(05-22-2014 09:07 AM)asupatch Wrote:  

(05-22-2014 07:49 AM)knucklehead Wrote:  I know I said I was done here, and I am. I just had to come on here and make 1 more statement.

I for one am very thankful the our President and AD took time to explain the process and their understanding of what went on. Do I believe them, yes I do. I do think our religious beliefs played a small role in the process, but coming on here and smacking posters in the head with is is never going to be a positive experience. Folks on here are just as set in their ways as we are in ours. We may not agree with them or the sometimes harsh responses, but that's not going to change on a message board.

The reality is that LU is different than the SBC schools as a whole and as Jerry said, it will take time to change perceptions and build relationships. This stuff doesn't happen overnight or on the timetable we desire. I do think LU will eventually end up in an FCS conference. My belief is still that the SBC is the best fit, but the chances for that ever happening have dwindled considerably. I hope I'm wrong, because this is a great conference that will only get stronger. LU would absolutely have helped that growth in time, and I still find the SBC's decision shortsighted no matter the reason.

I believe that the future for Liberty is bright. I do not know what it exactly looks like, but the up-side is too great for Liberty to be overlooked for long.

So, in closing, I ask that LU fans stop coming on here and trying to convince a bunch of MB posters to think how we do. It's not going to happen, and it will never end well. And again, thanks for the hospitality.

Later.

Its about time, the Big South is nothing but glorified D2.

Haha I have to give you credit here, that was a good one.

Liberty will get the votes...as will Eastern Kentucky, Jacksonville State, and Lamar.

They will get them just as soon as Texas State, Arkansas State, Louisiana, and South Alabama leave for another conference.

(05-22-2014 08:15 AM)geauxcajuns Wrote:  Every university has its "Confederacy of Dunces" in the academic side. Some of the statements made by some Liberty professors and deans have been quite outlandish and insulting to some folks. Me personally don't care one way or the other. If you were not a private school Liberty would get the invite. That is what is really keeping you out of the Sun Belt. Not religion, academics, location, online degrees it is simply because you are a private university that does not have to adhere to the same governing rules as everyone else. If Liberty was a Catholic university you might be in the Big East.

I tend to agree with your assessment that Liberty being a private school did in some way affect Liberty getting an invite. No private football-playing school has made it into FBS. The private schools that are currently in FBS have long-standing relationships with their conference and conference mates.

During this whole process, I said to myself, if Liberty does get in FBS, who would vouch for us and play us in football on a consistent basis? Baylor? TCU? BYU? Maybe they would, maybe not.

So therefore, getting invited to a conference that would have no objections playing us is a priority. However, there isn't a FBS conference that could cater to a private religious-based school like Liberty. The ACC could, but we are not in their league yet, at least academic wise.

I personally feel that Liberty should operate as an Indy, but we do not have enough "football stripes" to secure a TV deal to keep football as an independent and place our Olympic sports in a stable conference ala ND and BYU.

In conclusion, it takes time for a school to build up their athletic and academic portfolios. LU is still relatively young and are on a good track in both areas. I like where we're going even though I do feel that we need to get rid of some controversial bad apples that are associated with LU. However, I believe our name will eventually be called.

“We have to educate people about Liberty."

Torquemada sings Pink Floyd.

(05-22-2014 08:52 AM)WhitetailWizard Wrote:  

(05-22-2014 08:15 AM)geauxcajuns Wrote:  

(05-22-2014 07:49 AM)knucklehead Wrote:  I know I said I was done here, and I am. I just had to come on here and make 1 more statement.

I for one am very thankful the our President and AD took time to explain the process and their understanding of what went on. Do I believe them, yes I do. I do think our religious beliefs played a small role in the process, but coming on here and smacking posters in the head with is is never going to be a positive experience. Folks on here are just as set in their ways as we are in ours. We may not agree with them or the sometimes harsh responses, but that's not going to change on a message board.

The reality is that LU is different than the SBC schools as a whole and as Jerry said, it will take time to change perceptions and build relationships. This stuff doesn't happen overnight or on the timetable we desire. I do think LU will eventually end up in an FCS conference. My belief is still that the SBC is the best fit, but the chances for that ever happening have dwindled considerably. I hope I'm wrong, because this is a great conference that will only get stronger. LU would absolutely have helped that growth in time, and I still find the SBC's decision shortsighted no matter the reason.

I believe that the future for Liberty is bright. I do not know what it exactly looks like, but the up-side is too great for Liberty to be overlooked for long.

So, in closing, I ask that LU fans stop coming on here and trying to convince a bunch of MB posters to think how we do. It's not going to happen, and it will never end well. And again, thanks for the hospitality.

Later.

