CUSA Regionalization concept would realign teams in AAC, Conference USA, Sun Belt

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CajunDave1

After being turned down by the schools the AAC was initially targeting, their Commissioner has adopted Mickey Gilley's hit song "All The Girls Get Prettier At Closing Time" as the new AAC theme song!!! LOL!!!! Unless the AAC extends invitations to the top teams from the Sun Belt and CUSA (and they all accept) the AAC will not be any better than the SBC and MWC.

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Well, you may be right, but...I think we'd still go to the party, even if it mean that we were going with y'all. ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

he'll probably be instantly on my list of Top 2 LA Tech AD's of all time, regardless of if he ever speaks a word to me or not.

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I'd be curious what your list is right now. It could be a fun offseason thread.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dawgonit

I'd be curious what your list is right now. It could be a fun offseason thread.

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Yeah. I'll save that for the off-season.:laugh:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bone_afide_Dawg

I think we all know the fan based PR game is just friendly window dressing. None of that means diddly squat to what’s really important. Some fans may feel a jolt of ego for the AD to say ‘hi’ and shake their hand, but where Woods’ greatest value is, is in doing deals with other ADs to benefit Tech moving forward. Second to that is getting our coaching circus straightened out to start competing better and winning some games that are considered over our heads. I’ve been around long enough to be skeptical of what Tech can accomplish when I count up all the shortfalls we’ve had. Hopefully... this time things will be different. My fingers are crossed.

---

I don't care if he spits in my face if he can navigate what's coming.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CajunDave1

After being turned down by the schools the AAC was initially targeting, their Commissioner has adopted Mickey Gilley's hit song "All The Girls Get Prettier At Closing Time" as the new AAC theme song!!! LOL!!!! Unless the AAC extends invitations to the top teams from the Sun Belt and CUSA (and they all accept) the AAC will not be any better than the SBC and MWC.

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Dave, the AAC is apparently looking for national research universities who are competitive in football, basketball, and baseball and who also have a brand and a fanbase.

In truth, there are only 3 schools out of CUSA/SBC who meet that criteria - the Blazers, Bulldogs, and the Cajuns. If you drop the research university component, you could add the Thundering Herd to the list. USM would have been there a decade ago, but poor leadership has actually caused them to regress.

I know that many schools in the SBC have reservations about the AAC. But the NCAA's meeting later this year may change the look of the FBS. Those changes may continue over the next decade. And if that's the case I would want to be in either the AAC or MWC.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

That's not what I'm hearing. First of all, I can promise you that most of the "shakers and movers" at LA Tech are totally clueless about what's going on with the AAC application. Only a very few people know anything about it. I've never seen Tech's leadership keep anything under wraps as well as they have this particular application. Don't mistake the quietness for inactivity. Tech may or may not receive an invite to the AAC, but I do know we have submitted a very strong application, and the AAC door was NOT slammed in our face.

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This.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Historian

This.

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I've been a member of the BB&B since the Delphi days (1998?). Over those 20+ years, I've met many of you, and become friends with many of you. As with all fan bases, MANY personalities reside here...some love to talk and you are always entertaining. I enjoy reading the various points of view more than I share mine, but that's just my nature.

Then there are those who don't have to say many words, but when they DO speak, you KNOW they KNOW what they're talking about. "Historian" -- you are one of THOSE for me. Always thoughtful, always on point, and you tell it like it is, whether good or bad. Thank you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Historian

This.

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You and HD being right would be mutually beneficial. A win/win is a great deal.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stodgdog

You and HD being right would be mutually beneficial. A win/win is a great deal.

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gi


Man, I remember the Delphi days. It is hard for me to believe those are now nostalgic times

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stodgdog

gi


Man, I remember the Delphi days. It is hard for me to believe those are now nostalgic times

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It still works...

http://forums.delphiforums.com/dawgb...gid=2083451387

[QUOTE=PawDawg;1814046]It still works...

http://forums.delphiforums.com/dawgb...gid=2083451387[/QUOTE

] Did I tell you about about the message board one day at the golf course?

Did

[QUOTE=stodgdog;1814047]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PawDawg

It still works...

http://forums.delphiforums.com/dawgb...gid=2083451387[/QUOTE

] Did I tell you about about the message board one day at the golf course?

