(03-26-2013 02:52 PM)knucklehead Wrote:  The list of viable Full members is a short list. I don't think JMU wants SBC. I don't think Troy wants Jax St. I doubt KSU is ready. I've heard SHSU and Lamar are not ready.

So Liberty is an excellent candidate for that slot.

KSU is not ready now but the SBC can get them ready by scheduling a few games once they hit the field. The talk of FCS was based upon available option and to lower expectations.

Games against Ga State and Ga Southern are no brainers. Also, a game with Troy would be a good indicator of interest. What do you say Troy? Would you give an FCS -KSU a shot?

(03-27-2013 06:43 AM)cleburneslim Wrote:  The difference is that at jax St. A person must attend actual classes in actual classroom in order to take occasional classes offered online. I'm sure Harvard has the same policy. At liberty you don't even have to have even been to Virginia. Or have done your own work. Who would know or care just pay your bill.

ouch!

(03-27-2013 04:26 AM)DawggoneEagle Wrote:  Georgia Southern's Allen E .Paulson Stadium was dedicated with a 48-11 route of Liberty in 1984. I don't see a problem with playing them, they've been at it for a while, the question is does the conference want to expand into VA. If so, I'd want JMU over Liberty any day, and it looks like they are evaluating their options after George Mason's announced departure :
http://www.jmusports.com/ViewArticle.dbm...=206935161
Expand to 14 and take both and try to pluck a loose disgruntled and or flustered (UAB) C-USA member in our footprint, or a newbe where the travel would work out better, like ODU or Charlotte.
UAB would make for a good rival for Georgia State as well. Birmingham is in a good size media market, but like GaSt, the flagship (Alabama) dominates the media attention the same as in Atlanta with UGA.
The downside to UAB is the venue issue and abysmal home attendance. I wouldn't be surprised to see them move to FCS if the current trend continues. They did draw over 28,000 for Troy but less than 14,000 for the other in conference home games that included ECU, Marshall, Memphis, and Tulsa. We drew better than 18,000 for Elon and Howard, and over 20,000 for Samford. My thinking is maybe some closer games would be easier travel for Sun Belt Conference visitors that aren't nearly as far flung as in C-USA and their attendance would be sustainable over 15,000.

UAB could help itself out greatly by scheduling home and home games with South Alabama and Georgia State.

(03-27-2013 11:03 AM)FloridaJag Wrote:  

(03-27-2013 04:26 AM)DawggoneEagle Wrote:  Georgia Southern's Allen E .Paulson Stadium was dedicated with a 48-11 route of Liberty in 1984. I don't see a problem with playing them, they've been at it for a while, the question is does the conference want to expand into VA. If so, I'd want JMU over Liberty any day, and it looks like they are evaluating their options after George Mason's announced departure :
http://www.jmusports.com/ViewArticle.dbm...=206935161
Expand to 14 and take both and try to pluck a loose disgruntled and or flustered (UAB) C-USA member in our footprint, or a newbe where the travel would work out better, like ODU or Charlotte.
UAB would make for a good rival for Georgia State as well. Birmingham is in a good size media market, but like GaSt, the flagship (Alabama) dominates the media attention the same as in Atlanta with UGA.
The downside to UAB is the venue issue and abysmal home attendance. I wouldn't be surprised to see them move to FCS if the current trend continues. They did draw over 28,000 for Troy but less than 14,000 for the other in conference home games that included ECU, Marshall, Memphis, and Tulsa. We drew better than 18,000 for Elon and Howard, and over 20,000 for Samford. My thinking is maybe some closer games would be easier travel for Sun Belt Conference visitors that aren't nearly as far flung as in C-USA and their attendance would be sustainable over 15,000.

UAB could help itself out greatly by scheduling home and home games with South Alabama and Georgia State.

Thought they were afraid of you guys. After all they play in CUSA and should be.

In all seriousness, Kennessaw is not a feasible option. 1) They've announced explicitly that they'll sit happy in the FCS. 2) They're budget isn't what it should be and they had a hard time scrounging that up. 3) Facilities have no budget for improvement and they'll be playing in an 8k person soccer stadium as it is.

Also, why the heck would the Sun Belt want two schools in the same city(metro Atlanta)? There are a lot of issues there.

I do want to schedule them though. Seems like a no-brainer and I hate hearing about state programs that won't play each other. It doesn't make a lot of sense.

(03-27-2013 10:51 AM)JMU2004 Wrote:  If JMU and LU are paired, it is because the SBC wanted it.

There isn't much dialog b/t JMU/LU.

Same with us JMU2004....not played them in years in any sports I can think of.
When are you going to get your administration to come into the Sun Belt? Did they really say something about going to FBS yesterday?

