(12-16-2019 08:36 AM)va-eagle Wrote:  At this time, USM moving to SBC would only further hurt us than help. People may not admit it, but CUSA is still viewed as a 'better' conference than SBC. Athletic budgets are better, coach pay is better, facilities are better, attendance is better, etc. When AAC candidates are mentioned, they are mostly CUSA members, MWC members and independents. Rarely, if ever, is a SBC member mentioned.

RGC in the shape it is in won't help us. Our football program is not in terrible shape, but isn't going to help our argument.

It will come down to if the AAC leftovers want to reunite with USM. Even then, the AAC may not be worth joining at that time.

There was about 1000 difference between the two conference in attendance.

As far as budgets, CUSA ranges from 23K to 44K. SBC (excluding ULM's 15K) ranges from 29K to 40K

Facilities is a subjective issue and I cannot say I have reviewed all for both conferences but I know that nobody in either conference has facilities that are above what Arkansas State has in 2019.

There is a lingering perception gap among P5 fans who don't really know the membership of any G5 conference but it doesn't match the reality on the field.

Honestly, there is no real difference between the programs in the conferences which is why realignment would make so much since if it were possible.