Did

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My Delphi days preceded the opening of the Rayville course… 1999

I was a member of the board before Delphi, then it morphed into Delphi. What was it's name? I'm thinking circa 1997-1998.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Amos Moses

I was a member of the board before Delphi, then it morphed into Delphi. What was it's name? I'm thinking circa 1997-1998.

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Dawgytes on Custom Forums / here's Dawgbyte's old Geocities page Louisiana Tech Athletics (archive.org)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sportdawg

Dawgytes on Custom Forums / here's Dawgbyte's old Geocities page Louisiana Tech Athletics (archive.org)

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Yep, that's the one! Thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by boxerdog

From my perspective, Dr.Woods comes across as a tactful, servant-leader type who intentionally connects with the broad fanbase. I'm just a normal fan who attends multiple games. 3 times he has personally thanked me for attending a sporting event. First time was at a basketball game and he came and sat down on our row and thanked my daughters and their friend along with my wife and myself for coming out. I think he asked where we were from and sat beside us for a few minutes just because he wanted to meet us. Second time was at a baseball game (can't remember if it was Southern Miss or the NC State regional) and he reached out and shook my hand, saying he was glad to see me there. Third time was at the SMU football game. He was walking up the stairs and thanked my entire group for coming out. He's different in that way for sure. I also imagine he's probably fairly connected due his work at Arkansas and UCF. I'm not sure how long he'll be at Tech but I find him to be very personable and I'm proud to have him as our AD.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Interesting. The man has never spoken two words to me, and I've been in his small group "orbit" 3 or 4 times. He has also never returned my one phone call that I placed to his office.

BUT --and I want to be very clear about this-- I DON'T CARE!! I don't mind at all that Dr Wood hasn't been personable with me, as long as he's doing his job and getting stuff done for LA Tech athletics. I don't need my ego stroked, or any of that nonsense, to be a very happy Bulldog fan. If Dr. Wood manages to get us in the AAC, he'll probably be instantly on my list of Top 2 LA Tech AD's of all time, regardless of if he ever speaks a word to me or not.

---

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bone_afide_Dawg

I think we all know the fan based PR game is just friendly window dressing. None of that means diddly squat to what’s really important. Some fans may feel a jolt of ego for the AD to say ‘hi’ and shake their hand, but where Woods’ greatest value is, is in doing deals with other ADs to benefit Tech moving forward. Second to that is getting our coaching circus straightened out to start competing better and winning some games that are considered over our heads. I’ve been around long enough to be skeptical of what Tech can accomplish when I count up all the shortfalls we’ve had. Hopefully... this time things will be different. My fingers are crossed.

---

While it is not an AD's primary job to "grip and grin" with the fan base, I think it is a very important component to job. What TMac proved is that there are those AD's in the world that look down on the everyday fan. You don't build your base from the top down. Dr. Wood has proven in his short tenure that, by and large, he is good at connecting with most fans when he is in their orbit (HogDawg excepted). This AAC opportunity will be a real test for his ability to "get things done". But regardless of what happens with the AAC, if Dr. Wood can stop the bleeding of our fan base and begin to grow it back, then that'll be a win.

The first tell of Woods and his sports program development is probably not even going to come in regard to football or conferencing, but via baseball. We’ll know soon enough by what’s done with the season ticket seating flim flam that’s about to take place whether he chooses to sell out the common man fan base or not. If he can grow Tech’s baseball right now by rewarding those who have been attending when times weren’t at such a high as they are now and not piss those people off by selling their seats out from under them then I’ll be more of a believer, But I have my doubts.

If he does it like most other places, existing ticket holders will be able to retain their seats IF they contribute the necessary donation or PSD associated with the seats in question. After that, seat selection will be based on contributions and level of giving!

Report is AAC to invite UTSA, UNT, Rice, UAB, Charlotte, FAU.

No way SMU would be ok with UNT.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by THEarmada

Report is AAC to invite UTSA, UNT, Rice, UAB, Charlotte, FAU.

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I read that in tweets as those schools are expected to send applications, not receive invitations.

Welp. It’s over.

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Originally Posted by Tech52

I read that in tweets as those schools are expected to send applications, not receive invitations.

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Those schools were said to be submitting applications this week.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by revf

Welp. It’s over.

