TexGator Posted April 30, 2011 Posted April 30, 2011 The 400k that Baylor is paying for the 2015 game is for an FCS team. If LU were to become FBS Baylor would dramatically increase their payout because a win over us would count towards bowl eligibility and they could schedule another FCS team. I hadn't heard anything that said said there was a stipulation in the deal for that. I sit corrected.
TexGator Posted April 30, 2011 Posted April 30, 2011 Texas Terror and Jack of Bobcatreport.com are reporting that SHSU has announced that it will jump to FBS. http://bobcatreport.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=952&sid=6557e6b6180f6bd8ed2378ae6a784df7&start=150 I'm not surprised. This fits with what Terror said a few weeks ago about getting the AD budget to $15 million. Now lets see if Lamar publicly re-announces their intent to join the FBS ranks. Yes, re-announce because Dr. Simmons has already made it clear LU wants to do the same. So now SHSU and LU are both in the running. Which conference? No one knows. I hope you guys do too, LU fans clearly want FBS more than we do... In talking with SHSU alums, I think it's partially because Sam is more of a "suitcase school" where people leave on the weekends whereas Lamar students don't generally leave town on the weekend... so LU has people who are forced to be more invested in the campus' community.
Guest bigred360 Posted April 30, 2011 Posted April 30, 2011 I know I'm in the minority but I would prefer Lamar in the Sun Belt due to travel expenses.
Bearkat25 Posted April 30, 2011 Posted April 30, 2011 Texas Terror and Jack of Bobcatreport.com are reporting that SHSU has announced that it will jump to FBS. http://bobcatreport.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=952&sid=6557e6b6180f6bd8ed2378ae6a784df7&start=150 I'm not surprised. This fits with what Terror said a few weeks ago about getting the AD budget to $15 million. Now lets see if Lamar publicly re-announces their intent to join the FBS ranks. Yes, re-announce because Dr. Simmons has already made it clear LU wants to do the same. So now SHSU and LU are both in the running. Which conference? No one knows. I hope you guys do too, LU fans clearly want FBS more than we do... In talking with SHSU alums, I think it's partially because Sam is more of a "suitcase school" where people leave on the weekends whereas Lamar students don't generally leave town on the weekend... so LU has people who are forced to be more invested in the campus' community. I will admit that one of the weaknesses of SHSU is the fact that we do have the label of being in a “suitcase town”. However, right now Huntsville is experiencing growth due to SHSU’s growth. SHSU really wants to shake the "suitcase college" label and will be building the following businesses in the next few years to do so: Cato, Super HEB, Chick-fil-a, Logan's Roadhouse, Cracker Barrel, Taco Cabana, Firestone, Blue Wave, Carl's Jr. a bank, Petco, Ross, Palais Royal and Michaels stores, Dollar Tree, Five Guys Burgers, Rue 21, Target (already up and running) Texas Hair Team, Verizon and an open retail space (The link is below). SHSU has been working with Huntsville to change Huntsville into a classic college town to keep kids in town. Lots of alums and current students have been complaining that nothing is here that’s why they don’t stay but I look forward to that changing as we continue to grow. If we can keep students on campus our athletic attendance will be MUCH better. Our former President believed that SHSU can be a classic college town (College Station lite) and I’m glad that the businesses are finally rolling in. Links of the new businesses coming to town: http://www.houstonianonline.com/a-e/2.16645/city-s-most-recent-shopping-center-reflects-students-demand-for-more-options-1.2542688?pagereq=1 http://itemonline.com/local/x419261416/New-retailers-coming-to-Ravenwood http://katfans.com/newforum/index.php?topic=883.0
Guest Mint Posted April 30, 2011 Posted April 30, 2011 I highly doubt Sammy will get the green light from the likes of Idaho, SJSU, and Utah State. Lamar could be more convincing, I just don't see an upside to Sam.. It is interesting that y'all are trying to do this together and you're starting at the Sun Belt first. I wonder if you think you'd have better luck than Texas State and UTSA when we inquired about the Sun Belt?
