Cannot see Appalachian ever going to the MAC. Besides not wanting to play in front of 4,200 at Eastern Michigan and a few other football related things, like we have never recruited up North much, even though we do have a new hot shot QB coming in from New York City (actually New York state, but makes me think of the commercial). We would have to learn to eat Scaple instead of grits on trips up there. Our players would have to have updated passports,
But seriously, our baseball team is currently 32-9. Do not think that we would want to send them up North in early Spring, too much bad rainy weather. They have won over 30 games the last half a dozen years at least, so wouldn't just be the opportunity to kick some Northern butts in football that is always good to do. Have to think of the Olympic sports also. We have a great track and field program and the weather wouldn't be so good for that either. By the way, Apps Track and Field won the Penn State Relay's distance event race the other day setting a new record that was established in 1984. They liked the fact that Michigan came in second. Nope not going North, we are a Southern school through and true.

(05-02-2012 09:09 PM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  

(05-02-2012 05:36 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  Pretty much all he did was name the teams that everyone knows has contacted us. I highly doubt he was suggesting Liberty as a member.

I fail to see how Liberty would be a fit, even before trying to deal with their discriminatory policies. I seriously doubt that there's any SBC support for such a move.

Liberty would be a great fit, and trust me, we are much more appreciative of an invite (should one come) than Texas State. We are not as 'discriminatory' as you may think. Yes Liberty has said things in the past with our founder but many of the things that made some hate us have changed. It won't be so bad having Liberty in your conference, I promise that!

(05-03-2012 06:27 AM)GaSouthern Wrote:  

(05-03-2012 12:27 AM)timber Wrote:  

(05-02-2012 05:45 PM)GaSouthern Wrote:  Things still going as expected other than we might not get a chance at another national championship run

I don't think you really know anything. Stop the pretending and propaganda campaign.

Thanks for your wisdom, look back through my predictions and tell me which one I've been wrong about.

Predictions and making a statement claiming to know exactly whats going on are different things. I didn't read all of your earlier predictions. Did you predict GA ST to the Sun Belt? (just curious)

(05-03-2012 09:25 AM)timber Wrote:  

(05-03-2012 06:27 AM)GaSouthern Wrote:  

(05-03-2012 12:27 AM)timber Wrote:  

(05-02-2012 05:45 PM)GaSouthern Wrote:  Things still going as expected other than we might not get a chance at another national championship run

I don't think you really know anything. Stop the pretending and propaganda campaign.

Thanks for your wisdom, look back through my predictions and tell me which one I've been wrong about.

Predictions and making a statement claiming to know exactly whats going on are different things. I didn't read all of your earlier predictions. Did you predict GA ST to the Sun Belt? (just curious)

I never said I knew exactly what is going on, but what i've been told so far has been right on the money. I never asked anything about Georgia State to the SBC because I never cared... that's not a slam it's just the truth.

The last reliable information I recieved was to expect to hear announcements in June from Georgia Southern and the SBC (nothing for or against App from my source) I heard this before of the Texas State rumor kicked up but was told that they were probable so I made a signature to suggest what I expected.

I still expect Georgia Southern to get an invite but a lot of things have happened in the last few weeks and it's still possible that Benson goes with Idaho and NMSU.

Putting together the dots based on the information I had made me assume that Georgia Southern and App State would get invites, and hopefully the SBC would be cool with the invites coming after the deadline. It's still possible they will force our hand to make a move earlier but I hope, for recruiting and playoff potential reasons, that is not the case.

(05-03-2012 09:38 AM)GaSouthern Wrote:  

(05-03-2012 09:25 AM)timber Wrote:  

(05-03-2012 06:27 AM)GaSouthern Wrote:  

(05-03-2012 12:27 AM)timber Wrote:  

(05-02-2012 05:45 PM)GaSouthern Wrote:  Things still going as expected other than we might not get a chance at another national championship run

I don't think you really know anything. Stop the pretending and propaganda campaign.

Thanks for your wisdom, look back through my predictions and tell me which one I've been wrong about.

