Serious Conference Realignment Discussion

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Originally Posted by revf

Unfortunately Football is still “the money sport” in college athletics.

However, a solid 10 school Basketball/Baseball league is nothing to be upset about. Especially since the powers that be are dead set on keeping Skip Holtz for the next 4 years. If the C-USA can start putting two or more teams in the tournament for good runs every year our image and recognition will go up. Money/Finances as well. Require your schools to schedule for success and play up rather than down.

Right now football is a lost cause sinking/stinking ship with Skip steering us into oblivion. Best we can do there is stop putting money in the program until the powers that be decide they actually want to really compete and not just go through the motions.

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The only problem with all this optimism is that right now the same higher up people are in charge (Guice & Wood). When we see the obvious decline and apathy in football don’t forget how underachieving women’s basketball is and it’s cruising along with equal aimlessness. Right now Baseball and Basketball are looking good, but even they are probably only an off season or a coach getting hired away from being thrown into mix of sorriness. We all know the saying, “one bad apple...” Well Tech has at least 2, Guice & Holtz. I quit following The Techsters when they became so pathetic, so I can't say how lost they are just going through the motions.

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Originally Posted by LEEDAWG

It will be much better for me to go see Tech play at SHSU than it is to go see them at Rice.

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Definitely will have a bigger crowd in Huntsville than at Rice Stadium.

Brett McMurphy @Brett_McMurphy · 1h
No final decision on Western Kentucky & Middle Tennessee to MAC, but sources told @ActionNetworkHQ move depends if MTSU will go. If so, MAC will add both. If MTSU stays in C-USA, MAC likely wouldn’t invite only WKU, sources said. MTSU hang up is financially motivated, source said

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Originally Posted by sportdawg

Brett McMurphy @Brett_McMurphy · 1h
No final decision on Western Kentucky & Middle Tennessee to MAC, but sources told @ActionNetworkHQ move depends if MTSU will go. If so, MAC will add both. If MTSU stays in C-USA, MAC likely wouldn’t invite only WKU, sources said. MTSU hang up is financially motivated, source said

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MTSU knows.

The MAC add zilch and kills their recruiting.

If there is a conference worse than the C-USA 5.0 it is the MAC. If you go MAC, you never come back.

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Originally Posted by revf

MTSU knows.

The MAC add zilch and kills their recruiting.

If there is a conference worse than the C-USA 5.0 it is the MAC. If you go MAC, you never come back.

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They offer stability. You join the MAC and what happened to CUSA doesn't happen again. Maybe you lose a Buffalo or NIU someday (like they lost Marshall and UCF). Maybe you try something with someone like UMASS that doesn't work out.

But that core group is pretty stable (at least in terms of remaining in a conference together). I guess a couple of schools have serious overall budget concerns.

But I also think it's less of a temptation now that you can see some form of CUSA will exist. When it looked like the whole thing was ending you'd obviously be willing to take anything. Now that we're probably going to survive, at least in the short run, you might as well stick around for all those buy out fees. You could always approach the MAC later.

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Originally Posted by techman05

I thinks it’s fine. We either put them in their place and they stop, or they keep going, or we get put in our place and they keep going. A little dislike for another program is not a bad thing.

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Yeah, we'll probably put 'em "in their place" the same way we did Old Dominion. :laugh:. I mean seriously, is there any wonder none of the schools in Virginia respect LA Tech? We're a joke to those people. You pick a sport --any sport-- and Tech has found a way to lose to ODU. It will probably be the same with Liberty. Just more of the same.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Yeah, we'll probably put 'em "in their place" the same way we did Old Dominion. :laugh:. I mean seriously, is there any wonder none of the schools in Virginia respect LA Tech? We're a joke to those people. You pick a sport --any sport-- and Tech has found a way to lose to ODU. It will probably be the same with Liberty. Just more of the same.

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http://www.winsipedia.com/virginia/vs/louisiana-tech


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3k-t08lD6bQ

MTSU and WKU staying in CUSA?

https://twitter.com/toddoham/status/...978531332?s=21

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Originally Posted by Brad

MTSU and WKU staying in CUSA?

https://twitter.com/toddoham/status/...978531332?s=21

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This would be huge. If WKU and MTSU stay that means we are at 9.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

This would be huge. If WKU and MTSU stay that means we are at 9.

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Yessir. Let's rebuild this thing.

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Originally Posted by ChuckK3

Yessir. Let's rebuild this thing.

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Now go get Missouri State.

That’s 10 (perfect for a great Basketball league).

And WKU just became the new Marshall, some of their fans...the vocal ones...whining about being stuck in CUSA. Eff MTSU! they say.

Well, Pillpoppers, don't let the screen door hit you, "on your way out." Go Indy, azzholes.

What are they so mad about? Moderate and sporadic success. Market? Budget? They are the Blue Grass version of Tech.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

And WKU just became the new Marshall, some of their fans...the vocal ones...whining about being stuck in CUSA. Eff MTSU! they say.

Well, Pillpoppers, don't let the screen door hit you, "on your way out." Go Indy, azzholes.

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Just like with Tech fans, it's always the "vocal" few that get the most attention. We've had good relationships with both Western and MiddleTN, and I am hopeful we continue to do so.

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Originally Posted by techman05

What are they so mad about? Moderate and sporadic success. Market? Budget? They are the Blue Grass version of Tech.

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Fear of the "unknown" -- Just like many of our own fans.

They aren't a-holes or arrogant or any of that. They're fans of their school and they want the best for their school. Just like us.

