Dr. Jack Hawkins direct quote "...one school...". He could not be held to any detail but said the team did NOT have to come from the carolinas or a nearby area.

(08-09-2015 12:02 AM)GaStPanthers Wrote:  I'm thinking it's possible the third school is NMSU, and I think the timing is perfect to have a 12/14 breakdown by the 2017-2018 season while allowing App a travel partner as soon as 2016-2017.

Here's my breakdown:


So starting in 2017-2018, the conference can break into divisions as follows:

Football

East
EKU
App
CCU
Georgia State
Georgia Southern
Troy

West
USA
Louisiana
ULM
TXST
AR State
NMSU

The schedule can be SEC style with one cross division permanent rival, and the other 2 rotating out.

Basketball

East
EKU
App
CCU
Georgia State
Georgia Southern
Troy
USA

West
Louisiana
ULM
TXST
UTA
AR State
Little Rock
NMSU

You nailed it.

(08-08-2015 11:01 PM)trojanbrutha Wrote:  

(08-08-2015 10:50 PM)OsageJ Wrote:  

(08-08-2015 09:29 PM)trojanbrutha Wrote:  

(08-08-2015 09:00 PM)rokamortis Wrote:  According to this interview with Troy's Hawkins - the third team is NMSU and they are going to recommend one school.

“It’s important for us to do our due diligence before we bring back a full recommendation of one school to the Board of Directors,” Hawkins said.

http://www.dothaneagle.com/blogs/troy_st...c48e5.html

After being deadlocked since wku left, I don't buy adding just one school.

They know NMSU won't get the votes. Unless there is some east west trading why waste time visiting?

Exactly...trading seems very likely so I don't think east moves without west being appeased as well...

It may be difficult for some folks to accept but it's right there in black and white: the committee is going to recommend one school. They are visiting NMSU as a courtesy to the western members, but the conference's greater need is for an eastern addition and unless NMSU does or says something to wow them the recommendation will be Coastal or EKU.

(08-09-2015 01:57 AM)HawaiiMongoose Wrote:  

(08-08-2015 11:01 PM)trojanbrutha Wrote:  

(08-08-2015 10:50 PM)OsageJ Wrote:  

(08-08-2015 09:29 PM)trojanbrutha Wrote:  

(08-08-2015 09:00 PM)rokamortis Wrote:  According to this interview with Troy's Hawkins - the third team is NMSU and they are going to recommend one school.

“It’s important for us to do our due diligence before we bring back a full recommendation of one school to the Board of Directors,” Hawkins said.

http://www.dothaneagle.com/blogs/troy_st...c48e5.html

After being deadlocked since wku left, I don't buy adding just one school.

They know NMSU won't get the votes. Unless there is some east west trading why waste time visiting?

Exactly...trading seems very likely so I don't think east moves without west being appeased as well...

It may be difficult for some folks to accept but it's right there in black and white: the committee is going to recommend one school. They are visiting NMSU as a courtesy to the western members, but the conference's greater need is for an eastern addition and unless NMSU does or says something to wow them the recommendation will be Coastal or EKU.

Benson "wants" one 12th full member to be paired up with Appalachian State as a travel partner. Hence his hardline stance on SBC expansion. However, "I think" there is a deadlock in the voting among the "University Presidents" that will not allow Benson to have his "ideal" conference. Despite their location, NMSU measurable (academics, facilities, funding, school endowment, city size, attendance) rate higher amongst the "old guard" SBC western schools, which have dealt with NMSU as a full member in the past, than any FCS prospect the "newer" SBC schools can bring forth. I don't think a consensus can be made amongst the SBC schools on which "one" full member school to add. Maybe it is wishful thinking on my part but I think a compromise between Benson and the University Presidents might be in the works which could eventually see the SBC grow (by three full members) to form a 12/14 or 14/14 (two division) conference.

(08-09-2015 03:32 AM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote:  

(08-09-2015 01:57 AM)HawaiiMongoose Wrote:  

(08-08-2015 11:01 PM)trojanbrutha Wrote:  

(08-08-2015 10:50 PM)OsageJ Wrote:  

(08-08-2015 09:29 PM)trojanbrutha Wrote:  After being deadlocked since wku left, I don't buy adding just one school.

