Libertygrad01
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What will the Big South do?
It appears CCU will be leaving the Big South very soon, leaving us with a huge hole in the conference. The Big South needs to be proactive and add a couple more football playing schools. If Monmouth were to find a home elsewhere the Big South could lose its automatic bid to the playoffs. I don't see Monmouth around long. They're an outlier for sure. I know Kennesaw state is coming aboard this year, but we've got to line up a couple new schools.
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08-05-2015 08:51 AM |
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NewTimes
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RE: What will the Big South do?
Kennesaw is also considered a short term member. With their Atlanta location, rumor is they will be FBS bound once they have built their program.
That being said, it's even more important that LU be positioned to be FBS. When and if CCU departs, that will nosedive the strength of schedule for the BSC and likely keep the BSC as a one league (automatic) bid.
Monmouth is realistically a FB rental for a few years and then they're gone. The weakness of the BSC requires that the conference takes FB only members to meet the minimum member requirements and that has the perception as a non-stable, weak league. It's just another point that LU needs to move beyond the BSC and the FCS for the FBS.
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08-05-2015 09:33 AM |
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GE and MTS
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RE: What will the Big South do?
If Coastal Carolina leaves then I expect a school from around that area to get invited. Maybe West Georgia or whoever else is good in Division II. I am not familiar with D2.
When Liberty first started talking FBS the Big South added Longwood which I would expect a similar solution should Coastal Carolina or anyone else leave.
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08-05-2015 12:11 PM |
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Libertygrad01
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RE: What will the Big South do?
Some of the names we would be looking at are Lenoir-Rhyne, Concord, Carson Newman, Valdosta State, West Ga and North Alabama. We've got to get to FBS.
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08-05-2015 12:52 PM |
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army56mike
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What will the Big South do?
The BSC has been in desperate need of teams for a while. We need to be a 10 team FB conference at a minimum.
If CCU leaves it will be a heavy blow. Thankfully the conference has taken some steps forward in competitiveness of late.
We desperately need teams at this point.
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08-05-2015 02:56 PM |
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SlyFox
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RE: What will the Big South do?
West Georgia and North Alabama have been rumored for years. Both would have to sit out the lengthy DI transitional period. Another D2 that could be in the mix is Jamey Chadwell's old squad at NGU.
I wouldn't be shocked to see the league let non-scholarship teams join the league so that Campbell & Jacksonville could help them maintain auto bid eligibility.
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08-05-2015 10:04 PM |
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NewTimes
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RE: What will the Big South do?
These actions may be necessary for the survival of the league. It's a prime example of how precarious position LU and the BSC is in, and why the school needs to be proactive, taking the initiative, leading the charge for, at a minimum FB indy.
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08-06-2015 05:11 AM |
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Libertygrad01
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RE: What will the Big South do?
Non scholarship schools playing against a school that is giving full COA. Wonder how that would work out?
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08-06-2015 08:29 AM |
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GE and MTS
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RE: What will the Big South do?
(08-06-2015 08:29 AM)Libertygrad01 Wrote: Non scholarship schools playing against a school that is giving full COA. Wonder how that would work out?
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I hope the school offering FCOA wins... I do remember that stupid Presbyterian game back in 2007 or so. Ugh.
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08-06-2015 08:36 AM |
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army56mike
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RE: What will the Big South do?
Is it more likely to get a lower division NCAA school to move up to FCS or for a non-scholly FCS team to move to the BSC and sponsor scholarships? I imagine it would "look" better to have a current FCS team move over to the BSC.
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08-17-2015 07:47 PM |
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NewTimes
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RE: What will the Big South do?
(08-17-2015 07:47 PM)army56mike Wrote: Is it more likely to get a lower division NCAA school to move up to FCS or for a non-scholly FCS team to move to the BSC and sponsor scholarships? I imagine it would "look" better to have a current FCS team move over to the BSC.
True, but who? As the Big South is among the entry level FCS conferences, a team moving up seems the higher choice.
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08-17-2015 08:30 PM |
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SlyFox
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RE: What will the Big South do?
I would imagine some MEAC & Pioneer schools would consider the Big South an upgrade.
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08-18-2015 08:43 AM |
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army56mike
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What will the Big South do?
(08-17-2015 08:30 PM)NewTimes Wrote: (08-17-2015 07:47 PM)army56mike Wrote: Is it more likely to get a lower division NCAA school to move up to FCS or for a non-scholly FCS team to move to the BSC and sponsor scholarships? I imagine it would "look" better to have a current FCS team move over to the BSC.