I'm surprised that they didn't (if they really don't) pursue the stability of the MAC. But those two schools do care about basketball and the new CUSA does look to be a good bball league. As a Tech fan, my concern is keeping the number of teams low. Stay at 9 if possible. If they just have to go to 10, fine.

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Originally Posted by inudesu

I'm surprised that they didn't (if they really don't) pursue the stability of the MAC. But those two schools do care about basketball and the new CUSA does look to be a good bball league. As a Tech fan, my concern is keeping the number of teams low. Stay at 9 if possible. If they just have to go to 10, fine.

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Yeah I think they keep it low, no reason to dilute more than you have to. 9 is great for football. 10 is great for basketball.

Add no more.

Tech will need football money games for the foreseeable future to pay for basketball and baseball. Invest in programs that want to compete, not in ones that fake compete.

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Originally Posted by ChuckK3

Yessir. Let's rebuild this thing.

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Yes, without Holtz,Wood and Guice

Pete Thamel @PeteThamel 2m
There's a board of trustees meeting at Middle Tennessee State today, which has an athletics item on the agenda. This is expected bring some clarity to the MAC exploration of MTSU and Western Kentucky. Middle has been hesitant, and ambiguity has lingered in both MAC and C-USA.

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Originally Posted by ChuckK3

Just like with Tech fans, it's always the "vocal" few that get the most attention.

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Let's be honest, the "Vocal" ones are the ones with the most say.

I'll take a picture of the vocal people on Saturday. If any decide to show up.

These people aren't loyal, why do we act like they are. Hell I get mad just thinking about all the empty seats that long time fans are going to get pushed out of for baseball season.

These people would've been loyal until the Marshall series then returned for the cusa tournament acting like they were with the team all season.

Brady Renard KPLC
@RenardSports
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5m
Here's what McNeese got to stay in the Southland:
- Hosts media days for next 5 years.
- Hosts men's basketball tourney from 2023-2026.
- Hosts women's basketball tourney from 2023-2026.
- Hosts baseball tourney from 2023-2026.
- Hosts softball tourney from 2023-2026.

Here’s what Louisiana Tech got to stay in Conference USA:
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-Holtz

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Originally Posted by sportdawg

Brady Renard KPLC
@RenardSports
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5m
Here's what McNeese got to stay in the Southland:
- Hosts media days for next 5 years.
- Hosts men's basketball tourney from 2023-2026.
- Hosts women's basketball tourney from 2023-2026.
- Hosts baseball tourney from 2023-2026.
- Hosts softball tourney from 2023-2026.

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Holy moly. Talk about leverage!

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Originally Posted by Blue Dawg

Holy moly. Talk about leverage!

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twss

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Originally Posted by SicemDawgz

Here’s what Louisiana Tech got to stay in Conference USA:
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-Holtz

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If there was only a vaccination or cure for what we got!

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Originally Posted by DallasDog

If there was only a vaccination or cure for what we got!

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Not like uls has the fortitude to remove guice.

I’ll start with Holtz….

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Originally Posted by sportdawg

Brady Renard KPLC
@RenardSports
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5m
Here's what McNeese got to stay in the Southland:
- Hosts media days for next 5 years.
- Hosts men's basketball tourney from 2023-2026.
- Hosts women's basketball tourney from 2023-2026.
- Hosts baseball tourney from 2023-2026.
- Hosts softball tourney from 2023-2026.

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Is there still a college there after the last Hurricane? There barely was before.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FD18TuWX...jpg&name=large

Good news! Jumping to the MAC only made sense in the short term to keep from having nothing.

I still think inviting UConn/UMass FB only would be good for short-term - at least until JSU/SHSU are full FBS. Also, would like UTA/UALR for Olympic sports and a couple of closer conference opponents. Maybe Missouri State all-sports as well.

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

http://www.winsipedia.com/virginia/vs/louisiana-tech


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3k-t08lD6bQ

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Now run that on ODU vs LA Tech in football, mens basketball, women's basketball and baseball. You won't be so smug. :laugh:

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Originally Posted by revf

Now go get Missouri State.

That’s 10 (perfect for a great Basketball league).

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Now THAT would be a coup.

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Originally Posted by sportdawg

Brady Renard KPLC
@RenardSports
·
5m
Here's what McNeese got to stay in the Southland:
- Hosts media days for next 5 years.
- Hosts men's basketball tourney from 2023-2026.
- Hosts women's basketball tourney from 2023-2026.
- Hosts baseball tourney from 2023-2026.
- Hosts softball tourney from 2023-2026.

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That's funny. None of that has enough value to keep me from making a strategic decision that I think is better for my university.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to NOT be sharing a conference with McNeese. But....stupid reasons nonetheless. Maybe Tech should consider hiring the McNeese official that cut this deal. He (or she) is obviously a better negotiator than anyone LA Tech has on staff. :laugh:

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Now run that on ODU vs LA Tech in football, mens basketball, women's basketball and baseball. You won't be so smug. :laugh:

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You’re the one that used the entire state of Virginia as your example; not me. 😉

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

You’re the one that used the entire state of Virginia as your example; not me. 

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And you're the one who responded with one game. One. Don't play stupid with me like you do everyone else. ;)

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

And you're the one who responded with one game. One. Don't play stupid with me like you do everyone else. ;)

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Nah, I can get away playing stupid just with the Libs on here. That said, “I gaurontee” as famed Justin Wilson would say, that The University of Virginia had and has respect for us after that game.

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Originally Posted by sportdawg

I still think inviting UConn/UMass FB only would be good for short-term - at least until JSU/SHSU are full FBS. Also, would like UTA/UALR for Olympic sports and a couple of closer conference opponents. Maybe Missouri State all-sports as well.

