As to the past couple seasons, it's certainly debatable. This year we are clearly the worst conference. I still wouldn't trade places as these things have a tendency to change over time, but it's hard to argue that CUSA is better this year after this weekends performance.

Again, dawg, to quote Jethro Tull, you're "Living in the Past"

At least ya'll didn't lose to a D1AA/FCS program.

(09-09-2018 10:54 AM)DETLTU Wrote:  As to the past couple seasons, it's certainly debatable. This year we are clearly the worst conference. I still wouldn't trade places as these things have a tendency to change over time, but it's hard to argue that CUSA is better this year after this weekends performance.

It's been two weeks.

Neither conference has been significantly better than the other at any point since CUSA 2.0 shakeups.

The Sun Belt has been talking about passing CUSA for more than a decade(I used to be one of the ones that actually believed it would happen) but it's just not going to happen. I believe in App's ability to be a consistantly strong program otherwise...

(09-09-2018 11:03 AM)topper1296 Wrote:  At least ya'll didn't lose to a D1AA/FCS program.

Topper, just like we found out, it's a short walk through the Red Zone from the penthouse to the outhouse....but once you're in the crapper you crap and crap and crap!

(09-09-2018 10:29 AM)Dogluva Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:20 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  Overall, the Sun Belt is a better conference, as has become the usual since realignment.

FTFY

(09-09-2018 10:42 AM)Dawgxas Wrote:  Tech beat the undefeated Sunbelt Champ by 3 touchdowns couple years ago

which is as relevant as App beating Michigan.

(09-09-2018 10:35 AM)goliath74 Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:33 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:29 AM)Dogluva Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:20 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  Overall, the Sun Belt is a better conference, as has become the usual since realignment.

It's pretty easy information to find, sir. The Marketz strategy didn't bear fruit in performance or TV money. The Sun Belt trimmed the fat and is now left with programs that have potential, if not already being there. App, Troy, Georgia Southern, Arkansas State, Louisiana, and possibly ULM are all in a good position. Georgia State and Coastal may get to 6 wins this year as well. Overall, the Sun Belt is much better than the C-Usa; shoot, Tech almost lost to a South Alabama team in rebuilding mode.

Sun Belt trimmed its best talent, that's what SunBelt trimmed.

Come on, let's be real... Both sides have had this discussion before and the numbers prove that the Sun Belt did in fact keep the better teams.

The total record of each CUSA team (MT, WKU, UNT, FAU, FIU) their last 5 years in the Sun Belt: 116-190 (37% win percentage)

Their bowl record in those 5 years: 3-3

The remaining Sun Belt teams (ASU, Troy, UL, ULM) overall record those same years: 156-142 (52% win percentage)

Their bowl record in those 5 years: 6-4

(09-09-2018 11:46 AM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:35 AM)goliath74 Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:33 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:29 AM)Dogluva Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:20 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  Overall, the Sun Belt is a better conference, as has become the usual since realignment.

It's pretty easy information to find, sir. The Marketz strategy didn't bear fruit in performance or TV money. The Sun Belt trimmed the fat and is now left with programs that have potential, if not already being there. App, Troy, Georgia Southern, Arkansas State, Louisiana, and possibly ULM are all in a good position. Georgia State and Coastal may get to 6 wins this year as well. Overall, the Sun Belt is much better than the C-Usa; shoot, Tech almost lost to a South Alabama team in rebuilding mode.

Sun Belt trimmed its best talent, that's what SunBelt trimmed.

Come on, let's be real... Both sides have had this discussion before and the numbers prove that the Sun Belt did in fact keep the better teams.

The total record of each CUSA team (MT, WKU, UNT, FAU, FIU) their last 5 years in the Sun Belt: 116-190 (37% win percentage)

Their bowl record in those 5 years: 3-3

The remaining Sun Belt teams (ASU, Troy, UL, ULM) overall record those same years: 156-142 (52% win percentage)

Their bowl record in those 5 years: 6-4

Why are we talking about records from ~2008-2013?

I'm not really sure what any of that has to do with 2018.

(09-09-2018 11:46 AM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:35 AM)goliath74 Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:33 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:29 AM)Dogluva Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:20 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  Overall, the Sun Belt is a better conference, as has become the usual since realignment.

It's pretty easy information to find, sir. The Marketz strategy didn't bear fruit in performance or TV money. The Sun Belt trimmed the fat and is now left with programs that have potential, if not already being there. App, Troy, Georgia Southern, Arkansas State, Louisiana, and possibly ULM are all in a good position. Georgia State and Coastal may get to 6 wins this year as well. Overall, the Sun Belt is much better than the C-Usa; shoot, Tech almost lost to a South Alabama team in rebuilding mode.

