I haven't posted my opinion on an Alabama State coming into the SBC yet, but NO thanks. They're a long, long way from qualifying in spite of their beautiful now stadium. Takes more than a nice stadium to be a great football program.

(05-23-2012 09:15 AM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  

(05-23-2012 08:07 AM)jsualumnus Wrote:  

(05-22-2012 11:58 PM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  

(05-22-2012 12:29 PM)FloridaJag Wrote:  

(05-22-2012 12:27 PM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  Just like Liberty, they have a great new stadium !

Florida A&M was all set to join the Sun Belt a few years back. I think one HBCU in FBS would be interesting.

No, I don't think that Ala State would be a great fit for the Belt (their football is too far behind, and they'd likely have to play too many FCS HBCU's. But they're certainly not as far fetched as Liberty and I'd prefer them to Jacksonville State.

FAMU would be the only HBCU that would work in the SBC. I do not see it working out for any other school.

I agree. FAMU is a bit ahead of the HBCU pack in most areas.

Except their band!!! Round of applause for the select few who screwed that up... :clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

You are absolutely correct to bring that up. However, I was referring to their business school, which while not rated highly, seems to produce great graduates. We recruit there because we've had more success with qualified candidates than at some much more highly ranked universities.

Great point! I have many friends through my years at Coke who attended FAMU and have done very well.

(05-22-2012 09:34 PM)jsualumnus Wrote:  

(05-22-2012 12:18 PM)Atlanta Trojan Wrote:  IN NO WAY WILL JAX STATE OR ALABAMA STATE COME INTO THE SBC!!!!

If this were to happen this would set TROY back 10 years. We might as well move back to FCS just with nicer facilities....NO NO NO NO!!!!!

The assumption that Alabama State is even in the same league as Jax State is laughable. Hell man, Alabama State even thinking FBS is laughable, for now, but I wish them well. They have a longer road than JSU...

My question is how much footprint can the Sun Belt sustain in Alabama? I guess Ohio handles a ton of MAC schools, but a couple have awful football attendance. Adding Jax State and Alabama State makes four in the Sun Belt. It could happen, but I don't know how the two existing members would feel.

No other Alabama Team will join the SBC as long as TROY and USA are here. If one or both leave the SBC they might have a shot.
JSU's only shot is if the WAC does something on the east coast, and even then im not sure.

yeah, neither the Hornets nor the Gamecocks have a shot at the Belt.

I think Alabama State would be a good addition. The belt gets a third new stadium and the footprint improves.

(05-23-2012 09:13 PM)FIU4Ever Wrote:  I think Alabama State would be a good addition. The belt gets a third new stadium and the footprint improves.

Just stop talking, stop talking right now...you look ridiculous.

(05-23-2012 09:13 PM)Burn the Horse Wrote:  

(05-23-2012 09:13 PM)FIU4Ever Wrote:  I think Alabama State would be a good addition. The belt gets a third new stadium and the footprint improves.

Just stop talking, stop talking right now...you look ridiculous.

(05-22-2012 11:54 AM)Pounce FTW Wrote:  

(05-22-2012 11:27 AM)bluephi1914 Wrote:  Do we really think the NCAA would block a push by a consolidated MEAC and SWAC to move up to FBS football as one conference? I think not, and that would make this entire thing interesting.

I like the way you think, although I'm sure the NCAA could find a way, considering they managed to push out the Ivys.

Now...some HBCU muscle behind the "great jump" of the other eastern near-FBSers...that might be a different story.

Actually the NCAA did not push the Ivy's out they pushed themselves out as they did not want to participate in the same sort of competition as the current FBS (and they also knew they did not need to). Heck they don't really fully participate in FCS either (they decline to play in the playoffs every year due to "academics").

(05-24-2012 07:45 AM)Sultan of Euphonistan Wrote:  

(05-22-2012 11:54 AM)Pounce FTW Wrote:  

(05-22-2012 11:27 AM)bluephi1914 Wrote:  Do we really think the NCAA would block a push by a consolidated MEAC and SWAC to move up to FBS football as one conference? I think not, and that would make this entire thing interesting.

I like the way you think, although I'm sure the NCAA could find a way, considering they managed to push out the Ivys.

Now...some HBCU muscle behind the "great jump" of the other eastern near-FBSers...that might be a different story.

Actually the NCAA did not push the Ivy's out they pushed themselves out as they did not want to participate in the same sort of competition as the current FBS (and they also knew they did not need to). Heck they don't really fully participate in FCS either (they decline to play in the playoffs every year due to "academics").

I am glad that you know your history. +1