(04-12-2014 12:28 PM)arkstfan Wrote:  

(04-12-2014 09:13 AM)The4thOption Wrote:  

(04-12-2014 08:53 AM)Saint3333 Wrote:  Through this whole process the MAC guys seem to think the SBC is desperate, when actually it is only Benson that is. Most fans are content with holding at 11.

If anything this last week has produced a positive for the SBC general public, we have learned that Idaho is a short term member and will allow for FCS programs like Mo. St. to improve over the next two years. I'd say our hand has improved from a fan's perspective with that news.

I wouldn't gage that most fans are content with 11 members. We aren't desperate but all candidates mentioned bring something to the table for the conference. Yes, even Liberty.

I want a CCG. I want JMU. - But I'd be fine with LU. Missouri State means very little to me - I'd rather have LU.

I think the MAC programs are afraid of the rise of the Sun Belt, and for good reason. IMOP - The MAC is the weakest of all G5 conferences today. Most of them probably don't believe that is true right now, but the ones that don't believe that it is already true can probably see the writing on the wall. I'd absolutely HATE to be in the MAC. I'd take the invite if it was our only path - Heck I would have taken a "WAC-E" invite if we would have had to for the move to FBS. But I think some of their jeers and fun pokes are out of fear. I suppose the ones that rank basketball first are just fine with the MAC - and that is fine with me. Different strokes as they say! But in Football - they are the bottom of the pack and I see no upward movement for them with the exception of NIU. If you really value the future of your football program, why would you want a MAC invite if the Sun Belt were an option? I can see the argument for CUSA, although we have risen above them on the gridiron as well.

I wouldn't call the MAC the weakest of the G5. Along with MWC they are the only geographically sensible leagues out there. They clearly have programs that produce success.

The only "weakness" I perceive is that it seems apparent there are a number of programs that aren't putting a great deal of effort into developing a university/fan athletic culture and the commitment to cost-containment now has them in a position where a lot of people who would be likely coaching candidates are in jobs that would require giving up a lot of pay to accept, a situation that wasn't true a few years ago.

The one strength that they seem to have is the tight foot print you mention. Low travel cost is certainly valuable and on that front I guess they are strong.

But - poor fan attendance in football and poor performance or commitment to strong athletics is a major problem. And in that part of the country, I don't think football is what it is further south. (A Religion). Again - I don't know anything about their basketball, or ours for that matter. But I know here, it is a distant second for many of our fans.

When calling them weak - I'm speaking directly to their product in Football. Both on the field and in the stands.

For JMU football = SBC > MAC. All other g5 > MAC.

As a fall back from JMU for the Belt: IMHOP:
(Football being the driver) Liberty>MSU. Especially since we need an East member.
But I'm probably in the minority, and there is a good chance we take both.

Maybe even both AND JMU?