(01-22-2023 03:02 PM)Michael in Raleigh Wrote: (01-22-2023 02:53 PM)DavidSt Wrote: (01-22-2023 02:48 PM)lelandhardy Wrote: The Sun Belt isn't losing anyone to the AAC. Georgia State reportedly already turned them down, and the Sun Belt is on the rise while the AAC is falling. Also, the Sun Belt doesn't want Chattanooga or North Florida. If Missouri State improves in football then they could be a western addition with ECU, but they don't move the needle otherwise. They also won't take Delaware, as it's out of the footprint and a diminished brand from their heyday. EKU is also off the table because they could just as easily get WKU, and they're worth a lot more.
Chattanooga have good football and is already a rival to Appalachian State and Georgia Southern. They do fit in. They could be very competitive if they do join SBC. It could also bring SBC's RPI up in men's basketball as well.
That's nice. Still pass.
Chatty had their chance, back in 2013. They won't be asked again, not by the Sun Belt.
From Local 3 Chattanooga, back in 2013:
Herron said the school was contacted two months ago by the league about the likelihood of joining App State and Georgia Southern on the FBS level. However, UTC isn't interested in pursuing it.
"I told (the Sun Belt) we're not considering that at this time, but hose are always options to look at in the future," said Herron, who noted UTC's newly-hired chancellor and soon-to-be hired athletic director may feel differently. "We're happy in the Southern Conference, and we look forward to dominating it in football and other sports."
Huesman echoes that sentiment.
You can count him in the group that's happy UTC isn't making the jump. In fact, he's still scratching his head about the decision from his two rivals.
"My personal opinion is no, it's not a good move, but I haven't been in all the backdoor meetings to learn about how it helps,"Huesman said. "They'll probably get a Tuesday night or Wednesday night ESPN game, and that's great exposure for their university."
"I have no idea why they want to do it, but it's their decision and they've been planning it for a long time. Congratulations to them, and I hate not to play them anymore."
https://www.local3news.com/utc-committed...a51b9.html
The Belt is in a much better place now, and has no need for Chatty.