(11-28-2016 04:45 PM)FloridaJag Wrote:  

(11-23-2016 04:12 AM)Michael in Raleigh Wrote:  

(11-23-2016 01:57 AM)ChooChoo Wrote:  

That would not be bad.

I think for the Sun Belt to ever reach in a more permanent level the achievements of the American or the MW, it has to reach a point where it's teams aren't in transition from starting up or even from FCS. I would assume the goal is to have teams where fanbasez are already established. If the league is constantly adding teams who just recently, or haven't even yet, established football programs, then the league will never be filled with teams with established fans. I do see JIM and UTA as exceptions. JMU because they are pretty much FBS-ready from a budget and facilities standpoint. UTA because they are already a league member. But adding schools like Wichita State, Missouri State, or Chattanooga, which either don't yet have programs, are in terrible shape as a program (like we need more of that), or simply don't have much of a fanbase to support the program, just would set the league back for no good reason.

The expansion candidates should be:

UT - Arlington (football)
Kennesaw State
West Florida
UNF or FGCU

FJ...what's wrong with just choosing from D-I teams if we ever expand again? Why is it you get a hard-on over D-II schools and schools who don't even have football programs and advocate them to join the Belt? Really...what's your agenda bro?

(11-29-2016 04:31 AM)airtroop Wrote:  

(11-28-2016 04:45 PM)FloridaJag Wrote:  

(11-23-2016 04:12 AM)Michael in Raleigh Wrote:  

(11-23-2016 01:57 AM)ChooChoo Wrote:  

That would not be bad.

I think for the Sun Belt to ever reach in a more permanent level the achievements of the American or the MW, it has to reach a point where it's teams aren't in transition from starting up or even from FCS. I would assume the goal is to have teams where fanbasez are already established. If the league is constantly adding teams who just recently, or haven't even yet, established football programs, then the league will never be filled with teams with established fans. I do see JIM and UTA as exceptions. JMU because they are pretty much FBS-ready from a budget and facilities standpoint. UTA because they are already a league member. But adding schools like Wichita State, Missouri State, or Chattanooga, which either don't yet have programs, are in terrible shape as a program (like we need more of that), or simply don't have much of a fanbase to support the program, just would set the league back for no good reason.

The expansion candidates should be:

UT - Arlington (football)
Kennesaw State
West Florida
UNF or FGCU

FJ...what's wrong with just choosing from D-I teams if we ever expand again? Why is it you get a hard-on over D-II schools and schools who don't even have football programs and advocate them to join the Belt? Really...what's your agenda bro?

Good Morning,

I'm just looking at the reality of the situation. USA and Ga State started up programs and have been great additions to Sun Belt Football. USA was already a conference member and Ga State was not.

Appalachian State and Georgia Southern were tremendous additions after the loss of Middle Tennesse, FAU and FIU. Looking at the footprint and fan base, we need members within the established footprint. Idaho and New Mexico State are just to far. I live in Florida and it is very unlikely that I will be able to go see USA games at Texas State or Arkansas State. Therefore, I focus on possible candidates in four states, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. We must be mindful of the travel cost for other sports.

Florida is obvious. FGCU, UNF, UWF are within the Sun Belt established footprint. The weather, beaches and local attractions makes a great travel scenario for fans of out of state Sun Belt teams. A few years back, somebody even mentioned Florida A&M which I do not think is a viable candidate. It would have been great but the time to make that move has past. The same for Jackson State.

Alabama-- With the addition of UAB, USA and Troy to the FBS ranks, I do not believe there is any room for Jacksonville State. The addition of Ga State slammed the door on Jacksonville State.

Georgia -- Kennesaw State is a rising star like Georgia State. I do believe Ga Southern fans would love playing a game in Atlanta every year against Ga State or Kennesaw State. I know Troy and South Alabama would love it.

Texas--- I believe adding UT Arlington Football is pinnacle to the Sun Belt Conference advancement and exposure. Provides in-state rival with Texas State; Arkansas State fans would love it, and I have friends and family in Dallas and Ft. Worth.

The addition of the Coastal Carolina caught me off guard. I thought we were looking at bigger schools. There are a limited number of schools that fit. Based on the CCU addition, UTA, KSU, UNF, UWF and FGCU are the best candidates for Sun Belt expansion.

Finally, I believe attracting schools from CUSA is a pipe dream. We lost out on adding, Charlotte, ODU and UTSA. I would love to see UAB in the Sun Belt with those schools.

That is my up to date analysis.

Very honest question. Why does UTA, replace the turf on their field and keep the stadium in not horrible shape if they have no plans on reinstating the football team? Seems like just a waste of money to me.

I say no to any expansion that would dilute the progress we've made in rankings.

Let's try to avoid taking any steps back.

(11-29-2016 09:57 AM)SENOREIDA Wrote:  Very honest question. Why does UTA, replace the turf on their field and keep the stadium in not horrible shape if they have no plans on reinstating the football team? Seems like just a waste of money to me.

I found this articles from 2009: http://www.utamavs.com/genrel/072009aab.html

UTA efforts:

http://www.utafootball.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TexasArlingtonFootball/

(11-29-2016 09:57 AM)SENOREIDA Wrote:  Very honest question. Why does UTA, replace the turf on their field and keep the stadium in not horrible shape if they have no plans on reinstating the football team? Seems like just a waste of money to me.

the stadium is often used by area high school football and soccer teams and uta track. there is also the special olympics there every now and then and several large festivals use the place.

(10-02-2016 05:42 PM)Usajags Wrote:  

(10-02-2016 05:30 PM)CrimsonPhantom Wrote:  I don't think the SBC will expand, as the eastern half controls it.

The numbers may be on the eastern side, but I don't think that means we don't understand the wants and needs of the western side. If we could snag a team out of CUSA, not one of the FCS call up of theirs, we would take them, no matter their location.

Sweet. You can have FIU and FAU.

(10-05-2016 12:29 PM)Duke Dawg Wrote:  so we get crowds of 25,000+ as an FCS school, but some of you wouldn't add JMU because we are a FBS "start up"?

that kind of talk reminds me of CUSA when they added schools based on "market". How's that working out for them?

Haven't you learned anything from App St and Ga Southern?



and to say JMU felt it was "too good" for the Sun Belt is just not accurate. Our administration had valid reasons for saying no. They are not reasons our fans and alum agreed with, but it is what it is.

I suspect now, with NMSU and Idaho out and CCU coming in, should the Sun Belt approach JMU about adding us and Eastern Kentucky, you all would get a different answer as the circumstances will have changed and the conference makeup will alleviate those valid reasons our admin had for saying no a few years ago.

but now you have indicated you guys are content at 10. Which is totally a valid and acceptable position.

but i still laugh at those who think adding JMU would not help the SB. It most certainly would.

So true. The market thing was a bust, big time. I would love to drop one of our FL schools and add JMU. I was just on your campus doing a tour with my son who will be graduating HS soon (I live in Roanoke).