(01-29-2021 05:08 PM)solohawks Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 04:27 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 03:44 PM)solohawks Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 03:39 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 02:48 PM)solohawks Wrote:  Going indy for 2021 and 2022 for football would be brutal for Charlotte and ODU. 2023 and 2024 would be tough enough.

Going from conference to conference is a lot easier than going from conference to indy

2021 would be too quick, but UConn managed a respectable schedule in its first year of independence. With a core of independents developing, it'll be easier for ODU and Charlotte to fill out a schedule. I doubt this would happen but if ODU and Charlotte gave notice to CUSA now, they would have a good shot at a full 2022 indy schedule.

Its definitely would be doable, especially now that you have other schools like UMass, UConn, and possibly even Army and Liberty that would likely be willing to move some games around if it meant getting another independent out there.

Its just a matter if ODU and Charlotte are willing to take the plunge.

It would be fun to see but Im far from sold that it will actually ever happen.

I think there's one issue with two prongs that they, or any other school that would make such a move, must consider:

1a) Are the media deal and effective possibility of an NY6 berth enough to make them stay? Right now, it seems like if you're not in the AAC or MWC, you probably have to run the table and have some things break your way to get that bid. Coastal Carolina went undefeated with two wins against ranked opponents and couldn't get it. Maybe that changes, but it's hard to imagine the other G5 conferences closing the gap with the AAC other than during an outlier season. If they concede that they're probably playing for lower-tier bowls no matter their conference affiliation, and the combination of travel savings and possible better attendance with a less far-flung schedule might be worth it, especially if you think you can get NCAA bids in basketball.
1b) What if the AAC calls? Just like UConn moving to the Big East signaled the likely end of their P5 aspirations, a team moving to the A-10/indy football are probably taking themselves out of AAC consideration (or at least making it harder to make themselves available if the time comes). A-10 almost certainly isn't interested in a fling. If they're in, they have to be all in.

Like with UConn, any talk of this move would be basketball/Olympic driven.

If CUSA would allow Charlotte and ODU to keep their football in CUSA while joining the A10, they would in a heartbeat.

If I were CUSA that might even be something I would consider. An amicable split of Olympic sports with football remaining (at a reduced payout level) could benefit everyone.

Why in the world would CUSA allow them to stay in CUSA as football only? What are you smoking?

(01-29-2021 09:22 PM)herdfan129 Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 05:08 PM)solohawks Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 04:27 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 03:44 PM)solohawks Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 03:39 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  2021 would be too quick, but UConn managed a respectable schedule in its first year of independence. With a core of independents developing, it'll be easier for ODU and Charlotte to fill out a schedule. I doubt this would happen but if ODU and Charlotte gave notice to CUSA now, they would have a good shot at a full 2022 indy schedule.

Its definitely would be doable, especially now that you have other schools like UMass, UConn, and possibly even Army and Liberty that would likely be willing to move some games around if it meant getting another independent out there.

Its just a matter if ODU and Charlotte are willing to take the plunge.

It would be fun to see but Im far from sold that it will actually ever happen.

I think there's one issue with two prongs that they, or any other school that would make such a move, must consider:

1a) Are the media deal and effective possibility of an NY6 berth enough to make them stay? Right now, it seems like if you're not in the AAC or MWC, you probably have to run the table and have some things break your way to get that bid. Coastal Carolina went undefeated with two wins against ranked opponents and couldn't get it. Maybe that changes, but it's hard to imagine the other G5 conferences closing the gap with the AAC other than during an outlier season. If they concede that they're probably playing for lower-tier bowls no matter their conference affiliation, and the combination of travel savings and possible better attendance with a less far-flung schedule might be worth it, especially if you think you can get NCAA bids in basketball.
1b) What if the AAC calls? Just like UConn moving to the Big East signaled the likely end of their P5 aspirations, a team moving to the A-10/indy football are probably taking themselves out of AAC consideration (or at least making it harder to make themselves available if the time comes). A-10 almost certainly isn't interested in a fling. If they're in, they have to be all in.

Like with UConn, any talk of this move would be basketball/Olympic driven.

If CUSA would allow Charlotte and ODU to keep their football in CUSA while joining the A10, they would in a heartbeat.

If I were CUSA that might even be something I would consider. An amicable split of Olympic sports with football remaining (at a reduced payout level) could benefit everyone.