Guest Crawfish Posted April 30, 2011 Posted April 30, 2011 I just checked on the SBC board, there is no mention of this. IMO, I think the SBC would be more inclined to take LU back than to accept both because of the past relationship with Lamar. As far as I know, Lamar left on good terms. The one thing that needs to be considered from the standpoint of the Belt is that in order for the Belt to move forward (RPI wise), they need to limit the schools that join that are new to FBS. This is not a knock on any school moving up, just a fact of life. The Belt already has WKU, that recently moved up, and USA that will soon move up. The conference would like to have some time for the teams to get established before taking more new new FBS schools. I am a fan of the Belt (also Lamar) and I would love for them to take LU, but SHSU; not so much. I think eventually ULM is going to have to face the reality that they neither have the funding nor the potential funding to compete at the FBS level. At this point, (which may be fairly soon) LU may be viewed as an attractive replacement. The travel cost in the WAC are reasons that UL Lafayette, UNT And ASU have repeatedly declined any (unofficial) discussions with the WAC. Another factor is the timezone difference. If late games are played in West Coast and Rocky Mountains, they miss the typical "bottom Line" coverage on ESPN during games being played in CST. There is also a disadvantage to southern teams (especially basketball teams) playing at elevation like Denver, Idaho, Utah State, etc. Anyway, back to my original point, there are currently no threads on the SBC board regarding the addition of Lamar and SHSU.
Guest CardinalClaw Posted May 1, 2011 Posted May 1, 2011 It is interesting that y'all are trying to do this together and you're starting at the Sun Belt first. I wonder if you think you'd have better luck than Texas State and UTSA when we inquired about the Sun Belt? We are not doing this together, SHSU has no influence on what LU does.
Bearkat25 Posted May 1, 2011 Posted May 1, 2011 I highly doubt Sammy will get the green light from the likes of Idaho, SJSU, and Utah State. Lamar could be more convincing, I just don't see an upside to Sam.. It is interesting that y'all are trying to do this together and you're starting at the Sun Belt first. I wonder if you think you'd have better luck than Texas State and UTSA when we inquired about the Sun Belt? SHSU’s AD and president wants this really bad and is planning to jump regardless of what LU does or doesn't do. We really don’t care if LU is coming or not. WE ARE NOT A PACKAGE DEAL!!! SHSU is going to do what is best for SHSU and I’m pretty sure LU is going to do the same. However,if it is in the best interest of both schools to come as a combo then we might join together. Jack’s post seems to suggest that LU is kind of iffy on jumping to FBS but SHSU is going full steam ahead regardless. Jack says that our AD will make the announcement public very soon. I expect a massive marketing campaign similar to txst’s “drive to fbs”.
Guest CardinalClaw Posted May 1, 2011 Posted May 1, 2011 I don't think LAMAR is being iffy about a move to the FBS they have said it is our goal an it still is.
TexGator Posted May 1, 2011 Posted May 1, 2011 I highly doubt Sammy will get the green light from the likes of Idaho, SJSU, and Utah State. Lamar could be more convincing, I just don't see an upside to Sam.. It is interesting that y'all are trying to do this together and you're starting at the Sun Belt first. I wonder if you think you'd have better luck than Texas State and UTSA when we inquired about the Sun Belt? SHSU’s AD and president wants this really bad and is planning to jump regardless of what LU does or doesn't do. We really don’t care if LU is coming or not. WE ARE NOT A PACKAGE DEAL!!! SHSU is going to do what is best for SHSU and I’m pretty sure LU is going to do the same. However,if it is in the best interest of both schools to come as a combo then we might join together. Jack’s post seems to suggest that LU is kind of iffy on jumping to FBS but SHSU is going full steam ahead regardless. Jack says that our AD will make the announcement public very soon. I expect a massive marketing campaign similar to txst’s “drive to fbs”. I don't think "cautious as to not burn bridges" is the same as "iffy". I'm sure their intentions are very clear, in their minds. But, if it's not "in the cards" (no pun intended), it's better to avoid upsetting your brothers-in-arms.
Guest CardAmbassador Posted May 1, 2011 Posted May 1, 2011 The 400k that Baylor is paying for the 2015 game is for an FCS team. If LU were to become FBS Baylor would dramatically increase their payout because a win over us would count towards bowl eligibility and they could schedule another FCS team. I hadn't heard anything that said said there was a stipulation in the deal for that. I sit corrected. The contract reads that LU would be able to back out of the contract at no cost. What I'm saying is that LU can schedule guarantee games at the FBS level for upwards of 900k. At the FCS level 400k is about the highest I would expect.
