(11-05-2011 11:12 AM)buckys Wrote:  As for returning to the SoCon, persons on this board need to know that officials of the SoCon have a definite dislike for mullins. He ruffled many a feather both as a tennis coach and ad. mullins is a definite 'millstone' around the neck of the athletic departmant

I don't think anyone has any illusions about Mullins being a political detriment to the program, but honestly, I don't think he's going to be around much longer with the impending change in the presidency, so that should be a low hurdle to clear.

The main issue is whether or not the SoCon wants to expand, because I'm not really all that convinced that C-USA is going to pluck App State. There are several options for them if they chose to expand beyond 12 teams (they could conceivably go to 16 with relative ease), but they would likely have to decide to go in that direction before we could get back in.

It's almost official.....three C-USA schools and two Mtn West schools going to the Big East. (They really need to change their name, maybe to the Big East/West)

The Big East is set to add Boise State, San Diego State, SMU, UCF and Houston as it begins to rebuild its league, with an announcement expected as early as Wednesday, sources confirmed to ESPN.com.

I think Conference USA will look toward replacing UCF with another FL school, either FIU or FAU or both. Then maybe a MAC school. How likely is it that ASU gets an invite?

(12-06-2011 04:55 PM)abuc90 Wrote:  I think Conference USA will look toward replacing UCF with another FL school, either FIU or FAU or both. Then maybe a MAC school. How likely is it that ASU gets an invite?

CUSA needs to dip back down into Florida, I think they go after both FIU and FAU.

I'll go out on a limb here and make a prediction: App and ETSU to the Sunbelt.

I don't know that ASU will get any invitation to CUSA, that's what the fans want, but I would think the leadership would be more realistic in terms of the Sunbelt for financial and transitioning reasons. The cost to jump straight from the SoCon to CUSA is just a number that I don't think most people understand. I really don't think ASU has the cash to do it at this point. The Sunbelt is such a no-brainer for that "leap" and quite frankly they can be competitive immediately with several of their sports.

Enter my comment about ETSU. Perfect scenario is being set up for the Bucs to FINALLY make the move "UP" that was promised 8 years ago. They are running out of excuses with the 15 fans that actually do more than show up to an occasional game. It also comes with a pricetag of adding football. Bonus for us! Without football in the plan and being brought to the table, ETSU sits and wishes for a better option.

We'll see. Just my speculation. I personally think Chattanooga would be a better option for the SunBelt, it will probably be Jacksonville State because they are set to go and will jump at the chance. Georgia Southern is also out there with the tease element, but their move will depend on what App does.


Oh yes, the reality check for the ETSU to the CUSA folks, if there are any left. There are at least 5 other programs out there with "basketball only" credentials that CUSA would go after way before they come after a 'one-and-done' basketball school.


Dream on, Buc Fans.

(12-06-2011 04:55 PM)abuc90 Wrote:  I think Conference USA will look toward replacing UCF with another FL school, either FIU or FAU or both. Then maybe a MAC school. How likely is it that ASU gets an invite?

How about our own? Is Mullins working on a better future for ETSU athletics? Obviously a rhetorical question.

(12-06-2011 05:09 PM)ReturnOfMommaBear Wrote:  

(12-06-2011 04:55 PM)abuc90 Wrote:  I think Conference USA will look toward replacing UCF with another FL school, either FIU or FAU or both. Then maybe a MAC school. How likely is it that ASU gets an invite?

CUSA needs to dip back down into Florida, I think they go after both FIU and FAU.

I'll go out on a limb here and make a prediction: App and ETSU to the Sunbelt.

I don't know that ASU will get any invitation to CUSA, that's what the fans want, but I would think the leadership would be more realistic in terms of the Sunbelt for financial and transitioning reasons. The cost to jump straight from the SoCon to CUSA is just a number that I don't think most people understand. I really don't think ASU has the cash to do it at this point. The Sunbelt is such a no-brainer for that "leap" and quite frankly they can be competitive immediately with several of their sports.

