What are the Buc fans thoughts on this new ASUN startup football conference (UAC), that will have UNA and KSU as their first for sure members? They are looking for a total of 8 public, FCS schools the make up a tight geographic footprint.
Most fans of this process are projecting Chattanooga to make this move, and they would like for ETSU and WCU to be a part of the conference as well.
Thoughts? I don't see WCU making this move, but I could be wrong. Would ETSU follow UTC to this ASUN conference?
(06-08-2020 11:33 AM)The Cats Wrote: [ -> ]What are the Buc fans thoughts on this new ASUN startup football conference (UAC), that will have UNA and KSU as their first for sure members? They are looking for a total of 8 public, FCS schools the make up a tight geographic footprint.
Most fans of this process are projecting Chattanooga to make this move, and they would like for ETSU and WCU to be a part of the conference as well.
Thoughts? I don't see WCU making this move, but I could be wrong. Would ETSU follow UTC to this ASUN conference?
Don't care for the idea. At ETSU football doesn't dictate every decision. No need to demolish ETSU basketball just to "upgrade" football if that is the idea. Also concerned that the ETSU athletic budget will not support the move and remember, ASun basketball doesn't even have enough support to have a central tournament. KSU is the FCS equivalent of App State...gutted their entire athletic program to support football, don't want to repeat that mistake.
I know I am in the minority in my opinions.
(06-08-2020 11:41 AM)BucDoctor Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 11:33 AM)The Cats Wrote: [ -> ]What are the Buc fans thoughts on this new ASUN startup football conference (UAC), that will have UNA and KSU as their first for sure members? They are looking for a total of 8 public, FCS schools the make up a tight geographic footprint.
Most fans of this process are projecting Chattanooga to make this move, and they would like for ETSU and WCU to be a part of the conference as well.
Thoughts? I don't see WCU making this move, but I could be wrong. Would ETSU follow UTC to this ASUN conference?
Don't care for the idea. At ETSU football doesn't dictate every decision. No need to demolish ETSU basketball just to "upgrade" football if that is the idea. Also concerned that the ETSU athletic budget will not support the move and remember, ASun basketball doesn't even have enough support to have a central tournament. KSU is the FCS equivalent of App State...gutted their entire athletic program to support football, don't want to repeat that mistake.
I know I am in the minority in my opinions.
What?? Why would this move be that much (if any) more money than the current Socon? They arent moving to FBS. This is still FCS.
There is this idea that the socon is becoming some basketball powerhouse. It's still a one bid league and will always be a one bid league.
I have said this in other threads, if Chattanooga leaves the socon for this, I cant see any reason for ETSU to stay. The socon caters to 2 teams. If ETSU and Chatt were to leave I would hope Western would come to.
Please also tell me how KSU "gutted" their entire athletic department for football? Their basketball team being terrible has nothing to do with funding.
(06-08-2020 12:41 PM)brock20 Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 11:41 AM)BucDoctor Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 11:33 AM)The Cats Wrote: [ -> ]What are the Buc fans thoughts on this new ASUN startup football conference (UAC), that will have UNA and KSU as their first for sure members? They are looking for a total of 8 public, FCS schools the make up a tight geographic footprint.
Most fans of this process are projecting Chattanooga to make this move, and they would like for ETSU and WCU to be a part of the conference as well.
Thoughts? I don't see WCU making this move, but I could be wrong. Would ETSU follow UTC to this ASUN conference?
Don't care for the idea. At ETSU football doesn't dictate every decision. No need to demolish ETSU basketball just to "upgrade" football if that is the idea. Also concerned that the ETSU athletic budget will not support the move and remember, ASun basketball doesn't even have enough support to have a central tournament. KSU is the FCS equivalent of App State...gutted their entire athletic program to support football, don't want to repeat that mistake.
I know I am in the minority in my opinions.
What?? Why would this move be that much (if any) more money than the current Socon? They arent moving to FBS. This is still FCS.
There is this idea that the socon is becoming some basketball powerhouse. It's still a one bid league and will always be a one bid league.
I have said this in other threads, if Chattanooga leaves the socon for this, I cant see any reason for ETSU to stay. The socon caters to 2 teams. If ETSU and Chatt were to leave I would hope Western would come to.
Please also tell me how KSU "gutted" their entire athletic department for football? Their basketball team being terrible has nothing to do with funding.
