[SumItUp]

Based on history, if there was an invite, it would be full membership. Currently, the CAA does not have any football only members.

My friend has a brother that knows a guy that works in an office where the president's best friend knows a guy that works out at a gym that is owned by a guy that travels to the Caribbean for two weeks every winter with a guy that is an attorney in the firm that represents a guy that is a major supporter of a CAA football power and he has good connections to the..................................

[Cider Jim]

"If you build it, they will come [calling]."

[FlamingChick]

That would be a big step, getting into a more competitive conference. I know the goal is to eventually make it to FBS, but Liberty needs to become a power at the FCS level first. Joining the CAA would help...

[Chris Lang]

Based on history, if there was an invite, it would be full membership. Currently, the CAA does not have any football only members.

Not true. Sixty percent of the current CAA is made up of football only schools.

Richmond, Massachusetts and Rhode Island (Atlantic 10); Villanova (Big East); and New Hampshire and Maine (America East) are associate football members of the CAA.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Hofstra and Northeastern in the next few years. Travel costs being what they are, it's awful expensive to be in a mid-major league in which every road trip for your Olympic sports is a fly trip. It's one thing to do it in the ACC (Boston College). Those programs operate on much larger budgets.

[Sly Fox]

Keep in mind that there is true speculation that the CAA is considering stepping up to become a new Eastern FBS regional league. If such a move were on the radar, a program squarely in their footprint up to those standards would make a great deal of sense.

Times have changed dramatically since the last time the CAA considered new members. The FCS landscape looks a great deal different and our campus certainly does as well.

As for full or associate membership, do we really care? I could live with the Big South if we were in a higher profile football league. Do realize what an unfair advantage that would put us in vs. other Big South schools in competing for automatic bids for the playoffs. We already have a facilities and exposure advantage. But that would be magnified in the rest of the sports with FBS football exposure and recognition. All that said, full membership would be the best. But in our position, I'd love it either way.

Hofstra & Northeastern have to exit the league but I wouldn't assume the CAA would have an interest in replacing them. Football will be driving their decisions moving forward. If thre CAA were to expand to a Southern school it would likely be the final straw for the northern schools. They assume they will be thrown a bone by allowing an Albany or Stony Brook to fill the void.

[jcmanson]

Yeah I'm hoping that the North division of the CAA falls apart. Have been hoping for that to happen for the past couple of years. It's no question it would be huge for us to be in the CAA. It would reduce our overall travel expenses and increase our national exposure. It's a win-win. But I'm not getting my hopes up, yet.

[SumItUp]

Based on history, if there was an invite, it would be full membership. Currently, the CAA does not have any football only members.

Not true. Sixty percent of the current CAA is made up of football only schools.

I'm not sure where that came from. I need a feature added that let's me proof any posts that I make after midnight the following day.

[LUconn]

I'm all for it but it would present some new challenges. Right now we're recruiting head to head with the likes of JMU and Richmond. Does it help us land these guys being in the same conference or does it hurt us since the difference between the programs would now only be a history of championships? A cake auto-bid is a nice thing to be able to offer.

[JK37]

Travel costs being what they are, it's awful expensive to be in a mid-major league in which every road trip for your Olympic sports is a fly trip. It's one thing to do it in the ACC (Boston College). Those programs operate on much larger budgets.

And even BC doesn't like it. The ROI of their move to the ACC has not been what they hoped for. As a Big East guy, I say screw 'em - they're getting what they deserve.

[LUaddict]

You what! I am perfectly fine in the big south and the autobid that we get is something that we have been fighting for a long time. If we can get into
the playoffs year in and year out. Play more
dominant team in our OOC and show our dominance and beat schools like APP state and Montana in the playoffs and win a national championship or two. With our new facilities as well, I think the big boys will come calling either way. That is just mt two cents and we will still get a call for FBS membership.

