[Humble_Opinion]

Andy Staples mentioned that maybe the Pac-6 is leaving two spots open for Stanford/Cal if the ACC implodes soon...which is probably good for Liberty. That likely means the ACC loses FSU, Clemson, Stanford, Cal, and maybe a few teams to the Big 12.

If the Pac-6 goes a different direction it'd probably be UNLV and...San Jose State? They could try to target North Texas, Texas State, or UTSA. But not sure why those teams would see a more beneficial setup than their current conferences. Arizona and Arizona St might jump, but probably can't at this point.

It's quite possible the Pac-6 ends up inviting Memphis and Tulane. Pretty much every scenario helps Liberty.

I don't share your optimism that everything here helps LU. It only helps us if we have a suitor in another conference. Otherwise, we're staring down the barrel of more FCS call-ups to maintain the CUSA. That makes the CUSA weaker overall, which hurts our SOS.

[BlueBlood]

Yeah, I'm not overly optimistic that this bodes well for LU. I'm kind of thinking the best-case scenario is an invite to an AAC conference that just lost some of its best teams. I think the worst-case would be C-USA getting stripped of some of its bigger brands and LU being left behind to rebuild.

[aj7]

@Humble_Opinion I would agree if there were realistic targets in CUSA that others would want. But I just don't see the AAC or Sun Belt backfilling with WKU/MTSU over Liberty at this point. Last years Fiesta Bowl run put us at such higher tier that I doubt they could get away with choosing other CUSA schools over us. But if you're right, yeah there really aren't very many good FCS call up options left east of the Mississippi, and it's doubtful UConn would take an invite to CUSA.

[cruzan_flame13]

@Humble_Opinion I would agree if there were realistic targets in CUSA that others would want. But I just don't see the AAC or Sun Belt backfilling with WKU/MTSU over Liberty at this point. Last years Fiesta Bowl run put us at such higher tier that I doubt they could get away with choosing other CUSA schools over us. But if you're right, yeah there really aren't very many good FCS call up options left east of the Mississippi, and it's doubtful UConn would take an invite to CUSA.

They would definitely choose choose a WKU/MTSU/LA Tech over Liberty. Remember we are not a legitimate school who is cultic by nature. It is what it is.

[jmclaughlin]

Liberty's best strategy is to band up with another program. Who that could be is where that strategy dies though. If LU had a bargaining tie with another CUSA team (Western Kentucky / La Tech) that went in as a package deal, that would be LU's only chance at a next tier conference.
LU as a singular entity will get passed over like green bean casserole at a church potluck.

[aredd33]

Liberty's best strategy is to band up with another program. Who that could be is where that strategy dies though. If LU had a bargaining tie with another CUSA team (Western Kentucky / La Tech) that went in as a package deal, that would be LU's only chance at a next tier conference.
LU as a singular entity will get passed over like green bean casserole at a church potluck.

Yupp, CUSA was a breath away from collapsing and that alone is the only reason we are here now. Nobody wants us.

[Ill flame]

Liberty's best strategy is to band up with another program. Who that could be is where that strategy dies though. If LU had a bargaining tie with another CUSA team (Western Kentucky / La Tech) that went in as a package deal, that would be LU's only chance at a next tier conference.
LU as a singular entity will get passed over like green bean casserole at a church potluck.

Hold on now. Green bean casserole is an underrated dish. I will not allow this slander.

[jmclaughlin]

Liberty's best strategy is to band up with another program. Who that could be is where that strategy dies though. If LU had a bargaining tie with another CUSA team (Western Kentucky / La Tech) that went in as a package deal, that would be LU's only chance at a next tier conference.
LU as a singular entity will get passed over like green bean casserole at a church potluck.

Hold on now. Green bean casserole is an underrated dish. I will not allow this slander.

Your grammas Green Bean casserole...underrated. Unmarked petri dish at a church potluck...danger

[Ill flame]

@Humble_Opinion I would agree if there were realistic targets in CUSA that others would want. But I just don't see the AAC or Sun Belt backfilling with WKU/MTSU over Liberty at this point. Last years Fiesta Bowl run put us at such higher tier that I doubt they could get away with choosing other CUSA schools over us. But if you're right, yeah there really aren't very many good FCS call up options left east of the Mississippi, and it's doubtful UConn would take an invite to CUSA.

