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Post by unalions on Aug 3, 2021 21:28:49 GMT -6
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Post by brandon on Aug 4, 2021 11:37:55 GMT -6
It's funny how Chattanooga apparently wouldn't leave the SoCon because of a 1mil exit fee.
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Post by unafied on Aug 4, 2021 12:20:31 GMT -6
It's funny how Chattanooga apparently wouldn't leave the SoCon because of a 1mil exit fee. Maybe Chattanooga is a bit more ethical than SOME schools we know...
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Post by mocs123 on Sept 19, 2021 16:44:48 GMT -6
The rumor is Austin Peay joining the A-Sun is a result of Chattanooga declining. Now, I don't know if Chattanooga and the A-Sun are still in talks but there is nothing that would indicate to me that the two would need to be mutually exclusive. I would think that Austin Peay would be an additional pull for Chattanooga as they are geographical natural rivals for the Mocs.
I'm sure the $1 Million dollar SoCon exit fee is a major deterrent for the Mocs. I know the athletic department doesn't have that kind of money laying around.
There's also been talk/rumors about potentially trying to go to the Sun Belt or C-USA when the domino's fall and schools leave to backfill the AAC but I don't think we can afford that sort of move either.
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Post by unafied on Sept 19, 2021 17:56:32 GMT -6
The rumor is Austin Peay joining the A-Sun is a result of Chattanooga declining. Now, I don't know if Chattanooga and the A-Sun are still in talks but there is nothing that would indicate to me that the two would need to be mutually exclusive. I would think that Austin Peay would be an additional pull for Chattanooga as they are geographical natural rivals for the Mocs. I'm sure the $1 Million dollar SoCon exit fee is a major deterrent for the Mocs. I know the athletic department doesn't have that kind of money laying around. There's also been talk/rumors about potentially trying to go to the Sun Belt or C-USA when the domino's fall and schools leave to backfill the AAC but I don't think we can afford that sort of move either. The more I’ve thought about it, the more I fail to see a huge benefit for you guys. If the NCAA ruled tomorrow that no schools will ever be allowed from this point forward to make the jump to FBS, and therefore you were looking for the absolute best football conference… I think it might make sense to join us. But IF there’s any chance the ASUN eventually moves up to FBS as a whole (and I’m still not sure that is even something the NCAA would allow), I’m sure Chattanooga would still be welcome to come along for the ride. As it stands you’re in a stable, well respected conference, with plenty of opportunities to play ASUN teams in non-conference play. Heck, if the ASUN never grows beyond 8 teams, I’m pretty sure y’all will be playing at least one ASUN team every year. My only regret, living in Chattanooga, is that it would make an absolutely perfect place to hold the conference basketball tournament if they ever decided to do it at a neutral site. And I’d go to every game. Oh well. All that being said, the ASUN commissioner has done things over the last year or so I never thought he’d be able to do. So if he somehow convinced you guys to join us, I wouldn’t be TOO surprised.
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Post by mocs123 on Sept 21, 2021 9:20:27 GMT -6
I agree at least from a FB perspective it certainly looks appealing to me especially if we could bring ETSU with us. ETSU and JSU are probably our biggest rivalries, and though we don't have a long history with KSU, APSU, or UNA - all are in prime spots geographically for natural rivalries. Conway Arkansas is a bit of a drive but not much more than Charleston, SC or Lexington, VA.
To me, Austin Peay should make things more appealing to UTC as I was afraid you'd have to go outside the current footprint like Florida or Louisiana to get remaining members but Peay is right on our doorstep.
I know there are a lot of other factors involved that I don't even think of as a fan, but it is sure intriguing for me. The biggest question now is can the A-Sun remain stable. The SoCon is probably the most stable FCS conference this side of the Ivy currently. The longer it goes on the less likely I think it will happen though.
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Post by roaringsince96 on Sept 21, 2021 15:07:37 GMT -6
UTC makes sense. I can see the ASUN having FBS aspirations in a few years with all these major FCS programs being part of the ASUN. It will definitely be an interesting ride the next few years. The landscape is changing so suddenly in FBS, look at the Big 12. Oklahoma State and TCU are the big boys there now. BYU keeps playing at their level with their coach they will be an instant force. Should be interesting.
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Post by unaman on Sept 28, 2021 12:34:49 GMT -6
OVC fixing to be no more. Belmont is headed to Missouri Valley. Tennessee Tech and Murray State are rumors of talks with ASUN. Also, Texas AM Commerce (Recent D2 Powerhouse) is headed to Southland. They will now start the uphill climb of joining the FCS. It helps that they are in Texas that is all about Football. But they will have facility problems similar to UNA, but at least they own their own stadium and is on campus.
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Post by unalions on Sept 28, 2021 12:44:20 GMT -6
OVC fixing to be no more. Belmont is headed to Missouri Valley. Tennessee Tech and Murray State are rumors of talks with ASUN. Also, Texas AM Commerce (Recent D2 Powerhouse) is headed to Southland. They will now start the uphill climb of joining the FCS. It helps that they are in Texas that is all about Football. But they will have facility problems similar to UNA, but at least they own their own stadium and is on campus. Yes, I meant to post about Commerce over the weekend. They made it official today. www.ketr.org/news/2021-09-28/lions-announce-move-to-southland-conference-ncaa-division-i-fcs
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Post by unafied on Sept 28, 2021 13:03:45 GMT -6
I think Murray State prefers the MVC if they can get an invite, but that may or may not happen.