[kuntryboimike]

At first I was all for going ACC but now with the auto-bid and better facilities, I think we're better off staying where we are now. I think if I was a player looking for a school, I'd rather join a team who dominates there conference and shows up to the playoffs on a more regular basis than be a "contender" in another conference where playoff appearances wont be as common.

[Rooster Cogburn]

I'm all for speculation, b.ut I'd also love to see some substantiation. I can't wait to leave the BS behind

[phoenix]

Right now, I'd love to be rid of the Big South. After the coaches revolt and the conference gets rid of KK (he who shall not be named), the Big South might not be such a bad place to be. If we can get SCSU to join, and either Kennesaw State or UNCC (or both) as even football-only members, that would improve the football portion of the conference considerably.

[From the class of 09]

Just curious as to why moving to the CAA would hurt the chances of us making the post season? The CAA puts in multiple teams every year to the post season, while the only way in through the BS is to win the conference out right. The CAA has proven that they can produce champs a move to that conference will help our reputation and at least be just as likely to make the post season (assuming we deserve to be there). After we make the playoffs this year we will be expected to start winning playoff games not just make the playoffs and playing the CAA will get us ready for that.

[Sly Fox]

I am leaning toward '09 in this one. Mediocrity in the CAA leads to at larges ... anybody remember Maine a couple seasons ago with their quality losses argument?

The CAA regularly sends teams as at larges in mens & womens hoops. Sure it might be a much easier path to an auto bid in the CAA, but reaching the postseason itself would not be an insurmountable challenge.

[ToTheLeft]

Sure, the CAA puts multiple teams in each year. That doesn't mean we'll be one of them automatically. If we fail to beat JMU again this year, then you'll have all the reason you need for why we're not ready for the CAA. We've proven we're not quite there to beat William and Mary on a down year, and we can't beat JMU on a down year. CCU can beat Towson, and I'd bet we can beat URI, but 2 wins is not playoff worthy. We'd need to beat someone else. And I am not sure if we really can at this point. We'll see how we do against JMU this year.

We'd need to beat URI and Towson EVERY TIME, in addition to beating probably 5 more teams amongst Maine, UNH, UD, UMass, ODU, Richmond, Nova, and W and M (and GSU, depending on when we joined)... Right now, I only feel confident about beating URI, Towson, Maine, and maybe UMass and ODU... the rest would be "upsets".

The Big South gives us a quite easy way in... win the conference we've won a few straight years now. And as the conference gets better, which it is, the chances of 2 teams making it in increases. Particularly if we get a decent OOC schedule.

[JK37]

Sure, the CAA puts multiple teams in each year. That doesn't mean we'll be one of them automatically. If we fail to beat JMU again this year, then you'll have all the reason you need for why we're not ready for the CAA.

So I'm understanding your argument correctly, are you saying you'd rather be the big fish in a little pond (BSC) than an average fish in a bigger pond? Following that logic, are you suggesting we turn down an offer from the CAA if they made one tomorrow, because we're not ready now?

That logic can and should be applied to a HUGE jump like, say, to FBS. But a jump to the CAA from the BSC is the type of new challenge upon which a program needs to set its sights.in order to continue upward development. Take on that challenge, maybe even miss the playoffs a couple of years, but then get an at-large and maybe a conference title soon thereafter. Then, step back and analyze your program. You'll find that the improvement you've made could NOT have occurred without a new "pond" in which to be challenged.

And all of the above would be true across the board in all sports.

[From the class of 09]

Sure, the CAA puts multiple teams in each year. That doesn't mean we'll be one of them automatically. If we fail to beat JMU again this year, then you'll have all the reason you need for why we're not ready for the CAA. We've proven we're not quite there to beat William and Mary on a down year, and we can't beat JMU on a down year. CCU can beat Towson, and I'd bet we can beat URI, but 2 wins is not playoff worthy. We'd need to beat someone else. And I am not sure if we really can at this point. We'll see how we do against JMU this year.

