[jbock13]

But then again, Elon didn't fall in love with Newt Gingrich either

[Purple Haize]

Why would the CAA even be interested since they, along with everyone east of the Mississippi, knows we will bolt to FBS the day after tomorrow ?

[Blessed1]

Why would the CAA even be interested since they, along with everyone east of the Mississippi, knows we will bolt to FBS the day after tomorrow ?

This is why I agreed with ATrain about showing our FBS stance too early. It's sort of biting us in the behind right now... So yes, no FCS conference will touch us now because of the FBS-ready announcement.

[flamesfilmguy]

Will VMI be fielding 2 squads?

I knew my math was wrong. lol well i don't know how you'd work that out but 12 team socon still looks nice.

[VAGolf]

It would be a bit of a footprint reach but if we ever ended up in the SoCon, I would love for HBU to join.

[PatrickKelly]

We're in a tough spot. What's or next move if Costal were to be approached by either the CAA or the Southern conference? If the Big South were to lose both of those it would be devastating to the conference.

[ATrain]

We could always ask Hampton if they want to join. They're not exactly dedicated to the MEAC, applying for CAA membership in the past. Without ODU, VCU and GMU...the CAA may look less attractive to them than it once was.

[Blessed1]

If Liberty and Coastal leaves, the Big South's auto-bid is dead. If Coastal should leave, I believe the Big South's auto-bid would be safe because Liberty would prove its worth as the top dog.

In regard to expansion, KK is one sneaky dude. We somewhat figured that Monmouth would fall into the Big South as a FB-only member. However, I wouldn't be surprised if KK brings in 2 new full-time members (VMI's replacement and probably Coastal's replacement too) soon. My hope is Hampton and South Carolina State as FB-only members and USC-Upstate of the Atlantic Sun as a full-member. Realistically, the Big South could invite West Georgia and maybe North Greenville (SC). We should hear something fairly soon once VMI is officially invited to the SoCon.

Although the CAA has lost a hand-full of teams, they are still attractive because of their deal with NBC Sports. NBC may "modify" the current contract, but the CAA would still be the cream of the crop perception wise because of its exposure. I wouldn't be mad if Liberty was invited to join.

[Purple Haize]

If Liberty and Coastal leaves, the Big South's auto-bid is dead. If Coastal should leave, I believe the Big South's auto-bid would be safe because Liberty would prove its worth as the top dog.
.

I thought Auto Bids were solely dependent on the number of teams in the Conference. It's the problem we ran into years ago.

[Blessed1]

If Liberty and Coastal leaves, the Big South's auto-bid is dead. If Coastal should leave, I believe the Big South's auto-bid would be safe because Liberty would prove its worth as the top dog.
.

I thought Auto Bids were solely dependent on the number of teams in the Conference. It's the problem we ran into years ago.

It is based off the number of teams. I think if the Big South is proactive and get 1 or 2 (full-members), they will be ok. However, if Coastal leaves along with VMI and the Big South have to "back-fill" with D2 members, we can kiss the auto-bid goodbye because there is a 2-yr transition period before a school can become a legit FCS member. I think that is what Presby had to do, IIRC. Since the FCS expanded the number of teams to play in the playoffs, maybe the Big South could get some sort of waiver to remain eligible (if they have to back-fill with D2 members).

[RVAparks]

If Liberty and Coastal leaves, the Big South's auto-bid is dead. If Coastal should leave, I believe the Big South's auto-bid would be safe because Liberty would prove its worth as the top dog.

In regard to expansion, KK is one sneaky dude. We somewhat figured that Monmouth would fall into the Big South as a FB-only member. However, I wouldn't be surprised if KK brings in 2 new full-time members (VMI's replacement and probably Coastal's replacement too) soon. My hope is Hampton and South Carolina State as FB-only members and USC-Upstate of the Atlantic Sun as a full-member. Realistically, the Big South could invite West Georgia and maybe North Greenville (SC). We should hear something fairly soon once VMI is officially invited to the SoCon.

Although the CAA has lost a hand-full of teams, they are still attractive because of their deal with NBC Sports. NBC may "modify" the current contract, but the CAA would still be the cream of the crop perception wise because of its exposure. I wouldn't be mad if Liberty was invited to join.

South Carolina State is struggling to even stay open and I doubt Coastal and others would vote them in. Delaware State is a much more viable and likely option.

