*Rumored Lamar to FBS discussion*

[LU1991]

Is it time to close this thread are do we wait until mid June? Kind of a downer.

[Guest LU4LIFE]

Is it time to close this thread are do we wait until mid June? Kind of a downer.

 

You can say that again.

[jdcurran235]

I think we keep the thread open. We might still get invited next year. And there is the u never know relignment thing that keeps happening.

[coachacola]

No need to close this thread until July 1st. Here's another article about WAC expansion:

 

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/2011/05/11/wac-football-updating-the-expansion-options/

 

* The course of action that makes the most sense to me, by far, is a two-phased expansion:

 

Invite non-football schools this summer, to begin play in 2012-13, and then invite FCS schools next summer, to begin play in 2013-14.

 

The transition is much more difficult (more expensive, more time-consuming) in football.

 

* My money’s on Seattle getting an invite this summer, with football-playing Lamar and Cal Poly as distinct possibilities down the road.

 

And there's seems to be more than a few ADs and others who think there's going to be a lot of expansion going on in the next few years among other conferences too. I think it's more of a matter of when, not if, LU goes FBS.

[jdcurran235]

I think the WAC might have cut off their nose to spite their face by not inviting LU. There are to many scenerios where LU could go somewhere else. If that happens the WAC might not be able to find a football school and then it is in trouble. I am not sure how this all going to play out over the next few years. I will make a couple of predictions for fun. I think ULM goes back to FCS. I also think that CUSA gets poached from the Big East. Once that happens, the sunbelt looses MTSU (they seem to be doing better than in years past). At that point I see things going one of two ways. LU has already been invited to the WAC and SHSU goes to the sunbelt to fill in. Or LU has not been invited yet so La Tech jets for the SBC. Then LU joins them for a travel partner. In that case SHSU gets invited. The WAC is desperate and continues to try for Cali, dakotas and montanas. Maybe a few move up and the conference survives. Maybe it folds. In which case TxSt, NM and UTSA go independent. Idaho goes back FCS along with SJSU. Thoughts?

[Bearkat25]

I think the WAC might have cut off their nose to spite their face by not inviting LU. There are to many scenerios where LU could go somewhere else. If that happens the WAC might not be able to find a football school and then it is in trouble. I am not sure how this all going to play out over the next few years. I will make a couple of predictions for fun. I think ULM goes back to FCS. I also think that CUSA gets poached from the Big East. Once that happens, the sunbelt looses MTSU (they seem to be doing better than in years past). At that point I see things going one of two ways. LU has already been invited to the WAC and SHSU goes to the sunbelt to fill in. Or LU has not been invited yet so La Tech jets for the SBC. Then LU joins them for a travel partner. In that case SHSU gets invited. The WAC is desperate and continues to try for Cali, dakotas and montanas. Maybe a few move up and the conference survives. Maybe it folds. In which case TxSt, NM and UTSA go independent. Idaho goes back FCS along with SJSU. Thoughts?

 

I’m not trying to knock your school but where else could LU go? Sunbelt will not add and FCS teams, CUSA has at least 9 other schools ahead of LU and SHSU on its “wish list” if it needed to expand. There is only one way for any Texas FCS team to move up and it is the WAC. I’m pretty sure the WAC knows this and knows LU isn’t going anywhere. LU will go to the WAC just not now. You should be happy this gives you guys another year to build your young football program.

[LUSportsFan]

Hi Bearkat25,

 

I think the scenario you lined out is probably correct if everything remains as is; however, I don't think that is a certainty. The situation jdcurran235 laid out is one that I see as quite plausible. Looking at what has already happened to the WAC in recent years, from a fan's point of view, I still see a high possibility of a lot of movements between the conferences. I don't see a lot of stability in many of the conferences.

 

For example, the other team I follow, Texas A&M, almost went to the PAC and then the SEC last year. There are a lot of Ags, including me, that think A&M should go ahead and make the move. The Big East still may make some moves starting the domino effect and pick up some more teamsor teams in the Big 12-2 including A&M, Kansas, Missouri, Kansas State might start it with moves to other conferences. Aggies are still talking about the SEC. There is a lot of dissatisfaction in many conferences. For the Big 12-2, UT's (tu with my Aggie hat on :) ) deal with ESPN for the Longhorn network helped fuel some of minor animosities. Once something like that starts, the conferences losing schools will need to pick up other teams.

 

The Big 12-2 is just an example. Things are anything but stable. That's why I think it would be in the best interest of the WAC to pick up LU in 2012. At least it would provide them with some sort of pad when 2014 rolls around. We already know that LaTech, SJSU, and USU will jump at the drop of the hat. Also, if the Sunbelt gets poached, they might loosen their standards and pick up FCS schools to survive. LU would make sense to me as a possibility since they were in the Sunbelt and left on good terms.