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Assuming JSU and SHSU file their notices of intent to reclassify by next summer as required, they will be in the second and final year of the reclassification process during the 2023 football season. They would count as FBS opponents for anyone who plays them in 2023. They would be full FBS members eligible for bowl bids for the 2024 season. They would be eligible for a bowl game in 2023 with a 6-6 or better record before any 5-7 teams could be invited using the APR exception.

No need to invite Connecticut and/or Massachusetts at all.

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

Nah, I can get away playing stupid just with the Libs on here. That said, “I gaurontee” as famed Justin Wilson would say, that The University of Virginia had and has respect for us after that game.

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......you missed the point. It was never about the University of Virginia. I'm still waiting for you to post the Head to Head records between LA Tech and ODU in all those sports. Can you spell B-E-E-O-T-C-H? :laugh:

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

......you missed the point. It was never about the University of Virginia. I'm still waiting for you to post the Head to Head records between LA Tech and ODU in all those sports. Can you spell B-E-E-O-T-C-H? :laugh:

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To quote you;

“I mean seriously, is there any wonder none of the schools in Virginia respect LA Tech?”


And I responded with the Univ. of Virginia game stats and clips.

So yes I think they folks in Virginia resoect Tech! Likewise, so do the numerous ODU fans I talked with at our CUSA baseball tournament in Ruston this year. Had some beers with about 15 of them in our parking lot pregame as well.
Really nice people.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

......you missed the point. It was never about the University of Virginia. I'm still waiting for you to post the Head to Head records between LA Tech and ODU in all those sports. Can you spell B-E-E-O-T-C-H? :laugh:

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To quote you;

“I mean seriously, is there any wonder none of the schools in Virginia respect LA Tech?”


And I responded with the Univ. of Virginia game stats and clips.

So yes I think the folks in Virginia resoect Tech! Likewise, so do the numerous ODU fans I talked with at our CUSA baseball tournament in Ruston this year. Had some beers with about 15 of them in our parking lot pregame as well.
Really nice people.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

......you missed the point. It was never about the University of Virginia. I'm still waiting for you to post the Head to Head records between LA Tech and ODU in all those sports. Can you spell B-E-E-O-T-C-H? :laugh:

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To quote you;

“I mean seriously, is there any wonder none of the schools in Virginia respect LA Tech?”


And I responded with the Univ. of Virginia game stats and clips.

So yes I think the folks in Virginia respect Tech! Likewise, so do the numerous ODU fans I talked with at our CUSA baseball tournament in Ruston this year. Had some beers with about 15 of them in our parking lot pregame as well.
Really nice people.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

That's funny. None of that has enough value to keep me from making a strategic decision that I think is better for my university.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to NOT be sharing a conference with McNeese. But....stupid reasons nonetheless. Maybe Tech should consider hiring the McNeese official that cut this deal. He (or she) is obviously a better negotiator than anyone LA Tech has on staff. :laugh:

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We ran that experiment once already didn't we?:shocked2:

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

To quote you;

“I mean seriously, is there any wonder none of the schools in Virginia respect LA Tech?”


And I responded with the Univ. of Virginia game stats and clips.

So yes I think the folks in Virginia respect Tech! Likewise, so do the numerous ODU fans I talked with at our CUSA baseball tournament in Ruston this year. Had some beers with about 15 of them in our parking lot pregame as well.
Really nice people.

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Geezus. You didn't have to post the same jibberish 3 times! :laugh: It was all bullshit anyway.

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Originally Posted by FriscoDawg

Assuming JSU and SHSU file their notices of intent to reclassify by next summer as required, they will be in the second and final year of the reclassification process during the 2023 football season. They would count as FBS opponents for anyone who plays them in 2023. They would be full FBS members eligible for bowl bids for the 2024 season. They would be eligible for a bowl game in 2023 with a 6-6 or better record before any 5-7 teams could be invited using the APR exception.

No need to invite Connecticut and/or Massachusetts at all.

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good to know

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Originally Posted by FriscoDawg

Assuming JSU and SHSU file their notices of intent to reclassify by next summer as required, they will be in the second and final year of the reclassification process during the 2023 football season. They would count as FBS opponents for anyone who plays them in 2023. They would be full FBS members eligible for bowl bids for the 2024 season. They would be eligible for a bowl game in 2023 with a 6-6 or better record before any 5-7 teams could be invited using the APR exception.

No need to invite Connecticut and/or Massachusetts at all.

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But IF Missouri St is still on the table ... does that change the calculus?

Mizz St for all sports. UConn / UMass for fball. UALR / UTA for non-fball.

That'd be 12 bball and 12 fball. Would that be a good thing?

More mouths to feed, sure. But also some insulation against future raids.

You guys dodged one hell of a bullet. Y’all were VERY close to being in a conference with McNeese.

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Originally Posted by GEAUX UL

You guys dodged one hell of a bullet. Y’all were VERY close to being in a conference with McNeese.

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Gosh, at least it isn’t ULM. I guess we are still good.

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Originally Posted by GEAUX UL

You guys dodged one hell of a bullet. Y’all were VERY close to being in a conference with McNeese.

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Have a feeling bullets are still flying...

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

That's funny. None of that has enough value to keep me from making a strategic decision that I think is better for my university.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to NOT be sharing a conference with McNeese. But....stupid reasons nonetheless. Maybe Tech should consider hiring the McNeese official that cut this deal. He (or she) is obviously a better negotiator than anyone LA Tech has on staff. :laugh:

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They're turning down the WAC here, not CUSA.