What’s UAC? From what little I’ve read hear and on the other thread, this looks like it could be a downward move for ETSU, UTC, and WCU. Unless we have our sights on aligning with a new geographical conference of teams from CUSA, Sun Belt, plus UTC and/or WCU, then the SoCon is the best option for being at the FCS level.
(06-08-2020 01:04 PM)Buc66 Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 12:41 PM)brock20 Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 11:41 AM)BucDoctor Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 11:33 AM)The Cats Wrote: [ -> ]What are the Buc fans thoughts on this new ASUN startup football conference (UAC), that will have UNA and KSU as their first for sure members? They are looking for a total of 8 public, FCS schools the make up a tight geographic footprint.
Most fans of this process are projecting Chattanooga to make this move, and they would like for ETSU and WCU to be a part of the conference as well.
Thoughts? I don't see WCU making this move, but I could be wrong. Would ETSU follow UTC to this ASUN conference?
Don't care for the idea. At ETSU football doesn't dictate every decision. No need to demolish ETSU basketball just to "upgrade" football if that is the idea. Also concerned that the ETSU athletic budget will not support the move and remember, ASun basketball doesn't even have enough support to have a central tournament. KSU is the FCS equivalent of App State...gutted their entire athletic program to support football, don't want to repeat that mistake.
I know I am in the minority in my opinions.
What?? Why would this move be that much (if any) more money than the current Socon? They arent moving to FBS. This is still FCS.
There is this idea that the socon is becoming some basketball powerhouse. It's still a one bid league and will always be a one bid league.
I have said this in other threads, if Chattanooga leaves the socon for this, I cant see any reason for ETSU to stay. The socon caters to 2 teams. If ETSU and Chatt were to leave I would hope Western would come to.
Please also tell me how KSU "gutted" their entire athletic department for football? Their basketball team being terrible has nothing to do with funding.
What’s UAC? From what little I’ve read hear and on the other thread, this looks like it could be a downward move for ETSU, UTC, and WCU. Unless we have our sights on aligning with a new geographical conference of teams from CUSA, Sun Belt, plus UTC and/or WCU, then the SoCon is the best option for being at the FCS level.
These two videos will explain what the ASUN is trying to do, and what the UAC is going to be.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_conti...e=emb_logo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_conti...e=emb_logo
(06-08-2020 01:04 PM)Buc66 Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 12:41 PM)brock20 Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 11:41 AM)BucDoctor Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 11:33 AM)The Cats Wrote: [ -> ]What are the Buc fans thoughts on this new ASUN startup football conference (UAC), that will have UNA and KSU as their first for sure members? They are looking for a total of 8 public, FCS schools the make up a tight geographic footprint.
Most fans of this process are projecting Chattanooga to make this move, and they would like for ETSU and WCU to be a part of the conference as well.
Thoughts? I don't see WCU making this move, but I could be wrong. Would ETSU follow UTC to this ASUN conference?
Don't care for the idea. At ETSU football doesn't dictate every decision. No need to demolish ETSU basketball just to "upgrade" football if that is the idea. Also concerned that the ETSU athletic budget will not support the move and remember, ASun basketball doesn't even have enough support to have a central tournament. KSU is the FCS equivalent of App State...gutted their entire athletic program to support football, don't want to repeat that mistake.
I know I am in the minority in my opinions.
What?? Why would this move be that much (if any) more money than the current Socon? They arent moving to FBS. This is still FCS.
There is this idea that the socon is becoming some basketball powerhouse. It's still a one bid league and will always be a one bid league.
I have said this in other threads, if Chattanooga leaves the socon for this, I cant see any reason for ETSU to stay. The socon caters to 2 teams. If ETSU and Chatt were to leave I would hope Western would come to.
Please also tell me how KSU "gutted" their entire athletic department for football? Their basketball team being terrible has nothing to do with funding.
What’s UAC? From what little I’ve read hear and on the other thread, this looks like it could be a downward move for ETSU, UTC, and WCU. Unless we have our sights on aligning with a new geographical conference of teams from CUSA, Sun Belt, plus UTC and/or WCU, then the SoCon is the best option for being at the FCS level.
Its all hypothetical now but my question for ETSU fans is do you want to be in a SoCon without Chattanooga because they are going to make a move out. They have privately and somewhat publicly said as much. They want to be in a conference with Jacksonville State. If the Socon was serious about becoming better they would get VMI and citadel out.
If the UAC can get the right teams then I am for it. If not, then wait to see if we can somehow talk our way into the Sun Belt/CUSA if they ever reorganized regionally. They have to be able to poach more out of the OVC than just JSU.