Predictions and making a statement claiming to know exactly whats going on are different things. I didn't read all of your earlier predictions. Did you predict GA ST to the Sun Belt? (just curious)

I never said I knew exactly what is going on, but what i've been told so far has been right on the money. I never asked anything about Georgia State to the SBC because I never cared... that's not a slam it's just the truth.

The last reliable information I recieved was to expect to hear announcements in June from Georgia Southern and the SBC (nothing for or against App from my source) I heard this before of the Texas State rumor kicked up but was told that they were probable so I made a signature to suggest what I expected.

I still expect Georgia Southern to get an invite but a lot of things have happened in the last few weeks and it's still possible that Benson goes with Idaho and NMSU.

Putting together the dots based on the information I had made me assume that Georgia Southern and App State would get invites, and hopefully the SBC would be cool with the invites coming after the deadline. It's still possible they will force our hand to make a move earlier but I hope, for recruiting and playoff potential reasons, that is not the case.

Obviously, I could be wrong but I have a hard time seeing why Benson would add Idaho or NMSU. They are so much farther West and North than any current schools. Call me crazy but my feeling is he goes with a few of the 4-6 FCS schools he mentioned.

Being a Liberty fan and graduate, I am disappointed by all the rejection and for being looked-down upon. It appears that the discrimination that people accuse Liberty of is the exact same thing that the accusers are doing to Liberty. There are many misconceptions from both sides and it's sad to see because I feel Liberty can benefit an FBS conference with more potential than just about any other school available.

Conference realignment is being driven by revenues, and most revenue comes from the football department. Liberty has their own television network (Flames Sports Network) and will expand the current football stadium to 30,000 or more once they move up to FBS. Liberty fans travel well to all venues and events, especially since they have alumni and fans from all over the country. I would only expect that to increase with a higher-profile conference and more national exposure.

Liberty may not fit into the current Sun Belt footprint, but with the addition of a North Carolina school, they wouldn't be far off. Lynchburg has a regional airport that would make it so some could fly into town, and Liberty isn't far from major cities like Richmond and Washington, DC. Virginia is a growing state, but Liberty brands itself as a global university for all Evangelical Christians. Because of this, Liberty has much greater potential than another school in a small college town with a regional fan base.

Liberty has a pretty large budget for an FCS school, especially for being in a small, regional conference. The facilities are top-notch and still improving. Money is not an obstacle for Liberty and neither is Title IX because Liberty is already Title IX compliant. Liberty is literally ready to move into a FBS conference but just needs get the invitation. Liberty fans will be the utmost grateful because we can't stand our current conference, the Big South, and our goal of one day being bigger and better than Notre Dame will be much closer to being realized. Also, don't be mistaken by our gratefulness for joining an FBS conference. We have higher aspirations than a regional non-AQ conference, whether that is a BCS conference or independence. We would be eternally appreciative of the chance to bring us out of the FCS ranks but we would not plan to be a life-long member of anything other than a top conference. I don't mean to sound elitist or condescending but I don't want anyone to have an unrealistic expectation of Liberty or to be surprised if they were to one day leave.

Anyways, I am hopeful for Liberty to join a FBS conference and the Sun Belt looks to have a strong collection of schools that Liberty would fit in well with. I would be proud to call the Sun Belt the home of Liberty athletics. I hope this shed some light on where Liberty stands and where they want to be in the future.

(05-03-2012 06:09 AM)GSU Eagles Wrote:  

(05-03-2012 12:29 AM)timber Wrote:  

(05-02-2012 08:45 PM)bluephi1914 Wrote:  If app state and ga southern express and interest to join and we do not take them, we will be making a grave error moving forward.

So if we stand at 10 for now whats the mistake? It's not like anyone else is going to pick them up. CUSA would have already done that if they wanted them.

Ga Southern head football coach said there have been discussions with MAC, CUSA, and SB.

Things are happening crazy fast and decisions are being made quickly. If Ga Southern and App feel that the FBS door is closing then they could take an invite to the MAC. The Sun Belt should do all they can to keep the MAC out of the 3rd best talent producing state in the nation.

Also, does the Sun Belt want to go through more instability later if they are raided again and drop to 7 or 8? Instability could cause WKU to go to the MAC. At least with 12 you can afford to lose a couple. If Ga Southern and App are gone then who does the Sun Belt turn to? Jax State and Liberty?