They know NMSU won't get the votes. Unless there is some east west trading why waste time visiting?

Exactly...trading seems very likely so I don't think east moves without west being appeased as well...

It may be difficult for some folks to accept but it's right there in black and white: the committee is going to recommend one school. They are visiting NMSU as a courtesy to the western members, but the conference's greater need is for an eastern addition and unless NMSU does or says something to wow them the recommendation will be Coastal or EKU.

Benson "wants" one 12th full member to be paired up with Appalachian State as a travel partner. Hence his hardline stance on SBC expansion. However, "I think" there is a deadlock in the voting among the "University Presidents" that will not allow Benson to have his "ideal" conference. Despite their location, NMSU measurable (academics, facilities, funding, school endowment, city size, attendance) rate higher amongst the "old guard" SBC western schools, which have dealt with NMSU as a full member in the past, than any FCS prospect the "newer" SBC schools can bring forth. I don't think a consensus can be made amongst the SBC schools on which "one" full member school to add. Maybe it is wishful thinking on my part but I think a compromise between Benson and the University Presidents might be in the works which could eventually see the SBC grow (by three full members) to form a 12/14 or 14/14 (two division) conference.

Even if the committee recommends just one team, it doesn't mean that the voting members couldn't push to add more.

I'm biased of course but the 12/14 plan really seems to make sense to me. It gets App State a travel partner, it is proactive to build up football membership in case of future raids, it builds up olympic sports quality, it also makes the western teams happy by including NMSU, and it gives the new teams time to take care of business with facility upgrades.

We are currently in a conference that is reliant on football affiliates just so we stay eligible for the FCS autobid. I don't like that feeling that we are a defection or two away from disaster. Similarly, given Benson's experience I'm sure he would recommend being proactive to avoid getting WAC'd.

But that's as far as I think Benson would go. I don't think he has a big agenda, after all he serves at the pleasure of the member schools. I think any internal politics are between the members and he just has to try to find a reasonable solution to make everyone happy.

The only think that really gives me pause is a statement that Mohajir made - about not wanting to expand too much because it then makes you have to split the pie even more. So what is going to prevail? The needs of the eastern schools, the desires of the western schools, or the percentage each team gets from conference payouts?

(08-09-2015 12:02 AM)GaStPanthers Wrote:  I'm thinking it's possible the third school is NMSU, and I think the timing is perfect to have a 12/14 breakdown by the 2017-2018 season while allowing App a travel partner as soon as 2016-2017.

Here's my breakdown:


So starting in 2017-2018, the conference can break into divisions as follows:

Football

East
EKU
App
CCU
Georgia State
Georgia Southern
Troy

West
USA
Louisiana
ULM
TXST
AR State
NMSU

The schedule can be SEC style with one cross division permanent rival, and the other 2 rotating out.

Basketball

East
EKU
App
CCU
Georgia State
Georgia Southern
Troy
USA

West
Louisiana
ULM
TXST
UTA
AR State
Little Rock
NMSU

I like the chart and I think it is very plausible just one thing though. FCS to FBS is a two year not three year transition so teams spend the first year of transition as FCS transitional and then the second year as FBS transitional and then by the third year they are full FBS.

(08-09-2015 08:08 AM)Georgia_Power_Company Wrote:  

(08-09-2015 12:02 AM)GaStPanthers Wrote:  I'm thinking it's possible the third school is NMSU, and I think the timing is perfect to have a 12/14 breakdown by the 2017-2018 season while allowing App a travel partner as soon as 2016-2017.

Here's my breakdown:


So starting in 2017-2018, the conference can break into divisions as follows:

Football

East
EKU
App
CCU
Georgia State
Georgia Southern
Troy

West
USA
Louisiana
ULM
TXST
AR State
NMSU

The schedule can be SEC style with one cross division permanent rival, and the other 2 rotating out.

Basketball

East
EKU
App
CCU
Georgia State
Georgia Southern
Troy
USA

West
Louisiana
ULM
TXST
UTA
AR State
Little Rock
NMSU

I like the chart and I think it is very plausible just one thing though. FCS to FBS is a two year not three year transition so teams spend the first year of transition as FCS transitional and then the second year as FBS transitional and then by the third year they are full FBS.