That'd be a different story for them. As a matter of fact, my understanding is that the original reason for going to the WAC was because there were some plans for the WAC to come up to FBS together down the road. But with NMSU leaving and now SHSU (who joined for the same reason, because they were looking to be "upwardly mobile") the WAC's plans may be on hold. So less reason to leave (plus all the leverage of keeping the Southland in business allowed them to negotiate for all that stuff listed).

I think they'd still leave for CUSA if we offered. Not sure that's what we'd want to do.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

That's funny. None of that has enough value to keep me from making a strategic decision that I think is better for my university.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to NOT be sharing a conference with McNeese. But....stupid reasons nonetheless. Maybe Tech should consider hiring the McNeese official that cut this deal. He (or she) is obviously a better negotiator than anyone LA Tech has on staff. :laugh:

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Originally Posted by GEAUX UL

You guys dodged one hell of a bullet. Y’all were VERY close to being in a conference with McNeese.

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I think it's y'all that dodged a bullet here. You could have had your own FBS version ULM right down the road - complete with endless stories about how every year you don't schedule them it's because you're either scared or snobby.

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Originally Posted by Champ967

But IF Missouri St is still on the table ... does that change the calculus?

Mizz St for all sports. UConn / UMass for fball. UALR / UTA for non-fball.

That'd be 12 bball and 12 fball. Would that be a good thing?

More mouths to feed, sure. But also some insulation against future raids.

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14 teams didn't save us this go around. So we spent 9 years splitting the crumbs 14 ways for nothing (ok, not nothing - some travel savings, too and I guess maybe the overall size of the tv crumbs was higher overall with more product).

I say go as small as possible. And if we get robbed again, we're either gone (great) or as a remaining member of CUSA we lobby for bringing up another FCS school (preferably right in the middle of the recruiting footprint of whatever conference has raided us).

Judy to the rescue...what a smoking pile of crap we are a part of.

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Originally Posted by Champ967

But IF Missouri St is still on the table ... does that change the calculus?

Mizz St for all sports. UConn / UMass for fball. UALR / UTA for non-fball.

That'd be 12 bball and 12 fball. Would that be a good thing?



More mouths to feed, sure. But also some insulation against future raids.

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Neither one of the U-cant's, does not help us, Keep it at nine or ten if possible all sports. Only add an Olympic sport or FB only if they really, really add some value we cannot create ourselves. I think going to ten would be ideal, I really do not see us losing any more than two in the next shuffle. Any more adds need to be a no-brainer, just too good to pass up.

Now MO St does change the math a little, I think if they have interest and want to be here, then add them. WKU has still not committed to staying or going, I think everyone is waiting for that shoe to drop. Judy needs to tell them CUSA is safe for the moment at eight and for them to stay or go, stop dragging around so CUSA can proceed. It is time for her to be a lion (or Lioness) if she plans to move this conference forward. These are the cards we are dealt, let's see if we can win this hand.

https://twitter.com/brett_mcmurphy/s...014190594?s=21

MAC is done expanding, so where does that put WKU? Glad to have them but do we really want them if they do not want to be here?

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Originally Posted by BhadDawg

https://twitter.com/brett_mcmurphy/s...014190594?s=21

MAC is done expanding, so where does that put WKU? Glad to have them but do we really want them if they do not want to be here?

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Just about to post this. Even though many WKUers are whining like little babies, this is great news for us...er, I mean CUSA. We have a solid 9 and are a viable conference.

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Originally Posted by BhadDawg

https://twitter.com/brett_mcmurphy/s...014190594?s=21

MAC is done expanding, so where does that put WKU? Glad to have them but do we really want them if they do not want to be here?

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Yes. Yes we do.

This version of CUSA is a marriage of convenience and everyone knows it. But it's better for Tech with WKU in. I don't care if they aren't happy about it. We aren't either. It's just where we happen to be for the moment.

It's not their dream conference. So what? It's not anyone's dream conference and it's pretty unlikely that it's going to last terribly long. That's fine. We don't need a 20 year solution. We need a "for now" solution.

Nothing about Judy’s C-USA is “viable”. I’m betting this…
- Teams leaving won’t pay exit fees
- Teams leaving and set to host will still host.

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Originally Posted by PawDawg

Nothing about Judy’s C-USA is “viable”. I’m betting this…
- Teams leaving won’t pay exit fees
- Teams leaving and set to host will still host.

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You’re probably right, but I hope not. Unfortunately there’s too much kiss ass and lost accountability in the world these days. Guide, for one should be a businessman about it all and have his say for Tech that the league do right by its remaining members. Even crap already!

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Originally Posted by Bone_afide_Dawg

You’re probably right, but I hope not. Unfortunately there’s too much kiss ass and lost accountability in the world these days. Guide, for one should be a businessman about it all and have his say for Tech that the league do right by its remaining members. Even crap already!

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There is a price you pay for moving on trying to better yourself and they all knew what it was. They all knew what they were doing and I am proud for them all if they feel they bettered their position, but they left us here to pick up the pieces, which we have done despite some peoples wish for us to dissolve. I hope these Academics we have on the board see it for what it is and do what it takes to make this conference not only survive but thrive. I have no pity for the exiting teams, and we OWE THEM NOTHING. Do you really think they would feel different if the shoe was on the other foot.

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Originally Posted by PawDawg

Nothing about Judy’s C-USA is “viable”. I’m betting this…
- Teams leaving won’t pay exit fees
- Teams leaving and set to host will still host.

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They won't pay "exit fees" since there is no exit fee. But the 9 schools leaving have to forego conference revenue distributions the next two years while they remain in the conference. That's in the conference by-laws.

