Some thoughts about moving up ---

[JCline0429]

It's not about FBS or FCS, those schools don't want to play us because they have absolutely nothing to gain. Wake, Duke, etc play FCS schools now..just not us. Wake's AD said when they stopped playing us that it wasn't about FCS. It was about the possibility of losing to us,,,which they did 7 times. He was truthful because, as I said, they still schedule FCS teams.

Just playing us, win or lose, cuts into their regional recruiting efforts and they realize that..

[AppAlum1]

The fans of UNC and NCSU would raise holy H if they scheduled us in Boone. It's not going to happen. Can we build a 50,000 seat stadium for one game like that every few years? We won't need more than 30,000 seats (which we don't have now) to play in the SunBelt. It pretty much took an act of the legislature to get UNC and NCSU to come to Greeneville.

No, I think it took an act of the legislature to keep NCSU and ECU from playing after numerous fans got into mischief and created some mayhem a while back.

BTW, does UNC play football? Who knew?

[TheMoody1]

Also, I wonder about what's going to happen if App has a couple of .500 or losing seasons in a row. We'll have 10,000 people at games if that's the case.

This could happen even if we stay FCS. I imagine attendance would be better for a .500 team playing an FBS schedule than it would for an FCS schedule.

[JCline0429]

Also, I wonder about what's going to happen if App has a couple of .500 or losing seasons in a row. We'll have 10,000 people at games if that's the case.

This could happen even if we stay FCS. I imagine attendance would be better for a .500 team playing an FBS schedule than it would for an FCS schedule.

You could be right but I just don't see why 7 of 10 FBS Sun Belt teams averaged less than 20K. Were all those 7 less than .500?

[JCline0429]

We've had good attendance for Furman, Elon, WCU, Wofford, Georgia Southern, et al. They are more commonly talked about in our region than Louisiana-Lafayette. We lose the regional appeal and regional name recognition. I don't see where in the world you get an increase of 10,000 with a move to the Sun Belt
unless we are going undefeated or the like.
You asked for proof.....where is the proof that our attendance would increase by 10,000?

First of all, the only reason you think those schools are more commonly talked about is because you likely hang out with a bunch of App fans. Truth be told, neither group of schools is talked about very much when compared to the BCS, but the FBS schools, even the Sunbelt schools, are much more well known nationally than the SoCon with the exception of App State.

Secondly, I can not give you proof of something in the future. I assume you knew this before you asked it and it's part of your rhetorical strategy. No I can not prove that we will increase our average by exactly 10k people, but I can give you countless examples of FCS moveups that's attendance spiked just after their move. I think with the prospect of bringing ECU, Wake ect to Boone and playing a regular schedule of D-1 A teams, we can easily get up to around 40 within the first decade of playing varsity football. If you want to dismiss it because Ms. Cleo didn't confirm it in her crystal ball, so be it.

No, I dismiss it because 7 out of 10 teams in a conference we want to join in order to play varsity football, as you call it, draw less than 20,000. I've mentioned it several times already, but nobody sees it as a possibility for us even after all the money we would have to raise. Too, I consider what we play as varsity football. The games some of the FCS teams have given us proves it in my book...especially in the play-offs.

[JCline0429]

The fans of UNC and NCSU would raise holy H if they scheduled us in Boone. It's not going to happen. Can we build a 50,000 seat stadium for one game like that every few years? We won't need more than 30,000 seats (which we don't have now) to play in the SunBelt. It pretty much took an act of the legislature to get UNC and NCSU to come to Greeneville.

No, I think it took an act of the legislature to keep NCSU and ECU from playing after numerous fans got into mischief and created some mayhem a while back.

BTW, does UNC play football? Who knew?

I assume you weren't around when the legislature pressured UNC and NCSU to grant ECU home games.

[AppAlum1]

The fans of UNC and NCSU would raise holy H if they scheduled us in Boone. It's not going to happen. Can we build a 50,000 seat stadium for one game like that every few years? We won't need more than 30,000 seats (which we don't have now) to play in the SunBelt. It pretty much took an act of the legislature to get UNC and NCSU to come to Greeneville.

No, I think it took an act of the legislature to keep NCSU and ECU from playing after numerous fans got into mischief and created some mayhem a while back.

BTW, does UNC play football? Who knew?

I assume you weren't around when the legislature pressured UNC and NCSU to grant ECU home games.

Well ... yes, actually I was.

[JTApps1]

How would a sixteen team affect us?

