Sun Belt no longer looking at FCS for expansion

[asu66]

Wish Holland was young enough to take our AD's position when CC moves on and up. He's certainly healthy enough--regardless of age--but he'll probably be more interested in enjoying his golden years with international travel and sitting by the surf sipping mint juleps. Can't blame him. Perhaps we could engage him as a paid consultant. He certainly has the interest, knowledge and contacts to broker a new, regional conference.

[hapapp]

It may happen (a regional conference) but ECU would have to swallow awful hard to accept it. They really believe they have moved beyond having to associated with likes of us and UNCC.

[JTApps1]

The Big 5 and everyone else being outside is permanent. That door has closed. The gap will expand even faster than it has in the past 10 years. The action will happen in the new second tier.

JMU didn't miss the last boat. The top FCS teams will be allowed to join the new second tier. They are wise to not take a bad situation out of desperation. But in time we are likely to end up in a different conf with JMU. A regional conference that is sustainable.

Though it should be, travel and travel costs are obviously not a concern or we would not be in a conference that covers Idaho, NM, TX, LA, AK, GA and NC. UMass is far better than EKU.

I have to agree with you about the boat. It left the dock but has not, and will not, leave the harbor without taking some more top FCS programs to fill out the future regional conferences. At some point in time I would not be surprised if we were conference mates with JMU,UNCC, ECU and others. Just like the housing industry this just can't go on forever. The money is going to dry up for all but the top tier.
Now before you call me a negative Nellie I am going to tell you I will welcome the change. Regional opponents give us the opportunity to travel to more games and will keep the cost down for all. I actually think that when the dust settles we will be better off than we are today. We may even get a playoff with a real NC game. We may get back to the good of FCS but with wider appeal and stronger competition. This is something we don't have today. I really can't wait for the big boys to go away.

Why would the G5 schools want to bring in more schools and lower the payout they receive from the playoff agreement? If we add UMass everyone will be at 12 schools except CUSA who went to 14 before the $12Mil maximum payout was announced. I agree that a reshuffle of schools is likely to take place within the G5, but I don't think there is much of an advantage to bringing in more mouths to feed. I don't see expansion happening until the 10 year agreement for the College Playoff ends, or there is a major change voted in by the P5 and G5. If the CCG proposal goes through there is no need for the Big XII to expand which means no spots opening up in either the P5 or G5. Even if they add say BYU and Cincinnati there likely won't be an impact. BYU is independent and the AAC could easily add Army (another independent) to fill Cincy's place. Even if it goes slightly different and the AAC raids CUSA there would still only be 1 opening up for grabs. I could be wrong, but I just don't see anywhere for the FCS schools to go for the next 10 years.

[JCline0429]

someone please explain to me why UMass is even being considered, excessive travel cost, little support for the football program, most likely just a temporary solution for UMass until they find a conference that's a better fit. The only positive I see is a decent basketball program, and their tv market will be the strongest in the SBC, but even then, what does it matter if no one cares in the North East. Maybe it a case of their the best of the hopefuls, but still, if that's the best we can do..., I don't know, someone please explain to me the attraction.

Doesn't the University of Massachusetts play their home games about an hour away from campus?

[JCline0429]

It may happen (a regional conference) but ECU would have to swallow awful hard to accept it. They really believe they have moved beyond having to associated with likes of us and UNCC.

And, it's sad to say, they have.

[hapapp]

someone please explain to me why UMass is even being considered, excessive travel cost, little support for the football program, most likely just a temporary solution for UMass until they find a conference that's a better fit. The only positive I see is a decent basketball program, and their tv market will be the strongest in the SBC, but even then, what does it matter if no one cares in the North East. Maybe it a case of their the best of the hopefuls, but still, if that's the best we can do..., I don't know, someone please explain to me the attraction.

Doesn't the University of Massachusetts play their home games about an hour away from campus?

Yes, while their stadium is under renovation. I believe they will have some home games in Amherst in 2014.

[NewApp]

Is ANYTHING permanent in today's world of college football?

The only thing permanent in any of the "major" sports is "change."

[JTApps1]

someone please explain to me why UMass is even being considered, excessive travel cost, little support for the football program, most likely just a temporary solution for UMass until they find a conference that's a better fit. The only positive I see is a decent basketball program, and their tv market will be the strongest in the SBC, but even then, what does it matter if no one cares in the North East. Maybe it a case of their the best of the hopefuls, but still, if that's the best we can do..., I don't know, someone please explain to me the attraction.

Doesn't the University of Massachusetts play their home games about an hour away from campus?

They are playing 3 on campus, and 3 in Gillette Stadium this year.