Teams leaving absolutely should not host any championships with a predetermined site in the 2022-2023 year unless there is no other suitable site. I still think any spring 2022 championships should also be moved if possible, especially baseball from Hattiesburg, softball from Denton, and outdoor track and field from San Antonio.

Here is applicable text from the last copy of the C-USA Membership Handbook that I have:
"From the date of notice of withdrawal, the withdrawing member shall have no rights to receive distribution of Conference revenues of any nature (i.e. the Conference shall be entitled to retain distribution for two fiscal years) and shall continue to be obligated to pay Conference expenses, assessments, or debts. Further, the term of office of any Board Member representing a Withdrawing Member shall automatically expire and such Chief Executive Officer shall no longer be a Board Member of the Conference effective as of the notice date or determination of notice to withdraw and such Withdrawing Member shall not be entitled to have a representative on the Board of Directors thereafter. During the period thereafter the number of Board Members shall automatically be reduced by the number of Withdrawing Members; and the Withdrawing Member(s) shall not be permitted to attend any meeting of, vote on any matter before, receive notice of any meeting of, or receive copies of materials distributed to the Board of Directors; the Conference shall however, inform the Chief Executive Officer of a Withdrawing Member about matters (as determined by the Commissioner in his sole discretion) that may materially impact the Withdrawing Member during the period prior to the effective date of the withdrawal in a manner disproportionate to the Withdrawing Member and shall provide the Chief Executive Officer of the Withdrawing Member with a reasonable opportunity for discussion with the Board of Directors on such issues as requested.

"Each of the Members agrees that withdrawal of a member from the Conference would cause damage and financial hardship to the Conference and its continuing members, that the financial consequences to the Conference and its continuing members of such withdrawal cannot be measured or estimated with certainty at this time, and that the withholding of distributions pursuant to the preceding paragraph is a reasonable method of compensating the Conference and the continuing members for such damage and financial hardship and is not and shall not be construed as a penalty."

This round of conference realignment appears to be over unless Missouri State wants to join C-USA and the feeling is mutual.

Mid-American Conference to remain at 12 teams, won't pursue expansion (espn.com)

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Geezus. You didn't have to post the same jibberish 3 times! :laugh: It was all bullshit anyway.

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Yes your post was that for sure. 😉

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Originally Posted by GEAUX UL

You guys dodged one hell of a bullet. Y’all were VERY close to being in a conference with McNeese.

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You clowns down on I-10 are such lying BS spinners. Y’all are totally clueless.

Did CUSA not court UMass and UConn for football only? If so, IMHO, that's a mistake. (Though I'd read UConn wouldn't be interested.) Having existing FBS teams looks better than moving up FCS teams. Granted, UMass has been a perennial loser, and UConn hasn't been good lately. But UConn has fielded competitive teams in the past. And we'd have gained two flagship universities in the wealthy and powerful northeast. Ah well, can't wait to play a university whose name begins with "Sam" and another founded by a televangelist.

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

You clowns down on I-10 are such lying BS spinners. Y’all are totally clueless.

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Don’t pay him any mind. Just another Louisville fan spelling GO like he is from Baton Rouge or something.

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Originally Posted by jharris

Did CUSA not court UMass and UConn for football only? If so, IMHO, that's a mistake. (Though I'd read UConn wouldn't be interested.) Having existing FBS teams looks better than moving up FCS teams. Granted, UMass has been a perennial loser, and UConn hasn't been good lately. But UConn has fielded competitive teams in the past. And we'd have gained two flagship universities in the wealthy and powerful northeast. Ah well, can't wait to play a university whose name begins with "Sam" and another founded by a televangelist.

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Sam Houston is absolutely better than either Connecticut or Massachusetts in football. And Jacksonville State is also, but just not as far ahead. Missouri State is also right up there with SHSU.

If you look at the current Sagarin blended ratings, here is what you get:
89 Sam Houston State
103 Missouri State
168 Jacksonville State
195 Connecticut
201 Massachusetts

No way C-USA needs any football only members now that WKU and MT are staying put. Those schools for football only would just divide revenue more ways when it is not needed.

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Originally Posted by jharris

Did CUSA not court UMass and UConn for football only? If so, IMHO, that's a mistake. (Though I'd read UConn wouldn't be interested.) Having existing FBS teams looks better than moving up FCS teams. Granted, UMass has been a perennial loser, and UConn hasn't been good lately. But UConn has fielded competitive teams in the past. And we'd have gained two flagship universities in the wealthy and powerful northeast. Ah well, can't wait to play a university whose name begins with "Sam" and another founded by a televangelist.

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To be FBS you have to 8 full members sponsoring FB, MBB & WBB. That is why the FCS schools were brought in. UMass/UConn would not count as FB-only.

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Originally Posted by inudesu

14 teams didn't save us this go around. So we spent 9 years splitting the crumbs 14 ways for nothing (ok, not nothing - some travel savings, too and I guess maybe the overall size of the tv crumbs was higher overall with more product).

I say go as small as possible. And if we get robbed again, we're either gone (great) or as a remaining member of CUSA we lobby for bringing up another FCS school (preferably right in the middle of the recruiting footprint of whatever conference has raided us).

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^^^THIS! Go small. Stay small. There's no need to split the pie 14 ways when you can split it 8 or 9 ways. It will still be a one-bid basketball league. But with only 8 or 9 teams instead of 14, Tech has a much better chance of earning the auto bid. STAY SMALL!

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Originally Posted by inudesu

Yes. Yes we do.

