It's been tough to keep pace in the blogosphere lately, but a fantastic trip to Baton Rouge last weekend has driven me back into the game. (Again, if there is anyone who can get me out of this full-time job thing, I'll happily write more often).
In the first week of the season, seven FCS (Football Championship Subdivision, aka I-AA) teams beat FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision, aka I-A) schools on the football field. We'll forget for the time being that one of the defeated FBS schools was South Alabama. There was great outcry that FCS was catching up. Gaining ground. Creating a more even playing field.
A few weeks later, Louisville defeated Florida International (an FBS school) 72-0. Miami defeated Savannah State 77-7. Ohio State defeated Florida A&M 76-0. There was great outcry that FCS (or perhaps schools that really should be FCS) have no business playing against FBS schools. Bad games. No competition. Someone is going to get hurt.
In spite of this ESPN-driven schizophrenia, both are ridiculous arguments and both are dead wrong. The occasional upset doesn't mean the playing field is getting more level; but it also doesn't mean the games should be stopped.
While Appalachian State is the best-known of the giant killers, Furman and The Citadel kind of started the trend of making the "big boys" earn their money on their de facto bye week. For 30 minutes of playing time in Baton Rouge on Saturday, Furman threatened to do it again.
LSU wasn't exactly in a panic at halftime of their game against Furman. But a 20-16 lead (which should have been 20-all) drew at least a bead of sweat on the Mad Hatter's head. The massive advantage in size, speed, athleticism and depth swamped the Paladins in the second half. Still, when it was all said and done, Les Miles and Company new they had been in a football game.
That's the beauty of the FCS-FBS matchup. Furman got what it needed: A lot of confidence, a chance to test itself against the best in the nation, and a huge paycheck. They put in a pretty good day's work, even for half a million dollars.
LSU got the same: A "warm-up" game before the pre-Alabama bye week, a homecoming win, and a reminder that they still have a lot of work to do. Miles probably welcomed the chance to say to his locker room, "Do you think that effort will get it done against Alabama?"
For as much criticism as big schools take for scheduling these games, I have no problem with the matchups. Fans from small schools get to enjoy a big game atmosphere. It's a great opportunity for the little guys to play on a big stage and test themselves against Goliath. And occasionally, we get to see David win. What's so bad about that?
Some other thoughts from Saturday's LSU-Furman game:
-LSU was a terrific game day experience, with a beautiful and well-organized tailgating area, plenty of great food, and a live tiger. How can you beat that? The fans were certainly more gracious than they might have been towards an SEC opponent.
-It was eerily quiet in Tiger Stadium for the first 40 minutes of playing time.
-I've watched the Paladins play against FBS teams, even from the sidelines. It was stunning how physically superior LSU appeared; and even more stunning that Furman stood toe-to-toe with them in the first half.
-Furman's offensive line was eventually overwhelmed, but they did not back down an inch from a feisty and frustrated Tiger front seven.
-Of all their players, Furman's Dakota Dozier looked like the one who should have been on the opposite sideline. He absolutely man-handled several LSU defenders, particularly against the run. Dozier will most likely translate to a guard in the NFL, and LSU announcer Kevin Mawae could not say enough good things about his effort. Mel Kiper Agrees.
-Furman's game plan on offense was excellent, controlling the clock and mixing runs with short passes to neutralize LSU's speed and pass rush. But without any ability to go down the field, the game plan fizzled as the game wore on.
-One horrendous aspect of that game plan was the Wild Cat offense. The Paladins need to put those plays in the shredder. They are going to win or lose with Reese Hannon or Duncan Fletcher, and gimmicks do little other than break up their rhythm.
-Furman's defense is still young, thin and struggling. But eight turnovers and two scores in the last two weeks certainly is a sign of improvement, and one that will need to continue this Saturday at Georgia Southern.
-This game could be a springboard to a strong finish. Furman has been wildly inconsistent this season--not just from game to game, but literally from quarter to quarter. If they can put together 60 minutes that will rival the 30 minutes against LSU, they have a chance to make some strides.
-Better play-calling and halftime adjustments, particularly on offense, will be critical to helping that happen.