Why in the world would CUSA allow them to stay in CUSA as football only? What are you smoking?

I agree with you but I think he is saying that its not that cusa would want to keep their football unless it was the only way to lose their Olympic sports.

(01-29-2021 08:40 PM)gulfcoastgal Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 08:26 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  As a Middle Tennessee State fan, I would not want to see ODU and Charlotte depart. They bring many positives to the C-USA table.

On a related note, UMass is not in a bad place. Football independence is tough but it's likely worth it to be in the A-10.

Bill, MTSU should be better than are. Middle TN is producing more and more FBS talent, has a large metro and is a good sized school in the middle of a college sport crazy (based on tv ratings) state. What’s the problem?

All fair points, GCGal. The Raider program should be better than it is.

Middle Tennessee's football problems are many.

1. Head coach Rick Stockstill has lost the fire. He's simply going through the motions (though this OC hire from Kansas has me very intrigued).

2. Yes, the mid-state is producing more high school talent than ever, but so many kids go, well, everywhere to play. There seems to be a strong focus from lots of schools (and not just limited to the SEC) on the greater Nashville area. I did not see this coming, say, 15 to 20 years ago. The attention is noteworthy. Lots of quality programs are recruiting in the the Nashville area.

3. C-USA football has been a bit disappointing overall since the league was reinvented — just like AAC men's basketball has too (thanks, in part, and sadly, to our Memphis Tigers not being particularly strong). That has not helped the Raider program.

I also have to wonder if the recent rise in Austin Peay football has hurt Middle recruiting. The Govs were so bad for so many years. But the last four seasons, APSU has surged and I do wonder how that has impacted Raider recruiting.

Regardless, it's not a good time to be a Blue Raider football fan.

Old Dominion and Charlotte out of C-USA? Good riddance and the sooner they leave, the better.

(01-29-2021 10:20 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  Old Dominion and Charlotte out of C-USA? Good riddance and the sooner they leave, the better.

Isn’t ODU CUSA’s best-funded program?

But whatever tightens CUSA’s footprint is a good thing.

(01-29-2021 10:22 PM)IWokeUpLikeThis Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 10:20 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  Old Dominion and Charlotte out of C-USA? Good riddance and the sooner they leave, the better.

Isn’t ODU CUSA’s best-funded program?

Perhaps they are. Probably it is Rice. Louisiana Tech does more with way less. Money is not everything, just ask Texas and Texas A&M.

(01-29-2021 05:44 PM)mturn017 Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 05:18 PM)Yosef Himself Wrote:  Since this is all just bunk let's just get crazy; I've heard that UNCC and ODU might join the CAA (not CAAF). Only 10 oly members currently. ODU gets back in a conference with some Virginia schools (JMU and William and Mary). Basketball names like College of Charleston and UNCW. Little better traveling. There. Rumor started.

Nope, Indy not worth it for any conference less than the A10. There was another rumor on our boards that the Sunbelt would be poaching a couple of teams from CUSA, possibly us and Marshall. Since we're throwing out wild ideas. jaybird was actually pretty confident in his sources but I can't see it unless it's part of a larger plan to realign geographically.

I must of missed this? Wouldn’t this defeat the purpose of ODU wanting to get into a better hoops league with more regional opponents? I think the only C-USA teams the Sun Belt has a realistic chance of courting are Marshall and Southern Miss but I’m not sure it’ll happen if ODU and Charlotte leave. I’m not sure it’ll happen if they stay. I’m sure our commissioner would love ODU since he’s a hoops guy.

(01-29-2021 08:51 PM)DavidSt Wrote:  I do think ODU and Charlotte to ASUN as full members and Indy football could help get the ASUN conference to become an FBS conference down the road. ODU and Charlotte along with Liberty as anchors for a core of schools already in FBS. They can slowly invite EKU and Jacksonville State to join them as Indies while the others build up.

I don’t get how this move makes sense.

(01-29-2021 04:04 PM)Stugray2 Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 03:42 PM)SlyFox Wrote:  We heard gnashing of teeth from everyone prior to my alma mater Liberty getting our waiver. But truthfully scheduling was actually much easier than most folks predicted. With less Indies to schedule, we had a couple of years of home-and-homes with NMSU. But otherwise it worked out nicely in relatively short order.

The fear of Indy scheduling is much greater than the reality based on the increased number of scheduling options.

