SHSU has been to multiple national championships in Frisco 4ish hours from Huntsville and their opponents always have much bigger crowds at the game coming from across the country. They have a dedicated fan base, it is just small. Even with all the success they don't seem to grow it much.

One of my best friends went there and is a big fan. I need to ask him what he thinks of it all but I think he likes making runs at the FCS title and then supports other teams at the FBS level.

(11-03-2021 08:46 AM)All4One Wrote:  

(11-03-2021 08:31 AM)rileylives Wrote:  Seriously, who the hell is Sam Houston and Jacksonville State?

You are a nothing at the FCS level. You should be grateful you're getting an opportunity to come up.

You know everyone in Division 1-A said the same thing about Marshall in 1996 regardless of however many wins you had at the 1-AA level? You should try to be more understanding.

It's not that, it's their arrogance that's rubbing me the wrong way.

(11-03-2021 08:31 AM)rileylives Wrote:  Seriously, who the hell is Sam Houston and Jacksonville State?

You are a nothing at the FCS level. You should be grateful you're getting an opportunity to come up.

Schools like Marshall that very folks know of.

(11-02-2021 11:25 PM)SammyH Wrote:  

(11-02-2021 03:14 PM)2009panther Wrote:  

(11-02-2021 02:50 PM)SlyFox Wrote:  If you peruse the KatFans.com message board you will find hardly any enthusiam about a potential move from the WAC to CUSA. I live near Sam and their AD lives around the corner from me in my neighborhood. And even I am stunned by the strong pushback from Sam fans.

Perhaps this article this afternoon in the local Huntsville paper explains the hesitancy.

Huntsville (TX) Item Wrote:Sam Houston's speculated move to Conference USA brings questions, concerns
Colton Foster | The Item

HUNTSVILLE — Sam Houston athletics could soon be on the move again, according to Action Network’s Brett McMurphy.

The veteran college football reporter said Monday that Sam Houston football could likely be moving up to the FBS level and joining Conference USA. The rumored move is coming a year after the Bearkats split from the Southland Conference for the WAC.

Click Here for Full Story

In summary, the story outlines the challenges for SHSU:

• $18M Athletic Budget -- Student fee was just voted down
• Bowers Stadium is undersized and outdated
• Attendance even for an FCS champion is half of what FBS requires
  

I was on their board before and was shocked to see the same. They seem to prefer competing for FCS national titles than playing on the bottom rung of a bigger stage. Same thing going on in the board for Jacksonville State. I’m sure their perspectives on this will change in time when they see the school investing into the program. That budget will go up. I had seen that SHSU committed to building a new stadium by the end of 2023 AND JSU was doing a major overhaul of theirs as well.

What’s so damn shocking about it? Is wanting to keep playing at the FCS level for national championships as opposed to meaningless bowl games really THAT strange? There’s good reason 3/4ths of our fanbase is so against this, and it’s not just because we have a track around our field and draw 8000 fans per game.

Don’t care how much they spend on the program. I’m a fan, not the AD. I’m not coming out to watch them play the “have-nots” of the FBS. It’s much more fun being a big fish in the smaller pond. Why should we want to join a bunch of podunk ass, far flung nobody schools that none of our fans care to see us play? For a shot at the Beef’O’Brady Bowl? Ha! No thanks… if we join CUSA I won’t be renewing season tickets and I know a lot of fans feel the same way. We don’t wanna be here.

Much more fun hosting a few extra games in November/December and playing for a NATIONAL TITLE.

You guys have season ticket holders? Why even bother when you can walk up within the first 5 minutes and the mom in charge if the bake sale has left her post to take shots of whiskey behind the port-a-johns?

(11-03-2021 09:52 AM)Gemofthehills Wrote:  

(11-03-2021 08:31 AM)rileylives Wrote:  Seriously, who the hell is Sam Houston and Jacksonville State?

You are a nothing at the FCS level. You should be grateful you're getting an opportunity to come up.

Schools like Marshall that very folks know of.

Hey, tell your admin to stay at FCS if you're happy.

(11-03-2021 09:52 AM)Gemofthehills Wrote:  

(11-03-2021 08:31 AM)rileylives Wrote:  Seriously, who the hell is Sam Houston and Jacksonville State?

You are a nothing at the FCS level. You should be grateful you're getting an opportunity to come up.

Schools like Marshall that very folks know of.

Few folks know of Marshall? The one big stage FCS game on National TV generated just twice the viewership of an out of conference weeknight match-up between Marshall and App State. Your PREMIER GAME.

There is a reason that App State and Georgia Southern left the FCS behind. Some fans had the same rationale as you all, playoffs, no name bowls, etc. But for your University, athletics is a big billboard that travels and gets put on TV. In FBS your total viewership each year, if you're decent, is going to be much more than the off chance that you actually get to the National Championship game and get on ESPN.