Sunbelt hasn't chosen schools strictly based on performance or markets like most of the other conferences has. They like all of their schools to fit a similar profile. Almost every sunbelt school is public, relatively poor, small (compared to in state flagship schools) and has very little P4 aspirations prefering to be in a regionally aligned conference of their peers. WKU/MTSU fits that conference like a glove, we do not. Adding a school like ours that can come in and significantly outspend in every sport would create some animosity where none exists. And the sunbelt knows we'll jump conferences at the first upgrade offered which also creates instability where none currently exists. If I'm the sunbelt commissioner I wouldn't add us, can't say the same for the AAC though.

[Kricket]

Liberty's best strategy is to band up with another program. Who that could be is where that strategy dies though. If LU had a bargaining tie with another CUSA team (Western Kentucky / La Tech) that went in as a package deal, that would be LU's only chance at a next tier conference.
LU as a singular entity will get passed over like green bean casserole at a church potluck.

Yupp, CUSA was a breath away from collapsing and that alone is the only reason we are here now. Nobody wants us.

The situation is very different than it was even a few years ago. I would say we are slightly more attractive in a lot of ways due to things on and off the field.

[cruzan_flame13]

Liberty's best strategy is to band up with another program. Who that could be is where that strategy dies though. If LU had a bargaining tie with another CUSA team (Western Kentucky / La Tech) that went in as a package deal, that would be LU's only chance at a next tier conference.
LU as a singular entity will get passed over like green bean casserole at a church potluck.

Yupp, CUSA was a breath away from collapsing and that alone is the only reason we are here now. Nobody wants us.

The situation is very different than it was even a few years ago. I would say we are slightly more attractive in a lot of ways due to things on and off the field.

One word. Academics. Doesn't attract anyone who isn't very very....very desperate.

[Kricket]

Yupp, CUSA was a breath away from collapsing and that alone is the only reason we are here now. Nobody wants us.

The situation is very different than it was even a few years ago. I would say we are slightly more attractive in a lot of ways due to things on and off the field.

One word. Academics. Doesn't attract anyone who isn't very very....very desperate.

Money > Academics

[cruzan_flame13]

The situation is very different than it was even a few years ago. I would say we are slightly more attractive in a lot of ways due to things on and off the field.

One word. Academics. Doesn't attract anyone who isn't very very....very desperate.

Money > Academics

If that was the case, we would be in the ACC or anywhere. Not that I see the value of the academics that is promoted, but status still means everything to these "grandfather" schools.

[Ill flame]

It really depends on the conference. The SEC has never cared about academics and I just saw a report that the big 12 cares very little about it. Most of the B1G, ACC and (former) pac 12 schools care a lot about it which is partially why those three conferences formed that short lived "alliance". College presidents have proven over and over that if enough money is on the line they will be willing to overlook almost anything though.

[Kricket]

One word. Academics. Doesn't attract anyone who isn't very very....very desperate.

Money > Academics

If that was the case, we would be in the ACC or anywhere.

No, you’re not understanding what money means. Nobody wants a rich school in their conference if it ends there. They want a school that can help THEIR school get more money. Large fan bases, tv markets, or simply buying in are a few ways that can occur.

[cruzan_flame13]

Money > Academics

If that was the case, we would be in the ACC or anywhere.

No, you’re not understanding what money means. Nobody wants a rich school in their conference if it ends there. They want a school that can help THEIR school get more money. Large fan bases, tv markets, or simply buying in are a few ways that can occur.

Then you should've been specific like Brand value instead of just typing money. Just saying money is ambiguous, although most would likely think endowment/assets.

[ballah09]

Like it has been stated, with our low standard in academics (no tenure and research) plus our involvement in politics, school presidents don’t want nothing to do with us.

[ballcoach15]

Academics are over rated pertaining to realignment.

[Kricket]

If that was the case, we would be in the ACC or anywhere.

No, you’re not understanding what money means. Nobody wants a rich school in their conference if it ends there. They want a school that can help THEIR school get more money. Large fan bases, tv markets, or simply buying in are a few ways that can occur.

Then you should've been specific like Brand value instead of just typing money. Just saying money is ambiguous, although most would likely think endowment/assets.

I figured you’ve been around these discussions long enough to know. You’re stuck on beating the academic drum, but if Liberty can create more monetary value for conferences, that is what will give them a shot at upgrading conferences, maybe more now than ever with NIL and revenue sharing etc.

[Kricket]

Like it has been stated, with our low standard in academics (no tenure and research) plus our involvement in politics, school presidents don’t want nothing to do with us.

I think our “baggage” is a bigger reason that we are avoided than academics. I’ll lump self inflicted wounds, religion, and politics all into it. We have to be more valuable to a conference for them to want to deal with that.

