Where should we end up?

[Kgfish]

I am in absolutely no way attempting to troll here, I just have an honest to God question for you guys.

It is clear that you all prefer the Sun Belt to C-USA. I just don't understand why? The Big East needs one more football playing member. If they pick Tulsa, WKU is next on board for C-USA. That's as good as done once the Big East/Catholic schools figure their stuff out. C-USA has essentially become the Sun Belt + UAB Southern Miss Marshall, and UTEP. Is it just a matter of you guys wanting to be with other FCS powers moving to FBS? Once again, I in no way mean this as a trolling attempt I was just curious.

The Sun Belt is looking at a lineup of:
Louisiana Monroe
Louisiana Lafayette
Arkansas Little Rock
Arkansas State
Troy
South Alabama
Georgia State
Texas State
Texas Arlington

The SB schools listed above is why I prefer CUSA. After adding WKU bringing on 2 more eastern schools makes a two division CUSA a reality. ODU is being very vocal pushing for JMU and I believe ASU could be in the mix as well. It would be nice if we could get new Governor McCrory to put some pressure on UNCC to begin pushing ASU as well.

ASU, Char, FAU, JMU, Marshall, MTSU, ODU, WKU
FIU, La Tech, UNT, Rice, S Miss, UAB, UTEP, UTSA

[GoApps70]

I am in absolutely no way attempting to troll here, I just have an honest to God question for you guys.

It is clear that you all prefer the Sun Belt to C-USA. I just don't understand why? The Big East needs one more football playing member. If they pick Tulsa, WKU is next on board for C-USA. That's as good as done once the Big East/Catholic schools figure their stuff out. C-USA has essentially become the Sun Belt + UAB Southern Miss Marshall, and UTEP. Is it just a matter of you guys wanting to be with other FCS powers moving to FBS? Once again, I in no way mean this as a trolling attempt I was just curious.

The Sun Belt is looking at a lineup of:
Louisiana Monroe
Louisiana Lafayette
Arkansas Little Rock
Arkansas State
Troy
South Alabama
Georgia State
Texas State
Texas Arlington

Sun Belt sounds good to me. You assume WKU will go to CUSA, but could be one of several teams including Texas State or Arkansas State or a MAC member maybe or even no one. Also Texas Arlington does not play football. If it were just going to FBS we would have taken an earlier offer. What school are you trolling from?

[fjblair]

Hard to believe anyone would prefer to stay in socon. If we stay FCS it has to be CAA but it seems to me we have no choice but to go FBS if anyone will have us. We have gone from the pinnacle to begging for scraps in 5 years. I'm being dramatic but our current situation is most unpleasant. It sure doesn't help that our basketball program has been floundering for years.

[AppGrad78]

I'm with Doug -- er Kgfish -- on this one. This any-port-in-a-storm mentality is going to get us in trouble. The Sun Belt offers less revenue than any conference in FBS and we would be in the outer fringe of the league footprint. That's a recipe for a lot of red ink. If we are so hell bent on joining the persona non grata part of FBS, then let's join a league that gives us a fighting chance of competitive and financial success. Conference USA pays its members better, has a better TV deal, has teams that we care about and we wouldn't be Pluto orbiting a solar system that is light years away.

[hapapp]

I actually prefer CUSA.

[kiddbrewer]

I'm with Doug -- er Kgfish -- on this one. This any-port-in-a-storm mentality is going to get us in trouble. The Sun Belt offers less revenue than any conference in FBS and we would be in the outer fringe of the league footprint. That's a recipe for a lot of red ink. If we are so hell bent on joining the persona non grata part of FBS, then let's join a league that gives us a fighting chance of competitive and financial success. Conference USA pays its members better, has a better TV deal, has teams that we care about and we wouldn't be Pluto orbiting a solar system that is light years away.

78, I see your point and completely agree. But, what if Georgia Southern gets in the Sun Belt with us and we can be travel partners, so to speak? Would that a better situation? I offer that scenario because I don't think CUSA has any interest in us because of market and our "inaccessibility".