You also get to compete at the highest level which is far more entertaining than competing at a lower level and recognizing that a good 75% in the division over you are likely better teams...

Just saying.

(11-03-2021 10:24 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(11-03-2021 09:52 AM)Gemofthehills Wrote:  

(11-03-2021 08:31 AM)rileylives Wrote:  Seriously, who the hell is Sam Houston and Jacksonville State?

You are a nothing at the FCS level. You should be grateful you're getting an opportunity to come up.

Schools like Marshall that very folks know of.

Few folks know of Marshall? The one big stage FCS game on National TV generated just twice the viewership of an out of conference weeknight match-up between Marshall and App State. Your PREMIER GAME.

There is a reason that App State and Georgia Southern left the FCS behind. Some fans had the same rationale as you all, playoffs, no name bowls, etc. But for your University, athletics is a big billboard that travels and gets put on TV. In FBS your total viewership each year, if you're decent, is going to be much more than the off chance that you actually get to the National Championship game and get on ESPN.

You also get to compete at the highest level which is far more entertaining than competing at a lower level and recognizing that a good 75% in the division over you are likely better teams...

Just saying.

Let them B... They haven't even gotten out of the diaper stage yet, and are trying to throw their weight around.

It's cute.

As a Sam Houston fan...

I have said all along that I do not want our institution to get 'squeezed' out of the second tier when the NCAA has massive changes to the infrastructure. If this is our chance to ensure that we are in the new second tier, then we have to do it.

We are not completely ready (i.e. football stadium is probably the first thing to come to mind with marketing and associated fan attendance coming in next) for the move, but I do feel that the university is still very much in growth mode, will be at 25k students in the next few years and with the FBS enhancements (higher game guarantees, more sponsorship/revenue, a piece of the C-USA/CFP pie and what have you), the budget will not be an issue for the folks we are keeping company with.

From a 'future of the C-USA' perspective, I do hope that we see two relatively 'regional' pods. I do like being in a league with La Tech, UTEP and NMSU. I have got to figure that an addition of say Tarleton State or another football playing Texas school is not far behind to C-USA and I also see where the league will have 8 all-sport/football playing members, possibly two affiliates (UMass, UConn) for football only on a contract basis (perhaps a four-year deal to start?) and then add Little Rock & Arlington.

The first years for the new CUSA will be a bit bumpy in football, but I do believe it could be a fun, competitive league. Concerned about the TV contract situation (would rather ESPN than the current deal and certainly, don't want to see FloSports be a thing).

(11-03-2021 08:31 AM)rileylives Wrote:  Seriously, who the hell is Sam Houston and Jacksonville State?

You are a nothing at the FCS level. You should be grateful you're getting an opportunity to come up.

Woah. Is this how most Marshall fans feel? I'd much rather go to Frisco and play on ESPN for the FCS title than play in the Poulan Weed-Eater Bowl against some other 6-6 team. I just don't get the appeal of it. It'd be fun to play higher profile teams in the non-conference but the rest of it doesn't seem that grand to be honest.

(11-03-2021 10:27 AM)TexasTerror Wrote:  As a Sam Houston fan...

I have said all along that I do not want our institution to get 'squeezed' out of the second tier when the NCAA has massive changes to the infrastructure. If this is our chance to ensure that we are in the new second tier, then we have to do it.

We are not completely ready (i.e. football stadium is probably the first thing to come to mind with marketing and associated fan attendance coming in next) for the move, but I do feel that the university is still very much in growth mode, will be at 25k students in the next few years and with the FBS enhancements (higher game guarantees, more sponsorship/revenue, a piece of the C-USA/CFP pie and what have you), the budget will not be an issue for the folks we are keeping company with.

From a 'future of the C-USA' perspective, I do hope that we see two relatively 'regional' pods. I do like being in a league with La Tech, UTEP and NMSU. I have got to figure that an addition of say Tarleton State or another football playing Texas school is not far behind to C-USA and I also see where the league will have 8 all-sport/football playing members, possibly two affiliates (UMass, UConn) for football only on a contract basis (perhaps a four-year deal to start?) and then add Little Rock & Arlington.

The first years for the new CUSA will be a bit bumpy in football, but I do believe it could be a fun, competitive league. Concerned about the TV contract situation (would rather ESPN than the current deal and certainly, don't want to see FloSports be a thing).

+3

(11-03-2021 10:33 AM)JohnGoodmanMSU Wrote:  

(11-03-2021 08:31 AM)rileylives Wrote:  Seriously, who the hell is Sam Houston and Jacksonville State?

You are a nothing at the FCS level. You should be grateful you're getting an opportunity to come up.