(03-27-2013 11:07 AM)Tuscon Wrote:  In all seriousness, Kennessaw is not a feasible option. 1) They've announced explicitly that they'll sit happy in the FCS. 2) They're budget isn't what it should be and they had a hard time scrounging that up. 3) Facilities have no budget for improvement and they'll be playing in an 8k person soccer stadium as it is.

Also, why the heck would the Sun Belt want two schools in the same city(metro Atlanta)? There are a lot of issues there.

I do want to schedule them though. Seems like a no-brainer and I hate hearing about state programs that won't play each other. It doesn't make a lot of sense.

Thought your posters said a few months ago that they might go to the nBE?

(03-27-2013 11:09 AM)GoApps70 Wrote:  Thought your posters said a few months ago that they might go to the nBE?

Who is "they"? Kennesaw? Georgia State?

Kennesaw has no hope of going there. They don't want it. Georgia State isn't getting there any time soon(our lifetime).

(03-27-2013 11:08 AM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(03-27-2013 10:51 AM)JMU2004 Wrote:  If JMU and LU are paired, it is because the SBC wanted it.

There isn't much dialog b/t JMU/LU.

Same with us JMU2004....not played them in years in any sports I can think of.
When are you going to get your administration to come into the Sun Belt? Did they really say something about going to FBS yesterday?

Funny, I've heard there had been some talks b/t LU and JMU, but who knows. We sure enjoyed that series in FB and I think there is one more left. Here is what JMU said in their statement: http://www.jmu.edu/news/2013/03/26-state...ment.shtml

(03-27-2013 11:08 AM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(03-27-2013 10:51 AM)JMU2004 Wrote:  If JMU and LU are paired, it is because the SBC wanted it.

There isn't much dialog b/t JMU/LU.

Same with us JMU2004....not played them in years in any sports I can think of.
When are you going to get your administration to come into the Sun Belt? Did they really say something about going to FBS yesterday?

See knuckleheads post below. But yes, our admin changed their tune.

(03-27-2013 11:22 AM)knucklehead Wrote:  

(03-27-2013 11:08 AM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(03-27-2013 10:51 AM)JMU2004 Wrote:  If JMU and LU are paired, it is because the SBC wanted it.

There isn't much dialog b/t JMU/LU.

Same with us JMU2004....not played them in years in any sports I can think of.
When are you going to get your administration to come into the Sun Belt? Did they really say something about going to FBS yesterday?

Funny, I've heard there had been some talks b/t LU and JMU, but who knows. We sure enjoyed that series in FB and I think there is one more left. Here is what JMU said in their statement: http://www.jmu.edu/news/2013/03/26-state...ment.shtml

Nope...sorry, beyond OOC scheduling talks, there isn't much of a dialog.

(03-27-2013 11:29 AM)JMU2004 Wrote:  

(03-27-2013 11:08 AM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(03-27-2013 10:51 AM)JMU2004 Wrote:  If JMU and LU are paired, it is because the SBC wanted it.

There isn't much dialog b/t JMU/LU.

Same with us JMU2004....not played them in years in any sports I can think of.
When are you going to get your administration to come into the Sun Belt? Did they really say something about going to FBS yesterday?

See knuckleheads post below. But yes, our admin changed their tune.

Was about time....actually they should have done it much sooner. Your football coach, Matthews, said within 18 months, what @ a 14 months ago.

(03-27-2013 11:40 AM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(03-27-2013 11:29 AM)JMU2004 Wrote:  

(03-27-2013 11:08 AM)GoApps70 Wrote:  

(03-27-2013 10:51 AM)JMU2004 Wrote:  If JMU and LU are paired, it is because the SBC wanted it.

There isn't much dialog b/t JMU/LU.

Same with us JMU2004....not played them in years in any sports I can think of.
When are you going to get your administration to come into the Sun Belt? Did they really say something about going to FBS yesterday?

See knuckleheads post below. But yes, our admin changed their tune.

Was about time....actually they should have done it much sooner. Your football coach, Matthews, said within 18 months, what @ a 14 months ago.

it was actually our AD who said JMU would be FBS in 18-24 months, 16 months ago. He summarily had his wings "clipped" by the old President.

You guys should do it - maybe our troops could travel together and sing Kumbaya.
Seriously, would make for some fantastic football games. Pretty sure you guys have
a lot more of those purple and white confetti and ribbon throws you need to use.

I may be the only person on this board to think this, but I am not sold WKU is leaving. An invite has not been extended and has not been accepted. Several things need to happen before WKU is gone and I just don't see it happening.

One reason is that I am not sure there is a big benefit to joining the new CUSA. I see some of our additions (except Idaho) as good solid programs that have more potential than the programs that left. The problem with the SBC has always been stability. Maybe the new programs can provide it.