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The BBB mantra

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Historian

Dave, the AAC is apparently looking for national research universities who are competitive in football, basketball, and baseball and who also have a brand and a fanbase.

In truth, there are only 3 schools out of CUSA/SBC who meet that criteria - the Blazers, Bulldogs, and the Cajuns. If you drop the research university component, you could add the Thundering Herd to the list. USM would have been there a decade ago, but poor leadership has actually caused them to regress.

I know that many schools in the SBC have reservations about the AAC. But the NCAA's meeting later this year may change the look of the FBS. Those changes may continue over the next decade. And if that's the case I would want to be in either the AAC or MWC.

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will bump this, but it doesn’t seem quite as accurate.

Apparently, what the aac is looking for is large metro areas.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

The BBB mantra

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To be recited minutes into any sports event that matters greatly for post season aspirations. Also to be chanted any time our admin finally learns about something happening in the sports world when it’s too late to do anything.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by revf

will bump this, but it doesn’t seem quite as accurate.

Apparently, what the aac is looking for is "large metro areas".

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Wasn't this the same intonation that originally kept Tech out of CUSA? Sounds like Memphis is at it again!!!!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

Those schools were said to be submitting applications this week.

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Pete Thamel says the expectation is that those applications will be accepted.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by parisdog

No way SMU would be ok with UNT.

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No way Texas A&M let’s Texas in the SEC…oh wait.

So the AAC is making the same mistake CUSA did.

I don’t understand many of these choices athletically. Charlotte, UNT, Rice… hmm.

That’s a different situation. Texas brings in a hell of a lot more money than UNT.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tech52

So the AAC is making the same mistake CUSA did.

I don’t understand many of these choices athletically. Charlotte, UNT, Rice… hmm.

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Major metros.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ChuckK3

Major metros.

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Itd make sense if they were a dominant presence in their metros. But they arent. And they already have SMU in one of those areas…

Quote:

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Originally Posted by revf

Welp. It’s over.

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Unless you have a 20-pt. 4th quarter lead and Skip Holtz as your coach.

Or a 4-pt lead with 36 seconds left and Skip Holtz as your coach.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by revf

will bump this, but it doesn’t seem quite as accurate.

Apparently, what the aac is looking for is large metro areas.

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It looks like the entire dynamic of the situation changed over the past few weeks when it became clear the MWC was looking at expanding into Texas and taking UNT, UTSA, and Rice.

The AAC's expansion into Texas is to counter that potential move by the AAC.

The problem for the existing AAC members is the fact the league will become, in one day, a 1-bid league in men's basketball and baseball.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Historian

The problem for the existing AAC members is the fact the league will become, in one day, a 1-bid league in men's basketball and baseball.

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A soggy cardboard tombstone for what had once been the BigEast.

The fact is, NOBODY from the Sunbelt was given an invitation to the AAC. Thus, some kind of hierarchy seems to exist. If it's me, I'm reaching out to Southern Miss and telling them to stay put with us. Then, I'm contacting ULL to see if they want to jump the Belt (leaving ULM) to join Tech and Southern Miss. Then, if it's favorable to them, I'm letting Judy know that ULL should be extended an invitation. Take the money from the departing institutions, use some of it to waive entry costs from ULL and whoever else they take from the Belt.

Someone I'd call the #1 Mover and Shaker appeared "clueless" about expansion when he asked the AD at a meeting about the conference re-configurations. Either he was "clueless" or was fishing for an update on the last time he was updated.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by boxerdog

The fact is, NOBODY from the Sunbelt was given an invitation to the AAC. Thus, some kind of hierarchy seems to exist. If it's me, I'm reaching out to Southern Miss and telling them to stay put with us. Then, I'm contacting ULL to see if they want to jump the Belt (leaving ULM) to join Tech and Southern Miss. Then, if it's favorable to them, I'm letting Judy know that ULL should be extended an invitation. Take the money from the departing institutions, use some of it to waive entry costs from ULL and whoever else they take from the Belt.

---

What’s the current difference in TV revenue between CUSA and the belt and when are those contracts finished?

As others have pointed out…
1. Big 12 filled with good football teams. They took the best football teams available.

2. AAC went filled with markets (not necessarily good programs) Looking at you Rice. C-USA tried this and it failed miserably. But good luck AAC with those one bids! There’s no way the AAC has a shot at playoffs now.