This version of CUSA is a marriage of convenience and everyone knows it. But it's better for Tech with WKU in. I don't care if they aren't happy about it. We aren't either. It's just where we happen to be for the moment.

It's not their dream conference. So what? It's not anyone's dream conference and it's pretty unlikely that it's going to last terribly long. That's fine. We don't need a 20 year solution. We need a "for now" solution.

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Great post. My thoughts exactly. Not Tech's ideal situation either. But we can make it work, and with WKU in it, it will definitely work better. Make no mistake, WKU is a GREAT basketball program, so this conference is much more valuable with them in it.

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Originally Posted by FriscoDawg

They won't pay "exit fees" since there is no exit fee. But the 9 schools leaving have to forego conference revenue distributions the next two years while they remain in the conference. That's in the conference by-laws.

Teams leaving absolutely should not host any championships with a predetermined site in the 2022-2023 year unless there is no other suitable site. I still think any spring 2022 championships should also be moved if possible, especially baseball from Hattiesburg, softball from Denton, and outdoor track and field from San Antonio.

Here is applicable text from the last copy of the C-USA Membership Handbook that I have:
"From the date of notice of withdrawal, the withdrawing member shall have no rights to receive distribution of Conference revenues of any nature (i.e. the Conference shall be entitled to retain distribution for two fiscal years) and shall continue to be obligated to pay Conference expenses, assessments, or debts. Further, the term of office of any Board Member representing a Withdrawing Member shall automatically expire and such Chief Executive Officer shall no longer be a Board Member of the Conference effective as of the notice date or determination of notice to withdraw and such Withdrawing Member shall not be entitled to have a representative on the Board of Directors thereafter. During the period thereafter the number of Board Members shall automatically be reduced by the number of Withdrawing Members; and the Withdrawing Member(s) shall not be permitted to attend any meeting of, vote on any matter before, receive notice of any meeting of, or receive copies of materials distributed to the Board of Directors; the Conference shall however, inform the Chief Executive Officer of a Withdrawing Member about matters (as determined by the Commissioner in his sole discretion) that may materially impact the Withdrawing Member during the period prior to the effective date of the withdrawal in a manner disproportionate to the Withdrawing Member and shall provide the Chief Executive Officer of the Withdrawing Member with a reasonable opportunity for discussion with the Board of Directors on such issues as requested.

"Each of the Members agrees that withdrawal of a member from the Conference would cause damage and financial hardship to the Conference and its continuing members, that the financial consequences to the Conference and its continuing members of such withdrawal cannot be measured or estimated with certainty at this time, and that the withholding of distributions pursuant to the preceding paragraph is a reasonable method of compensating the Conference and the continuing members for such damage and financial hardship and is not and shall not be construed as a penalty."

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Thanks for explaining again. I had you in mind when I posted my rant about Judy, but didn't word it correctly. I say again, if our weak commissioner and remaining presidents enforce the C-USA bylaws and take away the championships I'll be amazed. If anything they should have already announced that CHANGES WILL BE MADE.

Seems like the SLC commish at least showed some hustle. A Tech grad at that.

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Originally Posted by jharris

Did CUSA not court UMass and UConn for football only? If so, IMHO, that's a mistake. (Though I'd read UConn wouldn't be interested.) Having existing FBS teams looks better than moving up FCS teams. Granted, UMass has been a perennial loser, and UConn hasn't been good lately. But UConn has fielded competitive teams in the past. And we'd have gained two flagship universities in the wealthy and powerful northeast. Ah well, can't wait to play a university whose name begins with "Sam" and another founded by a televangelist.

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Originally Posted by FriscoDawg

Sam Houston is absolutely better than either Connecticut or Massachusetts in football. And Jacksonville State is also, but just not as far ahead. Missouri State is also right up there with SHSU.

If you look at the current Sagarin blended ratings, here is what you get:
89 Sam Houston State
103 Missouri State
168 Jacksonville State
195 Connecticut
201 Massachusetts

No way C-USA needs any football only members now that WKU and MT are staying put. Those schools for football only would just divide revenue more ways when it is not needed.

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I was going to say the same thing. SHSU and JSU are both waaaaay better at football than UMass and UConn. Once we were able to get to the bare minimum, why add long trips to play terrible programs? The only reasons to go beyond 9 members (or frankly beyond 8 in my opinion) is to ease the travel costs by splitting into divisions and/or to bump the total amount of product in an attempt to get a better tv deal. And the tv thing is moot because there isn't anyone to add that's going to get us more money per program by expanding further. And getting to the point of having divisions would require so many new teams that your travel costs are eaten up by splitting the pie (and you'd be absolutely crushing the conference strength at this point because you'd have to take teams that aren't as good as SHSU and JSU).

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Originally Posted by jharris

Did CUSA not court UMass and UConn for football only? If so, IMHO, that's a mistake. (Though I'd read UConn wouldn't be interested.) Having existing FBS teams looks better than moving up FCS teams. Granted, UMass has been a perennial loser, and UConn hasn't been good lately. But UConn has fielded competitive teams in the past. And we'd have gained two flagship universities in the wealthy and powerful northeast. Ah well, can't wait to play a university whose name begins with "Sam" and another founded by a televangelist.