Thanks...I also realized that I stated that EKU would possibly play a Big South schedule instead of an OVC schedule in 2016-2017.

I enjoy reading the message board sometimes and have enjoyed following the SBC through the years. From an outsiders perspective I have a question. The proposed 12/14 conference looks good above. Why split the basketball into two divisions? It seems conferences are going away from this concept. Is it simply a cost saving attempt for the SBC?

If it's just one i'm thinking CCU has the advantage

What I want know is if the SBC wants to get to 12 in Fooball, why is NMSU even being discussed? We are already here for football. Why the visit? If they are really looking for one school to add for football NMSU would not be getting a visit.

(08-09-2015 09:32 AM)CrimsonPhantom Wrote:  What I want know is if the SBC wants to get to 12 in Fooball, why is NMSU even being discussed? We are already here for football. Why the visit? If they are really looking for one school to add for football NMSU would not be getting a visit.

But football isn't the priority right now - a 12th olympic team is. Gives them leeway to add NMSU or an FCS team.

Just reading this thread, most have automatically pushed JMU out of the choices column. Here's my take on JMU's position. JMU hires a new HC, then makes news that we have turned down an invite (that we never got) to the SB. The new HC makes strides in recruiting new players and adding FBS ACC and SEC transfers to the program. WE make it to the playoffs which we never supposed to do according to sportswriters who supposedly know these things. Conference affiliation rumors go hog wild, JMU does nothing to quell the rumors. This year we are picked to finish 2nd behind Villanova who plays at H'burg BFS this year. Whiters has a very good chance of hanging a conference championship tile on his door 2nd year in the program. Announcing a conference jump would automatically take the CAA conference title away(ODU). So JMU just stays mum and gets a SB invite magically after the regular season ends. Whiters and staff who has been secretly proposing FBS play to new recruits is now No. 1 in every ones eyes. Maybe so ,maybe not lets see how it plays out.

(08-09-2015 09:56 AM)JMUsince89 Wrote:  Just reading this thread, most have automatically pushed JMU out of the choices column. Here's my take on JMU's position. JMU hires a new HC, then makes news that we have turned down an invite (that we never got) to the SB. The new HC makes strides in recruiting new players and adding FBS ACC and SEC transfers to the program. WE make it to the playoffs which we never supposed to do according to sportswriters who supposedly know these things. Conference affiliation rumors go hog wild, JMU does nothing to quell the rumors. This year we are picked to finish 2nd behind Villanova who plays at H'burg BFS this year. Whiters has a very good chance of hanging a conference championship tile on his door 2nd year in the program. Announcing a conference jump would automatically take the CAA conference title away(ODU). So JMU just stays mum and gets a SB invite magically after the regular season ends. Whiters and staff who has been secretly proposing FBS play to new recruits is now No. 1 in every ones eyes. Maybe so ,maybe not lets see how it plays out.

That story has more conspiracy components than 911.

(08-09-2015 10:19 AM)CajunFanatico Wrote:  

(08-09-2015 09:56 AM)JMUsince89 Wrote:  Just reading this thread, most have automatically pushed JMU out of the choices column. Here's my take on JMU's position. JMU hires a new HC, then makes news that we have turned down an invite (that we never got) to the SB. The new HC makes strides in recruiting new players and adding FBS ACC and SEC transfers to the program. WE make it to the playoffs which we never supposed to do according to sportswriters who supposedly know these things. Conference affiliation rumors go hog wild, JMU does nothing to quell the rumors. This year we are picked to finish 2nd behind Villanova who plays at H'burg BFS this year. Whiters has a very good chance of hanging a conference championship tile on his door 2nd year in the program. Announcing a conference jump would automatically take the CAA conference title away(ODU). So JMU just stays mum and gets a SB invite magically after the regular season ends. Whiters and staff who has been secretly proposing FBS play to new recruits is now No. 1 in every ones eyes. Maybe so ,maybe not lets see how it plays out.

That story has more conspiracy components than 911.

