(11-30-2012 06:49 PM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  

(11-30-2012 06:47 PM)AndreWhere Wrote:  

(11-30-2012 06:40 PM)Tiguar Wrote:  

(11-30-2012 05:59 PM)blazerwkr Wrote:  I wouldn't mind USA as they're fairly good in other sports or have a history in them & look to have more of an upside to them. At least they're putting some money into their FB program so I'd expect it to rise in stature over the coming years. I would support them over Troy even though we've got more of a rivalry w/ them but having USA would get us back the rivalry from the original Sun Belt.

My understanding is that UAB lobbied HEAVILY to get USA an invite during CUSA's formation. UAB vs USA basketball used to be good stuff. Still is, I guess, but not as much at stake anymore it seems.

Maybe, but I don't think that would have involved football. USA didn't even have a club team until about 1999, I think. I was a little surprised back in 1995 that UAB football was even included in CUSA. There weren't as many football-playing schools back then, though, and UAB had geography, basketball history, and their market going for them.

From what I remember, CUSA told UAB..keep your football independent.. and then they beat LSU in Baton Rouge. And got an invite the next year for football.

No, UAB joined CUSA as a basketball member in 1995 and it was decided then that they would move from D-1aa to D-1a, which we did in 1996. It was also decided that they would a full conference member in 1999 to allow us to build up scholarship numbers. We didn't beat LSU until 2000

(11-30-2012 06:51 PM)AndreWhere Wrote:  

(11-30-2012 06:49 PM)Tom in Lazybrook Wrote:  

(11-30-2012 06:47 PM)AndreWhere Wrote:  

(11-30-2012 06:40 PM)Tiguar Wrote:  

(11-30-2012 05:59 PM)blazerwkr Wrote:  I wouldn't mind USA as they're fairly good in other sports or have a history in them & look to have more of an upside to them. At least they're putting some money into their FB program so I'd expect it to rise in stature over the coming years. I would support them over Troy even though we've got more of a rivalry w/ them but having USA would get us back the rivalry from the original Sun Belt.

My understanding is that UAB lobbied HEAVILY to get USA an invite during CUSA's formation. UAB vs USA basketball used to be good stuff. Still is, I guess, but not as much at stake anymore it seems.

Maybe, but I don't think that would have involved football. USA didn't even have a club team until about 1999, I think. I was a little surprised back in 1995 that UAB football was even included in CUSA. There weren't as many football-playing schools back then, though, and UAB had geography, basketball history, and their market going for them.

From what I remember, CUSA told UAB..keep your football independent.. and then they beat LSU in Baton Rouge. And got an invite the next year for football.

Wow... it wouldn't happen like that these days. Things are much more tightly controlled.

It didn't happen like that then. UAB entered CUSA in much the same way ODU is

(11-30-2012 05:59 PM)blazerwkr Wrote:  having USA would get us back the rivalry from the original Sun Belt.

I know it's been forgotten by most folks over 30 and was never known by folks younger than 30, but the old Sun Belt (1976-1991) was a rough neighborhood. F4 by UNCC in 1977. Elite 8 appearance by UAB in 1982 (knocking off the overall #1 seed Virginia in the process). South Alabama ranked as high as #11 under Cliff Ellis in 1980, and beating Alabama on a buzzer-beater in the first round in 1989 (then losing to eventual champion Michigan in the second round). Great basketball and baseball year-in and year-out, from schools that really cared about basketball and baseball and supported their teams.

I admit my bias in favor of South Alabama, and I understand the reasons why USM and UAB would not be in favor. But if it ever happens, you'll be surprised at how strong the Jaguars have become. They would be a solid add.

I would like to see UAB play USA in football (as we already have a longstanding rivalry), but you won't see support from UAB and USM to join the league for the same reasons Florida/South Carolina don't want FSU/Clemson in the SEC.

(11-30-2012 07:00 PM)Native Georgian Wrote:  

(11-30-2012 05:59 PM)blazerwkr Wrote:  having USA would get us back the rivalry from the original Sun Belt.

I know it's been forgotten by most folks over 30 and was never known by folks younger than 30, but the old Sun Belt (1976-1991) was a rough neighborhood. F4 by UNCC in 1977. Elite 8 appearance by UAB in 1982 (knocking off the overall #1 seed Virginia in the process). South Alabama ranked as high as #11 under Cliff Ellis in 1980, and beating Alabama on a buzzer-beater in the first round in 1989 (then losing to eventual champion Michigan in the second round). Great basketball and baseball year-in and year-out, from schools that really cared about basketball and baseball and supported their teams.

I think that conference kicked UNO out because they wouldn't build a better arena.

The SEC has proven that hate can be a great component of a rivalry and can help coax extra donations out of alumni to keep up with rivals. The ability to add built in rivals for existing members, if the need arises, is why I think CUSA can remain relevant.

(11-30-2012 07:29 PM)CurveItAround Wrote:  The SEC has proven that hate can be a great component of a rivalry and can help coax extra donations out of alumni to keep up with rivals. The ability to add built in rivals for existing members, if the need arises, is why I think CUSA can remain relevant.

It's the SEC! lol

Unfortunately, most alums of Non-BCS schools donate apathy.

And no to USA.

The SEC was not such a big deal not all that long ago. There were teams that actually left on their own.

(11-30-2012 07:44 PM)CurveItAround Wrote:  The SEC was not such a big deal not all that long ago. There were teams that actually left on their own.

Tulane in 1966? That was over 40 years ago!

(11-30-2012 07:50 PM)MeanGreenFan123 Wrote:  

(11-30-2012 07:44 PM)CurveItAround Wrote:  The SEC was not such a big deal not all that long ago. There were teams that actually left on their own.

Tulane in 1966? That was over 40 years ago!

GT?

Point was that they were a close knit group that were not afraid that someone would 'pass them by' just because they were located close to them or in the same state. Worked out ok for them.

If USM ever left I would fully support adding USA. We've played them a bunch in basketball over the years.

(11-30-2012 07:44 PM)CurveItAround Wrote:  The SEC was not such a big deal not all that long ago. There were teams that actually left on their own.

Are you kidding? That was like 50 yrs. ago

Ok, let's stay on topic. Yes, SEC = good. I would like some.

Please make it stop.

GA State, South Alabama, etc...... Please.....