(01-04-2017 04:37 PM)BlazintheATL Wrote:  I made the point on the UAB board that given the chance to leave CUSA for the Belt right now, I'd be all for it. Obviously this isn't a very popular opinion. The reasons I cited are UAB would have more in state rivals in the Belt (Troy, USA) and it would be a better regional fit (NC to East TX as opposed to Northern VA to West TX). I also believe the two conferences are relatively equal in quality of football programs and the Sun Belt has been performing better in basketball (largely thanks to Little Rock and UTA).

As far as finances, Sun Belt splits their share of football money with a smaller group of schools, travel cost would be reduced, and our new TV doesn't pay out much more than the Belt's current deal.

So my question is, how would fans of current Sun Belt programs feel about leaving the Belt for CUSA. Would you still consider it an upgrade, like it was in the past, or would you consider it a lateral move at best.

The current CUSA is definitely not an upgrade . . lateral at best. I much prefer the current SBC lineup to that of CUSA though schools such as UAB and USM would be nice adds to the SBC.

(01-04-2017 04:37 PM)BlazintheATL Wrote:  I made the point on the UAB board that given the chance to leave CUSA for the Belt right now, I'd be all for it. Obviously this isn't a very popular opinion. The reasons I cited are UAB would have more in state rivals in the Belt (Troy, USA) and it would be a better regional fit (NC to East TX as opposed to Northern VA to West TX). I also believe the two conferences are relatively equal in quality of football programs and the Sun Belt has been performing better in basketball (largely thanks to Little Rock and UTA).

As far as finances, Sun Belt splits their share of football money with a smaller group of schools, travel cost would be reduced, and our new TV doesn't pay out much more than the Belt's current deal.

So my question is, how would fans of current Sun Belt programs feel about leaving the Belt for CUSA. Would you still consider it an upgrade, like it was in the past, or would you consider it a lateral move at best.

I am and have been an advocate of GSU playing in the same conference as or playing UAB OOC in all sports. UAB is the closest G5 to us by far. But lest see what the future brings in airport meetings.

(01-04-2017 08:47 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  

(01-04-2017 07:16 PM)LatahCounty Wrote:  Yes. We're in. Where do we sign?

Oh, wait. Were you talking about Idaho?

Actually, the conversation would go something like this:

CUSA: Yes, Mr. Staben, we're pleased to offer Idaho a membership into our league. We think your glowing reputation will help us grow:

Staben: Yeah, we're very interested. You guys are D2 right. I've been looking at dropping athletics to D2 for some time now to help finance our next research project

CUSA: Actually sir, we're in FBS.

Staben: Oh...well, we're very happy in the Big Sky, and are not interested in moving our athletic programs at this time...please do not call this number again. *click*

At the very least post of the month already.

I think it's a step down unless App comes with us. As it stands now we would be giving up schools we have historic rivalries with in App, Troy, and Ga State for schools we have barely any with. The only schools that would move the needle for us would be Marshall and Old Dominion. At least in the Sun Belt we are playing a majority of schools we played in our FCS days i.e. App, Troy, A State, TXST, ULM, and even Idaho.

We're pretty happy here in the Belt. I think having divisions and a CCG game will help propel us into being a pretty competitive conference and help change our perception.

(01-04-2017 04:37 PM)BlazintheATL Wrote:  I made the point on the UAB board that given the chance to leave CUSA for the Belt right now, I'd be all for it. Obviously this isn't a very popular opinion. The reasons I cited are UAB would have more in state rivals in the Belt (Troy, USA) and it would be a better regional fit (NC to East TX as opposed to Northern VA to West TX). I also believe the two conferences are relatively equal in quality of football programs and the Sun Belt has been performing better in basketball (largely thanks to Little Rock and UTA).

As far as finances, Sun Belt splits their share of football money with a smaller group of schools, travel cost would be reduced, and our new TV doesn't pay out much more than the Belt's current deal.

So my question is, how would fans of current Sun Belt programs feel about leaving the Belt for CUSA. Would you still consider it an upgrade, like it was in the past, or would you consider it a lateral move at best.

Would love to add your basketball program for sure

(01-04-2017 08:56 PM)AppManDG Wrote:  With the Sunbelt and CUSA being equals now I don't see a move from one to another as a way to better one's self. However, it seems we are destined for a reorganization into more sensible geographic arrangements.

Not sure why. We have a conference that is pretty cool, did a good job in bowl season, improving in basketball, getting more respect. What's so necessary for it to be broken up? Both SBC and CUSA's biggest problem has always been stability of membership for both leagues. Why voluntarily do that again?

(01-04-2017 04:37 PM)BlazintheATL Wrote:  I made the point on the UAB board that given the chance to leave CUSA for the Belt right now, I'd be all for it. Obviously this isn't a very popular opinion. The reasons I cited are UAB would have more in state rivals in the Belt (Troy, USA) and it would be a better regional fit (NC to East TX as opposed to Northern VA to West TX). I also believe the two conferences are relatively equal in quality of football programs and the Sun Belt has been performing better in basketball (largely thanks to Little Rock and UTA).

EAST TEXAS?

