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Post by unalions on Jan 18, 2021 12:14:04 GMT -6
Good point about this fall. Unless Stetson actually is adding scholarships, the only other possibilities that make sense in such a short timeframe are: 1.) Another school (like a Chattanooga) will be added later this winter/spring, though if that's the case, the school in question has REALLY kept things quiet. Or... 2.) It's maybe one of the two football affiliates of the Big South. If my math is correct, removing UNA and KSU leaves 7 Big South teams, if North Carolina A&T and Robert Morris are counted for this fall. So either Monmouth or Robert Morris could play with the ASUN and both conferences would have the NCAA requirement of 6 members for the fall. That doesn't make a ton of sense, but as the ASUN and Big South seem to have a good working relationship, maybe they make this deal to continue scratching each others' backs. I would expect we will also have a "scheduling alliance" with the Big South to allow all the schools to fill out their schedules. So we might play two or three non-conference games against those schools each year for a while. If the FBS thing happens, I assume it's at least 5+years down the road. Things have been quiet from the AD in Chattanooga, but I know a few people who feel like something may be brewing. I've been somewhat skeptical of the A-Sun football plan as I felt that it was too ambitious to ever happen, but I can't imagine UCA making the move without other moves imminent. I think getting the right schools makes things more attractive to Chattanooga. I think KSU and UNA are potential natural rivals for the Mocs and we already have a good rivalry with JSU. EKU would also be a decent fit for the Mocs. I'm sure Chattanooga isn't super excited about UCA but it's still bussable and they have a good program. If ETSU would come with UTC it would be a slam dunk for the Mocs, but I think TSU, TTU, WCU or even UTM would be attractive for the Mocs. If the A-Sun went into Florida or Louisiana things might start to look a little spread out to UTC brass.
As far as I know the A-Sun hasn't even reached out to Chattanooga, but with KSU, UNA already and JSU and EKU having invites, Chattanooga is right in the footprint and a good media market (for whatever that's worth at this level). I'm not saying the Mocs should move, but I do think it's an interesting proposition, and the potential rivalries look great to me as a fan.
Welcome to our board! Some seem to feel that ASUN would be a step down for the Mocs in regards to a basketball league but we all know what rules the roost in our neck of the woods. I think these schools want a better football conference. |
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Post by unafied on Jan 18, 2021 12:17:26 GMT -6
Good point about this fall. Unless Stetson actually is adding scholarships, the only other possibilities that make sense in such a short timeframe are: 1.) Another school (like a Chattanooga) will be added later this winter/spring, though if that's the case, the school in question has REALLY kept things quiet. Or... 2.) It's maybe one of the two football affiliates of the Big South. If my math is correct, removing UNA and KSU leaves 7 Big South teams, if North Carolina A&T and Robert Morris are counted for this fall. So either Monmouth or Robert Morris could play with the ASUN and both conferences would have the NCAA requirement of 6 members for the fall. That doesn't make a ton of sense, but as the ASUN and Big South seem to have a good working relationship, maybe they make this deal to continue scratching each others' backs. I would expect we will also have a "scheduling alliance" with the Big South to allow all the schools to fill out their schedules. So we might play two or three non-conference games against those schools each year for a while. If the FBS thing happens, I assume it's at least 5+years down the road.
Things have been quiet from the AD in Chattanooga, but I know a few people who feel like something may be brewing. I've been somewhat skeptical of the A-Sun football plan as I felt that it was too ambitious to ever happen, but I can't imagine UCA making the move without other moves imminent. I think getting the right schools makes things more attractive to Chattanooga. I think KSU and UNA are potential natural rivals for the Mocs and we already have a good rivalry with JSU. EKU would also be a decent fit for the Mocs. I'm sure Chattanooga isn't super excited about UCA but it's still bussable and they have a good program. If ETSU would come with UTC it would be a slam dunk for the Mocs, but I think TSU, TTU, WCU or even UTM would be attractive for the Mocs. If the A-Sun went into Florida or Louisiana things might start to look a little spread out to UTC brass.
As far as I know the A-Sun hasn't even reached out to Chattanooga, but with KSU, UNA already and JSU and EKU having invites, Chattanooga is right in the footprint and a good media market (for whatever that's worth at this level). I'm not saying the Mocs should move, but I do think it's an interesting proposition, and the potential rivalries look great to me as a fan.