Ga Southern and App State are perfect fits in the Sun Belt now. May as well lock them down and not leave it out there to chance.

I know I'm being cranky about this, but I hate to see inaccuracies being constantly repeated until they become believed. Like you agreed in an earlier post, Georgia is in 4th place, producing 38% less FBS players than #3 California last year and barely ahead of Ohio, whom they beat by six players.
I know you're proud of Georgia prep football, just be accurate. Please.

(05-03-2012 10:51 AM)GE and MTS Wrote:  Being a Liberty fan and graduate, I am disappointed by all the rejection and for being looked-down upon. It appears that the discrimination that people accuse Liberty of is the exact same thing that the accusers are doing to Liberty. There are many misconceptions from both sides and it's sad to see because I feel Liberty can benefit an FBS conference with more potential than just about any other school available.

Conference realignment is being driven by revenues, and most revenue comes from the football department. Liberty has their own television network (Flames Sports Network) and will expand the current football stadium to 30,000 or more once they move up to FBS. Liberty fans travel well to all venues and events, especially since they have alumni and fans from all over the country. I would only expect that to increase with a higher-profile conference and more national exposure.

Liberty may not fit into the current Sun Belt footprint, but with the addition of a North Carolina school, they wouldn't be far off. Lynchburg has a regional airport that would make it so some could fly into town, and Liberty isn't far from major cities like Richmond and Washington, DC. Virginia is a growing state, but Liberty brands itself as a global university for all Evangelical Christians. Because of this, Liberty has much greater potential than another school in a small college town with a regional fan base.

Liberty has a pretty large budget for an FCS school, especially for being in a small, regional conference. The facilities are top-notch and still improving. Money is not an obstacle for Liberty and neither is Title IX because Liberty is already Title IX compliant. Liberty is literally ready to move into a FBS conference but just needs get the invitation. Liberty fans will be the utmost grateful because we can't stand our current conference, the Big South, and our goal of one day being bigger and better than Notre Dame will be much closer to being realized. Also, don't be mistaken by our gratefulness for joining an FBS conference. We have higher aspirations than a regional non-AQ conference, whether that is a BCS conference or independence. We would be eternally appreciative of the chance to bring us out of the FCS ranks but we would not plan to be a life-long member of anything other than a top conference. I don't mean to sound elitist or condescending but I don't want anyone to have an unrealistic expectation of Liberty or to be surprised if they were to one day leave.

Anyways, I am hopeful for Liberty to join a FBS conference and the Sun Belt looks to have a strong collection of schools that Liberty would fit in well with. I would be proud to call the Sun Belt the home of Liberty athletics. I hope this shed some light on where Liberty stands and where they want to be in the future.

FWIW, I am interested to see what your FBS study says next week. I would have no problem with Liberty and App State, as Liberty would bring in SBC fans throughout the SBC (two different "SBC"s there).

(05-03-2012 10:59 AM)AtlantaJag Wrote:  I know I'm being cranky about this, but I hate to see inaccuracies being constantly repeated until they become believed. Like you agreed in an earlier post, Georgia is in 4th place, producing 38% less FBS players than #3 California last year and barely ahead of Ohio, whom they beat by six players.
I know you're proud of Georgia prep football, just be accurate. Please.

Now, now, don't let facts get in the way of a biased argument.

Is Ga Southern ready to invest ~$20 million/year, plus facilities improvements, to move to FBS; because that's the way things are going.

If so, use WKU as your model. They bit the bullet as a quality FCS program, made the move to FBS and are now on the cusp of beginning to reap some of that reward. But ask them what kind of ride it's been. They'll give your school the 'reality check' they need to make an informed decision.

(05-03-2012 11:23 AM)FIUFan Wrote:  Is Ga Southern ready to invest ~$20 million/year, plus facilities improvements, to move to FBS; because that's the way things are going.

If so, use WKU as your model. They bit the bullet as a quality FCS program, made the move to FBS and are now on the cusp of beginning to reap some of that reward. But ask them what kind of ride it's been. They'll give your school the 'reality check' they need to make an informed decision.