Sun Belt trimmed its best talent, that's what SunBelt trimmed.

Come on, let's be real... Both sides have had this discussion before and the numbers prove that the Sun Belt did in fact keep the better teams.

The total record of each CUSA team (MT, WKU, UNT, FAU, FIU) their last 5 years in the Sun Belt: 116-190 (37% win percentage)

Their bowl record in those 5 years: 3-3

The remaining Sun Belt teams (ASU, Troy, UL, ULM) overall record those same years: 156-142 (52% win percentage)

Their bowl record in those 5 years: 6-4

Comparing which conference is better or worse is like comparing which is worse, diarrhea or a bad case of constipation?

(09-09-2018 11:09 AM)eaglebeaver Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 11:03 AM)topper1296 Wrote:  At least ya'll didn't lose to a D1AA/FCS program.

Topper, just like we found out, it's a short walk through the Red Zone from the penthouse to the outhouse....but once you're in the crapper you crap and crap and crap!

Sorry mods, I meant to put an exclamation point in there instead of an "i"......my head ain't right (or maybe I should say it's worse) because my team sucks.

What I know is this: We finished 2nd to last in the sun belt last year, and last night we ***** slapped UAB up and down the field, who is supposed to be one of the upper tier teams in CUSA.

And this is not an anomaly either, because last year we lost by one score on the road at UAB. And we were AWFUL last year and got manhandled by most of the sun belt.

(09-09-2018 11:52 AM)MTPiKapp Wrote:  Why are we talking about records from ~2008-2013?

I'm not really sure what any of that has to do with 2018.

I never said it had anything to do with 2018.

It has to do with the claim(s) that the Sun Belt lost its best teams when realignment began.

(09-09-2018 10:42 AM)Dawgxas Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:33 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:29 AM)Dogluva Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:20 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  Overall, the Sun Belt is a better conference, as has become the usual since realignment.

It's pretty easy information to find, sir. The Marketz strategy didn't bear fruit in performance or TV money. The Sun Belt trimmed the fat and is now left with programs that have potential, if not already being there. App, Troy, Georgia Southern, Arkansas State, Louisiana, and possibly ULM are all in a good position. Georgia State and Coastal may get to 6 wins this year as well. Overall, the Sun Belt is much better than the C-Usa; shoot, Tech almost lost to a South Alabama team in rebuilding mode.

Tech beat the undefeated Sunbelt Champ by 3 touchdowns couple years ago

Thankfully, we chose to replace that dark day in our footballing history with losing to Middle in a bowl game last year.

I guess the good news for some within our program is that the SBC is apparently having a decent year this year outside of Texas State. Decreasing the chances we roll through the league again, and increasing the chances that Anderson won't have his gaudy conference record to hide behind at the end of the season.

(09-09-2018 11:08 AM)MTPiKapp Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:54 AM)DETLTU Wrote:  As to the past couple seasons, it's certainly debatable. This year we are clearly the worst conference. I still wouldn't trade places as these things have a tendency to change over time, but it's hard to argue that CUSA is better this year after this weekends performance.

It's been two weeks.

Neither conference has been significantly better than the other at any point since CUSA 2.0 shakeups.

The Sun Belt has been talking about passing CUSA for more than a decade(I used to be one of the ones that actually believed it would happen) but it's just not going to happen. I believe in App's ability to be a consistantly strong program otherwise...

I agree with the Bolded. Its why the general concept that one team would leave their league to join the other is so flawed. There's not a major discernible difference between the two leagues year to year to offset the financial losses.

I'm not sure I agree with the concept that the Sun Belt can't pass CUSA (3.0 isn't it?) The potential is there, the problem is the league has never performed well in OOC play. If this season was to turn into something consistent, where last week happened over the next few years as well, I could see it. The thing is, CUSA would have to drop a ton as well, and I am not convinced that programs like USM and WKU can be held down for long.

I think we could just write this year off as a bad year for CUSA though. No one has looked particularly impressive in OOC play outside of North Texas, who admittedly looks to be very good.

(09-09-2018 11:57 AM)eaglebeaver Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 11:09 AM)eaglebeaver Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 11:03 AM)topper1296 Wrote:  At least ya'll didn't lose to a D1AA/FCS program.

Topper, just like we found out, it's a short walk through the Red Zone from the penthouse to the outhouse....but once you're in the crapper you crap and crap and crap!

Sorry mods, I meant to put an exclamation point in there instead of an "i"......my head ain't right (or maybe I should say it's worse) because my team sucks.