I don't think ETSU should move out of the Southern Conference unless its to a clearly higher level conference. I don't think this new conference would be even close to that, regardless of what UTC does.
(06-08-2020 02:23 PM)etsubuc Wrote: [ -> ]I don't think ETSU should move out of the Southern Conference unless its to a clearly higher level conference. I don't think this new conference would be even close to that, regardless of what UTC does.
For those concerned about the ASUN running the UAC. Of course, they will run the UAC, they are not creating this new conference for the fun of it. The ASUN wants football.
Just think of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The CAA also has football, and guess what, it's a separate athletic conference, its official name is the "CAA Football Conference". The CAA just does not try to hide the fact they are two separate conferences, but, run by the CAA. The ASUN proponents can say the UAC will be a separate conference run by their college presidents, but in fact, it will be run by the current ASUN administration, with the ASUN conference commissioner, also the UAC commissioner.
So, if you want to join a conference that has not traditionally be able to provide a stable conference for its members, here your chance to join. Remember, the ASUN, like the Big South is the "move up" conferences for Div II schools wanting to join Div. I, the ASUN for basketball, and BS for football.
(06-08-2020 02:44 PM)The Cats Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 02:23 PM)etsubuc Wrote: [ -> ]I don't think ETSU should move out of the Southern Conference unless its to a clearly higher level conference. I don't think this new conference would be even close to that, regardless of what UTC does.
For those concerned about the ASUN running the UAC. Of course, they will run the UAC, they are not creating this new conference for the fun of it. The ASUN wants football.
Just think of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The CAA also has football, and guess what, it's a separate athletic conference, its official name is the "CAA Football Conference". The CAA just does not try to hide the fact they are two separate conferences, but, run by the CAA. The ASUN proponents can say the UAC will be a separate conference run by their college presidents, but in fact, it will be run by the current ASUN administration, with the ASUN conference commissioner, also the UAC commissioner.
So, if you want to join a conference that has not traditionally be able to provide a stable conference for its members, here your chance to join. Remember, the ASUN, like the Big South is the "move up" conferences for Div II schools wanting to join Div. I, the ASUN for basketball, and BS for football.
And what exactly is the Socon now besides a has been football conference ran by Wofford, Furman and Citadel? and please dont say an up and coming bball conference because the past couple of years have been its best and its still a 1 bid league. The league will also be no where near as strong next year as it has been.
I just dont see why ETSU (or chatt and western for that matter) should feel tied to the Socon. if they went out and added a couple of good public schools then maybe it would feel different.
I'm not saying ETSU should move to this conference. I just think its something that should be considered if they get the right teams. The socon is not what it was back in the day. If they can poach a combo of say Eastern Kentucky, Austin Peay, Murray State or TN Tech and bring them together with ETSU, Chatt, Western, JSU, NA and KSU, I think that makes for a much better conference than the current socon.
(06-08-2020 02:54 PM)brock20 Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 02:44 PM)The Cats Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 02:23 PM)etsubuc Wrote: [ -> ]I don't think ETSU should move out of the Southern Conference unless its to a clearly higher level conference. I don't think this new conference would be even close to that, regardless of what UTC does.
For those concerned about the ASUN running the UAC. Of course, they will run the UAC, they are not creating this new conference for the fun of it. The ASUN wants football.
Just think of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The CAA also has football, and guess what, it's a separate athletic conference, its official name is the "CAA Football Conference". The CAA just does not try to hide the fact they are two separate conferences, but, run by the CAA. The ASUN proponents can say the UAC will be a separate conference run by their college presidents, but in fact, it will be run by the current ASUN administration, with the ASUN conference commissioner, also the UAC commissioner.
So, if you want to join a conference that has not traditionally be able to provide a stable conference for its members, here your chance to join. Remember, the ASUN, like the Big South is the "move up" conferences for Div II schools wanting to join Div. I, the ASUN for basketball, and BS for football.
And what exactly is the Socon now besides a has been football conference ran by Wofford, Furman and Citadel? and please dont say an up and coming bball conference because the past couple of years have been its best and its still a 1 bid league. The league will also be no where near as strong next year as it has been.
I just dont see why ETSU (or chatt and western for that matter) should feel tied to the Socon. if they went out and added a couple of good public schools then maybe it would feel different.
