Any chance the next meeting on the 22nd could foster an invite? I'm still not convinced that we turned one down. If we did, I really would ask for Charlie Cobb's resignation.

(05-08-2012 10:57 AM)DrGonzo Wrote:  Any chance the next meeting on the 22nd could foster an invite? I'm still not convinced that we turned one down. If we did, I really would ask for Charlie Cobb's resignation.

I have not seen any reference to us turning an invitation down.

(05-08-2012 10:57 AM)DrGonzo Wrote:  Any chance the next meeting on the 22nd could foster an invite? I'm still not convinced that we turned one down. If we did, I really would ask for Charlie Cobb's resignation.

From an outsiders perspecitve, I don't think that a Sun Belt invite is what is being discussed. Re-read the statement and to me it reads as though he is making sure that the fans are aware that he has tried the CUSA route but is being denied. He also may just be getting everyone ready for a SB announcement and wants to difuse the haters as much as possible.

As always, I could be wrong.

I believe The Sun Belt hasn't sent Invites and Plan to Hold Off It seems...

Could be bad thing; Benson said they wanted 12 for football. But It seems the Pres. want to wait..

Others that waited WAC / Big East We Seen how that turn out.

Guess we all know more in the next few weeks got to hope ODU takes the CUSA Invite. Because if not MTSU I believe will be out the door just my Opinion...

(05-08-2012 10:46 AM)97App Wrote:  Another positive we bring is conference loyalty, we've been in 3 conferences since 1931. We've been in the SoCon since 1972. As our history shows we're not simply looking for a FBS stepping stone.

Wow....you guys are reaching. So if you get a SBC invite and then two years later get a CUSA invite, you would refuse it because of your historical "loyalty"?

I think the telling thing about this letter is that the widening of two roads was a major enough selling point to even be mentioned - that is the problem.

Good luck, App State. You folks just might become members of coosa which is probably a good move for you as Marshall will become a good rival for your program.


Now on to the SBC and things that concern us.

Sorry to hear that, App State. Was really hoping you would be joining us in the SBC. Good luck!

(05-08-2012 11:06 AM)tpopt Wrote:  

(05-08-2012 10:57 AM)DrGonzo Wrote:  Any chance the next meeting on the 22nd could foster an invite? I'm still not convinced that we turned one down. If we did, I really would ask for Charlie Cobb's resignation.

From an outsiders perspecitve, I don't think that a Sun Belt invite is what is being discussed. Re-read the statement and to me it reads as though he is making sure that the fans are aware that he has tried the CUSA route but is being denied. He also may just be getting everyone ready for a SB announcement and wants to difuse the haters as much as possible.

As always, I could be wrong.

Glad to see a non-App fan is interpreting it that way as well. I read it the exact same way but I'm obviously biased.

For the Sun Belt members who might not be as familiar with our fan base, CUSA has always been mentioned as the next obvious destination. Going back to 2007, it seems a lot of us thought that CUSA would happen whenever WE decided to join, and CUSA would just be lucky to have us.

Not trying to put out fan base down (because for the most part it's awesome), but I'm just saying a big portion has had oversized expecations about our next conference. They just look at the wins and 28,000 fans a game and great facilities and think CUSA would love to add us. So I'm sure it came as a shock when UNCC got in and we were left high and dry, and I'm sure Cobb has been getting killed for that.

Back to my original point, I think this is a letter to those fans who are outraged that we are not in CUSA. He basically said that we tried to get in CUSA and did not get an invite, but he does not say the same for Sun Belt.

It might seem like I'm reaching, and maybe I am. I just know that there is significant portion of our fanbase who will not be happy with anything less then a CUSA invite, and those same people might view Sun Belt as "below us". I would love to join the Sun Belt, I think it is a great conference that is on the rise, and I think a lot of our fans feel the same way. But a lot of our fans don't feel the same way. So a CUSA concession like this would be necessary even if we joined another FBS conference.

(05-08-2012 11:23 AM)Panthersville Wrote:  

(05-08-2012 10:46 AM)97App Wrote:  Another positive we bring is conference loyalty, we've been in 3 conferences since 1931. We've been in the SoCon since 1972. As our history shows we're not simply looking for a FBS stepping stone.