3. I think they took UNT because they are expecting SMU to jump. This would not surprise me in the least if SMU leaves for greener pastures.

So what’s next?

Here’s what you have to do now (and what the Lafayette trolls won’t tell you).

You have to have some regional form of amalgamation between the MAC, C-USA, and Sunbelt.

But don’t make the AAC mistake. Take programs, NOT markets. Find the top football, basketball, and baseball programs and form a good regional conference.

Do what the AAC should have done. Make it competitive in the major sports so that the conference is ranking every year in multiple sport. This is how you build the best conference not in the P5s

Quote:

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Originally Posted by THEarmada

What’s the current difference in TV revenue between CUSA and the belt and when are those contracts finished?

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The Sun Belt was at 1.4 million but was recently renegotiated to be higher in a new deal. They didn't announce how much higher. With that said, some of that revenue goes to ESPN+ production costs.

Last I saw C-USA was at 400k per school.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by revf

Apparently, what the aac is looking for is large metro areas.

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Simsboro, Dubach, Choudrant, Quitman? I don't see the problem.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-fo...or-membership/
From CBS Sports

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LEEDAWG

Simsboro, Dubach, Choudrant, Quitman? I don't see the problem.

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If you can get a foothold in the greater Dubach metro area, you've got to pursue that, right? Highly coveted market.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GEAUX UL

The Sun Belt was at 1.4 million but was recently renegotiated to be higher in a new deal. They didn't announce how much higher. With that said, some of that revenue goes to ESPN+ production costs.

Last I saw C-USA was at 400k per school.

---

Most news sites list the old Sunbelt TV deal as 100k per school and the "new" Sunbelt TV deal as "more" whatever that means. I doubt "more" is in the realm of 400-500k per school.

The most recent CBS Sports news article on the moves list the C-USA TV deal as 500k per school.

So why would a C-USA school take less money for a TV deal moving to the Sunbelt?

Look we are all fighting for leftovers. The G5 are screwed now. My guess is the NCAA will meet soon and further screw the G5 by expanding the playoffs to more P5 schools only.

You being mad at us for trying to make a name for ourselves is dumb. It is time to think about what works best for G5s going forward and fighting over drama from Precious many moons ago is stupid. What I said still stands. You coming over here just proves how badly Lafayette NEEDS Tech. Y'all have to have someone to hate and it ain't Marshall or Troy or Texas State or even the 10 ULM fans in Monroe.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by talonofdeath

https://www.cbssports.com/college-fo...or-membership/
From CBS Sports

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CUSA gonna have to add UMass & UConn to keep its head above water.

But I hear New England is lovely in the autumn.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Champ967

CUSA gonna have to add UMass & UConn to keep its head above water.

But I hear New England is lovely in the autumn.

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Dr. Eric Wood, ED, was burning something but doesn't sound like it was midnight oil.

Of course, he can't undo decades of incompetence that's leading us directly into the FCS.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LEEDAWG

Simsboro, Dubach, Choudrant, Quitman? I don't see the problem.

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Bernice! Don’t forget Bernice!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Champ967

But I hear New England is lovely in the autumn.

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Can confirm.

The next key figure to cut and run could be AD Woods. Evidently before coming here thinking he was stepping into a more or less stable place to try to do a little something to enhance his resume, he did know there was a massive gash beneath the waterline of Tech the Titanic.

All hands man the pumps, we’re taking on water fast and the surrounding waters are bone chilling deadly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blue Dawg

Dr. Eric Wood, ED, was burning something but doesn't sound like it was midnight oil.

Of course, he can't undo decades of incompetence that's leading us directly into the FCS.

---

Stop being dramatic.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tech52

Stop being dramatic.

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Being dramatic is my coping mechanism for us getting left behind. Again.

Tech doesn't have anyone named Woods in athletic administration.

His name is Dr. Wood.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by revf

Most news sites list the old Sunbelt TV deal as 100k per school and the "new" Sunbelt TV deal as "more" whatever that means. I doubt "more" is in the realm of 400-500k per school.

The most recent CBS Sports news article on the moves list the C-USA TV deal as 500k per school.

So why would a C-USA school take less money for a TV deal moving to the Sunbelt?

Look we are all fighting for leftovers. The G5 are screwed now. My guess is the NCAA will meet soon and further screw the G5 by expanding the playoffs to more P5 schools only.