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Showing posts with label Appalachian State. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Appalachian State. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Friday, August 2, 2013
SoCon Should Limit "Titles" to its True Members
It is stunning just how inept the Southern Conference has looked in the last year. In the 80s, it was considered the best football conference in The-Artist-Formerly-Known-As-IAA. In the 90s, it was considered at least among the best, even after Marshall (or Marsha to their SoCon opponents) left for Division I.
Even after the name change to FCS, it has battled the Colonial Athletic Association for football supremacy. Now, it looks a lot more like the old SAC-8 from NAIA. And it's not just because Appalachian State and Georgia Southern are leaving.
It starts with that, in a sense, because SoCon leaders seemed under-prepared to deal with those inevitable departures. Conference officials came across as scrambling, in spite of the annual signs that those departures were a matter of "When" rather than "If".
This fall, the conference website actually listed these teams in its preseason rankings when they're not even eligible to win the league title! As noted by Jeff Hartsell of the Charleston Post and Courier, this was a bone-headed move of monumental proportions.
(I must say that I am rather please with the way Furman handled the preseason listings on its website furmanpaladins.com. See GSU or AppSt anywhere?).
But as long as we're on the subject, why is the Conference allowing Elon and Davidson to continue competing for titles?
GSU and ASU cannot--at least in football--because of a scholarship discrepancy as they move to FBS. To me, none of these teams should be eligible for a SoCon title, much less a mention on the league's preseason rankings. They shouldn't even be on the ballot.
There are probably a thousand reasons why the league is treating these teams as "equals" in spite of their departure, but none of those reasons make it right.
Sure, everyone knew that the two "big boys" would eventually take this route. But why should the league offer a chance at a championship to two teams that just chose to leave? Especially Davidson, who essentially blindsided the league office with their decision?
The SoCon coddled the Wildcats for years while they couldn't field a reasonably competitive football team. Then, they went out and got more non-football schools in an effort to make them feel that they were pretty enough, smart enough, and doggone it people liked them. Elon was a virtual unknown when the league took a chance and opened the door for them to make the move to competitive FCS football.
Those schools owe nothing to the SoCon for this; but the SoCon owes nothing to them, either. The league needs to move right now to re-brand and boost the schools that chose to stay or that have accepted the invitation to enter/return.
In fact, if I was John Iamarino, I would get Mercer, VMI, and East Tennessee onto the SoCon site as soon as possible. Why not list them in the standings as "ineligible" or "future" members? Play with the cards you're dealt, stop worrying about the discarded ones.
Sour grapes, here? Absolutely. If you don't want to be in the league, then don't let the door hit you...and go through it as soon as possible. Teams have every right to do what's best for their athletic programs and move on to new territory. But conferences have an obligation to make the teams that stay their first and foremost priority.
To me, that means reserving championships for teams that will continue to be a part of the Southern Conference. The sooner they let go of the past, the better prepared the league will be for the future.
No matter what the logic or practical reasons, it will stink on ice if one of these teams gets a hollow trophy as a reward on their way out the door.
Even after the name change to FCS, it has battled the Colonial Athletic Association for football supremacy. Now, it looks a lot more like the old SAC-8 from NAIA. And it's not just because Appalachian State and Georgia Southern are leaving.
It starts with that, in a sense, because SoCon leaders seemed under-prepared to deal with those inevitable departures. Conference officials came across as scrambling, in spite of the annual signs that those departures were a matter of "When" rather than "If".
This fall, the conference website actually listed these teams in its preseason rankings when they're not even eligible to win the league title! As noted by Jeff Hartsell of the Charleston Post and Courier, this was a bone-headed move of monumental proportions.
(I must say that I am rather please with the way Furman handled the preseason listings on its website furmanpaladins.com. See GSU or AppSt anywhere?).
But as long as we're on the subject, why is the Conference allowing Elon and Davidson to continue competing for titles?
GSU and ASU cannot--at least in football--because of a scholarship discrepancy as they move to FBS. To me, none of these teams should be eligible for a SoCon title, much less a mention on the league's preseason rankings. They shouldn't even be on the ballot.
There are probably a thousand reasons why the league is treating these teams as "equals" in spite of their departure, but none of those reasons make it right.
Sure, everyone knew that the two "big boys" would eventually take this route. But why should the league offer a chance at a championship to two teams that just chose to leave? Especially Davidson, who essentially blindsided the league office with their decision?
