[FLAMEfromBAMA]

In light of Coach Freeze’s recent comments I am curious to hear from everyone here. With Jerry being out of the picture what would have to happen for Liberty to join the ACC along with ND as full members? If ND ever joins fully in all sports that puts them at 15 members, they’d obviously want to get to 16. So what does the checklist look like for Liberty? What are the current roadblocks and how big are they truly? What are the other schools we’d have to beat out for that invite? (Please don’t come here just to say it’s not happening so why talk about it.)

Checklist:
Separation from Politics
Success on the Field/Court/Etc.
Keep Current Coaches

Roadblocks:
Geography/Media Market
Religion (Is it though?)
History/Lack Thereof

Invite Opponents:
?
?
?

[jbock13]

Not gonna lie, I was waiting all week for this post to show up.

[cruzan_flame13]

Our mission is an issue since they see it as an cultic type vision. Consistentcy in winning including P5's is a must. Most importantly, LU will need to put way more money on research in our schools in undergrad and grad. Yes that means more building to expand schools and development them while obtaining successful scholars who are faith based in their teaching. These are all challenges (big ones), but as I said when I first came in here, it is possible with the finance and productive AD/coaches. I wouldn't mind if we became what ND was before this season; have our Olympic sports playing ACC while being independent for football(with a deal with the Atlantic or Coastal division [more likely Coastal]).

[stokesjokes]

If in 10 years we have been top 25 in football and basketball for more years than not, then maybe we start considering this scenario. At this point we have done nothing.

[Ill flame]

What recent comments were made that prompted this discussion? If I were the ACC I would likely choose Cincinnati, UCF, USF or Memphis over Liberty. All of those schools are in big markets, have bigger fanbases, bigger budgets etc.

That's not to say we can't get there in terms of fanbase and budget but market size will hold us back until we become a truly national brand in the same way BYU or Notre Dame is. Becoming a national brand is our biggest hope for becoming P5.

I think our best bet in the short term is for Cincinnati or someone in the AAC to join the ACC and we backfill that spot.

[Sly Fox]

Coach Freeze said in jest at a news conference.

[ballcoach15]

Two thoughts:

1. Notre Dame will never join ACC as a full member, because most everyone "kisses up to them" as independent in football.

2. If Louisville can get in ACC, then anyone should be able to get in.

[Jonathan Carone]

It would take a Virginia Tech through the Big East type run to even be on that radar.

Freeze made a joke. Let's not take it too seriously.

[tyndal23]

Or we can...ah never mind.

[JK37]

It would take a Virginia Tech through the Big East type run to even be on that radar.

+ BC. What a disaster that week was.

For perspective on ACC member school admin’s opinion of LU, take a look at the voting in ACC districts in this election. I saw Biden won Durham, NC like 85-15. If LU is seen as a bastion of uber right-wing, conservative values (And it is!), ain’t no way they’re letting us in.

And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

[jinxy]

This is what happens when someone posts a quote out of context and others run wild. If you listen to the press conference it was wildly obvious he was joking.

[ballcoach15]

Some thought I was joking when i said Hugh Freeze would be LU's next coach.

[cruzan_flame13]

This is what happens when someone posts a quote out of context and others run wild. If you listen to the press conference it was wildly obvious he was joking.

He was joking too when he would say it'll take awhile to grow the program in December of 2018, yet we made a bowl game our first full FBS season and is undefeated the first half of this season. I'm sure he's chuckling while in the interview while that same statement is stuck in the storage sector of his brain as a goal. Just saying.

[jinxy]

Nope. That was coach speak like he does most weeks. Obviously he thought he could grow the program or he would not take the job. He talks up each opponent each week. The acc is apples and oranges to those comments.

First were not close to getting or deserving acc. Second, even if we were we would not due to politics and the others views on creation and social issues. However, were a couple years away from being an interesting look for the aac.

[ballcoach15]

We have already gotten a look from AAC, may have been just 1 viewing, but it was a look.

[flameshaw]

Laughable, at least for the next 20 years. First we need to win some big games and upgrade our teams and facilities. At least Williams Stadium. I am all for dreaming but..............................

[LUDad]

The ACC would take us tomorrow if ND were to agree to join on the condition that LU is also invited. Now, who can arrange that.

[aj7]

I do think we should be pushing to join a conference (preferably the AAC). It's fun right now to get ranked for the first time, or score a win at Syracuse. But after a while there will be fewer things to look forward to. Winning conference championships would be a great thing for this program.

[CCWMichael]

Anything is possible.
The ACC would be the best fit.
ND could pull us with them if a TV deal can be warped in their favor.
Requiring publication for graduation is really not that hard of a move.
Paying profs more to assist with research is the only investment required by LU.
Does LU require their profs to conduct research or publish?
Grant money, tons of grant money is available for research.
ACC .... one never knows.
Jerry gone softens the blow for other universities view of Liberty.
Laughable?
With the changing landscape of the NCAA ... If the NCAA is even a thing in a few years conferences will change.
Liberty can pay players or assist in financial gain which could be could be a huge factor shortly.

[cruzan_flame13]

Anything is possible.
The ACC would be the best fit.
ND could pull us with them if a TV deal can be warped in their favor.
Requiring publication for graduation is really not that hard of a move.
Paying profs more to assist with research is the only investment required by LU.
Does LU require their profs to conduct research or publish?
Grant money, tons of grant money is available for research.
ACC .... one never knows.
Jerry gone softens the blow for other universities view of Liberty.
Laughable?
With the changing landscape of the NCAA ... If the NCAA is even a thing in a few years conferences will change.
Liberty can pay players or assist in financial gain which could be could be a huge factor shortly.

The S.O.A.R campaign which begins next year Lord willing. That would benefit the students and could help with recruiting purposes for every athletic program (especially football, basketball, and baseball ).