Hahahaha, go read our CAA team page on conference rumors. Its a killer (fiction) novel.

(08-09-2015 10:23 AM)JMUsince89 Wrote:  

(08-09-2015 10:19 AM)CajunFanatico Wrote:  

(08-09-2015 09:56 AM)JMUsince89 Wrote:  Just reading this thread, most have automatically pushed JMU out of the choices column. Here's my take on JMU's position. JMU hires a new HC, then makes news that we have turned down an invite (that we never got) to the SB. The new HC makes strides in recruiting new players and adding FBS ACC and SEC transfers to the program. WE make it to the playoffs which we never supposed to do according to sportswriters who supposedly know these things. Conference affiliation rumors go hog wild, JMU does nothing to quell the rumors. This year we are picked to finish 2nd behind Villanova who plays at H'burg BFS this year. Whiters has a very good chance of hanging a conference championship tile on his door 2nd year in the program. Announcing a conference jump would automatically take the CAA conference title away(ODU). So JMU just stays mum and gets a SB invite magically after the regular season ends. Whiters and staff who has been secretly proposing FBS play to new recruits is now No. 1 in every ones eyes. Maybe so ,maybe not lets see how it plays out.

That story has more conspiracy components than 911.

Hahahaha, go read our CAA team page on conference rumors. Its a killer (fiction) novel.

As the saying goes, the fact that there's not a single shred of evidence pointing to a conspiracy only lends weight to how well the conspiracy is being executed.

Welcome aboard the SunBelt.

Thanks I hope we get to join as a permanent institution of the SBC. I along with most JMU fans hope our Admin makes that choice soon.

(08-09-2015 09:56 AM)JMUsince89 Wrote:  Just reading this thread, most have automatically pushed JMU out of the choices column. Here's my take on JMU's position. JMU hires a new HC, then makes news that we have turned down an invite (that we never got) to the SB. The new HC makes strides in recruiting new players and adding FBS ACC and SEC transfers to the program. WE make it to the playoffs which we never supposed to do according to sportswriters who supposedly know these things. Conference affiliation rumors go hog wild, JMU does nothing to quell the rumors. This year we are picked to finish 2nd behind Villanova who plays at H'burg BFS this year. Whiters has a very good chance of hanging a conference championship tile on his door 2nd year in the program. Announcing a conference jump would automatically take the CAA conference title away(ODU). So JMU just stays mum and gets a SB invite magically after the regular season ends. Whiters and staff who has been secretly proposing FBS play to new recruits is now No. 1 in every ones eyes. Maybe so ,maybe not lets see how it plays out.

Let's address the hair splitting first.

No JMU didn't get an "invite". JMU was approached repeatedly during the run up to last year's decision and indicated it would not accept an invite if extended. With that knowledge, the Sun Belt didn't extend an invite since the league had been informed it was pointless. JMU paid a for a study that said financially membership in CUSA, MAC, and Sun Belt was roughly identical in economic impact, yet JMU has indicated it would only look at a right fit.

So the no invite was extended thing is equivalent to the defendant who was asked if he had embezzled money from the company he worked for and had the money in a Swiss bank account. Later evidence determined that at the time of the trial he had embezzled the money, sent it to a Swiss account but at the time of the trial he had already moved the money to the Caymans. That was enough to beat the rap on perjury since the part about it being in Switzerland was truthful.

Merely hiring a coach doesn't show you are working upward. Everyone tries to hire the best they can whether it be whomever you've hired or Hugh Freeze, Gus Malzahn, Bryan Harsin, Blake Anderson. Coaches come and go. A conference evaluating a school will take note of the salaries paid and profile of hires only in determining whether a school is on the same page.

Attracting FBS transfers is not a positive because there is no free transfer in FBS football, if you rely on a talent source you can't easily use in FBS that is a concern.

Players don't keep secrets. When Howard was telling FAU recruits they were shooting for the Big East, that got out. There are other examples. The kids will put it on twitter or facebook or tell a coach recruiting against the school and the coaches will tell reporters that the SOB's at ____ are lying to recruits.

