(05-03-2012 09:03 AM)tpopt Wrote:  First I just want to say that I do not intend to offend anyone. I respect all schools and look forward to the competition. However, I won't come on here and lie and say that I wasn't upset. I was and am still really upset. Not so much about being in the Sunbelt but how everything panned out. If we made the move to the Sunbelt initially instead of the route that we took, there would be no issues at all. It was our Adms and the methods they used that really kills most. I don't know their jobs nor all of the issues they deal with but there are some fundamental flaws that I believe create hard feelings. Some of those flaws being pointed out in the first post.

The Sun Belt guys that have come over to BF.com have been unbelievably respectful and that is refreshing. Thanks

The route that we took was the only one available.... When we joined the WAC, the SunBelt was not interested in expanding. Wright Waters, the old SunBelt commish had no interest in attempting to expand the conference.

And CUSA was not interested in Texas State because of our location in San Marcos.

You can feel that the Admins didn't do something correct, and be upset at the methods and the path all you want. But, we played the hand that was delt to us, and followed the only path that we had. You may not like it, but those are the facts.....

Well there ya go guys. Our own don't even let us be upset. Like I said, not trying to offend anyone.

edit: SM....I will PM you.

(05-03-2012 09:31 AM)SM_Bobcat Wrote:  

(05-03-2012 09:03 AM)tpopt Wrote:  First I just want to say that I do not intend to offend anyone. I respect all schools and look forward to the competition. However, I won't come on here and lie and say that I wasn't upset. I was and am still really upset. Not so much about being in the Sunbelt but how everything panned out. If we made the move to the Sunbelt initially instead of the route that we took, there would be no issues at all. It was our Adms and the methods they used that really kills most. I don't know their jobs nor all of the issues they deal with but there are some fundamental flaws that I believe create hard feelings. Some of those flaws being pointed out in the first post.

The Sun Belt guys that have come over to BF.com have been unbelievably respectful and that is refreshing. Thanks

The route that we took was the only one available.... When we joined the WAC, the SunBelt was not interested in expanding. Wright Waters, the old SunBelt commish had no interest in attempting to expand the conference.

And CUSA was not interested in Texas State because of our location in San Marcos.

You can feel that the Admins didn't do something correct, and be upset at the methods and the path all you want. But, we played the hand that was delt to us, and followed the only path that we had. You may not like it, but those are the facts.....

So why couldn't the AD be honest about the fact that the WAC was the best option available at the time and now a much better option was available, ie The Sun Belt? Seems to me that honesty would have been the best policy instead of just trying to cover your ass. You guys will soon find out that this is a VERY solid conference and a good place to build your program. It's just a shame that things had to start off this way.

(05-03-2012 08:49 AM)Sultan of Euphonistan Wrote:  This reminds me of that time in high school where you asked that hot girl to go to the dance with you and you were turned down and so you ended up with a still pretty girl but not your initial choice. Later you end up with a long term relationship and you find that you are very happy with this pretty girl and in fact might be more happy as the other girl may have flaws you do not know about at the time. Remember that time (or know somebody who had something similar)? Then you know how Texas State feels.

since the really hot girl turned them down do they get to say 'aw...she's prolly a lesbo'?
that always made me feel better

(05-02-2012 08:20 PM)CrushMI Wrote:  What is the Return Policy on TxSt? Can we get a rain check....


Maybe their fans want to be with NMSU, Idaho.....on the outside looking in...

Seriously, they have never played a down of D1 football...I would rather have App St. and Ga Southern. While we are at it....do we really need UT-A? The Texas market is not really going to help the other SBC schools for TV or recruiting.

Let's clarify some things here.
1 - TXST (the correct acronym) has been DI in everything since 1987. UTSA is the new football program. And while we haven't played FBS programs consistently as an FBS school (because we were FCS), we have taken plenty of lumps over the years to FBS schools. (not meaning we have played anything like what we are about to but that we have been DI, so we have played at DI level for 25 years)
2 - as stated above, please use TXST as TSU is equated with Texas Southern University, not Texas State. The U has even told sports outlets to use TXST. Thanks
3 - I'm all in for the SBC. Can't wait. So please, don't let forum fodder turn you against the fans (or the TXST athletes) that know what the hell is going on.

