(02-20-2023 05:12 PM)unalions Wrote:  

(02-16-2023 03:02 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

That's great news for y'all! I saw this recent article discussing that and included other comments about the new conference. Seems the AWFC ADs met in Dallas on February 6th with Luck.

Again eyeing a move to the FBS, EKU aims ‘to compete at the highest level we can’

Read more at: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-colu...rylink=cpy

The article is behind the paywall.

(02-21-2023 02:24 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(02-20-2023 05:12 PM)unalions Wrote:  

(02-16-2023 03:02 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

That's great news for y'all! I saw this recent article discussing that and included other comments about the new conference. Seems the AWFC ADs met in Dallas on February 6th with Luck.

Again eyeing a move to the FBS, EKU aims ‘to compete at the highest level we can’

Read more at: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-colu...rylink=cpy

The article is behind the paywall.

It's not, just a pop-up. Click "close" on it and you'll get to read it.

Wells has his contract extended by EKU.

(02-21-2023 04:17 PM)unalions Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 02:24 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(02-20-2023 05:12 PM)unalions Wrote:  

(02-16-2023 03:02 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

That's great news for y'all! I saw this recent article discussing that and included other comments about the new conference. Seems the AWFC ADs met in Dallas on February 6th with Luck.

Again eyeing a move to the FBS, EKU aims ‘to compete at the highest level we can’

Read more at: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-colu...rylink=cpy

The article is behind the paywall.

It's not, just a pop-up. Click "close" on it and you'll get to read it.

Not for me. Probably maxed out on reading for free.

(02-21-2023 09:04 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 04:17 PM)unalions Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 02:24 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(02-20-2023 05:12 PM)unalions Wrote:  

(02-16-2023 03:02 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

That's great news for y'all! I saw this recent article discussing that and included other comments about the new conference. Seems the AWFC ADs met in Dallas on February 6th with Luck.

Again eyeing a move to the FBS, EKU aims ‘to compete at the highest level we can’

Read more at: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-colu...rylink=cpy

The article is behind the paywall.

It's not, just a pop-up. Click "close" on it and you'll get to read it.

Not for me. Probably maxed out on reading for free.

Summary. Lots of praise and excitement for McKinney at first and that so many people came after him, etc.

Then, it turned to the hiring of Luck and the benefits of forming this single-sport conference. More of what we'd already heard about trying to get approved for FCS for 2023.

Then....

The obvious benefits to joining the FBS include the potential to enhance revenue from a future TV contract to broadcast the new conference’s games. Also, financial guarantees the new league members would receive for playing “buy games” against teams from Power Five leagues would go up substantially.

In EKU’s case, Roan said the major benefit for the Colonels’ fans if the Eastern program moves to the FBS could come from the quality of games that could then be scheduled in Richmond.

“Some of our regional rivals, historic rivals, who have since made the move (from FCS to FBS),” Roan said. “Being able to get them here is something that, I think, would be very attractive.”

Of course, Eastern’s greatest historic and regional rival — Western Kentucky — is one of the teams that has already made the transition from FCS to FBS. As a result, the Hilltoppers have not visited Roy Kidd Stadium since 2008.

“We would hope that Western would be one of (the teams EKU could schedule),” Roan said.

The Eastern AD then listed Marshall, Middle Tennessee State, Appalachian State, Miami (Ohio) and Ball State as other current FBS programs with which EKU shares historical and/or geographical connections that the Colonels would hope to bring to Richmond.

Wells said even the possibility that the Colonels could soon move up a level is already impacting how Eastern recruits. “I tell our coaches if we are not (recruiting) against (Group of Five schools) for players, then don’t bring them in here,” Wells said.

Eastern Kentucky has been seeking a route into the FBS since at least the middle of the prior decade. In 2015, the Sun Belt Conference chose Coastal Carolina over EKU to join its league.

Roan said Eastern is hopeful the current attempt will at last get Eastern Kentucky to college football’s top level.

“EKU wants to compete at the highest level we possibly can,” Roan said. “The things we are doing are designed to ensure that.”

Read more at: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-colu...rylink=cpy

(02-21-2023 10:26 PM)unalions Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 09:04 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 04:17 PM)unalions Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 02:24 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(02-20-2023 05:12 PM)unalions Wrote:  That's great news for y'all! I saw this recent article discussing that and included other comments about the new conference. Seems the AWFC ADs met in Dallas on February 6th with Luck.

Again eyeing a move to the FBS, EKU aims ‘to compete at the highest level we can’

Read more at: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-colu...rylink=cpy

The article is behind the paywall.

It's not, just a pop-up. Click "close" on it and you'll get to read it.

Not for me. Probably maxed out on reading for free.