Where did you get that 20 Million dollar number from? That is not even close to the amount we need.

Based on that, FIU needs 2 Billion dollars to compete in the C-USA?

I am a Liberty fan / alum as well.

If we can keep this Athletics related, you would see that Liberty would be a great partner for the SBC. We have a huge, widespread alumni / fan base. Liberty is in great standing financially and spend on Athletics better than many FBS Schools. LU is 100% comitted to growth in all athletics programs.

Whether your liked Liberty's founder or like our stance as a Christian institution or not should have very little effect on our standing as a viable, thriving option for your conference.

(05-03-2012 11:30 AM)knucklehead Wrote:  I am a Liberty fan / alum as well.

If we can keep this Athletics related, you would see that Liberty would be a great partner for the SBC. We have a huge, widespread alumni / fan base. Liberty is in great standing financially and spend on Athletics better than many FBS Schools. LU is 100% comitted to growth in all athletics programs.

Whether your liked Liberty's founder or like our stance as a Christian institution or not should have very little effect on our standing as a viable, thriving option for your conference.

I have a few issues with Liberty.

1. Not within Geographic footprint (most important) Our footprint is a Southern footprint from Florida to Texas. At last check, Virginia was not near either of those states.

2. Distance to rest of league. The closest team in the league to you guys would be WKU and MTSU and maybe Georgia State. Every other team in the league would have to fly.

3. Private School. At this point the SBC is a league of all public institutions.

4. Fanbase: SBC teams really need fan bases that can travel. Would LIberty fans show up in droves for road FBS games, or will we basically need to be hoping for a strong home attendance?

(05-03-2012 11:27 AM)GaSouthern Wrote:  

(05-03-2012 11:23 AM)FIUFan Wrote:  Is Ga Southern ready to invest ~$20 million/year, plus facilities improvements, to move to FBS; because that's the way things are going.
If so, use WKU as your model. They bit the bullet as a quality FCS program, made the move to FBS and are now on the cusp of beginning to reap some of that reward. But ask them what kind of ride it's been. They'll give your school the 'reality check' they need to make an informed decision.

Where did you get that 20 Million dollar number from? That is not even close to the amount we need.
Based on that, FIU needs 2 Billion dollars to compete in the C-USA?

See, you're already obsessing on the money. Sources of pride amongst many of the Sun Belt schools are their athletic budgets. Head coaching salaries in the Sun Belt are no longer in the sub-$200k but are in the $500k to $1million, then add on top of that all the assisstants.

Then you can't forget about Title IX. When you add those additional scholies you are going to have to add a bunch of women's programs and/or cut male programs. Also, if you want to win the recruiting battle you are going to have to spend $$$'s on facility upgrades.

These are all very expensive propositions. You can advocate for FBS all you want, however, you'd better have an adminstration ready to open the check book.

(05-03-2012 11:54 AM)FIUFan Wrote:  

(05-03-2012 11:27 AM)GaSouthern Wrote:  

(05-03-2012 11:23 AM)FIUFan Wrote:  Is Ga Southern ready to invest ~$20 million/year, plus facilities improvements, to move to FBS; because that's the way things are going.
If so, use WKU as your model. They bit the bullet as a quality FCS program, made the move to FBS and are now on the cusp of beginning to reap some of that reward. But ask them what kind of ride it's been. They'll give your school the 'reality check' they need to make an informed decision.

Where did you get that 20 Million dollar number from? That is not even close to the amount we need.
Based on that, FIU needs 2 Billion dollars to compete in the C-USA?

See, you're already obsessing on the money. Sources of pride amongst many of the Sun Belt schools are their athletic budgets. Head coaching salaries in the Sun Belt are no longer in the sub-$200k but are in the $500k to $1million, then add on top of that all the assisstants.

Then you can't forget about Title IX. When you add those additional scholies you are going to have to add a bunch of women's programs and/or cut male programs. Also, if you want to win the recruiting battle you are going to have to spend $$$'s on facility upgrades.

These are all very expensive propositions. You can advocate for FBS all you want, however, you'd better have an adminstration ready to open the check book.

http://news.georgiasouthern.edu/sites/gsm/?p=295
There's a link to our capital campaign that is currently under progress. As for your other points, our administration sent out an e-mail this morning to give a clear stance on this issue. They know that our budget will increase and are responding appropriately.