True, but who? As the Big South is among the entry level FCS conferences, a team moving up seems the higher choice.
At once that was true, and perhaps that is the "perception" but not reality. Wasn't the BSC the third best FCS conference last year.?
Though, I still understand your comment about us being entey level.
(This post was last modified: 08-18-2015 05:09 PM by army56mike.)
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08-18-2015 05:06 PM |
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NewTimes
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RE: What will the Big South do?
(08-18-2015 05:06 PM)army56mike Wrote: (08-17-2015 08:30 PM)NewTimes Wrote: (08-17-2015 07:47 PM)army56mike Wrote: Is it more likely to get a lower division NCAA school to move up to FCS or for a non-scholly FCS team to move to the BSC and sponsor scholarships? I imagine it would "look" better to have a current FCS team move over to the BSC.
True, but who? As the Big South is among the entry level FCS conferences, a team moving up seems the higher choice.
At once that was true, and perhaps that is the "perception" but not reality. Wasn't the BSC the third best FCS conference last year.?
Though, I still understand your comment about us being entey level.
The BSC is a fragile FB league. We have 2 FB only members and without them we would lose our automatic bid. Monmouth and Kennesaw will be gone once they have developed their programs such as Stony Brook. Once and if Coastal leaves, which seems before LU, that will greatly lessen the strength of the league. Add when LU leaves for FBS and that is a league that has lost it's two strongest members.
True the BSC conference had a strong rating last year due to CCU and LU. What's the upside to Charleston Southern, Presby, or Gardner Webb? They will win a game or two when unexpected, but likely not win the conference or receive an at-large bid. CCU and LU are two programs well beyond their means in facilities and assets, attendance and financial support.
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08-18-2015 08:04 PM |
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army56mike
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RE: What will the Big South do?
Yes, LU and CCU are head and shoulders above the rest of the conference. But, Chuck So. has had a nice few years and has added to the BSC credibility. The rest of the conference aren't as much slouches as they used to be.
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08-18-2015 09:55 PM |
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NewTimes
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RE: What will the Big South do?
When Gardner Webb began BSC play they were the team to beat. They were ahead of LU and CCU but were unable to maintain it. LU and CCU developed and excelled. GW did not. GW and CS will steal a win on occasion, but as long as LU and CCU are BSC FB members, they will have a good year or two but won't be able to compete hat in and year out.
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08-19-2015 06:55 AM |
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TribePride91
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RE: What will the Big South do?
I obviously am a W&M grad, but am a native of Lynchburg. I am curious as to all of the angst and fervor over going FBS. I do not see much benefit to Liberty in any other sports other than football for a move to the Sun Belt. I do not believe recent moves for ODU, App St, Ga Southern and others to have been wildly successful. Only the move of VCU from the CAA to the A10 was a significant success. Since it appears likely that the P5 conferences are going to shortly form their own division and playoff and Liberty, JMU, ODU and many others will not have a seat at that table, I question whether the additional cost and resources for a move are worth it. I do not doubt JMU and Liberty's ability to occasionally play well against an ACC opponent or another P5 school(as JMU did in beating VT and W&M did in beating UVA), but the chasm between those football schools and ours is significant. Look to ODU's shortened 80-10 loss to UNC as some evidence of the uphill climb.
If in the next 5 years, the top 3-4 FCS conferences and the lower G5 conferences end up all in a similar division, the angst will have been for nothing. I am curious as to the thoughts of Liberty alumni as to the possibility of a move to the CAA for all sports vs. independent status in all sports or just Big South but football independent. JMU fans(some, not all, and perhaps not its administration) seem to feel that they are ready to move even though many of their sports are not at the top of the CAA and their football is not the flagship of the CAA either. The question is: what are you really moving to? There is great utility in building rivalries and having long-term conference affiliation. I remember Dr. Falwell saying he dreamed of a day when Liberty would defeat Notre Dame in football. I am not saying that is not possible, I am just not sure whether it is an immediate goal. My guess is from the postings is that Liberty believes they will get 20,000-30,000 fans regardless of the opponent. Given the last 10 years that is likely true. But, isn't playing Coastal or an actual rival more fun that schools from the far Southwest that you have nothing in common with? Our only local experience is ODU and many of them wish they had not made the move to FBS at this point from a competition/rivalry standpoint. Just wondering if it is an FBS or nothing thought from a Liberty prospective. Perhaps the ultimate answer is not about competition or excitement but only money. Not being critical at all, just wondering what the 3 year plan is.