Summary. Lots of praise and excitement for McKinney at first and that so many people came after him, etc.

Then, it turned to the hiring of Luck and the benefits of forming this single-sport conference. More of what we'd already heard about trying to get approved for FCS for 2023.

Then....

The obvious benefits to joining the FBS include the potential to enhance revenue from a future TV contract to broadcast the new conference’s games. Also, financial guarantees the new league members would receive for playing “buy games” against teams from Power Five leagues would go up substantially.

In EKU’s case, Roan said the major benefit for the Colonels’ fans if the Eastern program moves to the FBS could come from the quality of games that could then be scheduled in Richmond.

“Some of our regional rivals, historic rivals, who have since made the move (from FCS to FBS),” Roan said. “Being able to get them here is something that, I think, would be very attractive.”

Of course, Eastern’s greatest historic and regional rival — Western Kentucky — is one of the teams that has already made the transition from FCS to FBS. As a result, the Hilltoppers have not visited Roy Kidd Stadium since 2008.

“We would hope that Western would be one of (the teams EKU could schedule),” Roan said.

The Eastern AD then listed Marshall, Middle Tennessee State, Appalachian State, Miami (Ohio) and Ball State as other current FBS programs with which EKU shares historical and/or geographical connections that the Colonels would hope to bring to Richmond.

Wells said even the possibility that the Colonels could soon move up a level is already impacting how Eastern recruits. “I tell our coaches if we are not (recruiting) against (Group of Five schools) for players, then don’t bring them in here,” Wells said.

Eastern Kentucky has been seeking a route into the FBS since at least the middle of the prior decade. In 2015, the Sun Belt Conference chose Coastal Carolina over EKU to join its league.

Roan said Eastern is hopeful the current attempt will at last get Eastern Kentucky to college football’s top level.

“EKU wants to compete at the highest level we possibly can,” Roan said. “The things we are doing are designed to ensure that.”

Read more at: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-colu...rylink=cpy

Thanks for posting. The scheduling has always been my main reason for moving up. Most of our now former rivals are FBS. Home and home with Western would be huge as would Marshalk, App State, MAC schools also.

(02-21-2023 11:28 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 10:26 PM)unalions Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 09:04 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 04:17 PM)unalions Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 02:24 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  The article is behind the paywall.

It's not, just a pop-up. Click "close" on it and you'll get to read it.

Not for me. Probably maxed out on reading for free.

Summary. Lots of praise and excitement for McKinney at first and that so many people came after him, etc.

Then, it turned to the hiring of Luck and the benefits of forming this single-sport conference. More of what we'd already heard about trying to get approved for FCS for 2023.

Then....

The obvious benefits to joining the FBS include the potential to enhance revenue from a future TV contract to broadcast the new conference’s games. Also, financial guarantees the new league members would receive for playing “buy games” against teams from Power Five leagues would go up substantially.

In EKU’s case, Roan said the major benefit for the Colonels’ fans if the Eastern program moves to the FBS could come from the quality of games that could then be scheduled in Richmond.

“Some of our regional rivals, historic rivals, who have since made the move (from FCS to FBS),” Roan said. “Being able to get them here is something that, I think, would be very attractive.”

Of course, Eastern’s greatest historic and regional rival — Western Kentucky — is one of the teams that has already made the transition from FCS to FBS. As a result, the Hilltoppers have not visited Roy Kidd Stadium since 2008.

“We would hope that Western would be one of (the teams EKU could schedule),” Roan said.

The Eastern AD then listed Marshall, Middle Tennessee State, Appalachian State, Miami (Ohio) and Ball State as other current FBS programs with which EKU shares historical and/or geographical connections that the Colonels would hope to bring to Richmond.

Wells said even the possibility that the Colonels could soon move up a level is already impacting how Eastern recruits. “I tell our coaches if we are not (recruiting) against (Group of Five schools) for players, then don’t bring them in here,” Wells said.

Eastern Kentucky has been seeking a route into the FBS since at least the middle of the prior decade. In 2015, the Sun Belt Conference chose Coastal Carolina over EKU to join its league.

Roan said Eastern is hopeful the current attempt will at last get Eastern Kentucky to college football’s top level.

“EKU wants to compete at the highest level we possibly can,” Roan said. “The things we are doing are designed to ensure that.”

Read more at: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-colu...rylink=cpy

Thanks for posting. The scheduling has always been my main reason for moving up. Most of our now former rivals are FBS. Home and home with Western would be huge as would Marshalk, App State, MAC schools also.

Nah we want you in C-USA. I want my rematch lol

(02-22-2023 08:34 PM)jones682 Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 11:28 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 10:26 PM)unalions Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 09:04 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 04:17 PM)unalions Wrote:  It's not, just a pop-up. Click "close" on it and you'll get to read it.