Enter my comment about ETSU. Perfect scenario is being set up for the Bucs to FINALLY make the move "UP" that was promised 8 years ago. They are running out of excuses with the 15 fans that actually do more than show up to an occasional game. It also comes with a pricetag of adding football. Bonus for us! Without football in the plan and being brought to the table, ETSU sits and wishes for a better option.

We'll see. Just my speculation. I personally think Chattanooga would be a better option for the SunBelt, it will probably be Jacksonville State because they are set to go and will jump at the chance. Georgia Southern is also out there with the tease element, but their move will depend on what App does.


Oh yes, the reality check for the ETSU to the CUSA folks, if there are any left. There are at least 5 other programs out there with "basketball only" credentials that CUSA would go after way before they come after a 'one-and-done' basketball school.


Dream on, Buc Fans.

I applaud your optimism. I wish I could join you. I'm afraid that it is not possible to discuss ETSU along with App State, Ga Southern, the Sun Belt, or C-USA. Oh how I wish that it wasn't so. I'm afraid that it is not possible to even discuss ETSU along with the Big South at this point. Stanton and Mullins have significantly harmed ETSU athletics, as you well know. We have fallen and are, with each passing year, in a weaker and weaker position to impress others who once respected us. I know that in today's intercollegiate athletic world that things can be turned around rather rapidly. What will Dr. Noland do about ETSU athletics? Will Dr. Noland want ETSU involved as much as possible in this reorganization/conference shuffling? Will Dr. Noland be satisfied with an $11 million a year athletic program that is in decline and without a future? What will Dr. Noland do? Will he just leave the program adrift and, at some point, just whack what is left of it? What will Dr. Noland do about ETSU athletics?

Etsu isn't going anywhere without serious changes.

(12-06-2011 05:09 PM)ReturnOfMommaBear Wrote:  I'll go out on a limb here and make a prediction: App and ETSU to the Sunbelt.

I am not saying this to be a smart***, but the Sunbelt does not sponsor men's soccer teams.

Ding ding ding on Jacksonville State. They've had the itch to get out of the OVC and move somewhere for awhile. It opens the door for a football school to go into the OVC, or perhaps a football and a basketball (No football) school? Lipscomb, your move.

(12-06-2011 05:09 PM)ReturnOfMommaBear Wrote:  

(12-06-2011 04:55 PM)abuc90 Wrote:  I think Conference USA will look toward replacing UCF with another FL school, either FIU or FAU or both. Then maybe a MAC school. How likely is it that ASU gets an invite?

CUSA needs to dip back down into Florida, I think they go after both FIU and FAU.

I'll go out on a limb here and make a prediction: App and ETSU to the Sunbelt.

I don't know that ASU will get any invitation to CUSA, that's what the fans want, but I would think the leadership would be more realistic in terms of the Sunbelt for financial and transitioning reasons. The cost to jump straight from the SoCon to CUSA is just a number that I don't think most people understand. I really don't think ASU has the cash to do it at this point. The Sunbelt is such a no-brainer for that "leap" and quite frankly they can be competitive immediately with several of their sports.

Enter my comment about ETSU. Perfect scenario is being set up for the Bucs to FINALLY make the move "UP" that was promised 8 years ago. They are running out of excuses with the 15 fans that actually do more than show up to an occasional game. It also comes with a pricetag of adding football. Bonus for us! Without football in the plan and being brought to the table, ETSU sits and wishes for a better option.

We'll see. Just my speculation. I personally think Chattanooga would be a better option for the SunBelt, it will probably be Jacksonville State because they are set to go and will jump at the chance. Georgia Southern is also out there with the tease element, but their move will depend on what App does.


Oh yes, the reality check for the ETSU to the CUSA folks, if there are any left. There are at least 5 other programs out there with "basketball only" credentials that CUSA would go after way before they come after a 'one-and-done' basketball school.


Dream on, Buc Fans.

La Tech and Temple are others being mentioned as possible C-USA targets. I wonder if MTSU will get any consideration.