You being mad at us for trying to make a name for ourselves is dumb. It is time to think about what works best for G5s going forward and fighting over drama from Precious many moons ago is stupid. What I said still stands. You coming over here just proves how badly Lafayette NEEDS Tech. Y'all have to have someone to hate and it ain't Marshall or Troy or Texas State or even the 10 ULM fans in Monroe.

---

You linked to a article from 2018 that talks about a deal that has already been renegotiated twice. I have been told personally by people employed at UL that the deal is is 1.4 million, but if you don’t believe me here’s an article that also says 1.4 million:

https://247sports.com/college/georgia-state/Article/Georgia-State-Football-PantherCut-Five-Reasons-why-GSU-is-staying-in-the-Sun-Belt-173428537/

So no. C-USA schools aren’t going to go to the Sun Belt and make less money on media rights. They are also going to save money on travel costs.

And yeah, let me tell ya… we’re really hurting because we can’t play you in Football. Our budget has never been higher ($36 million vs your $23 million,) our conference has never been better, we’ve never had more success in football, half of our games will be on national TV, we finished #15 in the nation last year, we secured funding for a $60 million stadium renovation to go with the $20 million athletic performance center (and none of it came from FEMA.) I really don’t know how we can survive not being in a conference with y’all.

Y'all only ended up that high because last season was mostly a mess and you lucked out playing an OOC game against a good team that plays god awful in September.

It’s sad but true. Right now the best thing that Tech can hope for is to kiss and make up even kiss some ULM & ULL ass and anyone else in the Sunbelt that wants a sweet smack on their fleshy rear cheeks to pull us out of the incompetent shit pile we’ve created for ourselves.

Tech is the justified victim of their own arrogance and stupidity. If you thought Holtz as a terrible was Tech’s biggest concern you need to looker a lot deeper into the pit. There’s an inevitable darkness there that is beyond imagining.

I think there’s been one collegiate death sentence for excessive cheating (SMU). Now Tech faces something almost as bad for its horrible hires, failed leadership and a total lack of vision.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by talonofdeath

https://www.cbssports.com/college-fo...or-membership/
From CBS Sports

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Many of thse schools don't make sense as additions unless there is a coalition

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GEAUX UL

You linked to a article from 2018 that talks about a deal that has already been renegotiated twice. I have been told personally by people employed at UL that the deal is is 1.4 million, but if you don’t believe me here’s an article that also says 1.4 million:

https://247sports.com/college/georgi...elt-173428537/

So no. C-USA schools aren’t going to go to the Sun Belt and make less money on media rights. They are also going to save money on travel costs.

And yeah, let me tell ya… we’re really hurting because we can’t play you in Football. Our budget has never been higher ($36 million vs your $23 million,) our conference has never been better, we’ve never had more success in football, half of our games will be on national TV, we finished #15 in the nation last year, we secured funding for a $60 million stadium renovation to go with the $20 million athletic performance center (and none of it came from FEMA.) I really don’t know how we can survive not being in a conference with y’all.

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Your posts don't make sense as there is NO UL in the state of Louisiana. Why are you people so dishonest and dense?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bone_afide_Dawg

It’s sad but true. Right now the best thing that Tech can hope for is to kiss and make up even kiss some ULM & ULL ass and anyone else in the Sunbelt that wants a sweet smack on their fleshy rear cheeks to pull us out of the incompetent shit pile we’ve created for ourselves.

Tech is the justified victim of their own arrogance and stupidity. If you thought Holtz as a terrible was Tech’s biggest concern you need to looker a lot deeper into the pit. There’s an inevitable darkness there that is beyond imagining.

I think there’s been one collegiate death sentence for excessive cheating (SMU). Now Tech faces something almost as bad for its horrible hires, failed leadership and a total lack of vision.

---

we are the first “relagation” in the NCAA?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stodgdog

Your posts don't make sense as there is NO UL in the state of Louisiana. Why are you people so dishonest and dense?

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La Tech athletics is on the verge of extinction, as it had been known, and all you are worried about is the name game that has already been won by Louisiana and officially recognized by virtually everyone other than a select number of Ruston fans who refuse to pull their head out of their ass.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CajunDave1

La Tech athletics is on the verge of extinction, as it had been known, and all you are worried about is the name game that has already been won by Louisiana and officially recognized by virtually everyone other than a select number of Ruston fans who refuse to pull their head out of their ass.