You do realize Kent State (10-1) is almost a lock to be in a BCS Bowl if they win tonight?

So they have to go 12-1 to be almost a lock? Which BCS Bowl?

Yep, just like UGA, Bama, K-State, and Nebraska will have to do. No free passes for the big time bowl games.


BTW: 10+1 =11

[appst89]

I'm glad someone started this thread as I've been thinking about many of these same things. If i had my way, I would love to stay where we are, and the FCS remain as it is. But the problem is that it isn't going to remain as it is, and I think that the move is something we pretty much HAVE to do or else get left behind.
Like everything, it has its pros and cons. It will be good to be able to play some bigger name teams, potentially getting State or UNC to come to Boone, and to get better recruits. I'd love to get the yearly game with Wake back going again. But I just hate trading playoffs for bowl games. Also, I wonder about what's going to happen if App has a couple of .500 or losing seasons in a row. We'll have 10,000 people at games if that's the case. Remember attendance hasn't always been this way.
I also don't like the argument that we have to move up in order to be relevant nationally. Face it, no matter if we stay in the SoCon or move to the MAC or Sunbelt, we won't be nationally relevant. Yes we'll be marginally more important on a national scale, but that's like saying getting a .50 cent raise gets me closer to being a billionaire. Technically it does, but still a long way away, and probably never going to happen. Even amongst the Big 4 (or 5) conferences, only about 20 teams REALLY matter nationally. Anyone get excited about Kansas, Indiana, Wake Forrest, or Washington State games?
We have it really good right now. People should appreciate that. People had better be careful what they wish for, because they just might get it. Bigger and more money doesn't always equal better. Look at all the pro sports right now. That's how I feel with FBS. I know times are changing and we have to keep up, so I've accepted that we need to move up, but it's more with a feeling of sadness than excitement.

This.

My feelings exactly. We have to move up. Of that, there is no question now. But it is more like the feeling I have going to the dentist ; a lot of other things I'd rather do, but it has to be done.

[JCline0429]

How would a sixteen team affect us?

You do realize Kent State (10-1) is almost a lock to be in a BCS Bowl if they win tonight?

So they have to go 12-1 to be almost a lock? Which BCS Bowl?

Yep, just like UGA, Bama, K-State, and Nebraska will have to do. No free passes for the big time bowl games.


BTW: 10+1 =11

You indicated they were 10-1 now. So winning tonight would be 11-1 which equals 12 BTW. I had to add the BTW since you did. I didn't think they had already played 12 games but I relied on your figure.

[JCline0429]

I'm glad someone started this thread as I've been thinking about many of these same things. If i had my way, I would love to stay where we are, and the FCS remain as it is. But the problem is that it isn't going to remain as it is, and I think that the move is something we pretty much HAVE to do or else get left behind.
Like everything, it has its pros and cons. It will be good to be able to play some bigger name teams, potentially getting State or UNC to come to Boone, and to get better recruits. I'd love to get the yearly game with Wake back going again. But I just hate trading playoffs for bowl games. Also, I wonder about what's going to happen if App has a couple of .500 or losing seasons in a row. We'll have 10,000 people at games if that's the case. Remember attendance hasn't always been this way.
I also don't like the argument that we have to move up in order to be relevant nationally. Face it, no matter if we stay in the SoCon or move to the MAC or Sunbelt, we won't be nationally relevant. Yes we'll be marginally more important on a national scale, but that's like saying getting a .50 cent raise gets me closer to being a billionaire. Technically it does, but still a long way away, and probably never going to happen. Even amongst the Big 4 (or 5) conferences, only about 20 teams REALLY matter nationally. Anyone get excited about Kansas, Indiana, Wake Forrest, or Washington State games?
We have it really good right now. People should appreciate that. People had better be careful what they wish for, because they just might get it. Bigger and more money doesn't always equal better. Look at all the pro sports right now. That's how I feel with FBS. I know times are changing and we have to keep up, so I've accepted that we need to move up, but it's more with a feeling of sadness than excitement.

This.

My feelings exactly. We have to move up. Of that, there is no question now. But it is more like the feeling I have going to the dentist ; a lot of other things I'd rather do, but it has to be done.

Unfortunately, I agree. Your dentist analogy is spot on.

[JCline0429]

The fans of UNC and NCSU would raise holy H if they scheduled us in Boone. It's not going to happen. Can we build a 50,000 seat stadium for one game like that every few years? We won't need more than 30,000 seats (which we don't have now) to play in the SunBelt. It pretty much took an act of the legislature to get UNC and NCSU to come to Greeneville.