[Saint3333]

Got to get your foot in the door, this is a long-term decision.

[JCline0429]

Smokin' something, I know...

Where's the "might join the ACC" button?

Someone is a little too happy that pitchers and catchers are reporting.

And there shall be light... The Boys of Summer return!

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/art ... n&c_id=cin

Nice hijack.

[JCline0429]

I'm with Doug -- er Kgfish -- on this one. This any-port-in-a-storm mentality is going to get us in trouble. The Sun Belt offers less revenue than any conference in FBS and we would be in the outer fringe of the league footprint. That's a recipe for a lot of red ink. If we are so hell bent on joining the persona non grata part of FBS, then let's join a league that gives us a fighting chance of competitive and financial success. Conference USA pays its members better, has a better TV deal, has teams that we care about and we wouldn't be Pluto orbiting a solar system that is light years away.

Well said, Charlie. Rep.

[GoApps70]

I'm with Doug -- er Kgfish -- on this one. This any-port-in-a-storm mentality is going to get us in trouble. The Sun Belt offers less revenue than any conference in FBS and we would be in the outer fringe of the league footprint. That's a recipe for a lot of red ink. If we are so hell bent on joining the persona non grata part of FBS, then let's join a league that gives us a fighting chance of competitive and financial success. Conference USA pays its members better, has a better TV deal, has teams that we care about and we wouldn't be Pluto orbiting a solar system that is light years away.

Well said, Charlie. Rep.

You personally get us an invitation to CUSA, which our administration tried and tried to do, and then let us and Charlie Cobb know that you obtained one for us.
If not, be very very satisfied if and when we ever get into the Sun Belt.

[ImfromClayton]

I am in absolutely no way attempting to troll here, I just have an honest to God question for you guys.

It is clear that you all prefer the Sun Belt to C-USA. I just don't understand why? The Big East needs one more football playing member. If they pick Tulsa, WKU is next on board for C-USA. That's as good as done once the Big East/Catholic schools figure their stuff out. C-USA has essentially become the Sun Belt + UAB Southern Miss Marshall, and UTEP. Is it just a matter of you guys wanting to be with other FCS powers moving to FBS? Once again, I in no way mean this as a trolling attempt I was just curious.

The Sun Belt is looking at a lineup of:
Louisiana Monroe
Louisiana Lafayette
Arkansas Little Rock
Arkansas State
Troy
South Alabama
Georgia State
Texas State
Texas Arlington

Sun Belt sounds good to me. You assume WKU will go to CUSA, but could be one of several teams including Texas State or Arkansas State or a MAC member maybe or even no one. Also Texas Arlington does not play football. If it were just going to FBS we would have taken an earlier offer. What school are you trolling from?

I'm a Charlotte fan. Honestly not trying to troll. Word out of the Horse's mouth (Banowski) is that WKU is next. That's not made up. The reason teams are considering not leaving C-USA for the Big East is because of the combo of comparable television deal + 7 million C-USA exit fees. The Sun Belt to C-USA move is much different. Sun Belt exit fees are $700,000. You make that in less than a year of C-USA television deal. I am not here to brag about this, I was just curious about why so many Appalachian State fans are so pro Sun Belt and anti C-USA.

[Yosef84]

I don't think App fans are really "anti" CUSA. Most just don't think it's a significant possibility. Sort of a "that ship has sailed" situation. ECU is no longer there, and that was a rivalry that we were hoping for. So, the "anti" is more on the other side of that equation and the emotions here are being adjusted accordingly. Personally, I would prefer CUSA still, but I think the Sun Belt is a viable alternative and is the more LIKELY alternative.

[GoAppsGo92]

I am in absolutely no way attempting to troll here, I just have an honest to God question for you guys.

