"It hasn't been a secret that we've been interested in North Texas and maybe Louisiana-Lafayette," Benson said of two FBS schools. "But until Conference USA finalizes their structure, we don't know what the status is.

Read more: http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/sports...z1ayMazVS0

(10-16-2011 02:00 PM)MG61 Wrote:  "It hasn't been a secret that we've been interested in North Texas and maybe Louisiana-Lafayette," Benson said of two FBS schools. "But until Conference USA finalizes their structure, we don't know what the status is.

Read more: http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/sports...z1ayMazVS0

Attended the Lamar game? Best of luck!

I can believe it...he has no other options. His league is collapsing around him because his years of BSU favoritism earned him no loyalty.

Maybe he's trying to pave the way for the WeAC-Belt football conglomeration.

(10-16-2011 02:05 PM)CajunT Wrote:  

(10-16-2011 02:00 PM)MG61 Wrote:  "It hasn't been a secret that we've been interested in North Texas and maybe Louisiana-Lafayette," Benson said of two FBS schools. "But until Conference USA finalizes their structure, we don't know what the status is.

Read more: http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/sports...z1ayMazVS0

Attended the Lamar game? Best of luck!

Now CajunT....he is trying to make a top notch FCS conference!!!

(10-16-2011 02:06 PM)johnnylightnin Wrote:  I can believe it...he has no other options. His league is collapsing around him because his years of BSU favoritism earned him no loyalty.

Maybe he's trying to pave the way for the WeAC-Belt football conglomeration.

Doubt that will happen.

(10-16-2011 02:06 PM)johnnylightnin Wrote:  I can believe it...he has no other options. His league is collapsing around him because his years of BSU favoritism earned him no loyalty.

Maybe he's trying to pave the way for the WeAC-Belt football conglomeration.

He's getting desperate to convince everyone that his conference isnt on its deathbed. He has to know surely that if CUSA raids the Sun Belt, we will have to expand, and that there are a few nearby WAC teams who make easy targets.

Doesnt he understand that Idaho, San Jose State, Utah State, and New Mexico State are working behind the scenes to make sure they are not left in the cold when everyone starts to re-align.

(10-16-2011 02:13 PM)MG61 Wrote:  

(10-16-2011 02:06 PM)johnnylightnin Wrote:  I can believe it...he has no other options. His league is collapsing around him because his years of BSU favoritism earned him no loyalty.

Maybe he's trying to pave the way for the WeAC-Belt football conglomeration.

Doubt that will happen.

And you're probably right...if Benson were proactive he'd still pitch it. With both leagues at risk of losing teams (UNT, FIU, MTSU, and USU), a "merger" for football could insulate against that. And who knows? Maybe with some scheduling agreements, the two could collaborate and get a better TV/Bowl deal going.

Don't worry, Benson's not proactive (an incredibly likely reflection of the Presidents).

(10-16-2011 02:20 PM)johnnylightnin Wrote:  And you're probably right...if Benson were proactive he'd still pitch it. With both leagues at risk of losing teams (UNT, FIU, MTSU, and USU), a "merger" for football could insulate against that. And who knows? Maybe with some scheduling agreements, the two could collaborate and get a better TV/Bowl deal going.

NO. There's no reason to even consider a merge with the WAC. There are too many nearby teams to choose from, as opposed to be tethered to some far flung schools that want nothing to do with the 'scumbelt'.

AD's / Presidents at UL / UNT should come right out and say that they consider the Sunbelt to be the stronger conference. Unless they actually intend to go to the WAC (unlikely) it would strengthen the perception of the Belt to very publically let fans, press, and recruits know that the Sunbelt is a more desirable conference than the WAC.

It hurts the Belt (and by extension UL and UNT) to let the assumption stand that there is even a chance that those two programs might actually prefer the WAC over the Belt.

(10-16-2011 08:30 PM)Hilltopper2K Wrote:  AD's / Presidents at UL / UNT should come right out and say that they consider the Sunbelt to be the stronger conference. Unless they actually intend to go to the WAC (unlikely) it would strengthen the perception of the Belt to very publically let fans, press, and recruits know that the Sunbelt is a more desirable conference than the WAC.

It hurts the Belt (and by extension UL and UNT) to let the assumption stand that there is even a chance that those two programs might actually prefer the WAC over the Belt.

I disagree, UL has publically stated over and over that it has no ineterest in the WAC. No rumors, no off the record discussions, nada. That should be enough. UL or UNT cannot control what Benson says.