[Sly Fox]

There are plenty of facts that we can use from our own perspective based on the 6-month study here in Texas by NACDA Consulting. Frankly we are positioned much better that SHSU but this gives you an idea of what types of upgrades would generally be expected with a step up.

Click Here for Executive Summary of Study

It is worth the time to read it all the way through. I'd love to hear reaction from both the pro-FBS crowd and the contingent on here who think we are 20 years away from making a move.

[flamesfan30]

to summarize and relate to LU:
Sam Houston state looked at joining C-USA and the Sunbelt conference

C-USA has higher budgets in everything than the sunbelt

Sam Houston liked the members of C-USA better because they were closer geographically and matched SHSU in the following areas: public/ private, total enrollment, gender ratio, and tuition and fees.

the biggest problems for Sam Houston is student apathy towards athletics as well as the cost of necessary facilities improvements and operating budget costs.

the facilities upgrades mentioned in the report would have been equal to what we have now (including phase 2 of the planned Williams upgrade) and finances are not an issue here.

I would not consider students who do actually show up (most of us 2 and 3 hours early) apathetic, in the sense that Sam Houston uses the word, even if some of us do leave at halftime.

if we were in Sam Houston State's situation we would be ready to move up to FBS, probably to the higher budgeted C-USA.

[Purple Haize]

Even though I don't fall in either of the two categories I will comment anyways:

1. Georgraphical Proximity and membership opportunities. SHS has more options than we do in both regards. The only FBS schools that are geographically close to us are ACC schools. Both the MAC and C - USA have been mentioned, but neither are AQ's and neither have football schools near Lynchburg. This is why I am a CAA proponent. If the CAA moves up with us in it then the rest is moot.
2. While we seem to have the "Money is no object" mentality, it actually is an issue. At what point does the money train end? It NEVER pays to be frivolous with money, an object lesson would be the economy over the last two years. I am a big fan of that whole "Good Steward" thing. We are over funded for the BSC, upper level of the CAA but would probably be near the bottom of the ACC. (See #1)
3. Student/Community apathy. Going back to #1. Students will show up, they may not stay but at least they will show up. However, to sustain growth and/or to remain consistent, community involvement is needed. Much like the SHSU, we have a very apathetic community. Does a move to the MAC or C-USA change that?
4. I like their conclusion. Outside of the money issue, you could just change SHSU with LU, IMO>
As SHSU evaluates its options for intercollegiate athletics, the interviews, focus groups
and surveys indicate that the University should remain at the FCS level. This research
suggests that the focus should be on increasing financial support to place SHSU in the
top third of the SLC within the next 24-36 months, and on making football a perennial
nationally-ranked program at the FCS level. Although, there is a unique opportunity to
pursue FBS membership, SHSU needs to develop a collaborative, institutionally
supported strategic plan to increase support in funding, facilities and personnnel for
SHSU athletics.

[LUconn]

4. I like their conclusion. Outside of the money issue, you could just change SHSU with LU, IMO>
As SHSU evaluates its options for intercollegiate athletics, the interviews, focus groups
and surveys indicate that the University should remain at the FCS level. This research
suggests that the focus should be on increasing financial support to place SHSU in the
top third of the SLC within the next 24-36 months, and on making football a perennial
nationally-ranked program at the FCS level. Although, there is a unique opportunity to
pursue FBS membership, SHSU needs to develop a collaborative, institutionally
supported strategic plan to increase support in funding, facilities and personnnel for
SHSU athletics.

I haven't read it yet, but I guess the big question is, why does SHSU considering the move to FBS? What is their reasoning? To make money? To increase their profile? What is their ultimate goal?

[Sly Fox]

Their primary peer institution is Texas State. The Southland Conference just lost a ton of luster.

[Sly Fox]

Appalachian State is launching their latest investigation of the FBS option ...

ASU Convenes Feasibility Committee

Written by Mike Flynn
Friday, 21 January 2011 02:34 PM

As part of the athletics feasibility study that began last September, Appalachian State University has convened a 10-member committee that will ultimately make a recommendation regarding the University’s future in the changing NCAA Division I landscape.

The athletics feasibility study committee held its first meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 18.

Click Here for Full Story

[jbock13]

Their primary peer institution is Texas State. The Southland Conference just lost a ton of luster.

BREAKING NEWS: Liberty to join the Southland conference...