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*asses

SW LA has a decent season and he thinks he can come here and talk trash.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by techman05

SW LA has a decent season and he thinks he can come here and talk trash.

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Not talking trash, just stating a fact.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

*asses

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Thank you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CajunDave1

Thank you.

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My pleasure

Idk why you worry about what they brand themselves in athletics. That seems like something that shouldve been ULM’s concern. We are Louisiana Tech, after all, not ULR. Its time to leave this argument between ULM or ULL. Fighting over a brand we are not even trying to obtain is silly. You do not need to defend your use of Louisiana or ULL.

At the same time, Cajuns need to stop trying to correct every mention of ULL to Louisiana. The school is still ULL, the athletic brand is Louisiana. The same way UALR goes by Little Rock. Every time you whine about it, it just makes others more aggressively push back. Its on ever frickin’ board.

Exactly. I identify as the Duke of Ratchet City. That’s my personal truth.

ULL identifies as Louisiana…like Bruce Jenner identifies as a woman.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tech52

Idk why you worry about what they brand themselves in athletics. That seems like something that shouldve been ULM’s concern. We are Louisiana Tech, after all, not ULR. Its time to leave this argument between ULM or ULL. Fighting over a brand we are not even trying to obtain is silly. You do not need to defend your use of Louisiana or ULL.

At the same time, Cajuns need to stop trying to correct every mention of ULL to Louisiana. The school is still ULL, the athletic brand is Louisiana. The same way UALR goes by Little Rock. Every time you whine about it, it just makes others more aggressively push back. Its on ever frickin’ board.

---

Thank you. And just for those that don’t know, Louisiana and ULM have already worked it out.

Serious question…..Will any of this matter in 4-5 years? Will all the have nots finally be relegated to playing only pre-New Years bowl games because the big conferences force those in power to set it up that way? Will Tech, ULL, and App State go back to getting stomped in money games because a kid who would be on scholarship for our school makes more money as a walk on at Alabama? Or will the Sunbelt bubble pop and cause them to slip back below CUSA or the MAC? Will any of this matter at all?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by techman05

Serious question…..Will any of this matter in 4-5 years? Will all the have nots finally be relegated to playing only pre-New Years bowl games because the big conferences force those in power to set it up that way? Will Tech, ULL, and App State go back to getting stomped in money games because a kid who would be on scholarship for our school makes more money as a walk on at Alabama? Or will the Sunbelt bubble pop and cause them to slip back below CUSA or the MAC? Will any of this matter at all?

---

I don’t think anyone can predict the future with any certainty! We all just have to live in the moment and do the best we can. As a Cajun fan, I’m just happy to be riding the wave we are on right now.

Short answer- if you care about all sports, especially basketball and baseball, yes.

If it’s just about football, I think at some point the Big X, ACC, SEC, and PAC 12 will be a division to themselves. The “G5” will be similar to 1AA/FCS with bigger budgets, and the trickle down will be similar.

That’s what I want to get a feel for. For a few years my interest in football has gone down, but interest in MBB, baseball, and softball has increased. If the strategy is different when fighting for sports other than football, I think we might be better served to do what is best for those sports.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by techman05

That’s what I want to get a feel for. For a few years my interest in football has gone down, but interest in MBB, baseball, and softball has increased. If the strategy is different when fighting for sports other than football, I think we might be better served to do what is best for those sports.

---

Agreed. Football is a losing proposition as a G5. The haves are not interested in splitting the pot with the have nots. Basketball is a little better than football if you’re a G5. From a money standpoint, baseball doesn’t turn a profit.

The biggest ROI is men’s basketball for everyone other than a handful of schools. Baseball is a break even at best sport depending on the overall size of the athletic budget, especially schools our size.

I suppose it’s possible to turn a small profit in baseball, if your admin knows how to run a business.

As of right now, it seems football is losing money too. If not currently, they are losing future money for sure. Coaches salaries are going up while ticket sales and attendance have been falling since 2016 or 2017 with no chance of rebounding under current conditions and “leadership”. We can’t solve the problems though. All we can do is continue to point out what has been obvious to us for 30 years and hope someone on campus will see it before our football stadium entertains parents of players only.

