(09-23-2015 11:16 AM)SlyFox Wrote: That sounds like a recipe for FCS independence for us, arkstfan. I hope you are wrong.
There's going to be a chasm between the few FCS programs that will pay FCOA and those that wont.
You'll probably be fine in the Big South as they won't kick you guys out if that ends the autobid. Even if you get kicked out, you'll probably just simply compete for FCS playoff bids anyway.
Where it might get interesting is in D1. It looks like the CAA is going to split on the issue of FCOA. So might the Southern. There could be a realignment of schools based upon willingness to pay.
The motivation for a school (perhaps College of Charleston or UNCW) that desperately wants to remain relevant in D1 but feels they can't if they don't offer a FCOA stipend but is blocked from doing so because they're in a conference that bans it might be strong enough to cause them to overlook LU's issues.
My guess is that you'll see nothing happen the first two years. But then as it becomes obvious that there are two tiers in the Big South, the CAA, the Southern, and the OVC...that 'like kind institutions' will start to self sort. Besides, if you aren't paying FCOA, why not just join the Patriot league. And how are you going to retain or hire the best coaches if you don't pay FCOA.
Without Coastal, the Big South really is LU's anyway. My guess is that this actually helps you more than it hurts you.