Liberty opened a huge roll of cash. They paid a bunch of schools to play and took two for ones so that ACC and others would not have to pay them for hosting. Few schools have that bankroll.

Actually, Liberty essentially just re-invested the buy money they received from Auburn and gave it to ODU for them revamping their 2018 schedule to play us. We wound up getting several other games out of the deal. We did this again with another SEC team's buy money to get a few other games. It's smart moves as far as I'm concerned. It does help that we're not dependent on that P5 money.

As far as ODU and UNCC are concerned, their ability to schedule football games as an Indy would actually be better than Liberty's (especially now with how well we're playing currently). ODU and UNCC, like LU, are in close proximity to many FBS schools. They are better off because they also offer the Tidewater and Charlotte Metro TV and recruiting markets. They're both public schools, and at least for now, most schools (especially P5s) will count them as FBS wins.

I hope this happens for ODU and UNCC. Heck, I wish LU was apart pf that A10 discussion. But I'd lobe regular home and homes with those schools. I love going to Tidewater and Charlotte.

(01-29-2021 10:43 PM)Troy_Fan_15 Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 08:51 PM)DavidSt Wrote:  I do think ODU and Charlotte to ASUN as full members and Indy football could help get the ASUN conference to become an FBS conference down the road. ODU and Charlotte along with Liberty as anchors for a core of schools already in FBS. They can slowly invite EKU and Jacksonville State to join them as Indies while the others build up.

I don’t get how this move makes sense.

Check the author of the post and you'll see why it doesn't make sense.

I doubt ODU and Charlotte go anywhere, but it would be better for the 12 remaining C-USA programs if this rumor comes true. A 12 program C-USA would distribute more CFP money to the remaining members. Plus it isn't like either of these two are viewed as flagships of C-USA. If either think they can make a better path for their program by becoming an independent, I wish them the best of luck.

Maybe schools are downsizing back to 10 and 12 schools. Honestly, it might be the right move since the last expansion was TV/Cable based but with OTT's and everything along with ESPN+'s evolution. This might be the move for everyone. Now if FOX decides to throw its hat into the streaming duels and makes FS+ it'll have more bigger conference rethink everything. The Power 5 will stay where it's at I think. I could only see right now the Big 12 looking at adding 2 if they find the right two. Scheduling alliance makes a lot of sense for those 6 schools.

I'm not seeing why the A10 would go to 16, or why Charlotte or Old Dominion would spend all of that time and resources to go up to FBS, only to stick themselves in indy limbo shortly thereafter. I mean, Charlotte's move was stupid, but like UConn, moving to indy has to be seen as a retreat of sorts.

If this actually goes through, what are the odds that they look at making a second-tier football-only East Coast conference with Liberty, UConn, UMass, and Army?

(01-29-2021 11:40 PM)Side.Show.Joe Wrote:  I doubt ODU and Charlotte go anywhere, but it would be better for the 12 remaining C-USA programs if this rumor comes true. A 12 program C-USA would distribute more CFP money to the remaining members. Plus it isn't like either of these two are viewed as flagships of C-USA. If either think they can make a better path for their program by becoming an independent, I wish them the best of luck.

I agree with the UTEP and North Texas fans. West programs would be glad to see these two leave. And as another pointed out, this would allow UAB to move back East. This could be such an amicable split that C-USA might agree to waive exit fees. After that, C-USA stays at 12.

(01-30-2021 03:26 AM)Mav Wrote:  I'm not seeing why the A10 would go to 16, or why Charlotte or Old Dominion would spend all of that time and resources to go up to FBS, only to stick themselves in indy limbo shortly thereafter. I mean, Charlotte's move was stupid, but like UConn, moving to indy has to be seen as a retreat of sorts.

If this actually goes through, what are the odds that they look at making a second-tier football-only East Coast conference with Liberty, UConn, UMass, and Army?

East coast ASUN. Liberty is already there and both UConn and UMass can be affiliates since Liberty is already there.

(01-30-2021 06:14 AM)ESE84 Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 11:40 PM)Side.Show.Joe Wrote:  I doubt ODU and Charlotte go anywhere, but it would be better for the 12 remaining C-USA programs if this rumor comes true. A 12 program C-USA would distribute more CFP money to the remaining members. Plus it isn't like either of these two are viewed as flagships of C-USA. If either think they can make a better path for their program by becoming an independent, I wish them the best of luck.

