[logic]

At 65 we would be right in the middle of the SBC media footprint. I would still rather be in CUSA, but this looks promising.

[Purple Haize]

At 65 we would be right in the middle of the SBC media footprint. I would still rather be in CUSA, but this looks promising.

I don't think footprint meaNs what you think it means

[logic]

Geographic footprint vs. media footprint. Good in one, not the other. However if App State is invited it may change some things. It sounds from the articles Spangler posted earlier that football success is driving the SBC decisions as much or more so than media markets and/or geography. That could help us, even though we don't have playoff success we are a perennial top-25 program and can tout our 5 BSC titles. Mock those titles if you will, but inviting us wouldn't HURT the SBC if competitive programs is what they are going for.

[Purple Haize]

At 65 we would be right in the middle of the SBC media footprint. I would still rather be in CUSA, but this looks promising.

I don't think footprint meaNs what you think it means

[TH Spangler]

http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20 ... s-patience

The school administrators seem more intent on adding two current lower-level FCS programs, with leading contenders believed to be Georgia Southern and Appalachian State, especially if the Sun Belt decides to add two Eastern-based universities.

Liberty, Lamar and Sam Houston State all seem to be on fairly equal footing as contenders in their own right, and Jacksonville (Ala.) State evidently is a longshot.

[BJWilliams]

I think they would like to stick to geographic continuity as much as possible and of all the potential contenders, really Liberty is probably the northernmost and probably would be on the outside looking in if they were to add schools that fit the geographic outline they are going for

[Sly Fox]

We are a more attractive add than Sam & Lamar, but they are inside the SBC's footprint and we are not. Now if they take Appy then we become a much more reasonable option. Now that Georgia Southern has stepped up to say they can afford the move, it is looking like a near lock that they will be added in the next round. We could really use a scenario where they add at least 3 schools. Once we get past Signing Day (existing Sun Belt schools don't want FCS call-ups to have FBS in their pitches right now), then the primary obstacle to the Sun Belt handing out their latest invitations will be the settlement of the Maryland/ACC lawsuit or another big move by the B1G.

[4everfsu]

Big 12 and ACC merger?

http://www.statesman.com/news/sports/bi ... agu/nT7Bt/

[LUconn]

alliance. alliance.

[Sly Fox]

Zero chance of a merger. This is strictly an attempt at marketing & scheduling alliance so they won't get overwhelmed by the SEC & B1G.

[TH Spangler]

Big 12 and ACC merger?

http://www.statesman.com/news/sports/bi ... agu/nT7Bt/

In my line of work (the airline industry) they would call it code sharing ....

[Sly Fox]

Well played. That's a very good comparison with the potential of marketing additions.

[LUaddict]

Big East looking to add 1 more member to get to 12 by 2015.

Tweeted

ESPN reports that the Big East wants to add one more football school. Tulsa or Rice from Conference USA perhaps?

Article from ESPN

ESPN.com news services | January 28, 2013
The Big East conference is looking to add another school and may sign a TV package that includes multiple networks, commissioner Mike Aresco said Monday.

http://m.espn.go.com/extra/ncaa/story?storyId=8889597

[Sly Fox]

Neither Tulsa or Rice are no brainer options for the nBE. They are two of the smallest schools in FBS in markets where they are both after-thoughts. I am curious whether UH considers adding the Owls a positive or a negative. Considering the sway the Coogs have in the league as one of the big fish, their perception on a school a couple miles away probably is a determining factor.

[JK37]

Regarding Big 12 alliance options, Bowlsby said, “It’s kind of like friends with benefits.”


Really?!

[VAGolf]

I could be wrong but wouldn't Southern Miss and/or Tulane be an attractive school for the Big East? Tulsa is so small, around 4,000 students I believe.

[4everfsu]

I could be wrong but wouldn't Southern Miss and/or Tulane be an attractive school for the Big East? Tulsa is so small, around 4,000 students I believe.

Tulane is already scheduled to join the BE next year I believe.

[rmiller1959]

It looks like Tulsa could be the next domino to fall.

http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.co ... eal-first/

If they become the 12th football member of the Big East, Conference USA will need to replace them to remain at the right number for a conference championship game. They will either raid the Sun Belt or bring someone up from the FCS level. Either way creates another opportunity for LU Athletics to monitor.

Of course, some are contesting whether the NCAA has a right to demand a conference have 12 teams before they can host a conference title game:

http://espn.go.com/college-football/sto ... title-game

Just trying to stay relevant with the board's topic!

[LUaddict]

This is from the APP State Nation blog, where the blogger filed an FOIA from Georgia Southen and App State and found out some interesting information about conversations via email between Karl Benson and GSU's AD on their expansion and other possible expansion candidates . Really cool information!

EXCLUSIVE: FOIA Request Reveals Possible Sun Belt Expansion Plan
http://www.appstatenation.com/2013/02/0 ... sion-plan/



EXCLUSIVE: E-Mail Obtained Via FOIA Request Reveals Sun Belt Expansion Candidates
http://www.appstatenation.com/2013/02/0 ... andidates/

[jbock13]

So, thankfully, we'll continue to be the dog begging at the bottom of the table for whatever hint of food we may get. As is typical.

PLEASE PLEASE PICK US! PLEASEEEEEEEEE

Sorry to pee on the parade but I'm just tired of it. It's obvious that we aren't drawing interest from anyone.

[bluedevilflame]

So, thankfully, we'll continue to be the dog begging at the bottom of the table for whatever hint of food we may get. As is typical.

PLEASE PLEASE PICK US! PLEASEEEEEEEEE

Sorry to pee on the parade but I'm just tired of it. It's obvious that we aren't drawing interest from anyone.

Unfortunately....this.

[Sly Fox]

This is from the APP State Nation blog, where the blogger filed an FOIA from Georgia Southen and App State and found out some interesting information about conversations via email between Karl Benson and GSU's AD on their expansion and other possible expansion candidates . Really cool information!

EXCLUSIVE: FOIA Request Reveals Possible Sun Belt Expansion Plan
http://www.appstatenation.com/2013/02/0 ... sion-plan/



EXCLUSIVE: E-Mail Obtained Via FOIA Request Reveals Sun Belt Expansion Candidates
http://www.appstatenation.com/2013/02/0 ... andidates/

Great find, LUaddict. And kudos to the App bloggers who did their due diligence.

OK, if you clicked on the links you have to wonder if perhaps the Jeff referenced in the second could be a certain AD whose budget numbers would be of specific interest for comps by both the league & the two primary candidates.

Second, the map they are using shows an expanded footprint based on their primary candidates. The fact that Benson is working this up to show to the current league schools certainly indicates to me what he is researching to present to the remaining Sun Belt schools for expansion consideration.

I think most everyone agrees that the first two expansion candidates are likely to be ASU & GSU from the SoCon. But based on the charts from the links and those two schools being added, we have to become the top contender in my eyes. Then again, I'm not exactly impartial.

[JK37]

And even though FBS is the ultimate goal, and the SoCon has schools with a history of blocking Liberty, the pickings are slim for the SoCon to replace App and GSU if it comes to that. Maybe Liberty at least gets a look there?

[SuperJon]

We could get a look but would we be humble enough to accept it?

[LUaddict]

We could get a look but would we be humble enough to accept it?

You don't have to be humble about it, we would accept it as a stepping stone. Anything to make us more competitive in a more competitive league. If and when FBS comes, then we will be ready to move up.