Wow....you guys are reaching. So if you get a SBC invite and then two years later get a CUSA invite, you would refuse it because of your historical "loyalty"?

I think the telling thing about this letter is that the widening of two roads was a major enough selling point to even be mentioned - that is the problem.

To answer your question, some schools receive offers that they can't turn down, while others are sell themselves at every turn. We may receive an offer we can't refuse, but (if we're invited), we won't spend our entire time in the Sun Belt courting other conferences.

I see that conference loyalty may mean nothing to you, but others may actually look at it as a virtue. It's a positive we bring just like great scenery and an awesome atmosphere in a true college town that fully supports its team. It may not be a "selling point" for conference membership, but it's a plus in my book.

Since it apparently has to be spelled out: The expansion of Hwys 321 and 421 were mentioned, not as a selling point, but to dispel the thought that since we're in the mountains you could only reach our campus via dirt roads and horse paths.

That reads like an explanation of why it won't be the monstrosity known as CUSA. I don't interpert that statement as anything to do with whether the Sun Belt is in play.

If we're not taking App State because of market issues, we're damn sure not taking Southern. This doesn't sound like, "Let's wait for GS." It sounds like, "We're looking for markets." App State fits into that equation much better and we still aren't taking them. Our loss on that front, btw.

(05-08-2012 11:46 AM)97App Wrote:  To answer your question, some schools receive offers that they can't turn down, while others are sell themselves at every turn. We may receive an offer we can't refuse, but (if we're invited), we won't spend our entire time in the Sun Belt courting other conferences.

Since it apparently has to be spelled out: The expansion of Hwys 321 and 421 were mentioned, not as a selling point, but to dispel the thought that since we're in the mountains you could only reach our campus via dirt roads and horse paths.

As for the first paragraph, today's letter says exactly the opposite - CUSA is the primary target and getting into the SBC wouldn't change that.

As for the second part, the point remains - the fact that you even have to bother with the bolded part is itself the problem. You have a perception problem - fix that, try again.

(05-08-2012 12:05 PM)Panthersville Wrote:  

(05-08-2012 11:46 AM)97App Wrote:  To answer your question, some schools receive offers that they can't turn down, while others are sell themselves at every turn. We may receive an offer we can't refuse, but (if we're invited), we won't spend our entire time in the Sun Belt courting other conferences.

Since it apparently has to be spelled out: The expansion of Hwys 321 and 421 were mentioned, not as a selling point, but to dispel the thought that since we're in the mountains you could only reach our campus via dirt roads and horse paths.

As for the first paragraph, today's letter says exactly the opposite - CUSA is the primary target and getting into the SBC wouldn't change that.

As for the second part, the point remains - the fact that you even have to bother with the bolded part is itself the problem. You have a perception problem - fix that, try again.

Until just several weeks ago who had the closest members to AppSt, the SunBelt or CUSA? Ansewer CUSA.

(05-08-2012 12:11 PM)ValleyBoy Wrote:  

(05-08-2012 12:05 PM)Panthersville Wrote:  

(05-08-2012 11:46 AM)97App Wrote:  To answer your question, some schools receive offers that they can't turn down, while others are sell themselves at every turn. We may receive an offer we can't refuse, but (if we're invited), we won't spend our entire time in the Sun Belt courting other conferences.

Since it apparently has to be spelled out: The expansion of Hwys 321 and 421 were mentioned, not as a selling point, but to dispel the thought that since we're in the mountains you could only reach our campus via dirt roads and horse paths.

As for the first paragraph, today's letter says exactly the opposite - CUSA is the primary target and getting into the SBC wouldn't change that.

As for the second part, the point remains - the fact that you even have to bother with the bolded part is itself the problem. You have a perception problem - fix that, try again.

Until just several weeks ago who had the closest members to AppSt, the SunBelt or CUSA? Ansewer CUSA.

Looking for the relevance....................nope, can't find it.

(05-08-2012 12:24 PM)Panthersville Wrote:  

(05-08-2012 12:11 PM)ValleyBoy Wrote:  

(05-08-2012 12:05 PM)Panthersville Wrote:  

(05-08-2012 11:46 AM)97App Wrote:  To answer your question, some schools receive offers that they can't turn down, while others are sell themselves at every turn. We may receive an offer we can't refuse, but (if we're invited), we won't spend our entire time in the Sun Belt courting other conferences.