Not for me. Probably maxed out on reading for free.

Summary. Lots of praise and excitement for McKinney at first and that so many people came after him, etc.

Then, it turned to the hiring of Luck and the benefits of forming this single-sport conference. More of what we'd already heard about trying to get approved for FCS for 2023.

Then....

The obvious benefits to joining the FBS include the potential to enhance revenue from a future TV contract to broadcast the new conference’s games. Also, financial guarantees the new league members would receive for playing “buy games” against teams from Power Five leagues would go up substantially.

In EKU’s case, Roan said the major benefit for the Colonels’ fans if the Eastern program moves to the FBS could come from the quality of games that could then be scheduled in Richmond.

“Some of our regional rivals, historic rivals, who have since made the move (from FCS to FBS),” Roan said. “Being able to get them here is something that, I think, would be very attractive.”

Of course, Eastern’s greatest historic and regional rival — Western Kentucky — is one of the teams that has already made the transition from FCS to FBS. As a result, the Hilltoppers have not visited Roy Kidd Stadium since 2008.

“We would hope that Western would be one of (the teams EKU could schedule),” Roan said.

The Eastern AD then listed Marshall, Middle Tennessee State, Appalachian State, Miami (Ohio) and Ball State as other current FBS programs with which EKU shares historical and/or geographical connections that the Colonels would hope to bring to Richmond.

Wells said even the possibility that the Colonels could soon move up a level is already impacting how Eastern recruits. “I tell our coaches if we are not (recruiting) against (Group of Five schools) for players, then don’t bring them in here,” Wells said.

Eastern Kentucky has been seeking a route into the FBS since at least the middle of the prior decade. In 2015, the Sun Belt Conference chose Coastal Carolina over EKU to join its league.

Roan said Eastern is hopeful the current attempt will at last get Eastern Kentucky to college football’s top level.

“EKU wants to compete at the highest level we possibly can,” Roan said. “The things we are doing are designed to ensure that.”

Read more at: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-colu...rylink=cpy

Thanks for posting. The scheduling has always been my main reason for moving up. Most of our now former rivals are FBS. Home and home with Western would be huge as would Marshalk, App State, MAC schools also.

Nah we want you in C-USA. I want my rematch lol

Good info in this interview with Matt Roan.

(02-21-2023 10:26 PM)unalions Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 09:04 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 04:17 PM)unalions Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 02:24 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(02-20-2023 05:12 PM)unalions Wrote:  That's great news for y'all! I saw this recent article discussing that and included other comments about the new conference. Seems the AWFC ADs met in Dallas on February 6th with Luck.

Again eyeing a move to the FBS, EKU aims ‘to compete at the highest level we can’

Read more at: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-colu...rylink=cpy

The article is behind the paywall.

It's not, just a pop-up. Click "close" on it and you'll get to read it.

Not for me. Probably maxed out on reading for free.

Summary. Lots of praise and excitement for McKinney at first and that so many people came after him, etc.

Then, it turned to the hiring of Luck and the benefits of forming this single-sport conference. More of what we'd already heard about trying to get approved for FCS for 2023.

Then....

The obvious benefits to joining the FBS include the potential to enhance revenue from a future TV contract to broadcast the new conference’s games. Also, financial guarantees the new league members would receive for playing “buy games” against teams from Power Five leagues would go up substantially.

In EKU’s case, Roan said the major benefit for the Colonels’ fans if the Eastern program moves to the FBS could come from the quality of games that could then be scheduled in Richmond.

“Some of our regional rivals, historic rivals, who have since made the move (from FCS to FBS),” Roan said. “Being able to get them here is something that, I think, would be very attractive.”

Of course, Eastern’s greatest historic and regional rival — Western Kentucky — is one of the teams that has already made the transition from FCS to FBS. As a result, the Hilltoppers have not visited Roy Kidd Stadium since 2008.

“We would hope that Western would be one of (the teams EKU could schedule),” Roan said.

The Eastern AD then listed Marshall, Middle Tennessee State, Appalachian State, Miami (Ohio) and Ball State as other current FBS programs with which EKU shares historical and/or geographical connections that the Colonels would hope to bring to Richmond.

Wells said even the possibility that the Colonels could soon move up a level is already impacting how Eastern recruits. “I tell our coaches if we are not (recruiting) against (Group of Five schools) for players, then don’t bring them in here,” Wells said.

Eastern Kentucky has been seeking a route into the FBS since at least the middle of the prior decade. In 2015, the Sun Belt Conference chose Coastal Carolina over EKU to join its league.