[Guest CardAmbassador]

Is it time to close this thread are do we wait until mid June? Kind of a downer.

 

Not yet, and it fun to have something to talk about until football heats up again. It wouldn't be a bad idea to drop this during football season though. There should be enough to talk about once practice starts up again.

 

Also it's important to remember that UTSA and TxSt were invited directly after football season last year. We might not have to wait until next June to get an invite, it could realistically be only 6 more months.

[BigRedTrack]

Hi Bearkat25,

 

I think the scenario you lined out is probably correct if everything remains as is; however, I don't think that is a certainty. The situation jdcurran235 laid out is one that I see as quite plausible. Looking at what has already happened to the WAC in recent years, from a fan's point of view, I still see a high possibility of a lot of movements between the conferences. I don't see a lot of stability in many of the conferences.

 

For example, the other team I follow, Texas A&M, almost went to the PAC and then the SEC last year. There are a lot of Ags, including me, that think A&M should go ahead and make the move. The Big East still may make some moves starting the domino effect and pick up some more teamsor teams in the Big 12-2 including A&M, Kansas, Missouri, Kansas State might start it with moves to other conferences. Aggies are still talking about the SEC. There is a lot of dissatisfaction in many conferences. For the Big 12-2, UT's (tu with my Aggie hat on :) ) deal with ESPN for the Longhorn network helped fuel some of minor animosities. Once something like that starts, the conferences losing schools will need to pick up other teams.

 

The Big 12-2 is just an example. Things are anything but stable. That's why I think it would be in the best interest of the WAC to pick up LU in 2012. At least it would provide them with some sort of pad when 2014 rolls around. We already know that LaTech, SJSU, and USU will jump at the drop of the hat. Also, if the Sunbelt gets poached, they might loosen their standards and pick up FCS schools to survive. LU would make sense to me as a possibility since they were in the Sunbelt and left on good terms.

 

I agree with LUSportsFan in that as long as the Big 12-2 is not whole, there is potential for a very big shakeup in the conference picture. I think the Big 12 missed a big opportunity when they didn't go after TCU, and then could entice either Arkansas or Houston into the Big 12 to fill it out. Also I see La Tech as one of the keys to conference stabilization - if they bolt to SB or ConfUSA all kinds of things could happen.

[jdcurran235]

Hi Bearkat25,

 

I think the scenario you lined out is probably correct if everything remains as is; however, I don't think that is a certainty. The situation jdcurran235 laid out is one that I see as quite plausible. Looking at what has already happened to the WAC in recent years, from a fan's point of view, I still see a high possibility of a lot of movements between the conferences. I don't see a lot of stability in many of the conferences.

 

For example, the other team I follow, Texas A&M, almost went to the PAC and then the SEC last year. There are a lot of Ags, including me, that think A&M should go ahead and make the move. The Big East still may make some moves starting the domino effect and pick up some more teamsor teams in the Big 12-2 including A&M, Kansas, Missouri, Kansas State might start it with moves to other conferences. Aggies are still talking about the SEC. There is a lot of dissatisfaction in many conferences. For the Big 12-2, UT's (tu with my Aggie hat on :) ) deal with ESPN for the Longhorn network helped fuel some of minor animosities. Once something like that starts, the conferences losing schools will need to pick up other teams.

 

The Big 12-2 is just an example. Things are anything but stable. That's why I think it would be in the best interest of the WAC to pick up LU in 2012. At least it would provide them with some sort of pad when 2014 rolls around. We already know that LaTech, SJSU, and USU will jump at the drop of the hat. Also, if the Sunbelt gets poached, they might loosen their standards and pick up FCS schools to survive. LU would make sense to me as a possibility since they were in the Sunbelt and left on good terms.

 

I agree with LUSportsFan in that as long as the Big 12-2 is not whole, there is potential for a very big shakeup in the conference picture. I think the Big 12 missed a big opportunity when they didn't go after TCU, and then could entice either Arkansas or Houston into the Big 12 to fill it out. Also I see La Tech as one of the keys to conference stabilization - if they bolt to SB or ConfUSA all kinds of things could happen.

 

It just seems like the WAC might have made a mistake by not inviting us this year because of the LaTech factor. With LU in the conference it would HELP to keep LaTech from leaving. And if things really get crazy out in the realignment world there might not be an LU or SHSU available. JMHO

[jdcurran235]

Jack made a good point when I brought this up on the BR board. SJSU and Idaho are not looking towards the future of the conference. They really just want out of the conference or to maintain control of said conference.

[TexasTerror]

Jack made a good point when I brought this up on the BR board. SJSU and Idaho are not looking towards the future of the conference. They really just want out of the conference or to maintain control of said conference.

 

Idaho AD made his thoughts clear...

