(06-23-2023 11:29 AM)MinerInWisconsin Wrote:  

(06-23-2023 10:24 AM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  Would NDSU be desperate enough to take a FB-Only CUSA invite?

I would think they would want a football only invitation in order to save travel costs for all other sports. But then they may hold out for the MWC spot they prefer.

Yes, they are on the MWC list.

From last July:

I've confirmed what The Athletic's Chris Vannini reported originally: That NDSU has come up in MWC discussions about realignment. The Bison are on the league's radar. It's likely many other schools are, too.

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison-med...t-horrible

(06-23-2023 10:21 AM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  

(06-23-2023 08:05 AM)Gemofthehills Wrote:  

(06-22-2023 08:12 PM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  

(06-22-2023 02:09 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(06-22-2023 01:52 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  I think it is VERY, very unlikely the AAC would add an FCS move-up. They probably would look down at such an idea---and they've got a LOT of other willing candidates from already FBS schools in the SBC, CUSA, and maybe even the MW.

The MAC may be interested. And I'm sure the SBC and CUSA would be willing to explore the idea.

Actually the SBC would be the best geographic "fit" with JMU and ODU not too far away.

IMO--nothing happens anywhere (in FBS) until the PAC changes/stabilizes.

I don't think CUSA would be highly interested in Delaware--it's over 5 hrs from Liberty---and Liberty is already on a geographic "island". But I COULD BE WRONG.

They are going to be a tough "cultural" fit for most leagues--pretty much part of METRO Philadelphia.

AAC loves "metro"--- but again VERY unlikely to add an fcs move-up.

That would be a HUGE mistake, IMO. Judy should be the first call UD receives if they express any interest in an FBS jump, even though we’d be fourth on their list of desired conference They’re on an island, but they have years of athletic AND academic success to justify it. Delaware is consistently ranked in the Top 50 public schools in the country and the students and alumni seem highly engaged with the school. A wealthy, flagship university with a long history of athletic success is exactly what we need and would be great for the conference. Map be DAMNED. They check every other box.

I just don’t think CUSA is where they’d like to be. I doubt their administration would want to be associated with the school that would be closest to them in any way. I’m sure FBS is in Delaware’s longterm plans. You don’t make improvements like that to host Campbell and Monmouth, but it doesn’t seem like they’re in any rush to leave the CAA. I’m sure they were contacted when CUSA needed schools. The Sun Belt will add schools eventually and they’ll be right there.

If academics are the concern then the MAC and AAC are their top choices. CUSA and SBC are not as desirable in this area.

Athletics AAC is the top choice with the others all grouped together.

Geography, without looking real deep into it I would rank it AAC, SBC, CUSA then MAC. I assume UD doesnt recruit the Midwest very hard for students.

Overall cant see UD turning any down if they are really wanting to move to FBS.

Oh I certainly can. You underestimate Delaware’s snobbishness. But I hope you’re right.

I guess it just comes down to institutional desire. If Delaware wants FBS bad enough, and soon, then CUSA is their only viable option. Get your foot in the door. Maybe they’re impatient.

I can’t see that being their attitude. Delaware would be no less attractive as a G5 expansion option for many conferences as an FCS school. And if the AAC or Sun Belt are their preferred destinations (recall them being in brief contact with the SBC last year) then no reason to join CUSA now.

Snobbishness is the issue then count the SBC out, too. Normally this comes from academics and the SBC does not offer any top level schools.

(06-23-2023 02:03 PM)Gemofthehills Wrote:  

(06-23-2023 10:21 AM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  

(06-23-2023 08:05 AM)Gemofthehills Wrote:  

(06-22-2023 08:12 PM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  

(06-22-2023 02:09 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  I don't think CUSA would be highly interested in Delaware--it's over 5 hrs from Liberty---and Liberty is already on a geographic "island". But I COULD BE WRONG.

They are going to be a tough "cultural" fit for most leagues--pretty much part of METRO Philadelphia.

AAC loves "metro"--- but again VERY unlikely to add an fcs move-up.