UAB would be more than welcome in the Sun Belt, I think. Centrally located to the rest of the league, good basketball history.

As far as CUSA is concerned, I think you'd find the Cajuns would love to be affiliated with USM and La. Tech. But not at the cost of joining CUSA. Not anymore, at least.

The only plus to joining CUSA is many believe it's the only way to get to the AAC which is the goal for the Cajuns. I personally believe we don't need CUSA as a stepping stone. Take care of our business here and help this league grow and we'd be attractive regardless of what league we are in.

I agree right now there is no hurry, but as revenue shrinks and expenses increase its going to force schools to talk about conference membership based on region. Right now, we seem to be in much better position than CUSA to wait and see how this plays out, but we both need our basketball programs to generate more revenue, we really need more than one team to make the NCAA tournament.

(01-04-2017 10:40 PM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(01-04-2017 04:37 PM)BlazintheATL Wrote:  I made the point on the UAB board that given the chance to leave CUSA for the Belt right now, I'd be all for it. Obviously this isn't a very popular opinion. The reasons I cited are UAB would have more in state rivals in the Belt (Troy, USA) and it would be a better regional fit (NC to East TX as opposed to Northern VA to West TX). I also believe the two conferences are relatively equal in quality of football programs and the Sun Belt has been performing better in basketball (largely thanks to Little Rock and UTA).

EAST TEXAS?

Central Texas?

(01-04-2017 10:40 PM)TheRevSWT Wrote:  

(01-04-2017 04:37 PM)BlazintheATL Wrote:  I made the point on the UAB board that given the chance to leave CUSA for the Belt right now, I'd be all for it. Obviously this isn't a very popular opinion. The reasons I cited are UAB would have more in state rivals in the Belt (Troy, USA) and it would be a better regional fit (NC to East TX as opposed to Northern VA to West TX). I also believe the two conferences are relatively equal in quality of football programs and the Sun Belt has been performing better in basketball (largely thanks to Little Rock and UTA).

EAST TEXAS?

Central Texas?

As the conferences sit right now I don't see any point in switching conferences. Like others have said it'd be a lateral move. I would be interested in and Sun Belt CUSA reshuffle to create more regional conferences. Something along the lines of...

CUSA

Marshall
WKU
ODU
JMU
App State
Charlotte
Middle Tennessee
Coastal
Georgia Southern
Georgia State
FIU
FAU


SUN BELT CONFERENCE

Arkansas State
Troy
South Alabama
UAB
Southern Miss
Lousiana Tech
Lousiana
ULM
North Texas
Texas State
UTEP
UTSA
Rice
New Mexico State

I think the SBC has the upper hand at the moment. Very little reason for a move other than travel and regionalizing. However, I think a 4 team swap would fix many issues. I'd honestly prefer to cherry pick to benefit GSU like most would, but I'm trying to be quasi-realistic here.
UTA, LR, ULL, TX St / Marshall, UNCC, ODU, FAU. Though not perfect it gets both to 12 FB members, maintains competitive conferences, tightens travel, splits FL recruiting, would be a boost for ULM in particular by becoming more autonomous. Arkansas State is really the lone wolf in this scenario.

CUSA
UTA*
Little Rock*
------
-west-
UTEP
UTSA
TX St*
Rice
UNT
LA Tech
------
-east-
Louisiana*
USM
UAB
MTSU
WKU
FIU

SBC
-south-
ULM
USA
Troy
GS
CCU
FAU*
------
-north-
stAte
GSU
Charlotte*
App St
Marshall*
ODU*

But again, I'm content to stand pat for now and let's see who comes to the plate. We (the SBC) has the high ground as well as many up and coming programs, IMO.

(01-04-2017 11:46 PM)BlazintheATL Wrote:  Central Texas?

Thank you

2025 will be the year when the shifting will happen and it might even include some AAC teams.

(01-05-2017 06:25 AM)SouthJags2012 Wrote:  2025 will be the year when the shifting will happen and it might even include some AAC teams.

Maybe, but if it takes that long, I think many G5 schools won't make it to 2025 unless they can cut travel costs and build revenue through butts in the stadiums. Regionalization will help both problems.

The belch should target Tulane instead. They're no longer worthy of either the AAC or C-USA.

(01-05-2017 07:54 AM)TechRocks Wrote:  The belch should target Tulane instead. They're no longer worthy of either the AAC or C-USA.

Either obvious trolling or didnt read where we were saying cusa was at best lateral move

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(01-05-2017 07:23 AM)Capt Ed Wrote:  

(01-05-2017 06:25 AM)SouthJags2012 Wrote:  2025 will be the year when the shifting will happen and it might even include some AAC teams.

Maybe, but if it takes that long, I think many G5 schools won't make it to 2025 unless they can cut travel costs and build revenue through butts in the stadiums. Regionalization will help both problems.

If it takes until 2025 than there are going to be a lot of G5 schools with some serious financial problems.

(01-05-2017 07:54 AM)TechRocks Wrote:  The belch should target Tulane instead. They're no longer worthy of either the AAC or C-USA.

says the guy from the conference who has been ranked below the belt for 2 straight years, and whose schools make less money from bowl games than the belt...