We'd need to beat URI and Towson EVERY TIME, in addition to beating probably 5 more teams amongst Maine, UNH, UD, UMass, ODU, Richmond, Nova, and W and M (and GSU, depending on when we joined)... Right now, I only feel confident about beating URI, Towson, Maine, and maybe UMass and ODU... the rest would be "upsets".

The Big South gives us a quite easy way in... win the conference we've won a few straight years now. And as the conference gets better, which it is, the chances of 2 teams making it in increases. Particularly if we get a decent OOC schedule.

We wouldn't have made the playoffs last year even if the BS had an auto bid cuz we lost head to head with Stony Brook. If we can't be above average in the CAA then what do you think is going to happen each year in the playoffs. I assume we will countinue to improve. We are on the rise, the one JMU game hardly should determine a move no matter if we win or loose. When you are considering conference moves you have to be thinking future.

[ToTheLeft]

Sure, the CAA puts multiple teams in each year. That doesn't mean we'll be one of them automatically. If we fail to beat JMU again this year, then you'll have all the reason you need for why we're not ready for the CAA.

So I'm understanding your argument correctly, are you saying you'd rather be the big fish in a little pond (BSC) than an average fish in a bigger pond? Following that logic, are you suggesting we turn down an offer from the CAA if they made one tomorrow, because we're not ready now?

That logic can and should be applied to a HUGE jump like, say, to FBS. But a jump to the CAA from the BSC is the type of new challenge upon which a program needs to set its sights.in order to continue upward development. Take on that challenge, maybe even miss the playoffs a couple of years, but then get an at-large and maybe a conference title soon thereafter. Then, step back and analyze your program. You'll find that the improvement you've made could NOT have occurred without a new "pond" in which to be challenged.

And all of the above would be true across the board in all sports.

It's not that little of a pond if we haven't won it undefeated in two straight years, now is it? (I am counting our loss to Presby against us, since they're in conference...)

I think we need to reconsider how small of a pond it really is. Because really, Womens Basketball, Baseball, and Track and Field are the only sports that merit moving up to a "better conference" (Baseball in the BSC is pretty solid, not sure if moving would help or hurt them). These sports are truly big fish in little ponds (except baseball, they're the big fish hiding from the shark (CCU) that's eating all the little fish.)

Football needs to prove itself worthy of moving up. This season is a perfect chance. I'm not saying we're light years away from being able to change conferences. I am saying we need to prove we can do something with a bigger pond before we jump in. Compete with JMU this year, make the playoffs, win a playoff game. Then we'll have proven we're legit. But honestly, we could just be staring back at a lot of fools gold. I think this team is very talented and we have a great coach. But I want to see us really take care of things and win like we did in portions of the past 3 years, but do it all year.

[ToTheLeft]

Sure, the CAA puts multiple teams in each year. That doesn't mean we'll be one of them automatically. If we fail to beat JMU again this year, then you'll have all the reason you need for why we're not ready for the CAA. We've proven we're not quite there to beat William and Mary on a down year, and we can't beat JMU on a down year. CCU can beat Towson, and I'd bet we can beat URI, but 2 wins is not playoff worthy. We'd need to beat someone else. And I am not sure if we really can at this point. We'll see how we do against JMU this year.

We'd need to beat URI and Towson EVERY TIME, in addition to beating probably 5 more teams amongst Maine, UNH, UD, UMass, ODU, Richmond, Nova, and W and M (and GSU, depending on when we joined)... Right now, I only feel confident about beating URI, Towson, Maine, and maybe UMass and ODU... the rest would be "upsets".

The Big South gives us a quite easy way in... win the conference we've won a few straight years now. And as the conference gets better, which it is, the chances of 2 teams making it in increases. Particularly if we get a decent OOC schedule.