That would be a HUGE mistake, IMO. Judy should be the first call UD receives if they express any interest in an FBS jump, even though we’d be fourth on their list of desired conference They’re on an island, but they have years of athletic AND academic success to justify it. Delaware is consistently ranked in the Top 50 public schools in the country and the students and alumni seem highly engaged with the school. A wealthy, flagship university with a long history of athletic success is exactly what we need and would be great for the conference. Map be DAMNED. They check every other box.

I just don’t think CUSA is where they’d like to be. I doubt their administration would want to be associated with the school that would be closest to them in any way. I’m sure FBS is in Delaware’s longterm plans. You don’t make improvements like that to host Campbell and Monmouth, but it doesn’t seem like they’re in any rush to leave the CAA. I’m sure they were contacted when CUSA needed schools. The Sun Belt will add schools eventually and they’ll be right there.

If academics are the concern then the MAC and AAC are their top choices. CUSA and SBC are not as desirable in this area.

Athletics AAC is the top choice with the others all grouped together.

Geography, without looking real deep into it I would rank it AAC, SBC, CUSA then MAC. I assume UD doesnt recruit the Midwest very hard for students.

Overall cant see UD turning any down if they are really wanting to move to FBS.

Oh I certainly can. You underestimate Delaware’s snobbishness. But I hope you’re right.

I guess it just comes down to institutional desire. If Delaware wants FBS bad enough, and soon, then CUSA is their only viable option. Get your foot in the door. Maybe they’re impatient.

I can’t see that being their attitude. Delaware would be no less attractive as a G5 expansion option for many conferences as an FCS school. And if the AAC or Sun Belt are their preferred destinations (recall them being in brief contact with the SBC last year) then no reason to join CUSA now.

Snobbishness is the issue then count the SBC out, too. Normally this comes from academics and the SBC does not offer any top level schools.

Liberty isn’t in the Sun Belt, and right now with JMU/ODU/App in the conference I think it’d be athletically appealing enough for them to CONSIDER it if they want FBS, whereas CUSA looks far flung and depleted right now.

It seems to me that Delaware is, much like JMU, waiting for the right opportunity to make the move. Aim for the AAC, fall into the the Belt/CUSA eventually.

(06-23-2023 02:33 PM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  

(06-23-2023 02:03 PM)Gemofthehills Wrote:  

(06-23-2023 10:21 AM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  

(06-23-2023 08:05 AM)Gemofthehills Wrote:  

(06-22-2023 08:12 PM)EatEmUp11 Wrote:  That would be a HUGE mistake, IMO. Judy should be the first call UD receives if they express any interest in an FBS jump, even though we’d be fourth on their list of desired conference They’re on an island, but they have years of athletic AND academic success to justify it. Delaware is consistently ranked in the Top 50 public schools in the country and the students and alumni seem highly engaged with the school. A wealthy, flagship university with a long history of athletic success is exactly what we need and would be great for the conference. Map be DAMNED. They check every other box.

I just don’t think CUSA is where they’d like to be. I doubt their administration would want to be associated with the school that would be closest to them in any way. I’m sure FBS is in Delaware’s longterm plans. You don’t make improvements like that to host Campbell and Monmouth, but it doesn’t seem like they’re in any rush to leave the CAA. I’m sure they were contacted when CUSA needed schools. The Sun Belt will add schools eventually and they’ll be right there.

If academics are the concern then the MAC and AAC are their top choices. CUSA and SBC are not as desirable in this area.

Athletics AAC is the top choice with the others all grouped together.

Geography, without looking real deep into it I would rank it AAC, SBC, CUSA then MAC. I assume UD doesnt recruit the Midwest very hard for students.

Overall cant see UD turning any down if they are really wanting to move to FBS.

Oh I certainly can. You underestimate Delaware’s snobbishness. But I hope you’re right.

I guess it just comes down to institutional desire. If Delaware wants FBS bad enough, and soon, then CUSA is their only viable option. Get your foot in the door. Maybe they’re impatient.

I can’t see that being their attitude. Delaware would be no less attractive as a G5 expansion option for many conferences as an FCS school. And if the AAC or Sun Belt are their preferred destinations (recall them being in brief contact with the SBC last year) then no reason to join CUSA now.