First of all, welcome to the board! I actually live in Chattanooga so have a soft spot for the Mocs. It’s too bad we missed out on our scheduled game this year. I do wonder if the time wouldn’t be right for UTC to make a change. Since Appy State and Georgia Southern left, the SoCon just doesn’t feel the same. I know you guys have a lot of history there. I’ve heard the rivalry with ETSU used to be a lot of fun, but I never seem to personally hear much about it these days. Still, I would really like to see both schools join the ASUN, and even Western Carolina too. I think in time it could challenge the MVFC and Big Sky for best FCS conference. Maybe the game between the Lions and Mocs this fall will be a conference matchup. And if you go to that one, we’ll be happy to give you recommendations on what to do/where to stay/etc. in Florence. |
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Post by mocs123 on Jan 18, 2021 12:37:57 GMT -6
unalions - It would be a step down in MBB for sure, but the SoCon is still a one bid league (though perhaps the best one bid league in the country) and I'm not 100% sold on Wofford and Furman's ability to sustain their recent success as both have been middling SoCon BB schools for years. I still see it as moving from one one-bid league to another. unafied - The SoCon is still playing some good football, but the rivalries just aren't there. GSU and App are large regional public universities that had some alumni presence in the area and everyone had heard of them - I'm sure both winning multiple national championships helped, but I think it's just hard to get people pumped about Wofford despite them being a good BB and FB school. I mean my HS had as many students as Wofford (1,600) and it's a small liberal arts school without many alumni in the area. ETSU is probably the biggest rival in the SoCon but even it hasn't seemed the same since they have returned. They do have a nice, new stadium and a renewed commitment to football so I think things will pick back up, but the like I said the potential rivalries of the A-Sun football conference are intriguing to me.
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Post by mocs123 on Jan 18, 2021 12:50:26 GMT -6
He would not say who the other schools were, but did say they are already involved. All I got out of Chattanooga is a smirk.
A smirk as in they aren't coming - it would take them ten years of feasibility studies to make the move, or a smirk as in yes, but I'm not telling you?
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Post by newkidontheblock on Jan 18, 2021 13:40:12 GMT -6
FWIW, three schools, UCA, JSU, KSU not "expected" to join, but "scheduled" to join. Expected to have an AQ bid this fall.
I can tell you that Chattanooga has said they do not plan to leave the SoCon. But as you all know, these things can change at the drop of a hat.
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Post by northalaspectator on Jan 18, 2021 14:06:57 GMT -6
If the ASUN hasn’t reach out to UT-Chattanooga, then in my opinion the ASUN needs a New Commissioner.
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Post by mocs123 on Jan 19, 2021 7:23:46 GMT -6
FWIW, three schools, UCA, JSU, KSU not "expected" to join, but "scheduled" to join. Expected to have an AQ bid this fall. I can tell you that Chattanooga has said they do not plan to leave the SoCon. But as you all know, these things can change at the drop of a hat.
I'll see if I hear anything from the Chattanooga end, but the fact that I am here probably tells you that I keep hearing Chattanooga's name mentioned and think there is the possibility of their being some truth to it.
Either way I look forward to our series.
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Post by roaringsince96 on Jan 19, 2021 8:23:38 GMT -6
Well before all the FCS cancelled football this year, I had a gentlemen’s bet with a good friend of mine that played at UTC. We were looking forward to the game and then somebody was buying dinner....judging by our season....I got to think that would have been me. I think UTC would be a great fit with the other caliber of teams coming to ASUN. This conference should be ready for FBS in 5 years. Thinking UTC would love playing Liberty in ASUN basketball along with Lipscomb. Fun to think about the potential of the ASUN.
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Post by brandon on Jan 24, 2021 7:40:36 GMT -6
Something just hit me...
Unless the NCAA is in the process of changing rules and bylaws, we all know the ASUN cant move to FBS.... we ain't dumb.
But I wonder if there is an umbrella clause?
I wonder if the WAC and ASUN have been working together on the FBS thing?
The WAC can go FBS anytime, they never gave up their FBS rights even though they lost their football schools. So all they have to do is find schools that have FBS interest and move to FBS.
So if they are working together, that may be the ASUNs path.... it may have nothing to do with the future landscape splitting footballgedon we think may happen.
It may just be the WAC and ASUN move to FBS... they could have their own bowl game WAC vs ASUN for the Great Divide Bowl Championship.... LOL. Had to...
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Post by brandon on Jan 24, 2021 7:47:50 GMT -6
The reason I am thinking this,
Have yall ever watched NCIS?
Gibbs dont believe in coincidence...
I dont either.
What are the odds that coincidentally, the WAC and the ASUN are expanding the way they are and starting football from not having it, and both talking about FBS, at the same time....
Now I understand the reason the ASUN has not officially announced anything. The WAC holds the rights, has more on the line, so let them go first.
Does this sound logical? Or do I need to go to the psych ward?
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