Woah. Is this how most Marshall fans feel? I'd much rather go to Frisco and play on ESPN for the FCS title than play in the Poulan Weed-Eater Bowl against some other 6-6 team. I just don't get the appeal of it. It'd be fun to play higher profile teams in the non-conference but the rest of it doesn't seem that grand to be honest.

We shouldn't have to convince you why FBS football is better than FCS. You take your opportunities when you can get it. Get your foot in the door, and then in a few years see what happens.

Or you can grow stale in FCS. There is a reason schools like La Tech, FIU and UTEP don't want to drop down to FCS.

(11-03-2021 10:26 AM)rileylives Wrote:  

(11-03-2021 10:24 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(11-03-2021 09:52 AM)Gemofthehills Wrote:  

(11-03-2021 08:31 AM)rileylives Wrote:  Seriously, who the hell is Sam Houston and Jacksonville State?

You are a nothing at the FCS level. You should be grateful you're getting an opportunity to come up.

Schools like Marshall that very folks know of.

Few folks know of Marshall? The one big stage FCS game on National TV generated just twice the viewership of an out of conference weeknight match-up between Marshall and App State. Your PREMIER GAME.

There is a reason that App State and Georgia Southern left the FCS behind. Some fans had the same rationale as you all, playoffs, no name bowls, etc. But for your University, athletics is a big billboard that travels and gets put on TV. In FBS your total viewership each year, if you're decent, is going to be much more than the off chance that you actually get to the National Championship game and get on ESPN.

You also get to compete at the highest level which is far more entertaining than competing at a lower level and recognizing that a good 75% in the division over you are likely better teams...

Just saying.

Let them B... They haven't even gotten out of the diaper stage yet, and are trying to throw their weight around.

It's cute.

I'm with you. If they want to play for a second tier NC that no one gives a damn about except for them, let them. I consider myself a big football fan and have never seen a FCS playoff game or championship game. We'll scratch them off the list and move on to the next 28 candidates.

I believe both Missouri State and Marshall are 5-3. MSU has a big game in Carbondale against a really good SIU team that has massive playoff implications. I am sure at practice this week they are talking about winning this game and if they make the playoffs, they have a shot to win a national title. We are far from the best team but we have played the top teams close so there is a chance.

Marshall plays FAU this week. I suppose winning the division is on their minds, but it feels like the big thing in CUSA would be winning games so that you can get the Independence Bowl bid and not have to fall to a less glamorous bowl like the Lending Tree bowl. That's fun I guess but what does it ultimately matter if you get the lesser bowl. Less money for the school I would reckon, but does it really matter to the fans? It's just another exhibition game either way.

(11-03-2021 10:43 AM)JohnGoodmanMSU Wrote:  I believe both Missouri State and Marshall are 5-3. MSU has a big game in Carbondale against a really good SIU team that has massive playoff implications. I am sure at practice this week they are talking about winning this game and if they make the playoffs, they have a shot to win a national title. We are far from the best team but we have played the top teams close so there is a chance.

Marshall plays FAU this week. I suppose winning the division is on their minds, but it feels like the big thing in CUSA would be winning games so that you can get the Independence Bowl bid and not have to fall to a less glamorous bowl like the Lending Tree bowl. That's fun I guess but what does it ultimately matter if you get the lesser bowl. Less money for the school I would reckon, but does it really matter to the fans? It's just another exhibition game either way.

We get it you don't have to try and convince us any further. There are other schools that want to move up and take your place. Good luck in your game against SIU. By the way who is SIU? I've never heard of them.

(11-03-2021 10:27 AM)TexasTerror Wrote:  As a Sam Houston fan...

I have said all along that I do not want our institution to get 'squeezed' out of the second tier when the NCAA has massive changes to the infrastructure. If this is our chance to ensure that we are in the new second tier, then we have to do it.

We are not completely ready (i.e. football stadium is probably the first thing to come to mind with marketing and associated fan attendance coming in next) for the move, but I do feel that the university is still very much in growth mode, will be at 25k students in the next few years and with the FBS enhancements (higher game guarantees, more sponsorship/revenue, a piece of the C-USA/CFP pie and what have you), the budget will not be an issue for the folks we are keeping company with.

From a 'future of the C-USA' perspective, I do hope that we see two relatively 'regional' pods. I do like being in a league with La Tech, UTEP and NMSU. I have got to figure that an addition of say Tarleton State or another football playing Texas school is not far behind to C-USA and I also see where the league will have 8 all-sport/football playing members, possibly two affiliates (UMass, UConn) for football only on a contract basis (perhaps a four-year deal to start?) and then add Little Rock & Arlington.

The first years for the new CUSA will be a bit bumpy in football, but I do believe it could be a fun, competitive league. Concerned about the TV contract situation (would rather ESPN than the current deal and certainly, don't want to see FloSports be a thing).