Since it apparently has to be spelled out: The expansion of Hwys 321 and 421 were mentioned, not as a selling point, but to dispel the thought that since we're in the mountains you could only reach our campus via dirt roads and horse paths.

As for the first paragraph, today's letter says exactly the opposite - CUSA is the primary target and getting into the SBC wouldn't change that.

As for the second part, the point remains - the fact that you even have to bother with the bolded part is itself the problem. You have a perception problem - fix that, try again.

Until just several weeks ago who had the closest members to AppSt, the SunBelt or CUSA? Ansewer CUSA.

Looking for the relevance....................nope, can't find it.

relevance would be that App would be better off joining the CUSA due to close proximity to schools, so that was their #1 choice.

(05-08-2012 12:05 PM)Panthersville Wrote:  As for the first paragraph, today's letter says exactly the opposite - CUSA is the primary target and getting into the SBC wouldn't change that.

As for the second part, the point remains - the fact that you even have to bother with the bolded part is itself the problem. You have a perception problem - fix that, try again.

I'd say CUSA was the primary target. When we commissioned our FBS study, CUSA housed the 2 closest non-AQ FBS teams which happen to be former SoCon rivals (ECU and Marshall) and had the best TV package and bowl agreements of the non-AQ conferences. There were no other conferences in our region. Since then CUSA has made it clear that it's main focus was adding teams located in big cities.

The Sun Belt has since shifted somewhat eastward with the addition of Ga State. Now, if Ga Southern and App are added to the Sun Belt, App would have 4 opponents that are drivable including our biggest current rival. I've said all along that for there to be mutual interest between App and the Sun Belt there needed to be an eastward shift - now there has been one and I think the mutual interest is there. Whether that translates into an invitation who knows? But there's been enough change that serious conversations are taking place.

Maybe I need to re-read the article, but my sense is that it was just intended as a way to communicate with the alumni/fans of App. Just to say, we realize there is an elephant in the room and it is being addressed but that is all we can say for now.

It seemed to me the CUSA reference was only because the feasibility study mentioned it as a fit and they are probably getting blasted with questions as to why no one is talking about App and CUSA at the moment.

I for one thought it was a great move by App's AD.

I too don't see this as meaning the Sun Belt is out. I do think that the administration was fooling themselves trying to go straight into CUSA as there was no chance of it, not because of App's record or anything like that, but because App doesn't fit into the primary criteria, market. Whether this does indeed play out for the Sun Belt as well is yet to be seen, but it certainly would limit which FCS schools would be brought up right now.

Maybe the June 1st date that has been referenced many a times on here is becoming a factor.

Think about it this way. Two schools (App and GS) are in considerations lets say. Both would like to remain in the same conference. Both have a chance to go deep into the playoffs or win a possible championship in 2012. Both could use some more time to move up. If the Sun Belt is truly not pushing for a champ game, why not wait one more year?

(05-08-2012 12:47 PM)97App Wrote:  

(05-08-2012 12:05 PM)Panthersville Wrote:  As for the first paragraph, today's letter says exactly the opposite - CUSA is the primary target and getting into the SBC wouldn't change that.

As for the second part, the point remains - the fact that you even have to bother with the bolded part is itself the problem. You have a perception problem - fix that, try again.

I'd say CUSA was the primary target. When we commissioned our FBS study, CUSA housed the 2 closest non-AQ FBS teams which happen to be former SoCon rivals (ECU and Marshall) and had the best TV package and bowl agreements of the non-AQ conferences. There were no other conferences in our region. Since then CUSA has made it clear that it's main focus was adding teams located in big cities.

The Sun Belt has since shifted somewhat eastward with the addition of Ga State. Now, if Ga Southern and App are added to the Sun Belt, App would have 4 opponents that are drivable including our biggest current rival. I've said all along that for there to be mutual interest between App and the Sun Belt there needed to be an eastward shift - now there has been one and I think the mutual interest is there. Whether that translates into an invitation who knows? But there's been enough change that serious conversations are taking place.

ECU is still in CUSA, and now so is UNCC. The addition of GSU just gives you the "regional rivalries" that your board wanted. However, I don't get how you think that your admin settling for SBC would mean that it wouldn't move on to CUSA as soom as offered.