Even if WKU wants to go to CUSA, I don't believe the administration has it in them to seal the deal. It has been too quiet for too long. When that happens, others can jump in the mix. I wouldn't be surprised if ASU and/or Louisiana jump ahead of WKU for the invite. Wouldn't be the first time WKU has botched a conference invite. Everything I see is no different than the frenzy when WKU was suppose to go to the MAC. We have been in the Belt since the 80s and see us in it for years to come. Just my thoughts

(03-27-2013 11:52 AM)Cherryrun Wrote:  I may be the only person on this board to think this, but I am not sold WKU is leaving. An invite has not been extended and has not been accepted. Several things need to happen before WKU is gone and I just don't see it happening.

One reason is that I am not sure there is a big benefit to joining the new CUSA. I see some of our additions (except Idaho) as good solid programs that have more potential than the programs that left. The problem with the SBC has always been stability. Maybe the new programs can provide it.

Even if WKU wants to go to CUSA, I don't believe the administration has it in them to seal the deal. It has been too quiet for too long. When that happens, others can jump in the mix. I wouldn't be surprised if ASU and/or Louisiana jump ahead of WKU for the invite. Wouldn't be the first time WKU has botched a conference invite. Everything I see is no different than the frenzy when WKU was suppose to go to the MAC. We have been in the Belt since the 80s and see us in it for years to come. Just my thoughts

I completely understand the lack of optimism due to past issues, but if you look at our current president and AD, it's obvious that they are very aggressive.

Without divulging too much (I know that's a cop out), take my word that we'll be moving sooner rather than later.

(03-27-2013 11:52 AM)Cherryrun Wrote:  I may be the only person on this board to think this, but I am not sold WKU is leaving. An invite has not been extended and has not been accepted. Several things need to happen before WKU is gone and I just don't see it happening.

One reason is that I am not sure there is a big benefit to joining the new CUSA. I see some of our additions (except Idaho) as good solid programs that have more potential than the programs that left. The problem with the SBC has always been stability. Maybe the new programs can provide it.

Even if WKU wants to go to CUSA, I don't believe the administration has it in them to seal the deal. It has been too quiet for too long. When that happens, others can jump in the mix. I wouldn't be surprised if ASU and/or Louisiana jump ahead of WKU for the invite. Wouldn't be the first time WKU has botched a conference invite. Everything I see is no different than the frenzy when WKU was suppose to go to the MAC. We have been in the Belt since the 80s and see us in it for years to come. Just my thoughts

there are differences now compared to the MAC episode. We are a FBS team now. However I agree that this is not a done deal but looking more so lately.

Steven Godfrey ‏@38Godfrey 22m
Western Kentucky / C-USA rumors are false for now, and the Sun Belt is set to grow. Story coming.

(03-27-2013 11:52 AM)Cherryrun Wrote:  I may be the only person on this board to think this, but I am not sold WKU is leaving. An invite has not been extended and has not been accepted. Several things need to happen before WKU is gone and I just don't see it happening.

One reason is that I am not sure there is a big benefit to joining the new CUSA. I see some of our additions (except Idaho) as good solid programs that have more potential than the programs that left. The problem with the SBC has always been stability. Maybe the new programs can provide it.

Even if WKU wants to go to CUSA, I don't believe the administration has it in them to seal the deal. It has been too quiet for too long. When that happens, others can jump in the mix. I wouldn't be surprised if ASU and/or Louisiana jump ahead of WKU for the invite. Wouldn't be the first time WKU has botched a conference invite. Everything I see is no different than the frenzy when WKU was suppose to go to the MAC. We have been in the Belt since the 80s and see us in it for years to come. Just my thoughts

Are you and Apollo same person? Do we need to check on you when it becomes official WKU to CUSA?

(03-27-2013 11:52 AM)Cherryrun Wrote:  I may be the only person on this board to think this, but I am not sold WKU is leaving. An invite has not been extended and has not been accepted. Several things need to happen before WKU is gone and I just don't see it happening.

One reason is that I am not sure there is a big benefit to joining the new CUSA. I see some of our additions (except Idaho) as good solid programs that have more potential than the programs that left. The problem with the SBC has always been stability. Maybe the new programs can provide it.

Even if WKU wants to go to CUSA, I don't believe the administration has it in them to seal the deal. It has been too quiet for too long. When that happens, others can jump in the mix. I wouldn't be surprised if ASU and/or Louisiana jump ahead of WKU for the invite. Wouldn't be the first time WKU has botched a conference invite. Everything I see is no different than the frenzy when WKU was suppose to go to the MAC. We have been in the Belt since the 80s and see us in it for years to come. Just my thoughts

Hope Liberty hasn't got their:
"panties [too] fired up" - Phil Robertson, Duck Dynasty
A-State Fan Rules ‏@AStateFanRules 4m
Why leave? Things getting interesting. MT @FBSchedules RT @38Godfrey: WKU/C-USA rumors are false for now, and the Sun Belt is set to grow.