I subscribe to, and enjoy -- for the most part -- the G5 Conference News Blog. But one of the posts this morning baffles me as it offers a suggestion -- seemingly recommended for serious consideration and discussion -- for the new C-USA Commissioner to enter into negotiations with the Sun Belt to merge.

See http://g5conferencenews.blogspot.com/201...nd+Talk%29

Sure, I've seen the idea of more regional conferences come up in the past, but not in this way. The blogger proposes that this is one of 4 "agenda items that the new Commissioner should begin to address on day 1."

I'm not sure that I agree with discussing a merger/consolidation of the two conferences. Yes, there are similar footprints, but I think what is most needed is stability in both conferences and giving our schools a chance to grow into their potential. For C-USA, can you imagine how solid this conference would be if schools like FIU, UTSA, ODU (to name only three of several) grow into their full potential.

With only one way game per year with a member of the West Division (or vice-versa) our structure is already regionalized to a great extent. And our basketball structure would also take a hit. We have strong BB talent on both sides of the Conference. I wouldn't want to change it.

Thoughts?

(07-21-2015 07:07 AM)Cnelson203 Wrote:  I subscribe to, and enjoy -- for the most part -- the G5 Conference News Blog. But one of the posts this morning baffles me as it offers a suggestion -- seemingly recommended for serious consideration and discussion -- for the new C-USA Commissioner to enter into negotiations with the Sun Belt to merge.

See http://g5conferencenews.blogspot.com/201...nd+Talk%29

Sure, I've seen the idea of more regional conferences come up in the past, but not in this way. The blogger proposes that this is one of 4 "agenda items that the new Commissioner should begin to address on day 1."

I'm not sure that I agree with discussing a merger/consolidation of the two conferences. Yes, there are similar footprints, but I think what is most needed is stability in both conferences and giving our schools a chance to grow into their potential. For C-USA, can you imagine how solid this conference would be if schools like FIU, UTSA, ODU (to name only three of several) grow into their full potential.

With only one way game per year with a member of the West Division (or vice-versa) our structure is already regionalized to a great extent. And our basketball structure would also take a hit. We have strong BB talent on both sides of the Conference. I wouldn't want to change it.

Thoughts?

First, I'll go out on a limb and say the blogger is likely a fan of the AAC. A number of them are constantly harping on this idea.

Second, it would be a good idea to take the best schools from the SBC eventually but not merge the two entirely.

It would be better for CUSA to merge with the AAC than the Sun Belt. But I don't think a merger with either will happen, or will even be part of an agenda. Too many schools.

Ugh. Doing so would further dilute and diminish CUSA. Merging with the Sun Belt would be a disaster for the conference in almost every sport, and would see a further decline in our conference RPI.

I might be willing to pick a few of the stronger programs if they would add value in terms of competition and financially, but a complete merger . . . .

This is an idea that should die a slow, painful death -- OK, a fast, painful death.

From a geographic and adding to our marketplace point of view the 2 programs I would want would be:

1. stAte
2. Ga Southern/Ga State

Both get us into states that we do not have a presence in. If only only one was an option I would pick stAte because they are the only other FBS team in that state other then Arkansas, and I like what they have done with thier program.

(07-21-2015 07:40 AM)OwlFamily Wrote:  From a geographic and adding to our marketplace point of view the 2 programs I would want would be:

1. stAte
2. Ga Southern/Ga State

Both get us into states that we do not have a presence in. If only only one was an option I would pick stAte because they are the only other FBS team in that state other then Arkansas, and I like what they have done with thier program.

Ugh. Kill me now.

(07-21-2015 07:44 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(07-21-2015 07:40 AM)OwlFamily Wrote:  From a geographic and adding to our marketplace point of view the 2 programs I would want would be:

1. stAte
2. Ga Southern/Ga State

Both get us into states that we do not have a presence in. If only only one was an option I would pick stAte because they are the only other FBS team in that state other then Arkansas, and I like what they have done with thier program.

Ugh. Kill me now.

I dont want to do it, but if it was decided by CUSA leadership then those 2 I think provide the most upside across all fronts. stAte has had some good success and a unique brand IMHO. I am undecidedon whether GASO or GAState would be better. GAstate would probably help with TV for being in the Atlanta TV market, but GASouth is clearly the stronger program for the moment.

We need to have patience on this one. For all we know, the BIG12 could expand to 14 by taking Cincy, Memphis, UCF, and UH. That would leave the AAC with 8 members, possibly making it more practical to merge with what's left. You never know.

I will say that there are some good programs in the Sun Belt, and I do agree that some merging will need to happen within the G5 at some point. We can't afford to be as dispersed as we are right now. It doesn't make any sense in the long term.

As an AAC fan, I see no good for CUSA or the Belt in this idea.

It will never happen and the main reason is money.

Our per-team payments would plummet, wouldn't they? How would we make more money per team by adding schools that are being paid a tiny fraction of what we are currently getting. Even if our TV contract takes a nosedive, we'd still be far ahead of the Belt. A merger would do what for us, exactly, financially speaking?

There's no benefit to C-USA teams either as a conference or individually to do this; nor is there any advantage to the Sun Belt as a group to do this. One less G5 conference voting in the NCAA, one less chance for a G5 conference championship. No thanks.

(07-21-2015 09:32 AM)Noodles Wrote:  Our per-team payments would plummet, wouldn't they? How would we make more money per team by adding schools that are being paid a tiny fraction of what we are currently getting. Even if our TV contract takes a nosedive, we'd still be far ahead of the Belt. A merger would do what for us, exactly, financially speaking?

I agree. A complete merger makes no sense. Too many teams. But, a split of the two conferences along geographic lines does make sense from a rivalry, travel, expense, attendance, fan and network appeal standpoint.

Western Conference

Rice, UTEP, NMSU, UTSA, Texas State, N. Texas, LA Tech, Ark State, USA, Louisiana, USM

Eastern Conference

Marshall, Charlotte, ODU, GA Southern, App State, GA State, FIU, FAU, MT, WKU, Troy, UAB

Or throw the AAC in too....

Conference 1

SMU - North Texas
Houston - Rice
UTSA - Texas St
Tulsa - Arkansas St
La Tech - ULM
ULL - Tulane


Conference 2

USF - UCF
FIU - FAU
Ga Southern - Ga State
UAB - Southern Miss
MTSU - Memphis
S. Alabama - Troy

Conference 3

Uconn - Temple
ECU - ODU
Navy - Cincinnati
Charlotte - App St
WKU - Marshall


* UTEP, NM State, and Idaho to MWC.


Or just leave everyone alone. It doesn't really matter.

That blog is run by an AAC fan and periodically makes ridiculous criticisms or suggestions about CUSA.

Same writer has also gleefully predicted doom for the CUSA TV contract.

It's drivel.

No.

(07-21-2015 10:23 AM)Artifice Wrote:  That blog is run by an AAC fan and periodically makes ridiculous criticisms or suggestions about CUSA.

Same writer has also gleefully predicted doom for the CUSA TV contract.

It's drivel.

Yep, it's obvious it comes from an AAC fan who is scared that CUSA has overtaken the AAC. The AAC is going downhill. The only thing they have is the past and some good bowl affiliations.

I'd be all for lifting all exit and entrance fees within the G5 and giving everyone a year to shuffle and congregate however they care to without penalty, but merging would be ridiculous. 14 members is pushing the limits of what can legitimately be called a conference. 16 amounts to just 2 groups of 8 that have each other's phone numbers. 20+ would essentially be a new subdivision.