Something that SammyH seems to be forgetting is that when you're FCS, you don't get home games against schools like Texas Tech, Houston. TCU, or Baylor, but when you're FBS, you actually have a really good shot of scoring a home game in a series with one of those types of opponents. That's a big deal to many schools in FBS.

(11-03-2021 10:49 AM)JCMiner Wrote:  

(11-03-2021 10:43 AM)JohnGoodmanMSU Wrote:  I believe both Missouri State and Marshall are 5-3. MSU has a big game in Carbondale against a really good SIU team that has massive playoff implications. I am sure at practice this week they are talking about winning this game and if they make the playoffs, they have a shot to win a national title. We are far from the best team but we have played the top teams close so there is a chance.

Marshall plays FAU this week. I suppose winning the division is on their minds, but it feels like the big thing in CUSA would be winning games so that you can get the Independence Bowl bid and not have to fall to a less glamorous bowl like the Lending Tree bowl. That's fun I guess but what does it ultimately matter if you get the lesser bowl. Less money for the school I would reckon, but does it really matter to the fans? It's just another exhibition game either way.

We get it you don't have to try and convince us any further. There are other schools that want to move up and take your place. Good luck in your game against SIU. By the way who is SIU? I've never heard of them.

Southern Illinois University. The Salukis. I had a cousin that attended the main campus in Carbondale. They play in the Missouri Valley Conference, and they're not that bad either.

(11-03-2021 10:52 AM)All4One Wrote:  

(11-03-2021 10:49 AM)JCMiner Wrote:  

(11-03-2021 10:43 AM)JohnGoodmanMSU Wrote:  I believe both Missouri State and Marshall are 5-3. MSU has a big game in Carbondale against a really good SIU team that has massive playoff implications. I am sure at practice this week they are talking about winning this game and if they make the playoffs, they have a shot to win a national title. We are far from the best team but we have played the top teams close so there is a chance.

Marshall plays FAU this week. I suppose winning the division is on their minds, but it feels like the big thing in CUSA would be winning games so that you can get the Independence Bowl bid and not have to fall to a less glamorous bowl like the Lending Tree bowl. That's fun I guess but what does it ultimately matter if you get the lesser bowl. Less money for the school I would reckon, but does it really matter to the fans? It's just another exhibition game either way.

We get it you don't have to try and convince us any further. There are other schools that want to move up and take your place. Good luck in your game against SIU. By the way who is SIU? I've never heard of them.

Southern Illinois University. The Salukis. I had a cousin that attended the main campus in Carbondale. They play in the Missouri Valley Conference, and they're not that bad either.

Got it. My first guess was Southern Iowa University. Close enough.

(11-03-2021 10:49 AM)JCMiner Wrote:  

(11-03-2021 10:43 AM)JohnGoodmanMSU Wrote:  I believe both Missouri State and Marshall are 5-3. MSU has a big game in Carbondale against a really good SIU team that has massive playoff implications. I am sure at practice this week they are talking about winning this game and if they make the playoffs, they have a shot to win a national title. We are far from the best team but we have played the top teams close so there is a chance.

Marshall plays FAU this week. I suppose winning the division is on their minds, but it feels like the big thing in CUSA would be winning games so that you can get the Independence Bowl bid and not have to fall to a less glamorous bowl like the Lending Tree bowl. That's fun I guess but what does it ultimately matter if you get the lesser bowl. Less money for the school I would reckon, but does it really matter to the fans? It's just another exhibition game either way.

We get it you don't have to try and convince us any further. There are other schools that want to move up and take your place. Good luck in your game against SIU. By the way who is SIU? I've never heard of them.

I mean no disrespect to UTEP. I have long been a fan of Dana Dimel and I love your stadium from what I have seen on TV. Maybe I am coming on a little bit more aggressive than I imagined.

I have a hard time understanding how someone can be a big football fan and not keep up with FCS. I watch plenty of that and the D2, D3 title games. The regional D2 conference in Missouri and Kansas has some of the best D2 football around and I travel to those games if I am not watching MSU, Mizzou, Arkansas, SEMO, etc.

I watch mostly MACtion games when I watch G5 football just because they are on alone on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. I really enjoy that immensely but I don't feel like the level is all that different from what I see weekly in the Missouri Valley. I am sure they would win a head to head MAC/MVC challenge but I don't think it would be all that lopsided.

(11-02-2021 03:53 PM)2009panther Wrote:  

(11-02-2021 03:49 PM)TexasTerror Wrote:  Are you guys really going to FloSports? And can they pay equal to or more than what the league was getting through their current agreements?

Is this a serious question? No, we’re not going to FloSports? WTF is FloSports?

Ask a UMASS fan...