JMU has tried to quell rumors. President said "We never got an invite"

With visits happening now and it having been stated there would be three visits and confirmed visits to EKU and CCU having taken place and NMSU now known as visit #3 there is only one possible way for JMU to be under consideration, calling and asking and quite honestly I know that if anyone in the league is of the mood of Dr. Ray Authement who used to president at UL, that JMU wouldn't even get a sniff unless the president at JMU made a public declaration of interest as penance for rebuffing the league.

Just for spits and giggles...IF James Madison is the mystery school and the plan is to drop NMSU and Idaho completely then it could look like this for football:

East
Georgia Southern
App State
Georgia State
Coastal Carolina
Eastern Kentucky
James Madison

West
Troy
South Alabama
Louisiana-Lafayette
ULM
Arkansas State
Texas State

Very big IF. Tighter geopraphic conference, more Southeastern. But one division (East) is made up entirely of FCS moveups. Maybe JMU and EKU could be travel partners. In basketball UTA and Little Rock could be added to the West division and slide the two Alabama schools East. Just something to consider.

(08-08-2015 11:08 AM)arkstfan Wrote:  

(08-08-2015 10:48 AM)GaSoEagle Wrote:  At this point I would be very surprised if the 3rd school is jmu or Missouri st.

Applying logic.

If the third school is JMU then we are almost certainly looking to add only one school.
We aren't going to add three to the east to go to 12/14. Doing so makes the Olympic east JMU, APP, GASO, GAST, CCU and two of TROY EKU USA.

Only way I see the obviously west schools liking that is if USA is the school pushed west. Cajuns, Warhawks, LR Trojans, and AState can bus to USA if needed. In all cases if flying Mobile is easier.

After the past history, JMU letting this fly under radar while EKU and CCU are leaking like inflatable rafts hit with buckshot seems improbable. JMU also has comments to walk back.

Missouri State, keeping in under radar with the Springfield press would be a challenge. A snap announcement would set off a number of fans who like finishing behind a better class of hoops teams. This would be the time to soften up the base and explain your concern over the need to be FBS for the long-term health of the program.

NMSU has nothing to back off of. They've previously said they were interested and couldn't get the votes. They can interact with Sun Belt leadership without raising eyebrows since they already do business with the Sun Belt.

I want USA to go west. We have little history with any of the Eastern schools save Troy.

(08-09-2015 03:32 AM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote:  

(08-09-2015 01:57 AM)HawaiiMongoose Wrote:  

(08-08-2015 11:01 PM)trojanbrutha Wrote:  

(08-08-2015 10:50 PM)OsageJ Wrote:  

(08-08-2015 09:29 PM)trojanbrutha Wrote:  After being deadlocked since wku left, I don't buy adding just one school.

They know NMSU won't get the votes. Unless there is some east west trading why waste time visiting?

Exactly...trading seems very likely so I don't think east moves without west being appeased as well...

It may be difficult for some folks to accept but it's right there in black and white: the committee is going to recommend one school. They are visiting NMSU as a courtesy to the western members, but the conference's greater need is for an eastern addition and unless NMSU does or says something to wow them the recommendation will be Coastal or EKU.

Benson "wants" one 12th full member to be paired up with Appalachian State as a travel partner. Hence his hardline stance on SBC expansion. However, "I think" there is a deadlock in the voting among the "University Presidents" that will not allow Benson to have his "ideal" conference. Despite their location, NMSU measurable (academics, facilities, funding, school endowment, city size, attendance) rate higher amongst the "old guard" SBC western schools, which have dealt with NMSU as a full member in the past, than any FCS prospect the "newer" SBC schools can bring forth. I don't think a consensus can be made amongst the SBC schools on which "one" full member school to add. Maybe it is wishful thinking on my part but I think a compromise between Benson and the University Presidents might be in the works which could eventually see the SBC grow (by three full members) to form a 12/14 or 14/14 (two division) conference.

Guys for the freaking last time: there is no deadlock. None. Stop. The methodology and goals were set and agreed to when the committee was created this spring. The only reason NMSU is being visited is in the event the committee should recommend two schools in the east are ready/willing to invest enough to accept invites. The choice will be one eastern school, or two eastern schools and NMSU. Come on people.