You did put an exclamation point in there.

Bypassing the profanity filter is a violation of the AUP.

If you want to say your team is ****, say your team is **** and let the profanity filter do its job.

(09-09-2018 10:33 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:29 AM)Dogluva Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 10:20 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  Overall, the Sun Belt is a better conference, as has become the usual since realignment.

It's pretty easy information to find, sir. The Marketz strategy didn't bear fruit in performance or TV money. The Sun Belt trimmed the fat and is now left with programs that have potential, if not already being there. App, Troy, Georgia Southern, Arkansas State, Louisiana, and possibly ULM are all in a good position. Georgia State and Coastal may get to 6 wins this year as well. Overall, the Sun Belt is much better than the C-Usa; shoot, Tech almost lost to a South Alabama team in rebuilding mode.

Why do some Sun Belt fans insist that they somehow are above the MUH MARKETZ strategy they lampoon? The Sun Belt had FIU, Florida Atlantic and North Texas. It invited Charlotte and UTSA. It added Georgia State. Let's not act like the Sun Belt had some higher calling in its backfill philosophy. It didn't go for markets because, with one exception, the markets left or said no thanks.

(09-09-2018 12:56 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  Why do some Sun Belt fans insist that they somehow are above the MUH MARKETZ strategy they lampoon? The Sun Belt had FIU, Florida Atlantic and North Texas. It invited Charlotte and UTSA. It added Georgia State. Let's not act like the Sun Belt had some higher calling in its backfill philosophy. It didn't go for markets because, with one exception, the markets left or said no thanks.

We're not "above" it. It was just a foolish strategy. Yeah, the Sun Belt added FIU, FAU, UNT, and MT... but it wasn't because they were in large markets. Waters and Benson went after small market schools with athletic history like Ark State, Troy, ULM, UL, App State, and GA Southern.

You know the spill... CUSA wanted programs in large markets for TV deals. Sun Belt wanted programs that would be competitive.

(09-09-2018 01:49 PM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 12:56 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  Why do some Sun Belt fans insist that they somehow are above the MUH MARKETZ strategy they lampoon? The Sun Belt had FIU, Florida Atlantic and North Texas. It invited Charlotte and UTSA. It added Georgia State. Let's not act like the Sun Belt had some higher calling in its backfill philosophy. It didn't go for markets because, with one exception, the markets left or said no thanks.

We're not "above" it. It was just a foolish strategy. Yeah, the Sun Belt added FIU, FAU, UNT, and MT... but it wasn't because they were in large markets. Waters and Benson went after small market schools with athletic history like Ark State, Troy, ULM, UL, App State, and GA Southern.

You know the spill... CUSA wanted programs in large markets for TV deals. Sun Belt wanted programs that would be competitive.

But the Sun Belt added Georgia State and invited Charlotte and UTSA. Are you saying that only CUSA cared about their market sizes? That the Sun Belt added FIU/FAU/UNT/MT because of the quality of their programs but CUSA didn't care about that at all?

I mean, I get wanting to play the high card on this but let's not act as though the Sun Belt wasn't going to dirty its hands by considering markets in its backfill strategy.

(09-09-2018 01:49 PM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  

(09-09-2018 12:56 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  Why do some Sun Belt fans insist that they somehow are above the MUH MARKETZ strategy they lampoon? The Sun Belt had FIU, Florida Atlantic and North Texas. It invited Charlotte and UTSA. It added Georgia State. Let's not act like the Sun Belt had some higher calling in its backfill philosophy. It didn't go for markets because, with one exception, the markets left or said no thanks.

We're not "above" it. It was just a foolish strategy. Yeah, the Sun Belt added FIU, FAU, UNT, and MT... but it wasn't because they were in large markets. Waters and Benson went after small market schools with athletic history like Ark State, Troy, ULM, UL, App State, and GA Southern.

You know the spill... CUSA wanted programs in large markets for TV deals. Sun Belt wanted programs that would be competitive.

Waters and Benson both went after who ever would answer their phone calls.

Who is it that you imagine either of them passed over in favor of these "competitive" programs?

Nevermind that the departed markets you hold in such apparent disdain, were also once targets of Waters.

To my knowledge, the only school that has ever had serious public interest in the SBC that was not reciprocated, is Liberty.

When the Sun Belt takes a member from an existing FBS conference not on the verge of collapse, you can tell me that Benson's strategy is anything other than sift through the top of FCS, the majority of which are not found in major markets, and temporarily depending on the likes of NMSU and Idaho when there were literally no other viable options.