Guest CardAmbassador Posted May 1, 2011 Posted May 1, 2011 I highly doubt Sammy will get the green light from the likes of Idaho, SJSU, and Utah State. Lamar could be more convincing, I just don't see an upside to Sam.. It is interesting that y'all are trying to do this together and you're starting at the Sun Belt first. I wonder if you think you'd have better luck than Texas State and UTSA when we inquired about the Sun Belt? SHSU’s AD and president wants this really bad and is planning to jump regardless of what LU does or doesn't do. We really don’t care if LU is coming or not. WE ARE NOT A PACKAGE DEAL!!! SHSU is going to do what is best for SHSU and I’m pretty sure LU is going to do the same. However,if it is in the best interest of both schools to come as a combo then we might join together. Jack’s post seems to suggest that LU is kind of iffy on jumping to FBS but SHSU is going full steam ahead regardless. Jack says that our AD will make the announcement public very soon. I expect a massive marketing campaign similar to txst’s “drive to fbs”. Are you 100% sure SHSU isn't considering FBS only because LU is?? Didn't SHSU release a study saying FBS was not in their best interest only a few months ago? Now, when LU is looking to leave the SLC, SHSU has changed their strategy. LU is not iffy about FBS, the post suggest that we want to go on our own terms.
Guest CardinalClaw Posted May 1, 2011 Posted May 1, 2011 I have read some of the reasons why SHSU feels they have to try an make a move to the FBS, but I still don't fully understand why a school that wants to stay in the FCS would try an go FBS.
Jack Posted May 1, 2011 Posted May 1, 2011 I think SH and Lamar are going to duel it out for the last WAC spot. You guys might hold the early lead since you sent someone to the meeting a while back but I expect SH to make a strong case for themselves. This next week might be interesting. I expect LU to do their low key thing and I have no idea what to expect from Sam. All i know is that both programs want to move up and this may be the last "golden ticket" available for some time. I think the two of you agreed to go to the Belt first as a joint package but when it comes to the WAC the gloves are off. Frankly, if the Belt isn't taking UTSA and TXST they arent taking Sam and LU...but you guys had to ask. I understand that.
Guest CardAmbassador Posted May 1, 2011 Posted May 1, 2011 I think SH and Lamar are going to duel it out for the last WAC spot. You guys might hold the early lead since you sent someone to the meeting a while back but I expect SH to make a strong case for themselves. This next week might be interesting. I expect LU to do their low key thing and I have no idea what to expect from Sam. All i know is that both programs want to move up and this may be the last "golden ticket" available for some time. I think the two of you agreed to go to the Belt first as a joint package but when it comes to the WAC the gloves are off. Frankly, if the Belt isn't taking UTSA and TXST they arent taking Sam and LU...but you guys had to ask. I understand that. The interesting part to me through out this discussion is trying to gauge the effect SHSU's feasibility study will have on their candidacy. That report was released to the public and no doubt conference commissioners are going to know about it. Let's see how that report affects SHSU's change of heart on FBS. I'm interested to know what Billy Tubbs, Jimmmy Simmons and Larry Tidwell are thinking. Do they think the WAC spot is a bad fit for LU. Are they willing to risk not getting to FBS for the next 10 to 20 years because they don't like the offers they are seeing on the table? I really want FBS. Let's just do it now!
coachacola Posted May 1, 2011 Posted May 1, 2011 SHSU's stadium only holds 14K so they need a boatload of money to get their stadium up to FBS standards. LU needs money too for the stadium but not as much. I think it'll always be a struggle for SHSU to get the crowds to their football games because of their location but I could be wrong. I just think SHSU has a higher hill to climb that LU but we'll see what happens.
LUSportsFan Posted May 2, 2011 Posted May 2, 2011 I agree. I think we need to move to the FBS now! If invited by either the WAC or the Sunbelt conference, I think we should accept. I see pros and cons for each conference, but I think with UTSA and TxState-SM moving to the WAC some of the pros for the Sunbelt were reduced. Travel Time: With the WAC, we would have three respected universities within easy driving distance and a fourth within a days drive (or easy flight). With the Sunbelt Conference we would have one university within two hours of us and three more within a days drive. Remaining in the Southland conference would involve increased travel time since the rumored additions might be Abeline Christian and Central Oklahoma University. History of Competition: With the Sunbelt, we have three universities that we have had a long history with both during and prior to the Sunbelt years. We had some excellent basketball games with ULL, Arkansas State, and ULM. With the WAC, Louisiana Tech broke our 80 game home court winning streak and knocked us out of the NCAA tournament at the same time. I'd like to get back in the same conference with them just because of that to see if we could return some of the pain. :laugh: I think we have developed a friendly rivalry with UTSA and TxState-SM. In the WAC we could continue that rivalry as well as develop new ones. Community Involvement: I think it would be a lot easier getting the local communities excited for an FBS university. We need to be competitive whether FBS or FCS, though. There are die-hard fans, but it's a lot easier to be a die-hard fan with a winner than a loser. Television Exposure: There are better opportunities of television exposure in the FBS conferences. For example, the Southland Conference games in Houston are shown on channel 11.2. For my cable system, that channel is not carried so the only way I can pick any of the games up would be with a dtv antenna. I live far enough away that I would need a really powerful antenna to pick up the station. (By the way, I would really like season tickets. I almost have my wife convinced on getting some for this season ... keeping my fingers crossed. We had them before I was transferred away from Beaumont and have really missed seeing as many games as I would liked to have.) Although I think the Southland Conference has been good to and for Lamar in the past, I think the time has come to make the move.
