(03-16-2017 09:56 PM)CornellCoog Wrote:  Southern Miss' budget isn't the main issue. The issue is that up until 1988, the only teams in the Deep South playing football that were not members or former members of SEC were Memphis, Louisville, Southern Miss, and Louisiana-Lafayette.

Since then, Louisiana Tech, Arkansas State, Louisiana-Monroe, Central Florida, UAB (coming back), Middle Tennessee State, South Florida, Troy, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, South Alabama, Georgia State, and Georgia Southern have joined the fray. Recruits that used to go to USM now have many more options, especially the Florida kids that used to end up in Hattiesburg.

^^^^THIS^^^^

Combine that with being as budget deficient as S Miss is---and I think they are done being a dominate G5 power like they used to be. Don't get me wrong--they will still have good years---just like anyone else---But the days of 17 winning season in a row are done. They will be up and down, just like everyone else---and given their budget limitations and poor TV exposure---its very likely they could begin seeing more down than up.

(03-17-2017 10:55 AM)Kruciff Wrote:  Why are we having this conversation? We don't need to add anyone and when we do we have better options to choose from

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Just reminiscing our programs' high school (aka CUSA) days.

ECU has played Southern Miss more than any other team, with USM leading 27-12. Always dreaded seeing them come to Greenville because they were so hard to beat no matter what kind of year ECU was having.

(03-16-2017 07:48 PM)AGuyIn_Water Wrote:  Southern Miss was a top dog in CUSA days with UCF and East Carolina.
Also what happened to its hoop program? Now Southern Miss is in the bottom of CUSA.

What happened to 2014 Marshall, when they went almost undefeated?

Even Middle Tennessee State has stepped up big time
When is the rise of Middle Tennessee? What conference were they in? Did they have a great Coach since recently?
Watched the game today of Middle Tennessee in the dance? Oh man. Hope they make a run at the dance.

If these teams stayed competitive, they should already be in AAC, especially for Southern Miss, the Giant Killer.

If Marshall didn't fumble at 2014 Thanksgiving. they were going to Access Bowl and that was going to be a huge resume builder

Look at Rice? Did they just decide to invest in the Athletic Program or what?

UTEP? Tim Floyd is the Head Coach and I think they should do a great job there. But however, it just do not deliver.

Rice baseball has been traditionally outstanding. Sad to see that program fall apart like it is.

(03-17-2017 09:03 AM)No Bull Wrote:  I have serious respect for Southern Miss. Being in a conference with them...you always that when you played them in football...they would bring their A game. Real good baseball back in the day as well...if I am remembering correctly. I hated to see Southern Miss get left behind in conference realignment.

Agreed. Good fans too.

Marshall on the other hand.

(03-17-2017 10:55 AM)Kruciff Wrote:  Why are we having this conversation? We don't need to add anyone and when we do we have better options to choose from

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When you're at a funeral, and people are reminiscing about how Uncle Steve always had your back in a bar fight, do you also ask "Why are we having this conversation"? No, you show respect and you honor Steve.

We're having this conversation for the same reason you have that one.....because basketball sucks and football doesn't start until September.

(03-17-2017 11:43 AM)isidnirb Wrote:  

(03-17-2017 09:03 AM)No Bull Wrote:  I have serious respect for Southern Miss. Being in a conference with them...you always that when you played them in football...they would bring their A game. Real good baseball back in the day as well...if I am remembering correctly. I hated to see Southern Miss get left behind in conference realignment.

Agreed. Good fans too.
Marshall on the other hand.

Hey now.....lol

(03-17-2017 10:55 AM)Kruciff Wrote:  Why are we having this conversation? We don't need to add anyone and when we do we have better options to choose from

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I don't think we need to add anyone besides 1 non-football program to get to 12/12, but it is kinda disappointing to see our old comrades fall behind the MAC and Sun Belt.

C-USA was 23rd in RPI this year, behind the Southern Conference, MAAC, Summit, WAC, America East, and Patriot League among others. The Sun Belt was 13th and the MAC 14th.

I don't see FIU nor GSU ever making it out of CUSA. They are large schools in big markets, but those markets have professional sports and a P5 school in them. This makes it even tougher to get attention.
I think ODU and Charlotte fit the bill if they keep growing and become successful

(03-19-2017 06:01 PM)Cubanbull Wrote:  I don't see FIU nor GSU ever making it out of CUSA. They are large schools in big markets, but those markets have professional sports and a P5 school in them. This makes it even tougher to get attention.
I think ODU and Charlotte fit the bill if they keep growing and become successful

It matters if the alumni of any of those schools want to step up and build the minimum level of facilities needed. My point is that they have the potential to be dangerous athletic programs if they have the right leadership.

They have the alumni base to do it. You can build good teams with the 2*/3* level talent in Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, or Virginia Beach.