(05-04-2012 12:43 AM)CatMom Wrote:  Let's clarify some things here.
1 - TXST (the correct acronym) has been DI in everything since 1987. UTSA is the new football program. And while we haven't played FBS programs consistently as an FBS school (because we were FCS), we have taken plenty of lumps over the years to FBS schools.
2 - as stated above, please use TXST as TSU is equated with Texas Southern University, not Texas State. The U has even told sports outlets to use TXST. Thanks
3 - I'm all in for the SBC. Can't wait. So please, don't let forum fodder turn you against the fans (or the TXST athletes) that know what the hell is going on.

Will do, and thanks. Welcome to the Sun Belt!!

To all Texas State fans...

We are the "Sun Belt" not the "Sunbelt" or "SunBelt." Just wanted to make sure yall got it right since your the new kids in town. Welcome to the Belt fellas!

Well here's the deal. It was b.s. that Charlotte and UTSA got into C-USA, Charlotte especially having not ever played a down of football but it was done to keep East Carolina happy/give them a little brother to smack around.
You feel slighted? TXST can use that. Use it to build your program up better than the others. Win your games, win the conference, BEAT big brand name teams. You do that it won't make a difference if you're in the Sunbelt or South Atlantic Conference (Yes, this exists, so no, you can't rebrand as that). Plus, you'll be a part of growing something. The programs in this conference are ripe to compete at higher levels than they ever have, UTSA will regret the move as it'll be years before they can crack the top 4-5 over there, if ever.

The more I think about it, the more I'm wondering if this is the time that the Sun Belt makes a move on C-USA from a perception standpoint.

CUSA lost their top dogs in this realignment. Sun Belt lost their 4th and 5th place teams.

Sun Belt is (likely) getting a championship game.

Throw in the possibility of grabbing another bowl tie-in, and you have a recipe for the Sun Belt to leap frog CUSA from a casual fan standpoint.

Upheaval is always a time of opportunity.

By far the consensus is that the 'Belt has lost the "least" amount in all of this shuffling. So there is a tremendous opportunity for us to erase the perception of bottom dweller.

Now the question before the house is can our new additions get up to FBS competativeness quickly and can the rest of us make some OOC noise and get a team in the top 25.

(05-04-2012 12:43 AM)CatMom Wrote:  

(05-02-2012 08:20 PM)CrushMI Wrote:  What is the Return Policy on TxSt? Can we get a rain check....


Maybe their fans want to be with NMSU, Idaho.....on the outside looking in...

Seriously, they have never played a down of D1 football...I would rather have App St. and Ga Southern. While we are at it....do we really need UT-A? The Texas market is not really going to help the other SBC schools for TV or recruiting.

Let's clarify some things here.
1 - TXST (the correct acronym) has been DI in everything since 1987. UTSA is the new football program. And while we haven't played FBS programs consistently as an FBS school (because we were FCS), we have taken plenty of lumps over the years to FBS schools. (not meaning we have played anything like what we are about to but that we have been DI, so we have played at DI level for 25 years)
2 - as stated above, please use TXST as TSU is equated with Texas Southern University, not Texas State. The U has even told sports outlets to use TXST. Thanks
3 - I'm all in for the SBC. Can't wait. So please, don't let forum fodder turn you against the fans (or the TXST athletes) that know what the hell is going on.

Fair enough.. Now lets clarify even further. The Cajuns are referred to as UL, Louisiana or Louisianas Ragin Cajuns.... just for clarity.

Welcome aboard.

Z

(05-04-2012 07:45 AM)Buccaneerlover Wrote:  Well here's the deal. It was b.s. that Charlotte and UTSA got into C-USA, Charlotte especially having not ever played a down of football but it was done to keep East Carolina happy/give them a little brother to smack around.
You feel slighted? TXST can use that. Use it to build your program up better than the others. Win your games, win the conference, BEAT big brand name teams. You do that it won't make a difference if you're in the Sunbelt or South Atlantic Conference (Yes, this exists, so no, you can't rebrand as that). Plus, you'll be a part of growing something. The programs in this conference are ripe to compete at higher levels than they ever have, UTSA will regret the move as it'll be years before they can crack the top 4-5 over there, if ever.