Guest CardinalClaw Posted May 2, 2011 Posted May 2, 2011 I think SH and Lamar are going to duel it out for the last WAC spot. You guys might hold the early lead since you sent someone to the meeting a while back but I expect SH to make a strong case for themselves. This next week might be interesting. I expect LU to do their low key thing and I have no idea what to expect from Sam. All i know is that both programs want to move up and this may be the last "golden ticket" available for some time. I think the two of you agreed to go to the Belt first as a joint package but when it comes to the WAC the gloves are off. Frankly, if the Belt isn't taking UTSA and TXST they arent taking Sam and LU...but you guys had to ask. I understand that. I don't want to rub any SHSU fans the wrong way but if a invite comes down to LAMAR or them I like our chances. To me we bring more to the table an the WAC will see this an it will be a easy pick IMHO.
Bearkat25 Posted May 2, 2011 Posted May 2, 2011 I think SH and Lamar are going to duel it out for the last WAC spot. You guys might hold the early lead since you sent someone to the meeting a while back but I expect SH to make a strong case for themselves. This next week might be interesting. I expect LU to do their low key thing and I have no idea what to expect from Sam. All i know is that both programs want to move up and this may be the last "golden ticket" available for some time. I think the two of you agreed to go to the Belt first as a joint package but when it comes to the WAC the gloves are off. Frankly, if the Belt isn't taking UTSA and TXST they arent taking Sam and LU...but you guys had to ask. I understand that. I don't want to rub any SHSU fans the wrong way but if a invite comes down to LAMAR or them I like our chances. To me we bring more to the table an the WAC will see this an it will be a easy pick IMHO. At face value I would agree with all of you that LU has the potential to be a really good FBS school but perhaps LU’s AD feels that they don’t feel that the WAC is the right move right now. I just wonder why LU’s AD has been so quite as of late. I think being quite is the best strategy because if a move doesn’t happen then you aren’t humiliated. If we aren’t invited then SHSU will fall right on its face. Our AD said at an alumni dinner that, “we are going FBS”, I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t have said that If they didn’t like our chances of going into FBS, but still it’s a bold and risky move. I also wonder if LU would rather grow its young football program and wait until the next wave of expansion (given that it has only completed its first year back). Yes we have work to do on Bowers, and attendance but not even txst made the attendance requirement. Our AD is very candid about how we handle things but sometimes being so open can be a bit of a curse, point in case the FBS study. If LU gets public (again) about its intentions of FBS then SHSU is in BIG trouble. The only reason why I will not give clear advantage to LU is because SHSU is coming out publically about our attentions in saying we want this, and by “we” I mean SHSU’s AD and president. I anticipate a major marketing blitz of some sort to jump start the move. I’m pretty sure that a possible invitation will be contingent upon our willingness to make improvements to attendance and facilities. I still like competing against LU in sports and hate that it may be coming to an end soon either way…
TexGator Posted May 2, 2011 Posted May 2, 2011 I think SH and Lamar are going to duel it out for the last WAC spot. You guys might hold the early lead since you sent someone to the meeting a while back but I expect SH to make a strong case for themselves. This next week might be interesting. I expect LU to do their low key thing and I have no idea what to expect from Sam. All i know is that both programs want to move up and this may be the last "golden ticket" available for some time. I think the two of you agreed to go to the Belt first as a joint package but when it comes to the WAC the gloves are off. Frankly, if the Belt isn't taking UTSA and TXST they arent taking Sam and LU...but you guys had to ask. I understand that. I don't want to rub any SHSU fans the wrong way but if a invite comes down to LAMAR or them I like our chances. To me we bring more to the table an the WAC will see this an it will be a easy pick IMHO. At face value I would agree with all of you that LU has the potential to be a really good FBS school but perhaps LU’s AD feels that they don’t feel that the WAC is the right move right now. I just wonder why LU’s AD has been so quite as of late. I think being quite is the best strategy because if a move doesn’t happen then you aren’t humiliated. If we aren’t invited then SHSU will fall right on its face. Our AD said at an alumni dinner that, “we are going FBS”, I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t have