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In the wake of all those departures, C-USA has added schools — Liberty, New Mexico State, Jacksonville State and Sam Houston State — and with the retention of MTSU and WKU, the conference will have nine members, as well as the opportunity to add more, considering reported interest from both UConn and UMass.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaafb/this-school-may-have-just-ended-conference-realignment/ar-AAQy7BN?li=BBnbfcL

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Originally Posted by Lotsudo

In the wake of all those departures, C-USA has added schools — Liberty, New Mexico State, Jacksonville State and Sam Houston State — and with the retention of MTSU and WKU, the conference will have nine members, as well as the opportunity to add more, considering reported interest from both UConn and UMass.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaafb/this-school-may-have-just-ended-conference-realignment/ar-AAQy7BN?li=BBnbfcL

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I just don't see what we get out of that.

And I don't see (especially for UConn) that what those schools get out of this is really worth it to them.

If adding either (or both) for football only was going to be the difference in existing as a conference, then you have to go after them hard (obviously). But really, I can't think of why any scenario past that would include them at all, much less a hard sell.

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Originally Posted by inudesu

I just don't see what we get out of that.

And I don't see (especially for UConn) that what those schools get out of this is really worth it to them.

If adding either (or both) for football only was going to be the difference in existing as a conference, then you have to go after them hard (obviously). But really, I can't think of why any scenario past that would include them at all, much less a hard sell.

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The only thing I see as a benefit is they only have to schedule 4 games a year instead of 12. You get a guaranteed 4 at home. UConn is currently doing the 4 P5 games annually. UConn/UMass are both playing 2 FCS games this year.

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Originally Posted by inudesu

I just don't see what we get out of that.

And I don't see (especially for UConn) that what those schools get out of this is really worth it to them.

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I can think of 3 reasons UCONN and UMASS would want to join CUSA:

1) Much easier football scheduling. Scheduling is typically the #1 complaint from AD's at Independent schools
2) They can sell recruits on competing for a possible conference championship
3) CUSA still has a lot of Bowl tie-ins and connections. This too, will make recruiting much easier

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Originally Posted by sportdawg

The only thing I see as a benefit is they only have to schedule 4 games a year instead of 12. You get a guaranteed 4 at home. UConn is currently doing the 4 P5 games annually. UConn/UMass are both playing 2 FCS games this year.

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They would also have conference bowl tie-ins to play for. As an independent (unless you are Notre Dame, BYU or Army) there is no gaurantee that a winning record places you in a bowl.

And unlike Holtz, most people embrace the chance of winning a conference championship.

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Originally Posted by sportdawg

The only thing I see as a benefit is they only have to schedule 4 games a year instead of 12. You get a guaranteed 4 at home. UConn is currently doing the 4 P5 games annually. UConn/UMass are both playing 2 FCS games this year.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

I can think of 3 reasons UCONN and UMASS would want to join CUSA:

1) Much easier football scheduling. Scheduling is typically the #1 complaint from AD's at Independent schools
2) They can sell recruits on competing for a possible conference championship
3) CUSA still has a lot of Bowl connections. This too, will make recruiting much easier

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Yeah, you'd think so. I can even think of a 4th in the FBS playoff money (which goes to the conferences).

But I read an interesting article about the UConn/UMass game this year and it sounds like they don't really care about building anything with their football programs. It's just a marketing thing or something. Like, they know they're not good and unlikely to get better (and that even if they got decent they might not get a bowl). They just seem content to roll out a couple of northeastern FCS games, something with each other and Army, and then go barnstorming for money games. They also (at least UConn) feel like they can get P5 games at home (especially the Syracuses and BC's of the world). This allows them to make (relatively) good tv deals on their own. And they're content with that.

I don't get the reasoning, but that's their line. Very different mindset from schools that want to win/grow in football.

But even if they were interested, I don't see why CUSA would be. Maybe if there was a Notre Dame/ACC or BYU/WAC style deal with a minimum number of basketball games thrown in. But even then, I'd vote against it (if I had a vote).

Connecticut and Massachusetts need to go back to FCS in football.

Nothing else needs to be said about it.

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Originally Posted by FriscoDawg

Connecticut and Massachusetts need to go back to FCS in football.

Nothing else needs to be said about it.

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UConn appears to be attempting to turn things around with today's hiring of Jim Mora.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-fo...round-huskies/

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Originally Posted by inudesu

Yeah, you'd think so. I can even think of a 4th in the FBS playoff money (which goes to the conferences).

But I read an interesting article about the UConn/UMass game this year and it sounds like they don't really care about building anything with their football programs. It's just a marketing thing or something. Like, they know they're not good and unlikely to get better (and that even if they got decent they might not get a bowl). They just seem content to roll out a couple of northeastern FCS games, something with each other and Army, and then go barnstorming for money games.

I don't get the reasoning, but that's their line. Very different mindset from schools that want to win/grow in football.

But even if they were interested, I don't see why CUSA would be. Maybe if there was a Notre Dame/ACC or BYU/WAC style deal with a minimum number of basketball games thrown in. But even then, I'd vote against it (if I had a vote).

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UCONN and UMASS are both basketball schools. UCONN is in the Big East (with Villanova, Georgetown, Seton Hall, DePaul, Butler, St. Johns, etc...) and UMASS is in the Atlantic 10 (with George Mason, George Washington, Duquesne, St Louis, St Joseph, etc...). Neither school is going to ever risk leaving the comfy confines of their current basketball conferences.

Now, Missouri State may be another matter. Yes, the Bears are currently in a great basketball conference, the Missouri Valley (with Bradley, Drake, Evansville, Loyola-Chicago, Valparaiso, etc....). But if they truly want to grow their football program, they'll be forced to leave the MVC unless they can work out a football only arrangement, which will be very difficult to do. But now that WKU and MTSU have decided to stay in CUSA, I think the chances are good that MSU will be interested. I think they are worth pursuing, but ONLY as a full time member.

