Sun Belt to Discuss Our Membership March 9th

[MountainMan]

Would expect East Carolina to eventually get to the point that they would just as soon play regional teams as some they will be playing in the football BE. When that happens more and more ECU, JMU, and other local schools will want to make a sensible conference. After all, does not matter what conference you are in if your main goal is to win the BCS bowl bid as best in the Gof5.

Just move to FBS and work hard to have the best football program that we can have.

+1

After the really big boys get their big conferences like they like them, it will become more obvious over the next few years to the rest of FBS that the mad dash of conference realignments have resulted in some less-than-optimal conference configurations. So-called media markets are virtually worthless if the teams don't win or have a large following. When most, if not all, of these next-level conferences see that the money trees are not growing as large in these conferences, there will most likely be a more geographically rational re-shuffling over time.

[MAD Doctor]

I agree, Mountain Man. The big boys only want to separate themselves from the pack and snatch up all the revenue in the kitty. I guess they are counting on the fans who have no real ties to the university other than buying their merchandise at Wal-Mart- sort of a Saturday Quasi NFL. Don't get me wrong, I 'll watch an Alabama-LSU game for sure, but I will only be a FAN (and alum) of App State. I have no desire to subscribe to any Big 10 or Pac-10 network, and certainly not the Ain't Comin' Close (ACC) network.
Hopefully, when everything finally shakes out, common sense will take over and schools like App, Charlotte, and JMU will question the logic of playing games in Texas or New Mexico in front of a half-empty stadium, when good regional rivalries are possible with a two hour trip up the road. Until then, we do what we have to do to be in the game.

[Blackangold4]

+1

After the really big boys get their big conferences like they like them, it will become more obvious over the next few years to the rest of FBS that the mad dash of conference realignments have resulted in some less-than-optimal conference configurations. So-called media markets are virtually worthless if the teams don't win or have a large following. When most, if not all, of these next-level conferences see that the money trees are not growing as large in these conferences, there will most likely be a more geographically rational re-shuffling over time.

Which will then in turn inspire more passionate fan-bases because they are able to go to away games as well as home games, especially in local metropolises. There are many top BCS schools that aren't in 'money markets" but by having regional rivals they have built passionate, successful and most importantly to their conferences valuable programs.

[appgrunt71]

Like countless others, I'm waiting on the edge of my seat for the news.

[Saint3333]

Don't expect anything next week guys.

The Tulsa to the nBE and WKU to CUSA will likely happen before we hear anything.

[bcoach]

WCU will be replaced by UNCC... no doubt about it. This will be a good home for us, and who knows what the next 5 years will hold... all I know is: Its a GREAT time to be a Mountaineer!

I generally agree with everything you posted except this above. I would like to think we will replace WCU with ECU or even Wake. I understand that unc-c has caught the rocket-ship to FBS, but that to me doesn't constitute a "rivalry." A rivalry is born from tradition and history. It cannot be force-placed. Sure, certain things have happened that indicate the foundation is currently being laid for unc-c to be perhaps a "rival" but much like when Coastal Carolina came up to Boone thumping their chests back in 2005, all will quickly realize unc-c has a long way to go and App/Unc-c is far from a rivalry on the football field.

I just think the "rivalry" term is too loosely thrown around these days.

You are right, about the overuse of the word, but check my quote, I did not use it. UNCC replaces WCU as the "whipping boy who thinks they are a rival" school... It will be even better when it will be another notch for the SBC against CUSA.

A good rival is usually in the same conference.

[97APP]

Don't expect anything next week guys.

The Tulsa to the nBE and WKU to CUSA will likely happen before we hear anything.

I agree. I think we'll probably see more concrete rumors (i.e. anonymous Sunbelt sources vs the current friend of a friend sources). But the Sunbelt won't make an official announcement until the American 12 (what a crappy name) and CUSA make their selections public. However, I do think they'll announce quickly after those two announce.

[Kgfish]

Don't expect anything next week guys.

The Tulsa to the nBE and WKU to CUSA will likely happen before we hear anything.

After Tulsa I look for S Miss and Marshall to be their 13th & 14th members.

[Saint3333]

If that happens, who does CUSA poach from the Belt, Ark St., ULL, and WKU? Outside shot to GA. St.?