I'm not saying ETSU should move to this conference. I just think its something that should be considered if they get the right teams. The socon is not what it was back in the day. If they can poach a combo of say Eastern Kentucky, Austin Peay, Murray State or TN Tech and bring them together with ETSU, Chatt, Western, JSU, NA and KSU, I think that makes for a much better conference than the current socon.
Every school has to do what's best for the school and their fans, but most of those schools you list would draw no better than the current schools in the SoCon. I'd like to see JSU in the SoCon, but I don't see changing conferences just to be in a conference with JSU. UNA, EKU, Murray State, Austin Peay does not spark any interests for WCU fans.
Also, any school that follows KSU to any FCS conference will be disappointed, as common sense tells you they will LEAP at ANY FBS opportunity that comes along.
Again, if ETSU and Chatty makes the move, good luck, I don't think WCU will follow.
(06-08-2020 03:20 PM)The Cats Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 02:54 PM)brock20 Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 02:44 PM)The Cats Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 02:23 PM)etsubuc Wrote: [ -> ]I don't think ETSU should move out of the Southern Conference unless its to a clearly higher level conference. I don't think this new conference would be even close to that, regardless of what UTC does.
For those concerned about the ASUN running the UAC. Of course, they will run the UAC, they are not creating this new conference for the fun of it. The ASUN wants football.
Just think of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The CAA also has football, and guess what, it's a separate athletic conference, its official name is the "CAA Football Conference". The CAA just does not try to hide the fact they are two separate conferences, but, run by the CAA. The ASUN proponents can say the UAC will be a separate conference run by their college presidents, but in fact, it will be run by the current ASUN administration, with the ASUN conference commissioner, also the UAC commissioner.
So, if you want to join a conference that has not traditionally be able to provide a stable conference for its members, here your chance to join. Remember, the ASUN, like the Big South is the "move up" conferences for Div II schools wanting to join Div. I, the ASUN for basketball, and BS for football.
And what exactly is the Socon now besides a has been football conference ran by Wofford, Furman and Citadel? and please dont say an up and coming bball conference because the past couple of years have been its best and its still a 1 bid league. The league will also be no where near as strong next year as it has been.
I just dont see why ETSU (or chatt and western for that matter) should feel tied to the Socon. if they went out and added a couple of good public schools then maybe it would feel different.
I'm not saying ETSU should move to this conference. I just think its something that should be considered if they get the right teams. The socon is not what it was back in the day. If they can poach a combo of say Eastern Kentucky, Austin Peay, Murray State or TN Tech and bring them together with ETSU, Chatt, Western, JSU, NA and KSU, I think that makes for a much better conference than the current socon.
Every school has to do what's best for the school and their fans, but most of those schools you list would draw no better than the current schools in the SoCon. I'd like to see JSU in the SoCon, but I don't see changing conferences just to be in a conference with JSU. UNA, EKU, Murray State, Austin Peay does not spark any interests for WCU fans.
Also, any school that follows KSU to any FCS conference will be disappointed, as common sense tells you they will LEAP at ANY FBS opportunity that comes along.
Again, if ETSU and Chatty makes the move, good luck, I don't think WCU will follow.
Any school in their right mind would leap at going FBS. If ETSU doesn’t have a long term plan for that I would be questioning their strategy
(06-08-2020 03:27 PM)brock20 Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 03:20 PM)The Cats Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 02:54 PM)brock20 Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 02:44 PM)The Cats Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 02:23 PM)etsubuc Wrote: [ -> ]I don't think ETSU should move out of the Southern Conference unless its to a clearly higher level conference. I don't think this new conference would be even close to that, regardless of what UTC does.
For those concerned about the ASUN running the UAC. Of course, they will run the UAC, they are not creating this new conference for the fun of it. The ASUN wants football.
Just think of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The CAA also has football, and guess what, it's a separate athletic conference, its official name is the "CAA Football Conference". The CAA just does not try to hide the fact they are two separate conferences, but, run by the CAA. The ASUN proponents can say the UAC will be a separate conference run by their college presidents, but in fact, it will be run by the current ASUN administration, with the ASUN conference commissioner, also the UAC commissioner.
So, if you want to join a conference that has not traditionally be able to provide a stable conference for its members, here your chance to join. Remember, the ASUN, like the Big South is the "move up" conferences for Div II schools wanting to join Div. I, the ASUN for basketball, and BS for football.
And what exactly is the Socon now besides a has been football conference ran by Wofford, Furman and Citadel? and please dont say an up and coming bball conference because the past couple of years have been its best and its still a 1 bid league. The league will also be no where near as strong next year as it has been.
