The way the MEAC handled Hampton's departure was downright disgraceful. As that conference falls apart I hope Hampton gets a chance to give them a taste of their own medicine.

If the Southland splits? I see the eastern Louisiana Southland schools grab Jackson State, Grmabling, UAPB and Southern. Gets that much tighter. New conference put together with the Texas Southland with adding Tarleton State, UTRGV, Prairie View and Texas Southern.
The 2 Florida MEAC schools can join the rest of the SWAC to form a more Southeastern feel.
Bethune Cookman
Florida A&M
Alabama A&M
Alabama State
Alcorn State
Mississippi Valley State
South Carolina State
Tuskegee
Lemoyne-Owen
Albany State
Fort Valley State
North Carolina A&T
This would be a little bit more tighter in geography instead of having a MEAC from Florida almost into the state of New York. MEAC have became the poor man version of the ACC which did not work.

North Carolina Central had some good football teams, they could join Hampton in the Big South.

Delaware State really do not belong in D1.

(05-18-2018 01:59 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  The way the MEAC handled Hampton's departure was downright disgraceful. As that conference falls apart I hope Hampton gets a chance to give them a taste of their own medicine.

MEAC's a sinking ship, and I suspect about five or so its current members won't last in D1 for another two decades anyway. I would have looked to any of the current members who kept Hampton on the football schedule to have a chance rejoining that school in a better conference in the future. I don't feel that anymore. And, yeah, I'd hate to be Howard...because, sure, good school...I don't see how you vault over Hampton trying to get out of the trainwreck that is MEAC, though. So, if the best you can do is get to the same level as Hampton, and you may have spear-headed this thing against them? Not smart.

(05-21-2018 09:18 AM)The Cutter of Bish Wrote:  

(05-18-2018 01:59 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  The way the MEAC handled Hampton's departure was downright disgraceful. As that conference falls apart I hope Hampton gets a chance to give them a taste of their own medicine.

MEAC's a sinking ship, and I suspect about five or so its current members won't last in D1 for another two decades anyway. I would have looked to any of the current members who kept Hampton on the football schedule to have a chance rejoining that school in a better conference in the future. I don't feel that anymore. And, yeah, I'd hate to be Howard...because, sure, good school...I don't see how you vault over Hampton trying to get out of the trainwreck that is MEAC, though. So, if the best you can do is get to the same level as Hampton, and you may have spear-headed this thing against them? Not smart.

For what it's worth, the local paper reported that Howard and Hampton will resume playing each other in football in 2019, and they're working on a deal to do the same in basketball.

(05-21-2018 10:47 AM)Cyniclone Wrote:  

(05-21-2018 09:18 AM)The Cutter of Bish Wrote:  

(05-18-2018 01:59 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  The way the MEAC handled Hampton's departure was downright disgraceful. As that conference falls apart I hope Hampton gets a chance to give them a taste of their own medicine.

MEAC's a sinking ship, and I suspect about five or so its current members won't last in D1 for another two decades anyway. I would have looked to any of the current members who kept Hampton on the football schedule to have a chance rejoining that school in a better conference in the future. I don't feel that anymore. And, yeah, I'd hate to be Howard...because, sure, good school...I don't see how you vault over Hampton trying to get out of the trainwreck that is MEAC, though. So, if the best you can do is get to the same level as Hampton, and you may have spear-headed this thing against them? Not smart.

For what it's worth, the local paper reported that Howard and Hampton will resume playing each other in football in 2019, and they're working on a deal to do the same in basketball.

I think you meant to link this article? http://www.dailypress.com/sports/hampton...story.html

Nerdlinger,

Cyniclone had the correct link. It mentions Howard series restarting again in 2019 (two years agreed so far), but that Norfolk State, Hampton's other rival is full on boycott. I think the article is off about the situation Hampton will be in 2019 on ward as they need 4 out of conference games (7 Big South games in 2019 and 2020), which is not near as hard as 11 Independent games. I can fill that easily

Desired:

1. Howard (HBCU)
2. FCS HBCU (preference Norfolk State)
3. FCS HBCU
4. D-II HBCU

Likely

1. Howard (HBCU)
2. Tennessee State (HBCU ... say hello to our new rival) or some SWAC like Mississippi Valley State, or worst case another non-HBCU FCS school
3. D-II HBCU
4. non-HBCU, possibly FBS revenue game (MAC/CUSA/SBC school)

2018 showed who their friends were, Tennessee State, Mississippi Valley State and the Big South schools, plus some random schools (e.g.,UNI) and after reflection Howard. Eventually I think the ice will thaw and they will be able to schedule consistently two FCS HBCU along with a D-II HBCU without much problem. But it could take 5 or more years.

I hope the MEAC survives. It is a good partner to the SWAC, the two dominant southern HBCU conferences.

MEAC is not a fly by night outfit, it has been around since 1970. Lots of history there, would be a shame for it to be lost.

In the past, other MEAC schools (e.g., FAMU, Morgan State, NC Central) have left the MEAC for seemingly greener pastures, only to return. I suspect Hampton will do the same.

(05-22-2018 11:41 AM)Stugray2 Wrote:  Nerdlinger,

Cyniclone had the correct link. It mentions Howard series restarting again in 2019 (two years agreed so far), but that Norfolk State, Hampton's other rival is full on boycott. I think the article is off about the situation Hampton will be in 2019 on ward as they need 4 out of conference games (7 Big South games in 2019 and 2020), which is not near as hard as 11 Independent games. I can fill that easily

Desired:

1. Howard (HBCU)
2. FCS HBCU (preference Norfolk State)
3. FCS HBCU
4. D-II HBCU

Likely

1. Howard (HBCU)
2. Tennessee State (HBCU ... say hello to our new rival) or some SWAC like Mississippi Valley State, or worst case another non-HBCU FCS school
3. D-II HBCU
4. non-HBCU, possibly FBS revenue game (MAC/CUSA/SBC school)

2018 showed who their friends were, Tennessee State, Mississippi Valley State and the Big South schools, plus some random schools (e.g.,UNI) and after reflection Howard. Eventually I think the ice will thaw and they will be able to schedule consistently two FCS HBCU along with a D-II HBCU without much problem. But it could take 5 or more years.

Norfolk State returning to Hampton's basketball schedule makes me think they'll get there for football until 2021. There's too much history between the schools, dating to the CIAA.

Odd tidbit that I didn't realize until looking it up: Hampton has only played four games against FBS teams since 2006 (ODU twice, Central Michigan and Ohio), and only three games against non-D1 schools. So their ideal schedule is probably two MEAC games (preferably Howard/Norfolk State), a regional FCS game, and a wildcard game. They've played ODU a few times when both were FCS too and it's an easy trip, so they'll probably do that again every few years.

(05-21-2018 10:47 AM)Cyniclone Wrote:  Howard and Hampton will resume playing each other in football in 2019, and they're working on a deal to do the same in basketball[/url].

Should be interesting down the road. It still looks like MEAC got to do exactly what it wanted...even if for just a season.