(04-22-2012 11:11 PM)ark30inf Wrote:  

(04-22-2012 11:08 PM)techdawg88 Wrote:  Tech has really good academics compared to some in the Sun Belt

Y'all can whip us in Quiz Bowl then.

where we holding it this year? Ark St or Ruston?

(04-22-2012 11:13 PM)Burn the Horse Wrote:  I think I have been very consistent even before the names of those most likely to change leagues were announced that I wanted Troy to remain in the Belt. I'm shocked a few people are still questioning my motives. Most everyone knows where I stand on this issue.

I know the stance you've had all along for Troy, but it's the same one we would all be using if CUSA wasn't looking at our schools

If C-USA was looking at Troy I would want us to stay put. C-USA has lost most of it's best programs, and those that remain that are worth a damn are spread out. I want my Trojans to be in a geographically sound league, period.

And like I said, I established my stance BEFORE the names of the schools most likely to switch leagues were released. Heck Troy could have been one of those programs when I first said I wanted no part of Conference USA.

So, you and MG61 should stop questioning my motives. I've been loyal since the beginning. Yall may find it hard to believe, but some of us believe in the future of the Sun Belt Conference and what it can achieve.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/artic...496314.php

Anticipation regarding UTSA's future affiliation continues to mount as the Mountain West Conference and Conference USA grind forward with plans to partner.

What that collaboration will look like, and how many schools will participate, has yet to be decided, even after months of painstaking work.

What is known is that the Roadrunners, while far from a favorite, remain very much in the running to join, especially after league administrators recently descended upon San Antonio for a campus visit.

“They are getting lots of consideration,” a C-USA official said earlier this week, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Three or four weeks ago, I would have put them on the bubble. But people were impressed with what they saw on the visit. I think they're in good shape.”

Even if that interest doesn't materialize into an invitation, it's almost certain the Sun Belt Conference will pursue the Roadrunners.

that's fine you want to stay in Sun Belt, but that doesn't mean both Middle Tennesse and LaTech couldn't both get an invite right along with UNT & FIU

I don't really think this tweet should cause a crisis on our board. I wouldn't call it a credible source.

(04-22-2012 11:15 PM)techdawg88 Wrote:  

(04-22-2012 11:11 PM)ark30inf Wrote:  

(04-22-2012 11:08 PM)techdawg88 Wrote:  Tech has really good academics compared to some in the Sun Belt

Y'all can whip us in Quiz Bowl then.

where we holding it this year? Ark St or Ruston?

Little Rock, but you guys own the LR market so you can call it a home game.

(04-22-2012 11:50 PM)ark30inf Wrote:  

(04-22-2012 11:15 PM)techdawg88 Wrote:  

(04-22-2012 11:11 PM)ark30inf Wrote:  

(04-22-2012 11:08 PM)techdawg88 Wrote:  Tech has really good academics compared to some in the Sun Belt

Y'all can whip us in Quiz Bowl then.

where we holding it this year? Ark St or Ruston?

Little Rock, but you guys own the LR market so you can call it a home game.

what you talking about? Tech doesn't have the Little Rock market

(04-22-2012 09:13 PM)MG61 Wrote:  

(04-22-2012 08:34 PM)Burn the Horse Wrote:  

(04-22-2012 08:28 PM)BRtransplant Wrote:  If this is true about UTSA, MT's chances of a CUSA invitation just got a lot better.

If they choose to leave the Sun Belt.

If Middle Tennessee does get invited to join CUSA, they will without hesitation.

I agree

(04-22-2012 10:46 PM)Burn the Horse Wrote:  I will lose ALL respect for C-USA if they give Tech an invite. they have not proven their worth over a long enough period and they sit in a small market.

What other program has proven their worth over a longer period of time?

Middle Tennessee's situation comes down to two factors. How big C-USA goes (10 or 12) and does UTEP stay or go to the MWC. FIU is counting the chickens before they hatch. UNT is the only lock right now.

If it's only 10, MT's chances likely come down to whether UTEP stays or goes.

As for the what we'll do, there's really no question the adminstration will make the move. The Alliance is trying to secure $2 million per school, which - based on TV execs I've talked is a bit of wishful thinking. That was possible under the umbrella of a full merger but without a nationwide presence with a single new conference name to brand they aren't going to get that much. Assuming they can get back what they're getting now (about $1 million per school) which is feasible then you're looking at a signficant difference for any Belt team. C-USA teams - on average - received north of $3 million per schoool last year in total distributions. Last year MT only got about $300,000 for its association in the Belt. Even if those numbers drop a little it's still going to be better business to make the move even if you didn't really want to.

(04-23-2012 07:31 AM)ThreeifbyLightning Wrote:  Middle Tennessee's situation comes down to two factors. How big C-USA goes (10 or 12) and does UTEP stay or go to the MWC. FIU is counting the chickens before they hatch. UNT is the only lock right now.

If it's only 10, MT's chances likely come down to whether UTEP stays or goes.

As for the what we'll do, there's really no question the adminstration will make the move. The Alliance is trying to secure $2 million per school, which - based on TV execs I've talked is a bit of wishful thinking. That was possible under the umbrella of a full merger but without a nationwide presence with a single new conference name to brand they aren't going to get that much. Assuming they can get back what they're getting now (about $1 million per school) which is feasible then you're looking at a signficant difference for any Belt team. C-USA teams - on average - received north of $3 million per schoool last year in total distributions. Last year MT only got about $300,000 for its association in the Belt. Even if those numbers drop a little it's still going to be better business to make the move even if you didn't really want to.