Every university has its "Confederacy of Dunces" in the academic side. Some of the statements made by some Liberty professors and deans have been quite outlandish and insulting to some folks. Me personally don't care one way or the other. If you were not a private school Liberty would get the invite. That is what is really keeping you out of the Sun Belt. Not religion, academics, location, online degrees it is simply because you are a private university that does not have to adhere to the same governing rules as everyone else. If Liberty was a Catholic university you might be in the Big East.

+1

ULL and stAte can ill afford to be passed over by another moveup.Liberty is cash money and that's a little scary.Personally I would love to have them but understand schools looking to move up protecting their turf.JMU is a great fit because their financial commitment to athletics would be somewhat tempered by a need to project superior academics.

That said,we need to absorb GS and APP and start building inter conference rivalries ASAP because ultimately the strength of this conference will be determined by each schools game day collectively.

We aren't protecting "our" turf, we are protecting a competitive fun league where nobody completely dominates because we are all so similar.

Any of us can be beaten by anyone else on this turf. Even Georgia State scared the bejeezus out of us. No game in this league is a sure bet. That's what makes it fun and drives everyone to try to get an edge.

Being nervous about a school that is free to play by different rules is not crazy.

(05-22-2014 04:34 AM)LUalumfromnc Wrote:  How dare the Sun Belt deny Liberty because of our religious beliefs and political beliefs!!!! Arkansas State and Louisiana Monroe were forced to change their nicknames because they offended native americans, but no one freaked out about it. The Sun Belt schools have been around for a long time so of course they are supposed to be good in athletics, but we have only been around since 1971. While they were celebrating their 43 years of existence they were dreaming they would be good in athletics. In our 43 years of existence we easily past their dreams by a long shot. App State will see on October 11th why the Sun Belt will regret not inviting us!!!!

USA is only 10 years older than LU.

Liberty isn't going anywhere unless we decide to take them. The JFJ roadshow might be more effective if it was accompanied by real changes and a FCS playoff win or two.

Many of us who oppose LU current application to the Sun Belt do so for valid, and consistently applied reasons. I for one, do not 'hate' LU and fully expect you guys to be back at the table unless Missouri State or JMU come back to the table.

Again, I'd rather see change than have some 'ha-ha, slapdown moment with you guys'.

You know the resume that you currently have is not convincing to the Sun Belt. Work on that.

(05-22-2014 04:34 AM)LUalumfromnc Wrote:  How dare the Sun Belt deny Liberty because of our religious beliefs and political beliefs!!!! Arkansas State and Louisiana Monroe were forced to change their nicknames because they offended native americans, but no one freaked out about it. The Sun Belt schools have been around for a long time so of course they are supposed to be good in athletics, but we have only been around since 1971. While they were celebrating their 43 years of existence they were dreaming they would be good in athletics. In our 43 years of existence we easily past their dreams by a long shot. App State will see on October 11th why the Sun Belt will regret not inviting us!!!!

If you only have one fault, it's that you're too humble.

(05-22-2014 08:08 AM)GSU Eagle Wrote:  I am very thankful my alma mater's new home is Liberty free. The SBC has the only foreseeable FBS spot remaining and we need to use that to our advantage to secure the best candidate possible. Unfortunately, the only decent candidates in our footprint are James Madison and Missouri State and neither are available at this time. Waiting until next year to reevaluate is the best decision our conference could have made.

I agree with you.

I think we add/invite MSU next year. Then encourage UTA to add football by 2020 along with maybe one these school; EKU, ETSU, UNF, or FGCU. I would prefer UNF or FGCU.

(05-22-2014 04:34 AM)LUalumfromnc Wrote:  How dare the Sun Belt deny Liberty because of our religious beliefs and political beliefs!!!! Arkansas State and Louisiana Monroe were forced to change their nicknames because they offended native americans, but no one freaked out about it. The Sun Belt schools have been around for a long time so of course they are supposed to be good in athletics, but we have only been around since 1971. While they were celebrating their 43 years of existence they were dreaming they would be good in athletics. In our 43 years of existence we easily past their dreams by a long shot. App State will see on October 11th why the Sun Belt will regret not inviting us!!!!

How about Liberty stop kissing the sbc butt to get in. Liberty has money to create a new fbs. Montana and Montana st, Idaho, and NMSU for western division. Liberty, Lamar, JSU plus 1 more eastern school....shsu or umass.
That's 8 schools. Just a thought.

(05-22-2014 09:51 AM)ark30inf Wrote:  We aren't protecting "our" turf, we are protecting a competitive fun league where nobody completely dominates because we are all so similar.

Being nervous about a school that is free to play by different rules is not crazy.

Prop up mediocrity and limit success? The new american way? A few, more independent minded private schools, should break for a new conference. Hell, they have unlimited budgets. BYU, Baylor, Liberty, Notre Dame. Bring in some Catholic basketball powerhouses. TV deals would surely to follow?