[cruzan_flame13]

No, you’re not understanding what money means. Nobody wants a rich school in their conference if it ends there. They want a school that can help THEIR school get more money. Large fan bases, tv markets, or simply buying in are a few ways that can occur.

Then you should've been specific like Brand value instead of just typing money. Just saying money is ambiguous, although most would likely think endowment/assets.

I figured you’ve been around these discussions long enough to know. You’re stuck on beating the academic drum, but if Liberty can create more monetary value for conferences, that is what will give them a shot at upgrading conferences, maybe more now than ever with NIL and revenue sharing etc.

Well, you could be be right. Not sure if that would change some of those president's and commisioner's minds who are stuck with the old criterias to be "one of us." You cant teach an old dog new tricks. Just don't hold your breath on that possibility.

[cruzan_flame13]

Like it has been stated, with our low standard in academics (no tenure and research) plus our involvement in politics, school presidents don’t want nothing to do with us.

I think our “baggage” is a bigger reason that we are avoided than academics. I’ll lump self inflicted wounds, religion, and politics all into it. We have to be more valuable to a conference for them to want to deal with that.

I mean it took BYU how long to finally be invited in a P4 conference? They have a national championship (some would put an asterisk by that accomplishment), a way bigger national brand, and following than us. They are definitely financially well off also, and it still took them that long to even find a power home. As I mentioned before, the only possible power conference that we even have a slight chance is the Big XII, and that will be filled up very soon. The ACC will likely be chewed apart and the remaining schools will not be able to keep that power autonomy (it could happen if they make an alliance/merge with the PAC). The chances are limited and schools available have a better known brands than we do. If they continue to get good tv/market deals, do you think they'd still consider us even though we have the money? A good amount of those people who think we're a cult thinks that money is similar to blood money anyways. Only people who usually accept our money are FCS schools who we place on our schedules (because they desperately need it). Just don't hold your breath on LU getting that chance.

[Kricket]

Then you should've been specific like Brand value instead of just typing money. Just saying money is ambiguous, although most would likely think endowment/assets.

I figured you’ve been around these discussions long enough to know. You’re stuck on beating the academic drum, but if Liberty can create more monetary value for conferences, that is what will give them a shot at upgrading conferences, maybe more now than ever with NIL and revenue sharing etc.

Well, you could be be right. Not sure if that would change some of those president's and commisioner's minds who are stuck with the old criterias to be "one of us." You cant teach an old dog new tricks. Just don't hold your breath on that possibility.

You’re absolutely right that is not being one of them is a huge factor but it’s more than just academic. And I’m not holding my breathe on getting in, because mostly I don’t think our fan base has grown fast enough for us to be attractive enough to assuage conferences reservations on us. I still think our best shot is similar to the SMU route which is also the same route that some of the Big 10 schools were added.

That is, waive our portion of the TV revenue for a period of time or take only the portion that C-USA would have given us and allow the other schools to keep the surplus.

My strategy would be to go to AAC and make them an offer and tell them that once their schools are officially poached by the PAC 12 or imploding ACC the offer gets worse for them. Don’t be C-USA that missed out on a financial opportunity because they waited too long…

[Kricket]

Would UTSA be interested in the PAC 12 over the AAC?

I’ve heard their name come up. UNLV seems like a given to me.

[cruzan_flame13]

I figured you’ve been around these discussions long enough to know. You’re stuck on beating the academic drum, but if Liberty can create more monetary value for conferences, that is what will give them a shot at upgrading conferences, maybe more now than ever with NIL and revenue sharing etc.

Well, you could be be right. Not sure if that would change some of those president's and commisioner's minds who are stuck with the old criterias to be "one of us." You cant teach an old dog new tricks. Just don't hold your breath on that possibility.

You’re absolutely right that is not being one of them is a huge factor but it’s more than just academic. And I’m not holding my breathe on getting in, because mostly I don’t think our fan base has grown fast enough for us to be attractive enough to assuage conferences reservations on us. I still think our best shot is similar to the SMU route which is also the same route that some of the Big 10 schools were added.

That is, waive our portion of the TV revenue for a period of time or take only the portion that C-USA would have given us and allow the other schools to keep the surplus.

My strategy would be to go to AAC and make them an offer and tell them that once their schools are officially poached by the PAC 12 or imploding ACC the offer gets worse for them. Don’t be C-USA that missed out on a financial opportunity because they waited too long…

We should've been the first to do that, as we did trying to get into CUSA years ago. SMU got that chance, and I don't think that strategy will work again the way it did with them. I also mentioned that Coach Dot said we should've done this like 5-6 years ago. That chance has passed now (not saying it would've worked like it did with SMU).