(This post was last modified: 09-01-2015 02:52 PM by TribePride91.)
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09-01-2015 02:49 PM |
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NewTimes
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RE: What will the Big South do?
(09-01-2015 02:49 PM)TribePride91 Wrote: I obviously am a W&M grad, but am a native of Lynchburg. I am curious as to all of the angst and fervor over going FBS. I do not see much benefit to Liberty in any other sports other than football for a move to the Sun Belt. I do not believe recent moves for ODU, App St, Ga Southern and others to have been wildly successful. Only the move of VCU from the CAA to the A10 was a significant success. Since it appears likely that the P5 conferences are going to shortly form their own division and playoff and Liberty, JMU, ODU and many others will not have a seat at that table, I question whether the additional cost and resources for a move are worth it. I do not doubt JMU and Liberty's ability to occasionally play well against an ACC opponent or another P5 school(as JMU did in beating VT and W&M did in beating UVA), but the chasm between those football schools and ours is significant. Look to ODU's shortened 80-10 loss to UNC as some evidence of the uphill climb.
If in the next 5 years, the top 3-4 FCS conferences and the lower G5 conferences end up all in a similar division, the angst will have been for nothing. I am curious as to the thoughts of Liberty alumni as to the possibility of a move to the CAA for all sports vs. independent status in all sports or just Big South but football independent. JMU fans(some, not all, and perhaps not its administration) seem to feel that they are ready to move even though many of their sports are not at the top of the CAA and their football is not the flagship of the CAA either. The question is: what are you really moving to? There is great utility in building rivalries and having long-term conference affiliation. I remember Dr. Falwell saying he dreamed of a day when Liberty would defeat Notre Dame in football. I am not saying that is not possible, I am just not sure whether it is an immediate goal. My guess is from the postings is that Liberty believes they will get 20,000-30,000 fans regardless of the opponent. Given the last 10 years that is likely true. But, isn't playing Coastal or an actual rival more fun that schools from the far Southwest that you have nothing in common with? Our only local experience is ODU and many of them wish they had not made the move to FBS at this point from a competition/rivalry standpoint. Just wondering if it is an FBS or nothing thought from a Liberty prospective. Perhaps the ultimate answer is not about competition or excitement but only money. Not being critical at all, just wondering what the 3 year plan is.
Welcome TP. I also am from the Lynchburg area and have lived there many years but reside now in SW VA. W&M is an outstanding school with high credentials and a very old school. LU is the new kid on the block.
Where W&M is know more for it's academics than it's athletics, it is a unique school and a great institution for VA and the country. Lots of accolades can be boasted about W&M. LU is known more for it's history of it's founder and past growing pains, some that still are baggage for the school. The creative way that LU markets itself is definitely outside the academia thinking box. It can be in your face and intimidating.
LU applies it's marketing prowess using sports, music, college for a weekend, ice skating, Snowflex, and more to promote itself. It's the best position the school can do to achieve it's goal. It is often times disliked and discredited by some who usually are more against what the school stands for rather than individual actions.
LU achieving FBS is more important to LU than any FCS school. It fits within it's sports marketing plan. The media presentation of LU is exceptional from it's staff productions of sports events to attracting local, regional and national attention and notoriety. W&M has a unique and respected position with academia and athletics. LU is creating theirs. The large push to achieve FBS helps to accelerate that goal. LU needs FBS to grow and prosper. FBS, not FCS is the goal, and I, and many other LU fans support it.
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09-01-2015 03:37 PM |
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Highlander84
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RE: What will the Big South do?
+1
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09-01-2015 07:50 PM |
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georgia_tech_swagger
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RE: What will the Big South do?
If I were a shrewd Big South commish ... I'd lobby for creation of a new conference with participation of the CAA and SoCon. Let the non-FB schools pool together like they need to.
Mid-Atlantic Conference
Pod 1 "The I-26 Pod":
Presbyterian
Wofford
Citadel
Charleston Southern
Pod 2:
Gardner-Webb
Furman
UTC
Mercer
Pod 3:
Western Carolina
ETSU
Liberty
William & Mary
Pod 4 "The I-95 Pod":
Towson
Villanova
JMU
Richmond
Everybody has a travel partner. The conference is compact but diverse.
There is a LOT of inefficiency between the SoCon, Big South, and CAA. And much of it stems from basketball schools with no football, and football only members. A well designed conference looks more like the present Ohio Valley or MAC. Compact, travel partners, natural cultural fits.
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09-01-2015 07:57 PM |
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