(05-22-2014 10:36 AM)SHWISH Wrote:  

(05-22-2014 04:34 AM)LUalumfromnc Wrote:  How dare the Sun Belt deny Liberty because of our religious beliefs and political beliefs!!!! Arkansas State and Louisiana Monroe were forced to change their nicknames because they offended native americans, but no one freaked out about it. The Sun Belt schools have been around for a long time so of course they are supposed to be good in athletics, but we have only been around since 1971. While they were celebrating their 43 years of existence they were dreaming they would be good in athletics. In our 43 years of existence we easily past their dreams by a long shot. App State will see on October 11th why the Sun Belt will regret not inviting us!!!!

How about Liberty stop kissing the sbc butt to get in. Liberty has money to create a new fbs. Montana and Montana st, Idaho, and NMSU for western division. Liberty, Lamar, JSU plus 1 more eastern school....shsu or umass.
That's 8 schools. Just a thought.

BYU, Baylor, Liberty, Notre Dame. Bring in some Catholic basketball powerhouses.

One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn't belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

Or just wait for the next split (which is coming) and during the open period they just move up with JMU, Sam Houston State, Missouri State, ETSU, UT-C, Kennesaw State, Eastern Kentucky and anyone else that gets a wild hair.

Checking.....


Nope. Still not interested.

Some one tell me again why we need yet another Liberty thread?

(05-22-2014 10:59 AM)ODU BLUE Wrote:  

(05-22-2014 09:51 AM)ark30inf Wrote:  We aren't protecting "our" turf, we are protecting a competitive fun league where nobody completely dominates because we are all so similar.

Being nervous about a school that is free to play by different rules is not crazy.

Prop up mediocrity and limit success? The new american way? A few, more independent minded private schools, should break for a new conference. Hell, they have unlimited budgets. BYU, Baylor, Liberty, Notre Dame. Bring in some Catholic basketball powerhouses. TV deals would surely to follow?

Comparing BYU, Baylor, and Notre Dame to Liberty is disingenuous. Those are mature institutions comfortable in their own academic and athletic skin. Well-known and recognized.

They are unlikely to try to become the next University of Phoenix for profit and channel all the funds into football to try become more accepted as mainstream because they are accepted as mainstream.

Maybe CUSA will take them.

(05-22-2014 11:07 AM)redfan Wrote:  BYU, Baylor, Liberty, Notre Dame. Bring in some Catholic basketball powerhouses.

One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn't belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

Name this tune ......

Baylor has money and facilities?
Liberty has money, facilities and TV network?
ND has money, facilities and TV network?
BYU has money, facilities TV and network?

Might be a few more interested as well

(05-22-2014 01:06 AM)CW Fishman Wrote:  Oh crap, fodder for another 300 expansion threads. How about a moratorium on expansion threads for at least until after football season?

Or move them to the conference realignment board until after the NCAA makes their CCG reform decision.

(05-22-2014 07:00 AM)LUcanesfan Wrote:  No sure why you would make a comment of that nature. It sounds as if you're trolling for wild responses, but I haven't been on this board long enough to tell if that's your M.O...

Anywho, just remember that sometime last year App was on the outside looking in too. So, there's no need to bash FBS-aspiring schools.

There is when the institution that you speak of is a cult and not a college. If a IA conference ever has 9 presidents ever agree that Liberty is a good fit those 9 presidents should be fired immediately.

Is Baylor, Oral Roberts and even Notre Dame somewhat controversial, yes. Are they to the degree of Liberty, not even in the same ball park.

As I said in the other thread: "There is a reason Liberty has been in the Big South since 1991. And there is a reason they will be in the Big South 5 years from now. And its the same reason".

(05-22-2014 11:19 AM)ODU BLUE Wrote:  

(05-22-2014 11:07 AM)redfan Wrote:  BYU, Baylor, Liberty, Notre Dame. Bring in some Catholic basketball powerhouses.

One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn't belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

Name this tune ......

Baylor has money and facilities?
Liberty has money, facilities and TV network?
ND has money, facilities and TV network?
BYU has money, facilities TV and network?

Might be a few more interested as well

There would be one that all the others would not identify with.

(05-22-2014 04:34 AM)LUalumfromnc Wrote:  How dare the Sun Belt deny Liberty because of our religious beliefs and political beliefs!!!! Arkansas State and Louisiana Monroe were forced to change their nicknames because they offended native americans, but no one freaked out about it. The Sun Belt schools have been around for a long time so of course they are supposed to be good in athletics, but we have only been around since 1971. While they were celebrating their 43 years of existence they were dreaming they would be good in athletics. In our 43 years of existence we easily past their dreams by a long shot. App State will see on October 11th why the Sun Belt will regret not inviting us!!!!

Pride. Fall. Humbleness. Grace in the face of adversity.

Think the school would teach some Bible courses.