I wrote this somewhere else then thought it was a more appropriate fit here...

Y’all shouldn’t worry because I have it from a fairly reliable source that somewhere on campus the Tech powers at be are crowded in an undisclosed dark closet handing a Magic 8 Ball back and forth asking it what to do and what’s going to happen in Tech’s future.

The truth is that this is probably about as successful an approach to Tech getting things right as anything else they’ve tried.

Good luck goofballs.

You can actually have this discussion if $$$$ can be brought to the table. Last I checked attendance was declining. It's really not hard to fix the problems, but no one in power wants to.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CajunDave1

Not talking trash, just stating a fact.

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actually, that was an opinion.

An opinion can be well founded, and even widely shared, but that still doesn't make it a fact.

Just read thru the many "realignment" threads on the CUSA board, all the concerns, gripes, some elation! and found I don't give a chit. I have been losing interest in sports for decades...started with the NBA and MLB, which neither I watch anymore (I did watch a good portion of the Cubs-Indians WS some years back because they were making history...). I have very, very little interest in the NFL. Haven't watched any games, just catch bits and pieces of games as I am channel surfing. And now...it's down to CFB and US Soccer. The last holdouts.

I figure Tech will end up somewhere, in some kind of conference, for better or worse, and we'll still have Skippy as HC, so it won't matter. On the positive side, for those of you still holding on to Tech Football, we've seen this act before. Tech has been abandoned several times by conference mates jumping ship and we always managed to survive and end up okay. No reason to think that won't happen again. Our biggest problems are Skippy and stupid ADs who have wrecked the gameday experience. Those problems would exist if we joined the SEC! It's internal issues that are the problems, not what conference logo is put on the field (court) and on the uniforms.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dawg80

On the positive side, for those of you still holding on to Tech Football, we've seen this act before. Tech has been abandoned several times by conference mates jumping ship and we always managed to survive and end up okay. No reason to think that won't happen again.

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I tend to agree with this. Whether it's CUSA, Sun Belt, or what's behind Door #3, I feel like Tech will be ok. We bring a lot to the table.

However, if we somehow end up independent again, we could get in a free fall pretty quickly.

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images...cXZ_normal.jpg

C. Austin Cox


@CAustinCox Oct 19

Appears the AAC had no choice but to poach CUSA. ESPN likes its discounted Sun Belt property that saw TV viewership up 135% last season and nixed Coastal Carolina to the AAC. CUSA's TV rights are with Stadium, CBSSN, and ESPN+ only.So, ESPN just took the CUSA teams it wanted.

Pete Thamel
@PeteThamel
·
3m
Sources: The Sun Belt is examining expansion. The league is considering adding up to four schools. Among those targeted are Southern Miss, Marshall, ODU and James Madison. Also, Conference USA is exploring additions. Those include Liberty and James Madison.

Back to thread title...

It occurs to me that the 2021 plan to reshuffle CUSA/AAC/SBC bears more than a passing resemblance to Mr. Peanut's 2010 plan to save the WAC.

It looks like they may result in the same outcome too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sportdawg

Pete Thamel
@PeteThamel
·
3m
Sources: The Sun Belt is examining expansion. The league is considering adding up to four schools. Among those targeted are Southern Miss, Marshall, ODU and James Madison. Also, Conference USA is exploring additions. Those include Liberty and James Madison.

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It appears that the easiest way to do this is just switch out all the teams in the Belt with CUSA... The P5 conferences have just accomplished everything they wanted - make the G5 schools all scramble around and try to chase the dollar they dropped out of their pocket.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FriscoDawg

Tech doesn't have anyone named Woods in athletic administration.

His name is Dr. Wood.

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Like we really care about THAT right now. Way to stay focused on the important stuff, FD. :icon_roll:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QriuMgOeXCo

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CajunDave1

La Tech athletics is on the verge of extinction, as it had been known, and all you are worried about is the name game that has already been won by Louisiana and officially recognized by virtually everyone other than a select number of Ruston fans who refuse to pull their head out of their ass.

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You don't know what you are talking about or what I am worried about. I do know a phony as SWLa and you are.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CajunDave1

Not talking trash, just stating a fact.