said that If they didn’t like our chances of going into FBS, but still it’s a bold and risky move. I also wonder if LU would rather grow its young football program and wait until the next wave of expansion (given that it has only completed its first year back). Yes we have work to do on Bowers, and attendance but not even txst made the attendance requirement. Our AD is very candid about how we handle things but sometimes being so open can be a bit of a curse, point in case the FBS study. If LU gets public (again) about its intentions of FBS then SHSU is in BIG trouble. The only reason why I will not give clear advantage to LU is because SHSU is coming out publically about our attentions in saying we want this, and by “we” I mean SHSU’s AD and president. I anticipate a major marketing blitz of some sort to jump start the move. I’m pretty sure that a possible invitation will be contingent upon our willingness to make improvements to attendance and facilities. I still like competing against LU in sports and hate that it may be coming to an end soon either way… There's a simple reason- Manners... speaking in forceful terms about a determination to (for the 2nd time in 25 years) leave a conference they founded is just rude. Simmons has been at LU since the early 70's and wouldn't want to put them in a bad situation.
Guest Crawfish Posted May 2, 2011 Posted May 2, 2011 "when we get behind closed doors" It is a really bad idea to make a statement like "We will be members of _____________ conference in _____ years." La Tech is a great example of this. They have been very candid about their desire to join C-USA, but the feelings have NEVER been mutual. Hence their fans will never be satified until they join C-USA, and the only way that will happen is for them to get invited. So far, they have not even been on the "final list" when the conference has expanded or considered expanding. Now that their administration has run its mouth about the SBC being so bad, their fans will never be happy if they become members of the Belt. They would rather rot in the hell that is being FBS Independent than join the Belt. In the meantime, the Belt improves in just about every way every year. (actually this was an off year for SBC football, but they still filled their bowls) Point is, that a smart administrator will not say what is going on behind the scenes. Rumor has it that both of the new Texas WAC teams contacted the Belt about membership prior to joining the WAC. It is my understanding that the Belt would rather not expand with new FBS members at this time, and currently does not desire to or need to expand. The Belt has mostly a committed and stable membership. This could change if ULM were to drop down or if one of the Florida schools WKU, or Middle were invited to join C-USA. This would only likely occur if UCF were invited to join the Big East. It is my understanding that the Belt does not consider going to 12 just for a Conference Championship to be profitable venture. It could actually make a bowl elible team less desireable. So all in all, I would hope that Lamar might join the belt eventually, but I suspect this might not be as soon as some would hope for. It does not mean that Dr. Simmons is not having having discussions with other presidents in the Belt. (presidents are responsible for conference expansion, not ADs) I would think that LU would have allies in former fellow conference members like UL Lafayette, ULM, and ASU. It might be a tougher sell to Eastern Belt members though. Anyway, this will be fun to watch over the next few years. I would be surprised if anything is announces one way or another in 2011.
BigRedTrack Posted May 2, 2011 Posted May 2, 2011 I agree with Crawfish, whether we go WAC or Sun Belt, I expect the announcement to come out of nowhere. The only leak would be some other conference AD blabbing about a scheduling issue for their football team. The LU officials will be tight lipped.
jdcurran235 Posted May 2, 2011 Posted May 2, 2011 New Rumor on the scout boar from bigRunner2012 says that SHSU and LU have been invited to the WAC. I am not thinking this is true as I trust Jack from Bobcat report much more and he said only one of us would get the invite. But that woudl bring the WAC up to 9 for football
coachacola Posted May 2, 2011 Posted May 2, 2011 I hope it's true. Someone with connections to the athletic department needs to ask around!
Guest CardAmbassador Posted May 2, 2011 Posted May 2, 2011 New Rumor on the scout boar from bigRunner2012 says that SHSU and LU have been invited to the WAC. I am not thinking this is true as I trust Jack from Bobcat report much more and he said only one of us would get the invite. But that woudl bring the WAC up to 9 for football I don't trust bigrunner too much. He has a big mouth, he never has anything solid to back up his claims. EDIT: I hope it is true though.
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