And once again, why would the MEAC (or insert conference here) let these teams leave on just a football only invitation?

[ballah09]

in terms of d2. West Georgia and North Alabama are currently doing studies right now. I wouldnt be opposed those two joining as they have better facilities than half the big south schools and could compete once they get their bags settled. As stated only problem is the transition period.

NGU is not going to move. South Carolina State is an option as they are looking to save money, as they have huge money problems. Hampton too.

While Liberty's politics and online education is getting smacked by presidents, Coastal's academics is frowned upon by other schools so they are in the same boat so i doubt they move anytime soon.

[4everfsu]

NGU's president will not allow teams to play on Sundays, reason they never got invited to the SAC.

[Blessed1]

South Carolina State is struggling to even stay open and I doubt Coastal and others would vote them in. Delaware State is a much more viable and likely option.

And once again, why would the MEAC (or insert conference here) let these teams leave on just a football only invitation?

I suggested FB-only because I wasn't sure if the MEAC was going to bow out of the FCS playoffs ala the SWAC. If they are, the Big South could grab Florida A&M, Hampton, SCSU, and Delaware St. If the MEAC decides to stay in the FCS playoffs, we could scratch snagging any HBCU school. If or when VMI and Coastal leave, the Big South would need 2 full-time members. I do not see them snagging anyone else from another FCS conference, therefore D2 may be the best route.

in terms of d2. West Georgia and North Alabama are currently doing studies right now. I wouldnt be opposed those two joining as they have better facilities than half the big south schools and could compete once they get their bags settled. As stated only problem is the transition period.

I wouldn't mind West Georgia and North Alabama either. UNA has good football-pedigree. UWG seems to be serious about moving up. Both schools would extend the Big South's footprint, but they are in the upper part of their respective states. See maps below...

Big South Map (minus Longwood & Campbell)



Gulf South Conference Map with UWG and UNA

[JK37]

Football-only might be viable from the BSC's perspective, and it might also be viable from an HBCU football program's perspective in the playoff bow-out scenario you described. But, the MEAC would likely tell those schools their other sports are no longe welcome (the reverse of what the NEC did to Monmouth), thereby rendering such a move not viable to the HBCU.

[RVAparks]

Football-only might be viable from the BSC's perspective, and it might also be viable from an HBCU football program's perspective in the playoff bow-out scenario you described. But, the MEAC would likely tell those schools their other sports are no longe welcome (the reverse of what the NEC did to Monmouth), thereby rendering such a move not viable to the HBCU.

Exactly! My I understand why a school would do it, but my question is why would the MEAC agree? That question always seems to get lost.

[bigsmooth]

Since it appears we will be in the big south for awhile, KK should go after Kennesaw st. they start football in 2015 and would extend the footprint into georgia. they could be the all sports Member to replace VMI. they already have a facility in place. i cant see n. alabama coming as they want to go to the OVC or southland. west georgia would work too but would need an all sports affiliation not unless they could work a deal to have all sports but football in the atlantic sun.

[NotAJerry]

Since it appears we will be in the big south for awhile, KK should go after Kennesaw st. they start football in 2015 and would extend the footprint into georgia. they could be the all sports Member to replace VMI. they already have a facility in place. i cant see n. alabama coming as they want to go to the OVC or southland. west georgia would work too but would need an all sports affiliation not unless they could work a deal to have all sports but football in the atlantic sun.

Go after both Kennesaw St. and West Georgia. They're about an hour apart and would make a decent southern swing for other sports in the conference.

[VAGolf]

What about Houston Baptist? I know it's not a very good regional add but I think the team could add some value to the BigSouth. They're also in the midst of adding football.

[NotAJerry]

What about Houston Baptist? I know it's not a very good regional add but I think the team could add some value to the BigSouth. They're also in the midst of adding football.

I would think the Southland, MVC, and OVC would go after them first. They'd be wise to pursue the Southland.

[jbock13]

HBU is already joining the southland

[4everfsu]

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story ... nsion-move

[jbock13]

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story ... nsion-move

Only a few days late.

[forbidden]

What is CAA problem with LU, hv they ever tried getting in that conf?

[4everfsu]

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story ... nsion-move

Only a few days late.

The article I posted was updated on the 27th. Thanks