(01-28-2014 02:05 PM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 01:55 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  At this moment. Not many. However, if Missouri State and JMU were not available and the committee really felt we had to get a 12th team? You might see a lot of minds change.

That's the million dollar question: Does the committee feel we HAVE to get a 12th team?

We do IMHO. We have to have a championship game... played at the highest ranking team's home stadium. The national exposure to our best teams is crucial, and we would be the only conference without one. We really have to go to at least 12 since we are stuck at 11... one shy of a championship.

(01-28-2014 02:17 PM)GoAppsGo92 Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:05 PM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 01:55 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  At this moment. Not many. However, if Missouri State and JMU were not available and the committee really felt we had to get a 12th team? You might see a lot of minds change.

That's the million dollar question: Does the committee feel we HAVE to get a 12th team?

We do IMHO. We have to have a championship game... played at the highest ranking team's home stadium. The national exposure to our best teams is crucial, and we would be the only conference without one. We really have to go to at least 12 since we are stuck at 11... one shy of a championship.

Why?

Where is the proof of said exposure in the G5? Quick! Who played in the MAC championship 2 years ago? Dont look it up? Who played in the MWC championship last year?

If I was to get into a real conversation with Liberty about joining. These would be the standards I would set

1. Liberty's administration and faculty would agree to work together to tone down some of the more serious rhetoric that comes out of the school.

2. The Television Network would need to agree to fall into line with SBC standards, yet also be willing to possibly follow the team on the road in league play to cover conference games in both football and Olympic Sports.

3. The Flames would agree to make sure that their campus is considered open, and inviting to visiting fans and conference officials.

4. The School would need to agree to make a serious commitment to improve the competitiveness of some of their athletic programs to reach SBC Standards, while at the same time publicly showing support for the Sun Belt Conference in any way possible

If those standards were agreed to, then I think you agree to seriously consider Liberty like any other Eastern Candidate.

(01-28-2014 02:20 PM)panama Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:17 PM)GoAppsGo92 Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:05 PM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 01:55 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  At this moment. Not many. However, if Missouri State and JMU were not available and the committee really felt we had to get a 12th team? You might see a lot of minds change.

That's the million dollar question: Does the committee feel we HAVE to get a 12th team?

We do IMHO. We have to have a championship game... played at the highest ranking team's home stadium. The national exposure to our best teams is crucial, and we would be the only conference without one. We really have to go to at least 12 since we are stuck at 11... one shy of a championship.

Why?

Where is the proof of said exposure in the G5? Quick! Who played in the MAC championship 2 years ago? Dont look it up? Who played in the MWC championship last year?

1. Northern Illinois and Kent State
2. Fresno and Utah State.

A liberty convert? Chiefsfan

(01-28-2014 02:20 PM)panama Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:17 PM)GoAppsGo92 Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:05 PM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 01:55 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  At this moment. Not many. However, if Missouri State and JMU were not available and the committee really felt we had to get a 12th team? You might see a lot of minds change.

That's the million dollar question: Does the committee feel we HAVE to get a 12th team?

We do IMHO. We have to have a championship game... played at the highest ranking team's home stadium. The national exposure to our best teams is crucial, and we would be the only conference without one. We really have to go to at least 12 since we are stuck at 11... one shy of a championship.

Why?

Where is the proof of said exposure in the G5? Quick! Who played in the MAC championship 2 years ago? Dont look it up? Who played in the MWC championship last year?

Agreed we do not need 12 teams, we do not need a championship game. Fact is I could probably tell you who was in those games if I really wanted to think about it, but I can assure you the coaches recruiting for those teams are selling that game to their potential recruits.

I would stay at eleven before adding Liberty, but I would have stayed at eight before adding Idaho, App St, and Ga Southern.

(01-28-2014 01:51 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 01:42 PM)SlyFox Wrote:  There goes another level-headed stAte fan post. Of course, many on this board have presumed any talks with Liberty to have died forever last spring.

There is no such thing as dead talks. Especially when no one knows for sure what schools will say when we ask.

Liberty is still ahead of Jacksonville State and any Southland programs on a lot of expansion lists.

That's good to hear. I'm not fond of any SLC program joining at this point

(01-28-2014 02:24 PM)cleburneslim Wrote:  A liberty convert? Chiefsfan

Convert? No..merely realistic. I don't agree with Liberty on several issues politically, but I also understand that they have everything in place to be a successful FBS Program.

(11-14-2013 08:14 AM)The4thOption Wrote:  

(11-14-2013 08:10 AM)FoUTASportscaster Wrote:  Southern swimming competes in the Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association, one of those affiliate conferences for one sport (Liberty is in your conference ).

Some of us are not ashamed of being in a conference with Liberty.