Snobbishness is the issue then count the SBC out, too. Normally this comes from academics and the SBC does not offer any top level schools.

Liberty isn’t in the Sun Belt, and right now with JMU/ODU/App in the conference I think it’d be athletically appealing enough for them to CONSIDER it if they want FBS, whereas CUSA looks far flung and depleted right now.

It seems to me that Delaware is, much like JMU, waiting for the right opportunity to make the move. Aim for the AAC, fall into the the Belt/CUSA eventually.

Agree. But the AAC has NEVER taken an fcs call-up-- and they have ready-made options (ODU,JMU) in the same area---not to mention a ton of other current FBS candidates in their footprint.

Delawares issue with CUSA or SBC is academics. Neither conference has universities with academic rankings Delaware wont to be associated or listed with their brand. Both leagues are full of "teacher schools" and university Presidents want their schools running with a different crowd. Liberty is not the only school Delaware has issue with academically.

(06-23-2023 10:08 AM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  

(10-18-2022 08:05 PM)MattBrownEP Wrote:  I hope to have a larger update next week sometime, but let me just say this....after making phone calls with folks who would know, Delaware is absolutely not joining Conference USA or the Sun Belt.

For those of you who keep linking Delaware to either CUSA or the SBC in a potential move up to FBS, I refer you to this Matt Brown post in this thread from Oct. 18, 2022.

Now, ask yourself, what other FBS conference(s) could Delaware potentially join?

THE MAC. Maybe.

I know some of the above post is 8 months old--but I think they still apply.

Gem of the HILLS is Right---academics are a bigger factor than some here think. Delaware will wait to join a league of "peer institutions"
University PRESIDENTS make these decisions.

(06-24-2023 10:40 AM)BeatWestern! Wrote:  https://twitter.com/collegead/status/167...H9t7UuAAAA

NCAA to explore pushing FBS entrance fee to 5 million.

That would be an increase of 3 or 4 million. Not exactly sure of current fee.

IMO this would discourage a few schools ( guessing 35%?) from trying to move to FBS.

But more consequential-- it may get schools on the "fence" to decide a little quicker.

Beating the new deadline could save 3 or 4 million.

Again--this is just something being considered---- for now.

I believe the fee was $1.5M when Liberty got the waiver,

(06-24-2023 03:58 PM)SlyFox Wrote:  I believe the fee was $1.5M when Liberty got the waiver,

By the way...does anyone know what the admission fee to CUSA (no hyphen) is now?

I thought I saw 2 million--but could be wrong.

Kind of ridiculous if admission to FBS is less than CUSA new member fee.

(06-25-2023 08:34 AM)MattBrownEP Wrote:  

(06-24-2023 11:46 AM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  This would be a great story "starter" for Matt Brown.

Yeah, I sent off a few texts when I saw the story, and its very much on my to-do list for this week.

It costs a little over a million bucks to the NCAA to join D-I, and that fee can't be waived. Other conferences also usually have entrance fees, but the kinds of schools that are recruiting D-II institutions *often* waive the fee as part of the recruitment process.

I can't speak to how likely a fee increase is or who exactly is pushing it yet, but I do know that based on my conversions with ADs and senior admin staff at a few schools who could potentially want to move up in the next few years (McNeese, Delaware, SFA, Missouri State, etc)...there is very much a concern that "the costs are going up in the near future" as part of the transformation committee's recommendations.

Specifically, while nobody expects attendance requirements or benchmarks that mean squat anymore, I have heard a broad belief that eventually, there will be new travel standards (i.e no commercial flights) and new staffing ratio requirements (trainers, mental health, strength and conditioning, etc) that will, in practice, serve as a new entrance fee, even if the fee itself isn't hiked.

I don't think a flat fee of 5 Mil would dissuade too many people. Staffing changes (which mean that operating costs on a year to year basis have to increase) would be a more significant barrier.

Will see what I can track down and get concrete enough to write about in the next few days.

Some interesting info in this post so I linked it to this thread.

