC schools in the footprint was approached. That in itself narrows down who the schools can be.
The commissioner also said publicly that there is interest from the schools and the conference is in a good position.
I also believe, this is just me, but I dont think any HBCU schools would have interest in this, at least not in the region.
If the SoCon Public schools really are at their breaking point and the auto bid issues can be worked out I could see this, a public school verison of the SoCon with a tight footprint
UAC
Chattanooga
ETSU
Kennesaw St
Western Carolina
North Alabama
Jacksonville St
Alabama St.
Alabama A&M
The biggest "loser" would be the SoCon, but honestly they would probably be thrilled to be rid of the last of the football public school old guard. This would leave them at a 6/7 alignment, the absolute bare minimum for NCAA conference qualification. They could go a number of ways, but I think they definitely look to add Campbell, Gardner Webb, and they would shoot for Belmont. That would make them an all private league for football with a sustainable 8/10 alignment if Belmont agrees to greater travel for a prestigious private school league
SoCon
VMI
Campbell
Gardner Webb
Furman
Wofford
Citadel
Mercer
Samford
UNCG*
Belmont*
The OVC having lost Jacksonville State and Belmont is now at 8/10. They could add Lipscomb but an 8/10 alignment should be stable.
The Big South will continue to be the home for MEAC refugees. Having lost some private schools to the SoCon they now have room to add NC Central and Norfolk St giving them a 6+1/12 alignment. They could go to 11 and add SC State as well being the football conference for wayward MEAC schools that dont fit into their footprint for all sports
Big South
Monmouth (FB Only)
Charleston Southern
Presbyterian
NC A&T
NC Central
Hampton
Norfolk State
Longwood*
Radford*
High Point*
UNCA*
USC Upstate*
Winthrop*
The MEAC leftovers would be in a tough spot and would have to work something out with the now 8 team SWAC to form the HBCU conference so they can all stay afloat. Divisions with no overlap could minimize travel.
ETSU fan here who hated the Asun.
The Socon is not what it was when we left. I have no inside knowledge or anything just gut feelings but ETSU, Chatt and Western will try their best to stay together. Going to a new conference is not out of the question.
To the poster who said the conference caters to 2 schools, you are wrong (sort of). They cater to 3 schools all in the same state. Where you got confused is that only 2 of the schools are decent so it seems like they only cater to them.