(01-28-2014 02:27 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:24 PM)cleburneslim Wrote:  A liberty convert? Chiefsfan

Convert? No..merely realistic. I don't agree with Liberty on several issues politically, but I also understand that they have everything in place to be a successful FBS Program.

+5000

(01-28-2014 02:22 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:20 PM)panama Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:17 PM)GoAppsGo92 Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:05 PM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 01:55 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  At this moment. Not many. However, if Missouri State and JMU were not available and the committee really felt we had to get a 12th team? You might see a lot of minds change.

That's the million dollar question: Does the committee feel we HAVE to get a 12th team?

We do IMHO. We have to have a championship game... played at the highest ranking team's home stadium. The national exposure to our best teams is crucial, and we would be the only conference without one. We really have to go to at least 12 since we are stuck at 11... one shy of a championship.

Why?

Where is the proof of said exposure in the G5? Quick! Who played in the MAC championship 2 years ago? Dont look it up? Who played in the MWC championship last year?

1. Northern Illinois and Kent State
2. Fresno and Utah State.

If the game is played on campus... which is what Benson has said would happen... It would be a well-attended, highly exciting game that would make great TV for the conference and for ESPN.

With the new playoff format, the game would have implications for the post season and would be a build-up game for the playoffs. The question ought to be why we wouldn't want a nationally televised championship game showcasing our best teams?

(01-28-2014 02:34 PM)GoAppsGo92 Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:22 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:20 PM)panama Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:17 PM)GoAppsGo92 Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:05 PM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  That's the million dollar question: Does the committee feel we HAVE to get a 12th team?

We do IMHO. We have to have a championship game... played at the highest ranking team's home stadium. The national exposure to our best teams is crucial, and we would be the only conference without one. We really have to go to at least 12 since we are stuck at 11... one shy of a championship.

Why?

Where is the proof of said exposure in the G5? Quick! Who played in the MAC championship 2 years ago? Dont look it up? Who played in the MWC championship last year?

1. Northern Illinois and Kent State
2. Fresno and Utah State.

If the game is played on campus... which is what Benson has said would happen... It would be a well-attended, highly exciting game that would make great TV for the conference and for ESPN.

With the new playoff format, the game would have implications for the post season and would be a build-up game for the playoffs. The question ought to be why we wouldn't want a nationally televised championship game?

Only concern I would have is the date. The game would almost certainly be played on a Friday Night opposite the MAC. Would that hurt attendance?

(01-28-2014 02:21 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  If I was to get into a real conversation with Liberty about joining. These would be the standards I would set

1. Liberty's administration and faculty would agree to work together to tone down some of the more serious rhetoric that comes out of the school.

2. The Television Network would need to agree to fall into line with SBC standards, yet also be willing to possibly follow the team on the road in league play to cover conference games in both football and Olympic Sports.

3. The Flames would agree to make sure that their campus is considered open, and inviting to visiting fans and conference officials.

4. The School would need to agree to make a serious commitment to improve the competitiveness of some of their athletic programs to reach SBC Standards, while at the same time publicly showing support for the Sun Belt Conference in any way possible

If those standards were agreed to, then I think you agree to seriously consider Liberty like any other Eastern Candidate.

Mostly reasonable and mostly already in place. Jerry Jr. has already begun taking care of #1 to some degree. #2 is doable and the TV crew already does quite a few road games. #3 It already is. #4 Already being worked on and already a serious concern.

(01-28-2014 02:22 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:20 PM)panama Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:17 PM)GoAppsGo92 Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:05 PM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 01:55 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  At this moment. Not many. However, if Missouri State and JMU were not available and the committee really felt we had to get a 12th team? You might see a lot of minds change.

That's the million dollar question: Does the committee feel we HAVE to get a 12th team?

We do IMHO. We have to have a championship game... played at the highest ranking team's home stadium. The national exposure to our best teams is crucial, and we would be the only conference without one. We really have to go to at least 12 since we are stuck at 11... one shy of a championship.

Why?

Where is the proof of said exposure in the G5? Quick! Who played in the MAC championship 2 years ago? Dont look it up? Who played in the MWC championship last year?

1. Northern Illinois and Kent State
2. Fresno and Utah State.

Good for you.

Nobody.Else.Knows.

We do not NEED a 12th team or a CCG.

(01-28-2014 02:38 PM)panama Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:22 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:20 PM)panama Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:17 PM)GoAppsGo92 Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:05 PM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  That's the million dollar question: Does the committee feel we HAVE to get a 12th team?

We do IMHO. We have to have a championship game... played at the highest ranking team's home stadium. The national exposure to our best teams is crucial, and we would be the only conference without one. We really have to go to at least 12 since we are stuck at 11... one shy of a championship.

Why?