You've missed the point. Charlotte and ODU are being added to replace the gapping hole left by Memphis hoops....that is all. When and if they want to move to FBS football they will of course have a home. Unlike the situation where FIU and FAU were rushed into service here in the Sun Belt; these programs can be seen more along the lines of a WKU or USA and can make the move at their own pace.

The football schools moving to C-USA and beginning play in 2013 are La Tech, FIU, UNT and UTSA. Now if you want to make the arguement that the Sun Belt is closing the gap on C-USA's football given those parameters, then by all means do so.

(05-04-2012 08:44 AM)FIUFan Wrote:  You've missed the point. Charlotte and ODU are being added to replace the gapping hole left by Memphis hoops....that is all.

By default, ODU replaces Memphis football as well.

(05-04-2012 10:17 AM)Fanof49ASU Wrote:  

(05-04-2012 08:44 AM)FIUFan Wrote:  You've missed the point. Charlotte and ODU are being added to replace the gapping hole left by Memphis hoops....that is all.

By default, ODU replaces Memphis football as well.

Not for at least 3 years. I think the CAA or whomever would not have too big a problem allowing their football programs to remain FCS until they are ready to make the FBS move. I'm sure some kind of quid pro quo can be negotiated.

This may be ODU's hold-up now as well. Perhaps they are negotiating a home for their football program. In any event, look at the announced C-USA football programs for 2013 to make your comparisons, it's only fair.

(05-04-2012 08:44 AM)FIUFan Wrote:  

(05-04-2012 07:45 AM)Buccaneerlover Wrote:  Well here's the deal. It was b.s. that Charlotte and UTSA got into C-USA, Charlotte especially having not ever played a down of football but it was done to keep East Carolina happy/give them a little brother to smack around.
You feel slighted? TXST can use that. Use it to build your program up better than the others. Win your games, win the conference, BEAT big brand name teams. You do that it won't make a difference if you're in the Sunbelt or South Atlantic Conference (Yes, this exists, so no, you can't rebrand as that). Plus, you'll be a part of growing something. The programs in this conference are ripe to compete at higher levels than they ever have, UTSA will regret the move as it'll be years before they can crack the top 4-5 over there, if ever.

You've missed the point. Charlotte and ODU are being added to replace the gapping hole left by Memphis hoops....that is all. When and if they want to move to FBS football they will of course have a home. Unlike the situation where FIU and FAU were rushed into service here in the Sun Belt; these programs can be seen more along the lines of a WKU or USA and can make the move at their own pace.

The football schools moving to C-USA and beginning play in 2013 are La Tech, FIU, UNT and UTSA. Now if you want to make the arguement that the Sun Belt is closing the gap on C-USA's football given those parameters, then by all means do so.

From a person I trust to know the truth.

CUSA Plan 1.
Alliance was going forward. UTEP was going west, FIU and UNT would be added to give the East 9 and West 9.

CUSA Plan 2.
UTEP was staying for near-term, CUSA would go to 10 with UNT and FIU.

CUSA Plan 3.
MWC was going to have to add SJSU and USU killing the WAC, MWC persuaded CUSA to add at least two schools (and lobbied Sun Belt to add schools as well) to minimize the damage. UTEP lobbied to expand the Texas presence. In the end UTSA is selected because of market and La.Tech is selected to avoid taking two schools moving into FBS.

CUSA Plan 4.
ECU and Marshall balk at the idea of the Eastern division being ECU, Marshall, FIU, UAB, USM, La.Tech arguing the division and cross-division travel is too burdensome. They convince UAB to withhold support for UTSA and La.Tech arguing that basketball has to be taken care of and the league needs a greater eastern presence. That's when Charlotte and ODU entered the picture.