It is clear that you all prefer the Sun Belt to C-USA. I just don't understand why? The Big East needs one more football playing member. If they pick Tulsa, WKU is next on board for C-USA. That's as good as done once the Big East/Catholic schools figure their stuff out. C-USA has essentially become the Sun Belt + UAB Southern Miss Marshall, and UTEP. Is it just a matter of you guys wanting to be with other FCS powers moving to FBS? Once again, I in no way mean this as a trolling attempt I was just curious.

The Sun Belt is looking at a lineup of:
Louisiana Monroe
Louisiana Lafayette
Arkansas Little Rock
Arkansas State
Troy
South Alabama
Georgia State
Texas State
Texas Arlington

Sun Belt sounds good to me. You assume WKU will go to CUSA, but could be one of several teams including Texas State or Arkansas State or a MAC member maybe or even no one. Also Texas Arlington does not play football. If it were just going to FBS we would have taken an earlier offer. What school are you trolling from?

I'm a Charlotte fan. Honestly not trying to troll. Word out of the Horse's mouth (Banowski) is that WKU is next. That's not made up. The reason teams are considering not leaving C-USA for the Big East is because of the combo of comparable television deal + 7 million C-USA exit fees. The Sun Belt to C-USA move is much different. Sun Belt exit fees are $700,000. You make that in less than a year of C-USA television deal. I am not here to brag about this, I was just curious about why so many Appalachian State fans are so pro Sun Belt and anti C-USA.

WKU in or out has no bearing on our decision... I'm sure that AppState would take CUSA over SunBelt if both were offered at the same time. No question that we fit right smack dab in a hole in the map that CUSA has, and would build natural rivals with MTSU, UNCC, ODU and rekindle rivalry with Marshall as well. But, quite frankly, that will happen regardless of wether we share a conference or not so long as we make it to FBS. It just makes good sense that the teams listed above become home and home rivals no matter what conference we end up in. Plus, CUSA after the exit of so many and the promotion of the worst SunBelt schools because of thier zip codes is just not that good a football conference. The remaining teams in the SunBelt were in 4 bowls and won almost every game they played against CUSA this past year. Bottom line: we will be ok either way. Perhaps CUSA will promote a program strategy instead of a market strategy and bring good programs like ours to the table, but I'm not holding my breath.

[GoAppsGo92]

I'm with Doug -- er Kgfish -- on this one. This any-port-in-a-storm mentality is going to get us in trouble. The Sun Belt offers less revenue than any conference in FBS and we would be in the outer fringe of the league footprint. That's a recipe for a lot of red ink. If we are so hell bent on joining the persona non grata part of FBS, then let's join a league that gives us a fighting chance of competitive and financial success. Conference USA pays its members better, has a better TV deal, has teams that we care about and we wouldn't be Pluto orbiting a solar system that is light years away.

Again, you make it sound like the SunBelt is crap, but that flies in the face of the facts. The SunBelt had 4 teams go to bowls last year and went like 12-5 against CUSA's current membership over the last few years... and we all know the teams CUSA has invited are not the likes of ECU and UCF. The teams SunBelt lost to CUSA were not represented in any of the bowl games the Sunbelt played in 2012.

Guys, we will be fine either way... there will be plenty of Marshall, MTSU, WKU, UNCC and ODU games in our future no matter if we are in the SunBelt or CUSA.

[Kgfish]

I'm with Doug -- er Kgfish -- on this one.

But seriously, he does have good sources and gets solid info.

[Kgfish]

I'm with Doug -- er Kgfish -- on this one. This any-port-in-a-storm mentality is going to get us in trouble. The Sun Belt offers less revenue than any conference in FBS and we would be in the outer fringe of the league footprint. That's a recipe for a lot of red ink. If we are so hell bent on joining the persona non grata part of FBS, then let's join a league that gives us a fighting chance of competitive and financial success. Conference USA pays its members better, has a better TV deal, has teams that we care about and we wouldn't be Pluto orbiting a solar system that is light years away.