We wouldn't have made the playoffs last year even if the BS had an auto bid cuz we lost head to head with Stony Brook. If we can't be above average in the CAA then what do you think is going to happen each year in the playoffs. I assume we will countinue to improve. We are on the rise, the one JMU game hardly should determine a move no matter if we win or loose. When you are considering conference moves you have to be thinking future.

You proved my point for me by mentioning that we couldn't beat SBU. And you proved my point by questioning how we could perform in the CAA, and how that corresponds to us being in the playoffs. We don't know if we're really cut out for this kind of challenge.

We will continue to improve. We dedicate a lot of time, money, and effort to football. It will keep getting better.

However, it's hardly one game that has me worried. Almost losing to CSU, losing to SBU, losing to JMU, losing to Lafayette, losing to a down William and Mary team, getting kicked in the teeth by Elon. I think we need to see how we do with the pressure on before we start stitching CAA badges to our jerseys.

[LUnpretty11]

Football needs to prove itself worthy of moving up. This season is a perfect chance. I'm not saying we're light years away from being able to change conferences. I am saying we need to prove we can do something with a bigger pond before we jump in. Compete with JMU this year, make the playoffs, win a playoff game. Then we'll have proven we're legit.

We actually did that last year. That JMU game was a very close game and was decided on two plays (60YD TD run, and the INT that followed the TD that put the ball inside the 25 for JMU). We definitely need to win this years matchup in order to get some serious looks.

[jcmanson]

After this year and next this conversation will be moot.

[From the class of 09]

You proved my point for me by mentioning that we couldn't beat SBU. And you proved my point by questioning how we could perform in the CAA, and how that corresponds to us being in the playoffs. We don't know if we're really cut out for this kind of challenge.

We will continue to improve. We dedicate a lot of time, money, and effort to football. It will keep getting better.

However, it's hardly one game that has me worried. Almost losing to CSU, losing to SBU, losing to JMU, losing to Lafayette, losing to a down William and Mary team, getting kicked in the teeth by Elon. I think we need to see how we do with the pressure on before we start stitching CAA badges to our jerseys.

No your original post was that its easier to run the slate in the BS (to get the auto-bid) then loose a game or 2 in the CAA and still make the Post Season. Now your saying that we can't win the BS so we shouldn't leave for a new conference? The question is, "in the future which conference puts us in the best position to make and win in the post-season?"

Easy answer the CAA (because of the multi bids each year). Our facilities are as good as if not better than anyone in the CAA, our coach is as good as if not better than anyone in the CAA, our school spends as much money on FB as any CAA school if not more, and our fan base is growing to compete with any CAA school. Why could we not compete with these schools?

At least 1/5 of the roaster changes ever year. The earliest move would likely be 2012-13 year. Meaning that likely half the current team would be gone, and replaced with even better players (granted this is assuming LU continues its current trend of improvement). If you can’t see that LU is on a major up swing and blowing by everyone in the BS than I can’t help you.

[LUconn]

shoot fire, I forgot about basketball. Easy decision.

[phoenix]

We have needed to strengthen our OOC schedule, if for no other reason than to play some playoff-caliber teams. We've done that somewhat this season (with the exception of the opener, but at least there are no D2 schools this year), and we need to keep doing it with some quality opponents.

When I remember back in the late 80s when we played JMU and Towson just about every year, and were competitive just about every year, I wonder what in the world we DIDN'T do that they did to get where they are. If we had had the same dedication to the program that we have now, we would be where JMU, W&M, Richmond, etc. are now. We'll get there, but as fans we need to be patient. Within the next ten years we will be in a better place, whether the CAA, the SoCon, a new FCS conference, or an FBS conference. Right now, we need to get to the playoffs, and go deep. We need to win the first round (something no other Big South team has ever done, by the way ). We've proven ourselves against our own conference, and we're enough of a threat that there are teams who don't want to schedule us to avoid messing up their chances of an at large. Now we need to ruin some peoples' playoff runs.