(05-03-2012 12:00 PM)GATA Wrote:  http://news.georgiasouthern.edu/sites/gsm/?p=295
There's a link to our capital campaign that is currently under progress. As for your other points, our administration sent out an e-mail this morning to give a clear stance on this issue. They know that our budget will increase and are responding appropriately.

Good. Just want to make sure you guys are coming into this thing with your eyes wide open.

(05-03-2012 11:12 AM)Panthersville Wrote:  

(05-03-2012 10:51 AM)GE and MTS Wrote:  Being a Liberty fan and graduate, I am disappointed by all the rejection and for being looked-down upon. It appears that the discrimination that people accuse Liberty of is the exact same thing that the accusers are doing to Liberty. There are many misconceptions from both sides and it's sad to see because I feel Liberty can benefit an FBS conference with more potential than just about any other school available.

Conference realignment is being driven by revenues, and most revenue comes from the football department. Liberty has their own television network (Flames Sports Network) and will expand the current football stadium to 30,000 or more once they move up to FBS. Liberty fans travel well to all venues and events, especially since they have alumni and fans from all over the country. I would only expect that to increase with a higher-profile conference and more national exposure.

Liberty may not fit into the current Sun Belt footprint, but with the addition of a North Carolina school, they wouldn't be far off. Lynchburg has a regional airport that would make it so some could fly into town, and Liberty isn't far from major cities like Richmond and Washington, DC. Virginia is a growing state, but Liberty brands itself as a global university for all Evangelical Christians. Because of this, Liberty has much greater potential than another school in a small college town with a regional fan base.

Liberty has a pretty large budget for an FCS school, especially for being in a small, regional conference. The facilities are top-notch and still improving. Money is not an obstacle for Liberty and neither is Title IX because Liberty is already Title IX compliant. Liberty is literally ready to move into a FBS conference but just needs get the invitation. Liberty fans will be the utmost grateful because we can't stand our current conference, the Big South, and our goal of one day being bigger and better than Notre Dame will be much closer to being realized. Also, don't be mistaken by our gratefulness for joining an FBS conference. We have higher aspirations than a regional non-AQ conference, whether that is a BCS conference or independence. We would be eternally appreciative of the chance to bring us out of the FCS ranks but we would not plan to be a life-long member of anything other than a top conference. I don't mean to sound elitist or condescending but I don't want anyone to have an unrealistic expectation of Liberty or to be surprised if they were to one day leave.

Anyways, I am hopeful for Liberty to join a FBS conference and the Sun Belt looks to have a strong collection of schools that Liberty would fit in well with. I would be proud to call the Sun Belt the home of Liberty athletics. I hope this shed some light on where Liberty stands and where they want to be in the future.

FWIW, I am interested to see what your FBS study says next week. I would have no problem with Liberty and App State, as Liberty would bring in SBC fans throughout the SBC (two different "SBC"s there).

Our feasibility study came back great. They just haven't made a public announcement yet, from what I have heard, everything is done and we are completely ready. Carr from Carr and associates said Liberty was more ready than any FCS school he has ever done. Liberty Football accidentally let the cat out of the bag the other day tweeting FBS READY, but it has since been removed... oops

Should be hearing results of this meeting this week...

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

(05-03-2012 12:03 PM)FIUFan Wrote:  

(05-03-2012 12:00 PM)GATA Wrote:  http://news.georgiasouthern.edu/sites/gsm/?p=295
There's a link to our capital campaign that is currently under progress. As for your other points, our administration sent out an e-mail this morning to give a clear stance on this issue. They know that our budget will increase and are responding appropriately.

Good. Just want to make sure you guys are coming into this thing with your eyes wide open.

We did a feasibility study five years ago. President has been vocal in saying that we need an extra $4.4 million a year to make the jump. Our budget is currently equivalent to Arkansas State, UL-Monroe, and UNT's according to that USA Today article. But we need the $4 mil to cover two more women's sports (golf, rifle) and the extra scholarships. Word is many boosters have already doubled their donations since the announcement.