Roan said Eastern is hopeful the current attempt will at last get Eastern Kentucky to college football’s top level.

“EKU wants to compete at the highest level we possibly can,” Roan said. “The things we are doing are designed to ensure that.”

Read more at: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-colu...rylink=cpy

EKU was involved in the WAC east attempt at FBS with Jax State and others back in 2010
I think.

The top 10 returning FCS quarterbacks in 2023

6. PARKER MCKINNEY | EASTERN KENTUCKY

Parker McKinney threw for the third-most passing yards in the FCS last year and threw for five touchdowns in a first-round playoff loss. He can sling the rock. McKinney has the potential to lead multiple categories in passing in 2023.

https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/artic...s-2023?amp

UCA starts the conference Spring Game season out today with theirs. Wish it was on ESPN+.

UNA's Spring Game is Thursday.

The ASUN-WAC football merger will be called the United Athletic Conference (UAC). According to the UAC release, the conference “now fully operates like a single-sport conference with an independent budget, policies and governing documents. The group will recognize its own league champion and at-large FCS playoffs automatic qualifier under a singular conference banner beginning with the 2023 football season.” Despite a moratorium on single-sport conferences instituted by the NCAA in 2020, WAC Asst. Commissioner for Communications Jones says the league believes it will pass. “The NCAA is convening a board meeting later this month to address the current moratorium on single-sport conferences, and our football conference is among the items on that agenda. Our combined leadership in the football league is hopeful that in formally declaring a name and identity that it will help spearhead the official effort in the coming weeks by showing that a conference infrastructure is already demonstrated to be in place.” As for its potential to become an FBS conference, The Athletic’s Vannini posits that it’s doubtful because, among other reasons, there is “no interest from the 10 FBS leagues in sharing any College Football Playoff money with another conference.”

https://theathletic.com/4421258/2023/04/...onference/

(04-17-2023 04:03 PM)unalions Wrote:  The ASUN-WAC football merger will be called the United Athletic Conference (UAC). According to the UAC release, the conference “now fully operates like a single-sport conference with an independent budget, policies and governing documents. The group will recognize its own league champion and at-large FCS playoffs automatic qualifier under a singular conference banner beginning with the 2023 football season.” Despite a moratorium on single-sport conferences instituted by the NCAA in 2020, WAC Asst. Commissioner for Communications Jones says the league believes it will pass. “The NCAA is convening a board meeting later this month to address the current moratorium on single-sport conferences, and our football conference is among the items on that agenda. Our combined leadership in the football league is hopeful that in formally declaring a name and identity that it will help spearhead the official effort in the coming weeks by showing that a conference infrastructure is already demonstrated to be in place.” As for its potential to become an FBS conference, The Athletic’s Vannini posits that it’s doubtful because, among other reasons, there is “no interest from the 10 FBS leagues in sharing any College Football Playoff money with another conference.”

https://theathletic.com/4421258/2023/04/...onference/

(04-17-2023 04:48 PM)unalions Wrote:  It's part of a longer quote: "The idea is that there isn’t a rule saying a conference can’t move up to FBS, but everyone else I’ve spoken to in the FCS is extremely skeptical it can or will happen. There’s also no interest from the 10 FBS leagues in sharing any College Football Playoff money with another conference."

Not for me. Probably maxed out on reading for free.
[/quote]

Try opening in an incognito tab

https://www.google.com/amp/s/theathletic...d/%3famp=1

(04-27-2023 10:25 PM)unalions Wrote:  Update:

NCAA denies United Athletic Conference’s waiver request to be single-sport conference: Sources

* The NCAA has had a moratorium on single-sport conferences since early 2020.
* That moratorium is set to expire on June 1, unless the Board of Directors votes to continue it.
* The UAC plans to continue moving forward with the conference name and vision, even if it’s not an official conference.

"But the denial was not unexpected. The group plans to continue forward with its UAC name and branding, along with conference awards and schedule this coming season."

(04-29-2023 10:11 PM)unalions Wrote:  New on Connect: Outgoing ASUN Commissioner Gumbart Q&As with D1.ticker’s Eargle about the latest hiring trends for conference commissioners, the status of the UAC, lessons for future industry leaders and lots more. Gumbart says the UAC’s roadblocks are “very much what you’d expect if you’ve ever been part of a small business. A lot of what we do is just small business activity, and you have to be cognizant of the decision-makers, and in our football league, the presidents are the decision-makers.” Gumbart also explains the ASUN will be recognized as the AQ for the FCS Playoffs given the delay in recognizing the UAC as a football-only conference, but “we’ll be doing business as the United Athletic Conference and probably within a year we’ll be recognized as a football-only conference.”