Again, you make it sound like the SunBelt is crap, but that flies in the face of the facts. The SunBelt had 4 teams go to bowls last year and went like 12-5 against CUSA's current membership over the last few years... and we all know the teams CUSA has invited are not the likes of ECU and UCF. The teams SunBelt lost to CUSA were not represented in any of the bowl games the Sunbelt played in 2012.

Guys, we will be fine either way... there will be plenty of Marshall, MTSU, WKU, UNCC and ODU games in our future no matter if we are in the SunBelt or CUSA.

This needs to be a decision based on economics and institutional fit as much as competition. It is not just a football or basketball move. Travel expense for football and basketball will not sink the budget, but the other sports can. I am solidly pro FBS and if the administration believes they can make the Sun Belt work so be it. They have access to facts and figures we do not. Yes we will play them occasionally but wouldn't you prefer a conference with Char, Marshall, ODU, MTSU, WKU and possibly JMU more than the SB?

[GoAppsGo92]

I'm with Doug -- er Kgfish -- on this one. This any-port-in-a-storm mentality is going to get us in trouble. The Sun Belt offers less revenue than any conference in FBS and we would be in the outer fringe of the league footprint. That's a recipe for a lot of red ink. If we are so hell bent on joining the persona non grata part of FBS, then let's join a league that gives us a fighting chance of competitive and financial success. Conference USA pays its members better, has a better TV deal, has teams that we care about and we wouldn't be Pluto orbiting a solar system that is light years away.

Again, you make it sound like the SunBelt is crap, but that flies in the face of the facts. The SunBelt had 4 teams go to bowls last year and went like 12-5 against CUSA's current membership over the last few years... and we all know the teams CUSA has invited are not the likes of ECU and UCF. The teams SunBelt lost to CUSA were not represented in any of the bowl games the Sunbelt played in 2012.

Guys, we will be fine either way... there will be plenty of Marshall, MTSU, WKU, UNCC and ODU games in our future no matter if we are in the SunBelt or CUSA.

This needs to be a decision based on economics and institutional fit as much as competition. It is not just a football or basketball move. Travel expense for football and basketball will not sink the budget, but the other sports can. I am solidly pro FBS and if the administration believes they can make the Sun Belt work so be it. They have access to facts and figures we do not. Yes we will play them occasionally but wouldn't you prefer a conference with Char, Marshall, ODU, MTSU, WKU and possibly JMU more than the SB?

I would. I agree it makes more sense for travel budgets, academic peers and natural rivals. But the possiblity seems remote. SBC with GSU works for AppState. SBC without GSU makes a lot less sense... but I think GSU is SB bound anyway. Actually my biggest beef with SBC is academics, not travel. For what it is worth I would want CUSA and MAC more especially if JMU gets in either, but what I think is likely is the SunBelt... and it would not be a bad place for us to land if thats how it went down.

[GoAppsGo92]

I just see CUSA taking Georgia State or someone else with a high population zip code over a beautiful mountain school with excellent academics and rabid football support. Unfortunately, that's the way I have come to see it.

[GoApps70]

I would be perfectly happy with the Sun Belt. There are some good teams there. Just not having to listen to Marshall and UNCC fans as much is a plus for the Sun Belt. The major thing is how our team does, not where we are. We all have to make our own way, a conference doesn't do that for you.

[asumike83]

If we had written invites from CUSA and the SBC, I don't think there are many (if any) App fans that would push for us to go to the SBC. First and foremost, they pay more. Secondly, playing MTSU, ODU, UNCC and Marshall would be better than any potential SBC rivalries, especially if WKU leaves.

Like Yosef84 said, it is more being realistic that it likely isn't happening. Our biggest cheerleader (ECU) is gone, UNCC/Marshall have no desire to campaign for us and we're in a small market.

The SBC has gotten much better on the field, is a realistic option and we are in no position to turn away an FBS offer. If we were to move to the SBC and be successful, I could see us in C-USA within 4-5 years.