That is a tough place to be for us. On one hand it opens the possiblity of JMU to the Sun Belt which I would love, but it hurts the Belt to lose all three of those members and guarantees the addition of NMSU.

We could be looking at a Sun Belt of JMU, App, GSU, GA St., USA, Troy, ULM, Texas St., and NMSU.

On the other hand ODU and UNCC might be looking for another eastern based team should Marshall leave. #stir the pot.

[GlassOnion]

How lucky are we? Everytime we get close to an invite, poo hits the fan, and we've got to wait for the air to clear again.

[AppinVA]

How lucky are we? Everytime we get close to an invite, poo hits the fan, and we've got to wait for the air to clear again.

No. No. No. Not another Christmas on the Island.

[GlassOnion]

We may end up tgetting 2 invites after all. Lets take both.

[AppinVA]

We may end up tgetting 2 invites after all. Lets take both.

That would be a good problem to have.

[bcoach]

This has turned into a new sitcom.

[GlassOnion]

I dont think it matters at this point. I dont think CUSA will be sustainable, and the SB gets a little more less desireable by the day. if they end up losing 3-4 more teams, there is going to be a huge mess, that is going to have to be sorted out a few years down the road. BUT, at least we'll be FBS.

I'll take out the classic metaphor. Its maybe a little too classic.

[97APP]

I don't see the America 12 going beyond 12 anytime soon. They may add Southern Miss or Marshall if Navy backs out or if they lose Cincy or UConn.

It seems as though their per team revenue won't increase by going to 14 or more. So IMO, they're not adding anyone unless they can increase revenue.

[GlassOnion]

I don't see the America 12 going beyond 12 anytime soon. They may add Southern Miss or Marshall if Navy backs out or if they lose Cincy or UConn.

It seems as though their per team revenue won't increase by going to 14 or more. So IMO, they're not adding anyone unless they can increase revenue.

Unless, as like they are speculating on the Sun Belt board, the American Whatever deliberatly torpedoes the Sun Belt by taking enough SB teams to collapse them, and then they split what would have been the SB's NCAA revenue between the last surviving conferences.

I think it very unlikely, but I bet it has been considered. The SB would put up a fight, and attempt alot of FCS move-ups and an NCAA waiver, so that it may backfire on the SB.

[sixtoes9134]

Chad Bishop tweeting that Benson will address media tomorrow at 5:00.

Seems premature to discuss additions given nothing else has happened re WKU to C-USA.

https://twitter.com/MrChadBishop

[Gonzo]

Chad Bishop tweeting that Benson will address media tomorrow at 5:00.

Seems premature to discuss additions given nothing else has happened re WKU to C-USA.

https://twitter.com/MrChadBishop

Q: Should app fans pay attention to this news conference?
A: Yes

[97APP]

Unless, as like they are speculating on the Sun Belt board, the American Whatever deliberatly torpedoes the Sun Belt by taking enough SB teams to collapse them, and then they split what would have been the SB's NCAA revenue between the last surviving conferences.

I think it very unlikely, but I bet it has been considered. The SB would put up a fight, and attempt alot of FCS move-ups and an NCAA waiver, so that it may backfire on the SB.

In theory they could try that, but in practice I don't think it works.

CUSA would be gambling that their increase in the playoff-payoff would increase enough to offset the loss in per-team TV revenue within the current/future known CUSA members. I'm sure that the MAC, A12 and MWC would appreciate the gesture but I don't think CUSA is willing to be the martyr for the rest of the leftover 5 conferences.

Even if CUSA can make the money work somewhat in their favor (there's no way it becomes some sort of cash cow deal). They could be asking UAB to accept 1-2 more Alabama schools, LA Tech to add 1-2 more Louisiana schools and the Texas schools to further dilute their portion of Texas with TX State. There's a lot of pride and toes being stepped on in the hopes of a slight profit.

IMO the Sunbelt would need to be reduced below 4 members to endanger the league. Currently App, GaSo, NMSU, Jacksonville St and Liberty have been vocal in their desire to move to the FBS level. Lamar, Sam Houston and James Madison all have been part of the rumor mill as well.