I have a cousin-in-law that went to Tennessee Tech. I do kinda wonder where they fit in this. Their football hasn’t been too great historically from what I understand. I’d certainly be interested in having them, as it’s another school in close proximity to Florence. I just wonder if it’s one of those schools that JSU, EKU, and APSU are trying to get away from. In other words, aren’t willing or can’t invest money into athletics. On the surface they seem like a nice fit.
I bet the ASUN is waiting to see if Liberty gets an invite to an FBS conference before making a move. We’re at 13 now, so ideally one more school would get an invite. But if Liberty leaves you can invite two more, and even have the ability to add a school with no football if its the right fit.
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Post by unaman on Sept 28, 2021 14:39:15 GMT -6
I hope Liberty gets American or CUSA invite. Liberty is too big as it is and dominates in just about every sport. Their facilities are unmatched compared to other ASUN schools. They will run away with Men's basketball and should compete in the NCAA tournament. Would not be surprised to see them in Sweet 16.
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Post by brandon on Sept 29, 2021 7:41:32 GMT -6
I hope Liberty gets American or CUSA invite. Liberty is too big as it is and dominates in just about every sport. Their facilities are unmatched compared to other ASUN schools. They will run away with Men's basketball and should compete in the NCAA tournament. Would not be surprised to see them in Sweet 16. I understand why yall want Liberty gone, but I like having them in the ASUN. They have a big fan base that is growing, alum that is all over, and it's good exposure with them in. I say we just keep on track as a conference and get a couple or three mbb tournament spots, increase budgets according and become the best mid major conference. Competitive balance being cited is what has all but killed the OVC... They didn't want NKU because of what they had that the rest of the OVC didn't. They didn't want us because of our football history... So they got Belmont instead...lol
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Post by brandon on Sept 29, 2021 7:43:13 GMT -6
Also, the further Liberty goes in the tournament, the more money everyone in the conference gets...
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Post by brandon on Sept 29, 2021 7:50:44 GMT -6
I think Murray State prefers the MVC if they can get an invite, but that may or may not happen. I have a cousin-in-law that went to Tennessee Tech. I do kinda wonder where they fit in this. Their football hasn’t been too great historically from what I understand. I’d certainly be interested in having them, as it’s another school in close proximity to Florence. I just wonder if it’s one of those schools that JSU, EKU, and APSU are trying to get away from. In other words, aren’t willing or can’t invest money into athletics. On the surface they seem like a nice fit. I bet the ASUN is waiting to see if Liberty gets an invite to an FBS conference before making a move. We’re at 13 now, so ideally one more school would get an invite. But if Liberty leaves you can invite two more, and even have the ability to add a school with no football if its the right fit. I think Murray comes to the ASUN... MVC could have had them any time they wanted, but chose not to invite... They did however tell Belmont they basically had an open invitation. I think Murray comes to ASUN and basketball gets stronger... Tennessee Tech would fit well in the Big South. Tennessee Martin and SEMO could go to the Southland The others could go to the Summit and the Summit start their own football league. Or, Murray goes to either the ASUN or MVC and the OVC replenish with Western Illinois, Southern Indiana and Lincoln Memorial...
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Post by unafied on Sept 29, 2021 9:11:18 GMT -6
I think Murray State prefers the MVC if they can get an invite, but that may or may not happen. I have a cousin-in-law that went to Tennessee Tech. I do kinda wonder where they fit in this. Their football hasn’t been too great historically from what I understand. I’d certainly be interested in having them, as it’s another school in close proximity to Florence. I just wonder if it’s one of those schools that JSU, EKU, and APSU are trying to get away from. In other words, aren’t willing or can’t invest money into athletics. On the surface they seem like a nice fit. I bet the ASUN is waiting to see if Liberty gets an invite to an FBS conference before making a move. We’re at 13 now, so ideally one more school would get an invite. But if Liberty leaves you can invite two more, and even have the ability to add a school with no football if its the right fit. I think Murray comes to the ASUN... MVC could have had them any time they wanted, but chose not to invite... They did however tell Belmont they basically had an open invitation. I think Murray comes to ASUN and basketball gets stronger... Tennessee Tech would fit well in the Big South. Tennessee Martin and SEMO could go to the Southland The others could go to the Summit and the Summit start their own football league. Or, Murray goes to either the ASUN or MVC and the OVC replenish with Western Illinois, Southern Indiana and Lincoln Memorial... I wouldn’t personally have a problem with the ASUN taking Murray. I’d LIKE for basketball to get stronger. And honestly it would be nice to have a football team that’s worse than us. Ok, just kidding on that. I don’t even know how Murray is doing this year. I know you’re good with Liberty staying… but I’d prefer they get a CUSA invite or something similar, then the ASUN pulls in Murray and UWF to make 14/8. That’s a really solid conference, IMO. I could see the other moves you mention happening as well, but I think the Southland wants to keep themselves limited to LA and TX if they can. Bringing in TAMU-Commerce may start a chain reaction where all the D2 Texas schools are forced to think about moving up. The Southland can probably have as many of those as they want. The OVC will probably remain intact, but they’ve switched places with the ASUN and will now be the “entry level” D1 conference for the southeast and Midwest.
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