 

http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2011/05/12/bmurphy/idaho_athletic_directors_talks_wac_expansion_scheduling_boise_st

[Guest CardAmbassador]

Jack made a good point when I brought this up on the BR board. SJSU and Idaho are not looking towards the future of the conference. They really just want out of the conference or to maintain control of said conference.

 

Idaho AD made his thoughts clear...

 

http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2011/05/12/bmurphy/idaho_athletic_directors_talks_wac_expansion_scheduling_boise_st

 

The Big Sky is planning on upgrading the entire conference to FBS in the coming years. I'm very skeptical that the the Idaho AD will get what he wants.

[coachacola]

The WAC is a very dysfunctional conference but currently it's the only path to FBS. It should be interesting how things shake out the next few years. But right now it's east versus west and we'll see what happens next year when Texas State, UTSA and Denver get to vote. I keep reading on Bobcat Report that they really want Lamar and even SHSU in the WAC. Guess we'll see what happens over the next year or two!

[Bearkat25]

The WAC is a very dysfunctional conference but currently it's the only path to FBS. It should be interesting how things shake out the next few years. But right now it's east versus west and we'll see what happens next year when Texas State, UTSA and Denver get to vote. I keep reading on Bobcat Report that they really want Lamar and even SHSU in the WAC. Guess we'll see what happens over the next year or two!

You guys will have the votes next year as soon as our SLC allies help you get in…

[coachacola]

Don McCarney over at mysa.com has an article on WAC expansion. Nothing new, just confirms what's been said over at bobcatreport.com. Sounds like the WAC is going to hold out as long as they can trying to find a FBS or western football school. I think Dr. Simmons really needs to get a good plan together and make LU as attractive as possible for the WAC.

 

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/utsa/2011/05/significant-wac-expansion-will-probably-have-to-wait/

[ScreamingDeane]

I never got my hopes up for next year but at least it seems like we're in good shape for in the future. Kudos to this site for all the news on this topic.

[Guest CardAmbassador]

Here is my new prediction. If coach Knight and Woodard both win national championships in their respective sports then we will have more than one invite to FBS next year!

:)

[jdcurran235]

We will be able to write our own ticket if that happens

[jdcurran235]

A unt fan is saying LU is in serious consideration by the SBC. I find this doubtful but may they would do this to hurt the WAC and bolster their ranks in case of future expansion.

[Guest CardAmbassador]

A unt fan is saying LU is in serious consideration by the SBC. I find this doubtful but may they would do this to hurt the WAC and bolster their ranks in case of future expansion.

 

Jack at BobcatReport did say that LU and SHSU would jointly lobby the Sun Belt for inclusion.

 

Maybe the Sun Belt doesn't want to be seen as reactionary if they get raided by C-USA.

[jdcurran235]

I just find it hard to believe we are serious candidates after everything unt people have spouted out da mouth. I know we have good repor with the conference but now all of a sudden unt wants to play nice with us. I only see this move to hurt the WAC.

[coachacola]

I think the Sun Belt's long term goal is to get to 12 football schools. They have 10 football schools if you include South Alabama. UALR doesn't sponsor football and should probably join the Summit or some other basketball conference. UL-M has budget less than LU's and the students just voted down a athletic fee increase. They should go back to the SLC where they belong.

 

Now we're down to 9 Sun Belt schools so let's say they want 3 more. LU could get the nod along with a few eastern schools. I don't think that's out of the question with the ties LU has to some of the schools there.

 

The good thing in all this is that the big BCS schools want more FCS move ups so if LU and others want to go FBS they'll probably find a way.

[jdcurran235]

According to Jack we are number 8 on the SBC expansion list and TxSt is ahead of us. I dont see TxSt leaving the WAC to play in the SBC. And personally as a Lamar fan I would prefer the WAC. I just doesn't seem very probable that LU is on the SBC radar. But if they go to 12 teams and ULM does have to drop down, maybe in the next couple of years it could happen. The SBC is not going to get an FBS team to move to their conference. Just like the WAC they are relegated to FCS moveups. The only ones I see are JaxSt and LU currently. TxSt might be on the SBC radar but I dont see them moving to the SBC. I am not sure what the SBC could do to make the pot sweet enough for TxSt to even want to move. I feel like LU had developed a healthy rivalary with TxSt and would prefer to be in the same conference as TxSt. Also, I really want to beat LaTech, so I am more in favor of the WAC than the SBC.

[Guest CardAmbassador]

If TxSt and UTSA stay in the WAC I see that conference with more potential than the Sun Belt. I'll be happy with any FBS league over the Southland.

 

Don't be too surprised if LU gets an invite to the SBC. Jack says they have a list of eight but like you mentioned, how many of those are actually going to come to the Sun Belt? I bet the list of eight includes La Tech and others who have already said no more than once.