I agree with the UTEP and North Texas fans. West programs would be glad to see these two leave. And as another pointed out, this would allow UAB to move back East. This could be such an amicable split that C-USA might agree to waive exit fees. After that, C-USA stays at 12.

I agree. I'm all for waiving their exit fee. Plus, if ODU and Charlotte were gone, C-USA would not have to endure anymore off season articles by Harry Minimum pushing his realignment fantasies.

(01-30-2021 09:00 AM)Side.Show.Joe Wrote:  

(01-30-2021 06:14 AM)ESE84 Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 11:40 PM)Side.Show.Joe Wrote:  I doubt ODU and Charlotte go anywhere, but it would be better for the 12 remaining C-USA programs if this rumor comes true. A 12 program C-USA would distribute more CFP money to the remaining members. Plus it isn't like either of these two are viewed as flagships of C-USA. If either think they can make a better path for their program by becoming an independent, I wish them the best of luck.

I agree with the UTEP and North Texas fans. West programs would be glad to see these two leave. And as another pointed out, this would allow UAB to move back East. This could be such an amicable split that C-USA might agree to waive exit fees. After that, C-USA stays at 12.

I agree. I'm all for waiving their exit fee. Plus, if ODU and Charlotte were gone, C-USA would not have to endure anymore off season articles by Harry Minimum pushing his realignment fantasies.

Yep. Sorry to see Charlotte go if this happens. But ODU is a vocal malcontent best cut loose sooner rather than later.

I am certain East would react the same way if two West schools were rumored to be leaving for another conference home.

(01-29-2021 08:48 PM)esayem Wrote:  Okay Mr. Sassypants. Maybe you should ask your administration if they need a map. ODU knew what they were getting into. It seems they joined with a football-first mindset, now what? Buyer’s remorse?

They wouldn’t give you the sense of satisfaction you deserve. They’d recall how their talks about getting into the conference were done by way of support from former, legacy members, like ECU for ODU and Tulane for Charlotte, now in the AAC. That was the CUSA they thought they were getting. Not the Sun Belt schools they wanted to overstep.

(01-30-2021 09:00 AM)Side.Show.Joe Wrote:  

(01-30-2021 06:14 AM)ESE84 Wrote:  

(01-29-2021 11:40 PM)Side.Show.Joe Wrote:  I doubt ODU and Charlotte go anywhere, but it would be better for the 12 remaining C-USA programs if this rumor comes true. A 12 program C-USA would distribute more CFP money to the remaining members. Plus it isn't like either of these two are viewed as flagships of C-USA. If either think they can make a better path for their program by becoming an independent, I wish them the best of luck.

I agree with the UTEP and North Texas fans. West programs would be glad to see these two leave. And as another pointed out, this would allow UAB to move back East. This could be such an amicable split that C-USA might agree to waive exit fees. After that, C-USA stays at 12.

I agree. I'm all for waiving their exit fee. Plus, if ODU and Charlotte were gone, C-USA would not have to endure anymore off season articles by Harry Minimum pushing his realignment fantasies.

I wouldn't be so sure. He'd soon be writing about how the aac would be a better fit I'm sure.

I'm thinking this actually happens and like others said might be a mutual "hey, we gave it a shot. No hard feelings" type situation. At least that's how I feel. I like being in cusa but if we could do a10 for bball I'd be all for that and I wouldn't fault any school doing whats in their best interests.

(01-30-2021 03:26 AM)Mav Wrote:  I'm not seeing why the A10 would go to 16, or why Charlotte or Old Dominion would spend all of that time and resources to go up to FBS, only to stick themselves in indy limbo shortly thereafter. I mean, Charlotte's move was stupid, but like UConn, moving to indy has to be seen as a retreat of sorts.

The A10 knows its no longer a peer of the BE in basketball like it was for a while in the 80's and 90's.

By going to 16 it helps to saturate recruiting at the next level after the power conferences along the east coast. Its more inventory for TV and a higher probability of a Sweet 16 out of the A10 since it keeps plucking the best from the mid major ranks.

With 2 more independents I would puts more pressure to have some kind of provision in place for an access bowl, perhaps something that also applies to the G5. Expand to a NY8 and provide an automatic berth to anyone in the Top 12.