Where is the proof of said exposure in the G5? Quick! Who played in the MAC championship 2 years ago? Dont look it up? Who played in the MWC championship last year?

1. Northern Illinois and Kent State
2. Fresno and Utah State.

Good for you.

Nobody.Else.Knows.

We do not NEED a 12th team or a CCG.

Actually the 3 million or so who watched the two games on TV know as well.

(01-28-2014 02:36 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:34 PM)GoAppsGo92 Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:22 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:20 PM)panama Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:17 PM)GoAppsGo92 Wrote:  We do IMHO. We have to have a championship game... played at the highest ranking team's home stadium. The national exposure to our best teams is crucial, and we would be the only conference without one. We really have to go to at least 12 since we are stuck at 11... one shy of a championship.

Why?

Where is the proof of said exposure in the G5? Quick! Who played in the MAC championship 2 years ago? Dont look it up? Who played in the MWC championship last year?

1. Northern Illinois and Kent State
2. Fresno and Utah State.

If the game is played on campus... which is what Benson has said would happen... It would be a well-attended, highly exciting game that would make great TV for the conference and for ESPN.

With the new playoff format, the game would have implications for the post season and would be a build-up game for the playoffs. The question ought to be why we wouldn't want a nationally televised championship game?

Only concern I would have is the date. The game would almost certainly be played on a Friday Night opposite the MAC. Would that hurt attendance?

Not if it was held at AppState!

I don't think it would be televised opposite any other championship game. While it may be on a Friday, or even a Thursday night, I think a championship game held at App, ASU, GSouthern, Troy, UL-L, ULM, or Texas State would be sold out without thinking about it too hard...

(01-28-2014 02:41 PM)GoAppsGo92 Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:36 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:34 PM)GoAppsGo92 Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:22 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:20 PM)panama Wrote:  Why?

Where is the proof of said exposure in the G5? Quick! Who played in the MAC championship 2 years ago? Dont look it up? Who played in the MWC championship last year?

1. Northern Illinois and Kent State
2. Fresno and Utah State.

If the game is played on campus... which is what Benson has said would happen... It would be a well-attended, highly exciting game that would make great TV for the conference and for ESPN.

With the new playoff format, the game would have implications for the post season and would be a build-up game for the playoffs. The question ought to be why we wouldn't want a nationally televised championship game?

Only concern I would have is the date. The game would almost certainly be played on a Friday Night opposite the MAC. Would that hurt attendance?

Not if it was held at AppState!

I don't think it would be televised opposite any other championship game. While it may be on a Friday, or even a Thursday night, I think a championship game held at App, ASU, GSouthern, Troy, UL-L, ULM, or Texas State would be sold out without thinking about it too hard...

I don't know about Texas State. One does not mess with Texas High School Football.

(01-28-2014 02:37 PM)knucklehead Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 02:21 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  If I was to get into a real conversation with Liberty about joining. These would be the standards I would set

1. Liberty's administration and faculty would agree to work together to tone down some of the more serious rhetoric that comes out of the school.

2. The Television Network would need to agree to fall into line with SBC standards, yet also be willing to possibly follow the team on the road in league play to cover conference games in both football and Olympic Sports.

3. The Flames would agree to make sure that their campus is considered open, and inviting to visiting fans and conference officials.

4. The School would need to agree to make a serious commitment to improve the competitiveness of some of their athletic programs to reach SBC Standards, while at the same time publicly showing support for the Sun Belt Conference in any way possible

If those standards were agreed to, then I think you agree to seriously consider Liberty like any other Eastern Candidate.

Mostly reasonable and mostly already in place. Jerry Jr. has already begun taking care of #1 to some degree. #2 is doable and the TV crew already does quite a few road games. #3 It already is. #4 Already being worked on and already a serious concern.

One advantage that Liberty has is that after this year we are losing WKU, which televised all of their games on ESPN3. (Much to their own chagrin) I think the conference would like a team back who is willing to fill in there.

All of our public university's athletic financial records are subject to FOIA, sunshine laws, and regular public audits of some sort. Liberty needs to agree to follow those same sort of public standards and report their athletic budgets and finances in perpetuity. I'll always want to know what their coaches make and what they are spending just as they can know ours.

Amazing that some who would not support an FCS team that has made the playoffs 20 times
would give taciturn support of LU who has never made the playoffs.
Makes a person wonder if there is an agenda with some.

(01-28-2014 02:51 PM)GoApps70 Wrote:  Amazing that some who would not support an FCS team that has made the playoffs 20 times
would give taciturn support of LU who has never made the playoffs.
Makes a person wonder if there is an agenda with some.

I can't hate on a school who hasn't made the playoffs a bunch. Look at Texas State, we don't exactly have the most colorful history in FCS. I'm more concerned with admitting teams with the resources and leadership to make the move successfully