So basically $700,000 difference in a $20 million budget? About the same as one money game. For which you lose the WKU and Troy rivalries. Doesn't seem like a whole lot.

(04-23-2012 06:36 AM)T_Won1 Wrote:  

(04-22-2012 10:46 PM)Burn the Horse Wrote:  I will lose ALL respect for C-USA if they give Tech an invite. they have not proven their worth over a long enough period and they sit in a small market.

What other program has proven their worth over a longer period of time?

2 winning seasons in the past 6? Is that proving it?

(04-23-2012 07:52 AM)Fanof49ASU Wrote:  

(04-23-2012 06:36 AM)T_Won1 Wrote:  

(04-22-2012 10:46 PM)Burn the Horse Wrote:  I will lose ALL respect for C-USA if they give Tech an invite. they have not proven their worth over a long enough period and they sit in a small market.

What other program has proven their worth over a longer period of time?

2 winning seasons in the past 6? Is that proving it?

They've had a whole decade on their knees telling CUSA fans how great they are. That's all you need.

(04-22-2012 10:44 PM)techdawg88 Wrote:  

(04-22-2012 10:31 PM)MG61 Wrote:  

(04-22-2012 09:57 PM)panama Wrote:  I dont think MT gets invited. I think there will caution against going too big with this alliance in whatever form.

If CUSA decides to pickup 4 teams to go the 12, Middle Tennessee is definately in the hunt for a spot.

CUSA could look like this:

EAST

Marshall
ECU
UAB
Southern Miss
FIU **
Middle Tennessee/Charlotte **

WEST

Tulane
Tulsa
Rice
UTEP
North Texas **
Louisiana Tech **

IA, that Middle Tennessee should get the spot over Charlotte, but ECU will probably b**** until they have someone close enough to them regardless of whether Charlotte is ready

I wish MTSU would get that spot over Charlotte, but for whatever reason our administration seems to think being back in a league with Charlotte is a good thing, regardless of the fact that in the markets only world of conference realignment the second they are on equal footing with us they have passed us. I think it's stupidity of the highest order, and it's ignoring everything that's been going on around us.

(04-23-2012 07:50 AM)ark30inf Wrote:  

(04-23-2012 07:31 AM)ThreeifbyLightning Wrote:  Middle Tennessee's situation comes down to two factors. How big C-USA goes (10 or 12) and does UTEP stay or go to the MWC. FIU is counting the chickens before they hatch. UNT is the only lock right now.

If it's only 10, MT's chances likely come down to whether UTEP stays or goes.

As for the what we'll do, there's really no question the adminstration will make the move. The Alliance is trying to secure $2 million per school, which - based on TV execs I've talked is a bit of wishful thinking. That was possible under the umbrella of a full merger but without a nationwide presence with a single new conference name to brand they aren't going to get that much. Assuming they can get back what they're getting now (about $1 million per school) which is feasible then you're looking at a signficant difference for any Belt team. C-USA teams - on average - received north of $3 million per schoool last year in total distributions. Last year MT only got about $300,000 for its association in the Belt. Even if those numbers drop a little it's still going to be better business to make the move even if you didn't really want to.

So basically $700,000 difference in a $20 million budget? About the same as one money game. For which you lose the WKU and Troy rivalries. Doesn't seem like a whole lot.

You might want to check your math. $3m - 300K equals a difference of $2.7 million (or about 3 or 4 less guarantee games that don't have to be scheduled).

From what I am hearing, I would be shocked if La Tech doesn't get the invite. I am hearing that the new IM center really impressed the commisioners. Tech will now even be sponsoring a swim team.

(04-23-2012 08:18 AM)theATLDawg Wrote:  From what I am hearing, I would be shocked if La Tech doesn't get the invite. I am hearing that the new IM center really impressed the commisioners. Tech will now even be sponsoring a swim team.

Oh boy swim team stop the presses. Seriously though maybe this is the time it happens for you guys, but knowing C-USA and what we consistently do I'd expect the invites to be UTSA, UNT, FIU, and Charlotte. All about markets.

(04-23-2012 07:31 AM)ThreeifbyLightning Wrote:  FIU is counting the chickens before they hatch. UNT is the only lock right now.

How is FIU doing this, may I ask? Did you see something on twitter that FIU is ripping the Sun Belt patch off their jerseys and replacing them with nonexistent Alliance patches?
If you really took notice, you would see that the only time Panther fans get involved in these "fantasy conference" threads are when other fans, such as yourself, throw our name out there negatively.
Chill dude, I know its probably raining outside and you're stuck in front of the computer but at least think before you type.

(04-23-2012 08:24 AM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  

(04-23-2012 08:18 AM)theATLDawg Wrote:  From what I am hearing, I would be shocked if La Tech doesn't get the invite. I am hearing that the new IM center really impressed the commisioners. Tech will now even be sponsoring a swim team.

Oh boy swim team stop the presses. Seriously though maybe this is the time it happens for you guys, but knowing C-USA and what we consistently do I'd expect the invites to be UTSA, UNT, FIU, and Charlotte. All about markets.

What makes you say that about UTSA. They have a smaller market than some (Nashville for example). The difference between Charlotte and Nashville is smaller than the difference between Nashville and S.A.

I've had a hard time figuring out the love fest for UTSA. Whatever form C-USA or the Alliance takes why would they add start-up programs? Those schools are going to be there whether now or five years from now. Wouldn't C-USA be better off letting schools like UTSA and Charlotte develop before even thinking about adding them?