(05-04-2012 08:44 AM)FIUFan Wrote:  

(05-04-2012 07:45 AM)Buccaneerlover Wrote:  Well here's the deal. It was b.s. that Charlotte and UTSA got into C-USA, Charlotte especially having not ever played a down of football but it was done to keep East Carolina happy/give them a little brother to smack around.
You feel slighted? TXST can use that. Use it to build your program up better than the others. Win your games, win the conference, BEAT big brand name teams. You do that it won't make a difference if you're in the Sunbelt or South Atlantic Conference (Yes, this exists, so no, you can't rebrand as that). Plus, you'll be a part of growing something. The programs in this conference are ripe to compete at higher levels than they ever have, UTSA will regret the move as it'll be years before they can crack the top 4-5 over there, if ever.

You've missed the point. Charlotte and ODU are being added to replace the gapping hole left by Memphis hoops....that is all. When and if they want to move to FBS football they will of course have a home. Unlike the situation where FIU and FAU were rushed into service here in the Sun Belt; these programs can be seen more along the lines of a WKU or USA and can make the move at their own pace.

The football schools moving to C-USA and beginning play in 2013 are La Tech, FIU, UNT and UTSA. Now if you want to make the arguement that the Sun Belt is closing the gap on C-USA's football given those parameters, then by all means do so.

Okay, start with La. Tech. I respect what they've done. When the Bulldogs were drinkin the Dool-Aid, they had one winning season but to their defense, were working with 75 full scholarships. They've gotten better under Sonny Dykes but one more winning season and he's gone, then what? I can't recall that they've ever long term sustained success.

FIU - How many winning seasons in FBS? You moved over based on nothing more than market size. That was it. FIU was typically a bottom tier Sunbelt team that in most years probably wouldn't have won the Southern Conference, even with 22 more scholarships.
UNT - Love, love LOVE their new stadium. Awesome facility, but they've been a dumpster fire for so long, they were bottom feeding in the Sunbelt and now are supposed to move to a supposed better conference?
C-USA essentially took a transition team who hasn't been worth a crap in UTSA, two of the cellar dwellars from the Sunbelt, and a La. Tech program that reminds me of Ga. Southern on steroids.
Yes, the gap has closed.

(05-04-2012 11:01 AM)Buccaneerlover Wrote:  Okay, start with La. Tech. I respect what they've done. When the Bulldogs were drinkin the Dool-Aid, they had one winning season but to their defense, were working with 75 full scholarships. They've gotten better under Sonny Dykes but one more winning season and he's gone, then what? I can't recall that they've ever long term sustained success.

FIU - How many winning seasons in FBS? You moved over based on nothing more than market size. That was it. FIU was typically a bottom tier Sunbelt team that in most years probably wouldn't have won the Southern Conference, even with 22 more scholarships.
UNT - Love, love LOVE their new stadium. Awesome facility, but they've been a dumpster fire for so long, they were bottom feeding in the Sunbelt and now are supposed to move to a supposed better conference?
C-USA essentially took a transition team who hasn't been worth a crap in UTSA, two of the cellar dwellars from the Sunbelt, and a La. Tech program that reminds me of Ga. Southern on steroids.
Yes, the gap has closed.

Ok. Now add South Alabama, Texas St and Ga State to the Sun Belt and continue your comparison.

I think it's honestly an even trade. The average college sports fan that isn't as passionate as those of us who do love and respect mid majors probably didn't realize South Alabama didn't have a team, I didn't until they made the announcement. It honestly was shock more than anything.
Sun Belt
Ga. St., TXST, USA, potentially App/Ga. Southern
C-USA
La. Tech, UNT, FIU with Charlotte officially but not football, yet, and maybe ODU.

There's an advantage with La. Tech, but you can't argue that over the last 5-10 years you guys and UNT have generally been REALLY BAD. So it's essentially a trade off with startups, that I'll be honest have a crapload of potential.
Team for team there's a slight edge to C-USA, but it's not a big gap at all. The reason it feels they are better is their top four, ECU, Tulsa, Southern Miss, and Marshall are all solid draws. That's honestly where the edge is, but as long as Troy keeps improving, MT keeps heading in their direction, as well as UL and potentially FAU (if they ever wake the hell up), it'll be spot on even.

Marshall is NOT a "top team." Well...maybe in the new C-USA they are.