[Sly Fox]

Since there has been speculation of them possibly moving to the Big South in the past, I'll share this story that ran a couple of days ago up in Delaware:

'Historically black college' label stirs emotions
Some believe it honors past, but DSU officials say it limits schools' futures

By KRISTIAN POPE, The News Journal
Posted Tuesday, March 6, 2007

DOVER -- At Delaware State University, a founding member of the MEAC that has just more than 3,000 students, athletic director Chuck Bell and football coach Al Lavan believe historically black conferences are no longer necessary.

"Absolutely not," Bell said. "There's not even a need for a [historically black] or Hispanic or Asian college. That's wrong. There is a need for access for all students, but not based on race.

"Why hang on to something that comes from segregation days?"

For Full Story Click Here

[thepostman]

interesting.....Big South anybody???

[ATrain]

Medic's not gonna be happy...they used I-AA and I-A many times in that article.

[TDDance234]

Very interesting.

[thepostman]

uh oh....I didn't even think about that...the world will now end

[PAmedic]

Medic's not gonna be happy...they used I-AA and I-A many times in that article.

I'm over it.

more excited about possible (A) games up here that I can get to relatively easily

[Cider Jim]

Excuse my ignorance, but is Del. State above or below the Mason-Dixon Line?

[TallyW]

Great question. It looks like Delaware is cut north... while MD is supposedly south... During the Civil War however, MD stayed in the Union. about 1/4 of MD's population crossed over but most stayed with the reluctant govenor.... MD was a slave holding state at that time though...



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maryland_i ... _Civil_War

[Cider Jim]

'Looks like Del. State would be below the Mason Dixon, so let's let them in instead of Longwood since Del. State has football. That's a closer drive for Flame fans that Birmingham anyway.

[ATrain]

KK...get on the phone NOW!!!

Or else we'll have threads specifically calling for your head

[Sly Fox]

Allegedly Delaware State talked with the Big South a few years back and nothing ever came of it. As you read the entire story, it appears the president & AD have their hearts set on the bigtime of FBS membership. Perhaps they could be yet another partner should we move up into a newly formed league.

[PeterParker]

So, if DSU, a founding member of the MEAC were to leave and the door is opened for other schools that it's okay to hold onto their institutions legacies while competing in other conferences, then what's the chance of courting Hampton who is perenially good?

It seems to me from that article that if the guy pushing for the MEAC/SWAC championship game which effectively removes any of those schools from post season play in the FCS Championships, then that will effectively force the hand of the more competitive HBCU schools to make a final, albeit tough decision on whether to leave for an autobid conference or stay and do what all of the other schools want.

Interesting developments in conference affiliation news.

[Fumblerooskies]

How about thinking OUTSIDE the box...
...if HBCU conferences are "out of style," why not LIBERTY moving to the MEAC?

[Sly Fox]

Keep in mind that Delaware State is not exactly the most popular school among their MEAC brethren. I wouldn't expect their departure to have many reverberations.

[bigsmooth]

i would be happy to see them in the big south. our football matchups used to be pretty good, and so was their band!

[Cider Jim]

How about thinking OUTSIDE the box...
...if HBCU conferences are "out of style," why not LIBERTY moving to the MEAC?

Fumble you are a funny man! I realize it's spring break, but you've really got to lay off the HARD cider.

[PeterParker]

i would be happy to see them in the big south. our football matchups used to be pretty good, and so was their band!

The mountain could use a bit of those HBCU band shows. Those are always very entertaining to watch.

[Blessed1]

There is some chatter about Delaware State being invited to join during the Big South's conference meetings. I guess we will see if the rumors are true... Also, if this happens, it might spark a mass exodus in the MEAC. The two main problems with the MEAC are: 1) the lack of revenue and 2) the fact that most schools do not like the way the conference is going (because of the lack of leadership). The schools that have been rumored to exploring other avenues to better their situation are: Hampton, South Carolina State, Norfolk State, and FAMU.

[Sly Fox]

Wow, this may be a new record for a thread being bumped. Well done, Sir.