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What fact?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tech52

Idk why you worry about what they brand themselves in athletics. That seems like something that shouldve been ULM’s concern. We are Louisiana Tech, after all, not ULR. Its time to leave this argument between ULM or ULL. Fighting over a brand we are not even trying to obtain is silly. You do not need to defend your use of Louisiana or ULL.

At the same time, Cajuns need to stop trying to correct every mention of ULL to Louisiana. The school is still ULL, the athletic brand is Louisiana. The same way UALR goes by Little Rock. Every time you whine about it, it just makes others more aggressively push back. Its on ever frickin’ board.

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Because we are associated with phony Lafayetters and it is insulting to all in the system. A lack of integrity is detrimental

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CajunDave1

I don’t think anyone can predict the future with any certainty! We all just have to live in the moment and do the best we can. As a Cajun fan, I’m just happy to be riding the wave we are on right now.

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Dave, the truth is not getting into CUSA in 2012 was the best thing that ever happened to your athletic department. Just like Tech not getting in CUSA in 2004 led to dramatic change before we finally received an invitation in 2012.

I think what happened this week will likely light a fire under our biggest donors and administration. We'll come back. We always do.

Just think what would have happened if you would have gotten into CUSA in 2012.

In 8 conference football games against Tech you would have a losing record. Our 2 game series proved that. You would be a mid level CUSA program with a $23 to $25 million budget with your old facilities, including those stellar recruiting trailers. Scott Farmer would be your AD. Tim Rebowe would be your head football coach and turning in nice 7-6 seasons.

And Bob Marlin would be your basketball coach......oh wait!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our university’s statement on things…

https://twitter.com/latechsports/sta...943456257?s=21

Interestingly, no direct mention of CUSA. Just “League Partners” and “Other Nationally Renowned Universities.”

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Historian

I think what happened this week will likely light a fire under our biggest donors and administration. We'll come back. We always do.

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I could use some of whatever you're on. Your dealer deliver?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tech52

Our university’s statement on things…

https://twitter.com/latechsports/sta...943456257?s=21

Interestingly, no direct mention of CUSA. Just “League Partners” and “Other Nationally Renowned Universities.”

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What a joke. Yes, in a world where any tiny hint of conference movement, even from schools like FIU, is immediately and endlessly dissected online by hundreds of pundits, Tech has somehow managed to keep our super secret successful negotiations super secret.

He could have saved some time and just said "I don't know."

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JuBru

I could use some of whatever you're on. Your dealer deliver?

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Don't you get it, big money is all this university cares about. Ever Loyal be is a two way street if you got thousands to give.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JuBru

I could use some of whatever you're on. Your dealer deliver?

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His dealer must sell the expensive heroine.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blue Dawg

What a joke. Yes, in a world where any tiny hint of conference movement, even from schools like FIU, is immediately and endlessly dissected online by hundreds of pundits, Tech has somehow managed to keep our super secret successful negotiations super secret.

He could have saved some time and just said "I don't know."

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Yeah, that was a pretty none answer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gladzilla

His dealer must sell the expensive heroine.

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I've been around long enough to have lived through Beightol.

Then I lived through Torbush.

I lived through the final few years of the Peace era before we hired Crowton as OC.

I lived through the day in 2004 when we were passed over by CUSA.

I lived through the final days of the Bicknell era.

We'll be back. We may not have our current president or coach but we'll be back.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tech52

Our university’s statement on things…

https://twitter.com/latechsports/sta...943456257?s=21

Interestingly, no direct mention of CUSA. Just “League Partners” and “Other Nationally Renowned Universities.”

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I wonder what he means to say? As a former player are you encouraged?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blue Dawg

What a joke. Yes, in a world where any tiny hint of conference movement, even from schools like FIU, is immediately and endlessly dissected online by hundreds of pundits, Tech has somehow managed to keep our super secret successful negotiations super secret.

He could have saved some time and just said "I don't know."

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Recently, some posters with inside knowledge or insight were optimistic. Is that gone?

I’m not buying it and I’m in Tech’s backyard. If you can’t convince me there’s no hope of convincing someone else.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Historian

I've been around long enough to have lived through Beightol.

Then I lived through Torbush.

I lived through the final few years of the Peace era before we hired Crowton as OC.

I lived through the day in 2004 when we were passed over by CUSA.

I lived through the final days of the Bicknell era.

We'll be back. We may not have our current president or coach but we'll be back.

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We have seen a lot