I just dont see why ETSU (or chatt and western for that matter) should feel tied to the Socon. if they went out and added a couple of good public schools then maybe it would feel different.
I'm not saying ETSU should move to this conference. I just think its something that should be considered if they get the right teams. The socon is not what it was back in the day. If they can poach a combo of say Eastern Kentucky, Austin Peay, Murray State or TN Tech and bring them together with ETSU, Chatt, Western, JSU, NA and KSU, I think that makes for a much better conference than the current socon.
Every school has to do what's best for the school and their fans, but most of those schools you list would draw no better than the current schools in the SoCon. I'd like to see JSU in the SoCon, but I don't see changing conferences just to be in a conference with JSU. UNA, EKU, Murray State, Austin Peay does not spark any interests for WCU fans.
Also, any school that follows KSU to any FCS conference will be disappointed, as common sense tells you they will LEAP at ANY FBS opportunity that comes along.
Again, if ETSU and Chatty makes the move, good luck, I don't think WCU will follow.
Any school in their right mind would leap at going FBS. If ETSU doesn’t have a long term plan for that I would be questioning their strategy
Bring Jax State and Kennesaw (they got the money to FIX basketball) to the SoCon — adjusting the football scheduling to continue playing 8 conference games. The SoCon is not sleeping through this are they?
Southern Conference
Chattanooga
Citadel
East Tennessee State
Furman
Jacksonville State
Kennesaw State
Mercer
Samford
UNC Greensboro
Western Carolina
Wofford
VMI
I have no idea how much of this is real vs hypothetical. I would much rather us make a huge push to find a home in an established conference like the Sunbelt somehow than to join a big experiment like this thing seems to be. If the SoCon stays together I’d love to see VMI kicked out and replaced with a more respectable program. VMI should seriously consider going D2 with the way they fund sports and their total lack of competitiveness in anything. I’d also go after Winthrop as a basketball only and keep Kennesaw out altogether.
(06-08-2020 05:43 PM)MTBuc Wrote: [ -> ]I have no idea how much of this is real vs hypothetical. I would much rather us make a huge push to find a home in an established conference like the Sunbelt somehow than to join a big experiment like this thing seems to be. If the SoCon stays together I’d love to see VMI kicked out and replaced with a more respectable program. VMI should seriously consider going D2 with the way they fund sports and their total lack of competitiveness in anything. I’d also go after Winthrop as a basketball only and keep Kennesaw out altogether.
VMI's budget is similar to Samford, similar to Western Carolina, etc. VMIs budget is actually more than Wofford's.
But is there a way to know the true budget of a private school?
(06-08-2020 07:32 PM)bucfan81 Wrote: [ -> ]But is there a way to know the true budget of a private school?
Yes but government IPEDS data is cumbersome:
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
IPEDS data is as close to apples to apples comparisons as I know of but a bit difficult to digest.
Sometimes I find that information in a newspaper article or if their audited financial statements are made public/are online.
(06-08-2020 07:32 PM)bucfan81 Wrote: [ -> ]But is there a way to know the true budget of a private school?
Check out the "Equity in Athletics" web site, all colleges & universities must provide athletic budget information to them (Dept. of Education).
https://ope.ed.gov/athletics/#/institution/search
Furman: $29,689,554.00
Samford: $22,316,675.00
Wofford: $21,935,367.00
Mercer: $21,386,346.00
(06-08-2020 07:00 PM)BucDoctor Wrote: [ -> ] (06-08-2020 05:43 PM)MTBuc Wrote: [ -> ]I have no idea how much of this is real vs hypothetical. I would much rather us make a huge push to find a home in an established conference like the Sunbelt somehow than to join a big experiment like this thing seems to be. If the SoCon stays together I’d love to see VMI kicked out and replaced with a more respectable program. VMI should seriously consider going D2 with the way they fund sports and their total lack of competitiveness in anything. I’d also go after Winthrop as a basketball only and keep Kennesaw out altogether.
VMI's budget is similar to Samford, similar to Western Carolina, etc. VMIs budget is actually more than Wofford's.
Had no idea they were spending as much as Wofford. They’re definitely getting very little for their investment.
Florida A&M to move to the SWAC in 2021
I think ETSU will always be a basketball school. If the SoCon were to expand Jax State for football and Belmont for basketball would be positive additions.