IT'S OFFICIAL! FAU to the American Athletic Conference
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illinoisowl said
Does anyone know specifically why FIU was not considered by the AAC other than speculations? Did they apply for membership?
Do they have a message board anymore? I tried searching and I found something that doesn’t seem to work.Posted On: Oct 23rd 2021, 8:21 AM #404361
They haven’t invested into the program. Facilities is the major factor.
And I don’t think a message board exists anymore
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illinoisowl said
Does anyone know specifically why FIU was not considered by the AAC other than speculations? Did they apply for membership?
Do they have a message board anymore? I tried searching and I found something that doesn’t seem to work.Posted On: Oct 23rd 2021, 8:21 AM #404361
I’ll say based on conversations I’ve had with those in our athletics dept and from what I’ve read, it really came down to this for the AAC: “Are we bringing programs that are seriously investing in their athletics departments for the long term?” We answered that question easily and FIU did not. I also do not believe they ever had any conversations with the AAC.
I hope they can salvage their athletics department I’d love to keep the annual rivalry going I think it’s good for both programs but C-USA now has no choice but to rebuild by bringing in 3-5 FCS programs. And that’s IF Middle and WKU don’t bolt for the MAC
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owlfan1 said
Pretty amazing how things have changed in the last few years. All it took was a couple of SBC teams to pull some upsets, make the top 25, and get some brand recognition going for the conference.Posted On: Oct 23rd 2021, 10:57 AM #404365
A few things to mention here…
A big factor that goes unsaid now, and should be brought back up is that they were willing to play on Thursday nights initially to gain the contract with ESPN, while their was hesitancy by C-USA to do so.
It obviously comes at a cost to the program given the unsteady practice and travel schedules required.
Secondly, the SBC product improved as well, as the first year with the media deal they (SBC) were not as good as they are now overall.
Thirdly, recruiting success also increased. And while the media deal may have played a part in that, something that can also likely be attributed is the ability of the coaches to reach prospects very easily (it's a level playing field now with free touches via social media) with little travel monies/efforts required until necessary.
Lastly, someone keep me in line here but are the overall entrance requirements lesser for the SBC when compared to C-USA?
You put all of this together and you have the perfect storm for what was basically silent lane pass by the SBC.
Regardless, someone should have been monitoring the trend and made the necessary leverage calls/requests to right the ship.
If Judy wants to save her job, she should do what it takes to get Liberty in the mix (if that option is still there).
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Rick said
A few things to mention here…owlfan1 said
Pretty amazing how things have changed in the last few years. All it took was a couple of SBC teams to pull some upsets, make the top 25, and get some brand recognition going for the conference.
Posted On: Oct 23rd 2021, 10:57 AM #404365
A big factor that goes unsaid now, and should be brought back up is that they were willing to play on Thursday nights initially to gain the contract with ESPN, while their was hesitancy by C-USA to do so.
It obviously comes at a cost to the program given the unsteady practice and travel schedules required.
Secondly, the SBC product improved as well, as the first year with the media deal they (SBC) were not as good as they are now overall.
Thirdly, recruiting success also increased. And while the media deal may have played a part in that, something that can also likely be attributed is the ability of the coaches to reach prospects very easily (it's a level playing field now with free touches via social media) with little travel monies/efforts required until necessary.
Lastly, someone keep me in line here but are the overall entrance requirements lesser for the SBC when compared to C-USA?
You put all of this together and you have the perfect storm for what was basically silent lane pass by the SBC.
Regardless, someone should have been monitoring the trend and made the necessary leverage calls/requests to right the ship.
If Judy wants to save her job, she should do what it takes to get Liberty in the mix (if that option is still there).
Posted On: Oct 23rd 2021, 8:38 PM #404368
I agree. All your points are valid. I was thinking specifically of how it seemed like Coastal Carolina was on ESPN every week last year. Their stock went through the roof. I know I was tuning in to watch them despite having no connection to the school or program. Add in Louisiana and the SBC was getting national recognition far beyond that of the C-USA. Or if not more recognition, far more excitement and upward momentum. As the kids would say, "SBC was trending."
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