No, I think it took an act of the legislature to keep NCSU and ECU from playing after numerous fans got into mischief and created some mayhem a while back.

BTW, does UNC play football? Who knew?

I assume you weren't around when the legislature pressured UNC and NCSU to grant ECU home games.

Well ... yes, actually I was.

Then you now know what I was referring to. BTW, I remember the hoopla over the problems with ECU and NCSU fans to which you were referring. Glad you brought it up.

[JTApps1]

How would a sixteen team affect us?

You do realize Kent State (10-1) is almost a lock to be in a BCS Bowl if they win tonight?

So they have to go 12-1 to be almost a lock? Which BCS Bowl?

Yep, just like UGA, Bama, K-State, and Nebraska will have to do. No free passes for the big time bowl games.


BTW: 10+1 =11

You indicated they were 10-1 now. So winning tonight would be 11-1 which equals 12 BTW. I had to add the BTW since you did. I didn't think they had already played 12 games but I relied on your figure.

You're right they are 11-1 now. Hopefully will be 12-1 tonight. Guess thats what I get for trying to bust your chops a little.

[WVAPPeer]

JT - I believe it is 2 fold for Kent St - they have to win and then have to be voted as high as 16th by the voters ---

[appbio91]

I think it's safe to say that you and your group are in the minority.

well first I didn't say it was my feelings - personally I'm leaning toward a move - however what do you base your statement on? - you feel that 50+% of those attending games (15,000) are adamant about moving up? ---

I am with you man. I understand the point you are trying to make and I fully agree. Personally the only place I hear people who care deeply about this issue is on this board. I am on the fence but leaning move as long as it makes sense. Either way I will be back loud and proud and loving App football.

[unknown]

We are moving up. It's inevitable. Conf USA or Sun Belt most likely

[GoApps70]

There is no doubt that we don't just need to move up, but have to move up. Some may get queazy about things changing, but it has to be done.

Many have waited for the move up all their lives. It's something that they knew was essential for many years.

Economically it has to be done. There will be less and less opportunities in FCS to play large schools for relatively large paychecks as time goes on. Many BCS/FBS schools will only schedule FBS schools because of their new rateing system. They have to maintain a higher level of play in order to have a shot at a BCS bowl or a better one. Additionally we would sometimes get double the money by being FBS when we play those large schools.

FBS means a lot more attendance at KBS. Some well known schools coming to Boone that have never made the trip means more money and opportunities.

Potentially millions to be made on conference media deals. Maybe not right away, maybe not even from the first FBS conference we are in, but soon.

BCS share of football money. This will help out tremendously with the new sharing system of the BCS playoffs, and grow larger each year.

Just the additional $400,000 we will get when we replay Michigan will help. But not if we were to still be in the FCS. The only thing that could stop us is Dr. Peacock and the board making a ridiculous decision based on poor information. You would think they would know the importance of this, but makes you wonder sometimes. Our administration hasn't exactly been as forward thinking as they would like to think that they are.

[bcoach]

I am leaving for the game so I'll make it short. We have 18 regulars in our tailgate group and 1 wants to move up.

[GoApps70]

Sounds like someone in that group has talked some junk to the rest of them and they bought in because they are friends. Group speak. Can hear it now, parking will increase, we might have to pay five dollars more for tickets, etc.

If we are in the FCS for several years it will be worse than it is now. KBS games with Campbell College, Lenoir Rhyne, and no offense to your alma mater Dr. Peacock, Mars Hill - the only team to lose to Western Carolina the last two years. Yeah, that's really a reason to give to App State, or drive three hours to watch App play. Would be better to not come to Boone than to come for crap like that. When you know who is going to win you cannot even call it a "game".

[ASU2012]

Count me in on NOT wanting to move up. I think its a terrible idea. In 4 seasons we will be the next Marshall. We already know ASU fans are extremely fair weather and if we lose on the field our home attendance will fall drastically. We lost 3 home games this season to FCS teams, I'm scared to see what the rock will look like in a few years. We can deny it all we want, but other than the hard cores on this board, many students and "fans" all have other schools to pull for, mostly in the ACC. I feel that a move to FCS will cause many to leave their Appalachian fan hood behind, as it could previously coexist in different divisions. Why fix whats not broken? I hope I'm terribly wrong.