Reasons

[hapapp]

I truly believe our fans are gluttons for punishment. We always seem to get too far out in front of these things. I know it is fun to speculate and it is a message board, but why set ourselves up like this. Let's see how things play out first.

[goapps93]

And we'll probably have to wait until GSoU is done with the playoffs or wins in the semis before we hear about it.

Why? What does GSU have to do with us? Our decision should be independent of any choice GSU has to make it would seem.

The speculation has been that GSoU and ASU will be invited to the SunBelt and they are waiting until the playoffs have played out to make the announcement. It's not about our decision being dependent on GSU's decision. SunBelt commish made a statement last week that they will announce expansion plans in a few weeks which fits the timeline of possible invitees playoff progression. I mentioned the semis because I think if GSU should win and make it to the NC game then they wouldn't wait that long to announce.

FCS teams are pretty much all the SunBelt has to choose from and many other "move-ups" and "start-ups" have been in the SunBelt. It makes all the sense in the world to me for them to invite us and GSU. And they should also extend it to JMU, imo.

[newtoasu]

UT-A doesn't have football either, although there is an effort to revive the program.

There has been an "effort" to revive the program since I was a PhD student there in 1997. The last I heard it was put on the shelf again, but that was before their move to the Sun Belt. I do know they would probably NOT revive a football program in FCS. After looking at UTSA and others it is possible that they would reconsider it in the Sunbelt.

Another complication with UTA is that their President just announced his retirement, effective next May (I think). This would be a difficult time to try to start-up football again with a Presidential search taking place. Of course, it could also be a condition of taking the Sun Belt invitation.

Bottom line is that it is way up in the air right now.

[RankinApp]

I truly believe our fans are gluttons for punishment. We always seem to get too far out in front of these things.

What I've taken away from the whole thing over the past day.

[hapapp]

I certainly have no idea as to whether a decision is imminent or not. My question is, does our decision have anything to do with what other schools chose to do or what other schools are invited to join an FBS conference? Why do we assume that our decision is based on anyone else?

[goapps93]

I certainly have no idea as to whether a decision is imminent or not. My question is, does our decision have anything to do with what other schools chose to do or what other schools are invited to join an FBS conference? Why do we assume that our decision is based on anyone else?

Not sure if you're replying to me but I'm not trying to imply that OUR decision is based on GSU's decision. I'm speculating that we are both going to be invited and the decision TO ANNOUNCE that is based on both teams playoff outcomes. We are done, GSU is not. I think the SunBelt is now respectfully waiting for GSU to advance or lose to announce so as not to have any affect on their playoff preparations.

[AppAttack]

ODU will take care of them, just hang on for another 4 days. Cobb has never been thrilled with the Sun Belt, but that might be our only option. I'm hoping for a nice surprise like the MAC, but I'm definitely not expecting it.

[philponder]

God, that's a sorry-ass conference. Now I'm really depressed.

[Gonzo]

God, that's a sorry-ass conference. Now I'm really depressed.

You're free to think it sorry, but NO rational mind could possibly place it in a lower category than the Southern Conference in any way, shape or form.

The double standards and circular logic some of you die-hard FCSers employ is comical.

[philponder]

God, that's a sorry-ass conference. Now I'm really depressed.

You're free to think it sorry, but NO rational mind could possibly place it in a lower category than the Southern Conference in any way, shape or form.

The double standards and circular logic some of you die-hard FCSers employ is comical.

You're free to think me a die-hard FCSer, but you would be incorrect. Sadly, FCS is a dying brand and opposing the move up is just turning a blind eye to reality. Still, it's a lame conference-- bottom of the barrel. Hopefully we can dominate it after a while and move to something better in a decade or so.

[Watauga72]

If the question was which FBS conference to join, the Sun Belt would not be first pick. If it's a choice between staying in the Southern Conference and going to the Sun Belt, I'm in favor of the Sun Belt. Having said that, it's not a real strong "can't wait" endorsement.

[philponder]

The ACC needs us, they just don't know it. We would be competitive in that league in 5 years. Too much to hope for I guess.

[JCline0429]

God, that's a sorry-ass conference. Now I'm really depressed.

You're free to think it sorry, but NO rational mind could possibly place it in a lower category than the Southern Conference in any way, shape or form.

The double standards and circular logic some of you die-hard FCSers employ is comical.

Lower? Who said that. I just think it would be like having a Hyundai and paying more (much more) trading for a KIA. I'm not thrilled about the move but with the way things are changing, we don't have much choice.

[Gonzo]

God, that's a sorry-ass conference. Now I'm really depressed.

You're free to think it sorry, but NO rational mind could possibly place it in a lower category than the Southern Conference in any way, shape or form.

The double standards and circular logic some of you die-hard FCSers employ is comical.

You're free to think me a die-hard FCSer, but you would be incorrect. Sadly, FCS is a dying brand and opposing the move up is just turning a blind eye to reality. Still, it's a lame conference-- bottom of the barrel. Hopefully we can dominate it after a while and move to something better in a decade or so.

Sorry to be presumptuous. Your comment just fell right in line with the standard contradictory, groupthink response used by those who would sooner have us rot in the SoCon than advance in any way.

Dominating at the bottom of the barrel would not be too different than what we're used to considering we currently dominate the subterranean space below the barrel.

[philponder]

God, that's a sorry-ass conference. Now I'm really depressed.

You're free to think it sorry, but NO rational mind could possibly place it in a lower category than the Southern Conference in any way, shape or form.

The double standards and circular logic some of you die-hard FCSers employ is comical.

You're free to think me a die-hard FCSer, but you would be incorrect. Sadly, FCS is a dying brand and opposing the move up is just turning a blind eye to reality. Still, it's a lame conference-- bottom of the barrel. Hopefully we can dominate it after a while and move to something better in a decade or so.

Sorry to be presumptuous. Your comment just fell right in line with the standard contradictory, groupthink response used by those who would sooner have us rot in the SoCon than advance in any way.

Dominating at the bottom of the barrel would not be too different than what we're used to considering we currently dominate the subterranean space below the barrel.

It would be nice to be on the part of the totem pole that's not buried in the ground.

[Appersrule]

The ACC needs us, they just don't know it. We would be competitive in that league in 5 years. Too much to hope for I guess.

I hope this comment was a joke.

[vegattk]

[philponder]

The ACC needs us, they just don't know it. We would be competitive in that league in 5 years. Too much to hope for I guess.

I hope this comment was a joke.

Not a joke. Wishful thinking perhaps. Ten years ago the Big East would have laughed at Boise State.

[JCline0429]

The ACC needs us, they just don't know it. We would be competitive in that league in 5 years. Too much to hope for I guess.

I hope this comment was a joke.

Not a joke. Wishful thinking perhaps. Ten years ago the Big East would have laughed at Boise State.

When the ACC gets through with evacuation, there may be room for Mars Hill .

[cbarrier90]

The ACC needs us, they just don't know it. We would be competitive in that league in 5 years. Too much to hope for I guess.

At first I was like, "Hey, Phil understands the situation..." and then I saw this and...*facepalm*

The ACC is not happening...ever...in our lifetimes...heck, ECU is never getting into the ACC...