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SunBelt expansion?

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SunBelt expansion?

The SunBelt Conference needs to expand now by offering invites to the five eastern most CUSA remainders (S. Miss., East Carolina, Marshall, UAB and Tulune) along with Ga. St. to get to a 16-team conference while CUSA is in its struggles, losing now four of it's top programs to the BigEast!

CUSA is in talks to merge its remaining eight teams with the Mtn. West and what will be (may be) eight teams after three schools join from the WAC. And that is assuming Air Force also does not leave the conference in football to join the Naval Acadamy in the Big East - a strong possibility at this time. This merger would also give the merged conferences a 15 or 16 team conference but MUCH more spread out (frrm almost the Atlantic with East Carolina all the way to Hawaii).

I beleive the five eastern teams joining the Belt would be a much better move for them financially and competitively and strenghten the Belt and the other 3 western most CUSA teams (Tulsa, Rice and UTEP) could then join the Mtn. West along with La. Tech to re-form a 12 team conference. Best move for all parties IMHO.
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Re: SunBelt expansion?

GeorgiaOwl said

The SunBelt Conference needs to expand now by offering invites to the five eastern most CUSA remainders (S. Miss., East Carolina, Marshall, UAB and Tulune) along with Ga. St. to get to a 16-team conference while CUSA is in its struggles, losing now four of it's top programs to the BigEast!

CUSA is in talks to merge its remaining eight teams with the Mtn. West and what will be (may be) eight teams after three schools join from the WAC. And that is assuming Air Force also does not leave the conference in football to join the Naval Acadamy in the Big East - a strong possibility at this time. This merger would also give the merged conferences a 15 or 16 team conference but MUCH more spread out (frrm almost the Atlantic with East Carolina all the way to Hawaii).

I beleive the five eastern teams joining the Belt would be a much better move for them financially and competitively and strenghten the Belt and the other 3 western most CUSA teams (Tulsa, Rice and UTEP) could then join the Mtn. West along with La. Tech to re-form a 12 team conference. Best move for all parties IMHO.

Curious to why you said Georgia State. I was talking with someone yesterday and brought them up in a similar scenario, and they shot it down. I think it would be a good move for all sports in the conference. It's easy to fly into Atlanta, as opposed to other places like Monroe, La. and could very well help save on travel costs. I know they are a new football program, but I think the conference needs a presence in the state of Georgia.
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Re: SunBelt expansion?

Going to move up to FBS level and three reasons; 1) Atlanta Media market for the conference (VERY important for media contracts) , 2) entry for conference into VERY FERTILE Ga. recruiting grounds and 3) like S. Alabama, moving up so new to FCS level ball giving two "new" members a more level entry to FCS (kind of like equal partners).
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Re: SunBelt expansion?

Theyre the second largest school in the state and I think you can make a similar argument for the talent in the area, theyre like an FAU in a way. Theyll probably go through the same issues as we did, students all wearing UGA and TECH sweatshirts on campus, little interest from alumni bc they lacked the traditional activities  when they attended, and old head coach, its really similar.

I wish we had Ludacris as an alumni!
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Re: SunBelt expansion?

I personally don't want to see any more FBS teams added to the SBC, we are finally growing, look how long it took WKU and FIU to get their programs going and already have USA to worry about now. I think adding FBS schools, no matter how good they are will always bring the SBC back down.

And if CUSA only picks off one SBC school: http://articles.philly.com/2012-01-05/sports/30593403_1_temple-mountain-west-conference-usa-merger-invitations we will be okay with the latest USA addition, and just go back to our 8 game SBC schedule.

But, that's just my opinion, what the hell do I know.
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Re: SunBelt expansion?

A successful football season this year will change everyone's minds about FIU. If we happen to win 6-7 games and get into and win another Bowl game, there will be just as much talk about FAU moving to another conference. FIU is mentioned because they're hot right now. Their on the top of everyone's mind

My two favorite teams are FAU, and who ever is beating FIU!
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Re: SunBelt expansion?

They had a good year and kicked our ass but that "effort" in the bowl game vs. a 6-6 Marshall - that was a stinker!
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Re: SunBelt expansion?

I meant a successful season for us. In this sport it's all about what have you done for me lately. Not what did you do for 5 years ago. No one cares. Right now FIU is the hot ticket, they've got a good football team and will likely compete with Ark State for the Belt title again this season. Not saying we won't but after a 1-11 season even if we win 5 games it's a big improvement.

What I'm saying is, if all of a sudden we win a good amount of games and make a bowl game and win, or maybe knock off or at least put a scare into some of these AQ schools we play, these conference commissioners may think twice before inviting just FIU

My two favorite teams are FAU, and who ever is beating FIU!
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Re: SunBelt expansion?

Or the Belt is proactive and pulls in bigger fish to it's pond! CUSA is very vulnerable right now and to expect the remaining members to travel that much in a merger with the wearker Mtn. West teams as far away as Hawaii and California would be asking a lot of the players, coaches, fans and budgets! IF the Belt wants to grow and become a more legitimate conference, now is the time IMHO!
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Re: SunBelt expansion?

And I just learned that Tulane has approved building a 30,000 seat on-campus stadium too! C'mpn Belt, get with it and build your conference NOW! S. Miss, East Caroilna, Marshall, UAB, Tulane and Ga. State - be the true southern regional conference! Three of those are VERY decent programs now and the other thee give to balance and media markets (Atlanta, New Orleans and Birmingham). 16 team conference with two eight team divisions and a conference championship game to boot!
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