(06-26-2023 06:44 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(06-25-2023 08:34 AM)MattBrownEP Wrote:  Specifically, while nobody expects attendance requirements or benchmarks that mean squat anymore, I have heard a broad belief that eventually, there will be new travel standards (i.e no commercial flights) and new staffing ratio requirements (trainers, mental health, strength and conditioning, etc) that will, in practice, serve as a new entrance fee, even if the fee itself isn't hiked.

Some interesting info in this post so I linked it to this thread.

I'm indifferent to a ban on commercial flights (it wouldn't generally affect JSU anyway, since we usually fly in and out of Anniston on chartered flights anyway) but I love the other proposed requirements.

D-I (and FBS in particular) should afford athletes some minimum standards for training, S&C, wellness, and academic support. (Ideally, many of those same minimums would be in place at all NCAA levels, but beggars can't be choosers.)

If a school can't provide those minimums, then it should reconsider its commitment to athletics.

D-I (and FBS in particular) should afford athletes some minimum standards for training, S&C, wellness, and academic support. (Ideally, many of those same minimums would be in place at all NCAA levels, but beggars can't be choosers.)


Should be a requirement for all levels. FBS athletes are not more worthy than any other college athlete. If its needed its needed.

For information--Delaware stats.--compared with others in same range.

Revenue, Rank, % allocated from Gov., Univ. and student fees

Delaware- 48M--1st--87%

Missouri St.-30M--10th--61%

NDSU-------29M-- 12th--26%

SDSU------- 26M--18th--48%

SFA----------23M--20th--76%

Chatty-------21M--26th--71%

EKU----------19M--28th--79%

That 87% is VERY High for Delaware.

Ticket revenue

NDSU-- 6M
SDSU-- 4.5M
Delaware-1.6M
NC A&T---1.3M
Missouri St.--1.1M

Enrollment

Missouri St.-- 25,000
Delaware-----22,000
EKU-----------14,000
Tarleton-------14,000+
SFA------------12,000
Chatty---------12,000
UCA------------12,000
NDSU-----------12,000
SDSU-----------11,000

Academics-- Delaware--National-89th (US News and World Report)



***I'm NOT pushing Delaware---just giving the comparison info.

First--CUSA may NOT even consider FB onlys. Probably won't add ANYONE for now anyway.

But--IF they did NDSU, SDSU, and Delaware would have to be considered.

If you do add have two close together. UTEP and NMSU are not too bad on travel being so close to one another. Currently we have two who seem to be on an island. FIU is for sure on an island and Liberty is just not as far away.

Delaware is some what close but probably not enough for oly sports and a bus. Could look on a map but Im not sure if a bus is a real possibility for NDSU and SDSU.

ONLY way Dakotas would work would be FB only. And charter plane trips only.

I have serious doubts the Dakotas ever happen.

It's probably MW (and their 5M media deal) or bust--- in their minds.

(06-29-2023 06:02 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  First--CUSA may NOT even consider FB onlys. Probably won't add ANYONE for now anyway.

But--IF they did NDSU, SDSU, and Delaware would have to be considered.

I wish I could find a link but I swear that Judy was quoted within the last few months that CUSA would be open to adding schools for football only. It may have been aimed at some specific schools but of course she didn't name them.

(06-29-2023 06:02 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  First--CUSA may NOT even consider FB onlys. Probably won't add ANYONE for now anyway.

But--IF they did NDSU, SDSU, and Delaware would have to be considered.

Delaware should be all sports or not at all IMO. I know you’re just listing off potential adds and those may not be your opinions but Blue Hens should be all in or not at all. Where would UD Olympics go in this scenario? Would the CAA be cool with UD leaving CAAfb and allow them to park there for a while?

CAA is floundering, the balance of power in the FCS has shifted away from them obviously. If they want out badly enough to reconsider their stance on CUSA for whatever reason, bring Delaware on. In full. They’re the only school other than SFA I’d be happy to see brought on NOW.

(06-29-2023 11:17 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  ONLY way Dakotas would work would be FB only. And charter plane trips only.

I have serious doubts the Dakotas ever happen.

It's probably MW (and their 5M media deal) or bust--- in their minds.

Not sure, but to my knowledge we charter all football flights.