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Originally Posted by PawDawg

Thanks for explaining again. I had you in mind when I posted my rant about Judy, but didn't word it correctly. I say again, if our weak commissioner and remaining presidents enforce the C-USA bylaws and take away the championships I'll be amazed. If anything they should have already announced that CHANGES WILL BE MADE.

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yeah this.

The conference bylaws look good on paper. But until they are actually implemented/enforced, I will remain skeptical

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

I think they are worth pursuing, but ONLY as a full time member.

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I like 9 better than 10, but I think many people are considering this (and I know 10 works for bball).

And I can't believe nobody has mentioned that this would put Bobby Petrino and Hugh Freeze coaching in the same conference. . .

Seems like a high risk for lots of Champ967 Bernice jokes.

Is it worth that?

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Originally Posted by FriscoDawg

Connecticut and Massachusetts need to go back to FCS in football.

Nothing else needs to be said about it.

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That's what I think too. See Georgetown University football in the FCS Patriot League. Meanwhile, the Hoyas basketball program resides in the Big East.

UCONN has hired Jim Mora, Jr. as its head football coach. Mora is a former UCLA coach, among other places.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

UCONN has hired Jim Mora, Jr. as its head football coach. Mora is a former UCLA coach, among other places.

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I was he was still with the dirtybirds in Hotlanta...

Missouri State would b a definite yes for me. The Basketball conference would then actually b an upgrade over what we have now. Perhaps a significant upgrade if Middle could regain any former glory.

I know there was no plan in any of this, but CUSA is jettisoning a lot of dead wood in this shake up. Surprisingly, most of it to the AAC.

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Originally Posted by Brad

UConn appears to be attempting to turn things around with today's hiring of Jim Mora.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-fo...round-huskies/

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If UConn and UMass would guarantee to play Tech or our conference in basketball once a year and rotate a home and home (for 10 years or so) I would invite them into CUSA. How are they in baseball?

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Originally Posted by skilldawg

Missouri State would b a definite yes for me. The Basketball conference would then actually b an upgrade over what we have now. Perhaps a significant upgrade if Middle could regain any former glory.

I know there was no plan in any of this, but CUSA is jettisoning a lot of dead wood in this shake up. Surprisingly, most of it to the AAC.

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Aresco just hasn't figured that out yet.

And I agree about Missouri State.

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Originally Posted by skilldawg

Missouri State would b a definite yes for me. The Basketball conference would then actually b an upgrade over what we have now. Perhaps a significant upgrade if Middle could regain any former glory.

I know there was no plan in any of this, but CUSA is jettisoning a lot of dead wood in this shake up. Surprisingly, most of it to the AAC.

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Good luck Memphis!

That is a one bid stinker of a basketball conference.

Missouri State would bring us to 10 and would make the new C-USA much more stable and vital.

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Originally Posted by revf

Good luck Memphis!

That is a one bid stinker of a basketball conference.

Missouri State would bring us to 10 and would make the new C-USA much more stable and vital.

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Memphis wants out of what Aresco has built as fast as it can get out.

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Originally Posted by FriscoDawg

Memphis wants out of what Aresco has built as fast as it can get out.

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How can they not? The only ones screwed more than them is probably UAB. They deserved to move up by pretty much all of the metrics… and they got saddled with a bunch of dregs from the conference they were escaping from.

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Originally Posted by skilldawg

Missouri State would b a definite yes for me. The Basketball conference would then actually b an upgrade over what we have now. Perhaps a significant upgrade if Middle could regain any former glory.

I know there was no plan in any of this, but CUSA is jettisoning a lot of dead wood in this shake up. Surprisingly, most of it to the AAC.

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Yeah we lost a lot of dead wait, and arguably the conference might be better than it was before.

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

If UConn and UMass would guarantee to play Tech or our conference in basketball once a year and rotate a home and home (for 10 years or so) I would invite them into CUSA. How are they in baseball?

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UConn baseball is well above average with seven NCAA Tournament appearances since 2010.

Let's get real, the cusa bylaws say that you have to have football to be a member school. Um.... UAB needs to pay up. I say charge UAB a higher fee than the rest for the gift we have given them.

UAB is going to be crying in their titty milk when they don’t get the same special attention and favoritism in their new conference like they did in CUSA. Its too bad I won’t be paying attention to see it.

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Originally Posted by Gladzilla

Let's get real, the cusa bylaws say that you have to have football to be a member school. Um.... UAB needs to pay up. I say charge UAB a higher fee than the rest for the gift we have given them.

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As posted before, there is no "fee".

UAB should have been kicked to the curb or had all of its conference distributions withheld for the two years it didn't play football and didn't comply with the membership criteria. But that ship sailed long ago due to the weak leadership that was present even then.

As soon as things settle out (like this coming May), Judy's contract needs to not be renewed. There are several qualified commissioners of FCS conferences or assistant commissioners of FBS conferences that would do a better job than Judy has done.

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Originally Posted by FriscoDawg

As posted before, there is no "fee".

UAB should have been kicked to the curb or had all of its conference distributions withheld for the two years it didn't play football and didn't comply with the membership criteria. But that ship sailed long ago due to the weak leadership that was present even then.

As soon as things settle out (like this coming May), Judy's contract needs to not be renewed. There are several qualified commissioners of FCS conferences or assistant commissioners of FBS conferences that would do a better job than Judy has done.

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Judy has got to go. She’s weak and incompetent.

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Originally Posted by revf

Judy has got to go. She’s weak and incompetent.

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I doubt those she just bribed to stay or those she begged to join will vote to fire her. I'm sure our leadership is proud of her great reaction to the mess she helped create.