The SoCon coddled the Wildcats for years while they couldn't field a reasonably competitive football team. Then, they went out and got more non-football schools in an effort to make them feel that they were pretty enough, smart enough, and doggone it people liked them. Elon was a virtual unknown when the league took a chance and opened the door for them to make the move to competitive FCS football.
Those schools owe nothing to the SoCon for this; but the SoCon owes nothing to them, either. The league needs to move right now to re-brand and boost the schools that chose to stay or that have accepted the invitation to enter/return.
In fact, if I was John Iamarino, I would get Mercer, VMI, and East Tennessee onto the SoCon site as soon as possible. Why not list them in the standings as "ineligible" or "future" members? Play with the cards you're dealt, stop worrying about the discarded ones.
Sour grapes, here? Absolutely. If you don't want to be in the league, then don't let the door hit you...and go through it as soon as possible. Teams have every right to do what's best for their athletic programs and move on to new territory. But conferences have an obligation to make the teams that stay their first and foremost priority.
To me, that means reserving championships for teams that will continue to be a part of the Southern Conference. The sooner they let go of the past, the better prepared the league will be for the future.
No matter what the logic or practical reasons, it will stink on ice if one of these teams gets a hollow trophy as a reward on their way out the door.
Monday, May 27, 2013
SoCon Becomes the Big East--Only Worse
We should have seen it coming. That's what Southern Conference fans are saying right now. It's too bad that the conference leadership isn't saying the same thing, and that they weren't paying attention prior to the crash.
There are two kinds of car accidents. The first is the one where you get blindsided, where the unexpected happens. A tire blows out, the brakes fail, or the car stalls on the railroad tracks. You can't see any of that coming, unless you're watching an old Abbot and Costello movie.
Then there's the second kind. You pull out without looking. You weren't paying attention. You saw the flashing lights and safety bars come down across the tracks, but you decided to weave through them before the train arrived. If you get hit in those circumstances, you've only got one person to blame.
Southern Conference commishioner John Iamarino sounds like an idealist caught off-guard by the freight train when he talks about the demise of the Southern Conference. Georgia Southern, Appalachian State, College of Charleston, Davidson, and Elon just ran him over like Denzel Washington in that ridiculous Unstoppable movie.
But Iamarino has no one to blame for himself, because he had plenty of warning that this train was coming. He simply chose to keep driving in spite of the flashing lights. This was no blindside. This was inevitable, and he did little or nothing to prepare for impact.
Georgia Southern and Appalachian State have talked for years about moving to the FBS. In fact, this has been the goal of our "friends" from Statesboro for more than 20 years, from the time they entered the SoCon. It wasn't new, and it wasn't news. The train was coming.
Davidson has talked for several years about getting into a stronger basketball league. If those three dominoes topple, then it would be inevitable that others would fall. So there really is no case for being surprised by College of Charleston or Elon.
Iamarino seemed to believe that geography, academic commitment and tradition would save the SoCon. In other words, he seemed to be mentally on a beach in Maui while his conference was turning into downtown Detroit.
If those things couldn't preserve the Big East or the Big 12 or the Big 10 as we know it, then why would we be foolish enough to think they would save the Southern Conference? No league values tradition more than the Big 10, and even they've abandoned that idealism. Could the FCS really be immune to the big money-grab?
The Commissioner and his people should have seen it, but they just weren't looking. If the departures were inevitable, he needed to spend his time scouring the southeast to pull in schools and athletic departments that could match what was leaving.
Instead, the SoCon is left with East Tennessee State and VMI, both of whom previously departed the conference. ETSU doesn't have a football team (yet) and they've never had a real football stadium. Just ask anyone who ever played in the "Mini-Dome".
VMI hasn't had a winning season in football in 32 years.
Mercer is a formidable candidate, but they are entering their first season of football and have yet to clearly define when they will begin scholarship football. There is now talk of UNC-Asheville as a basketball power to replace Davidson. Really? Are they even in the same neighborhood?
At the least, Iamarino should be booking a flight to Nashville and showing up at Belmont's door with flowers, nylons and a box of chocolates. This isn't about dignity anymore, but about survival.
The Commish can talk all he wants to about idealism in college athletics, but it doesn't change the fact that he's living in a Fool's Paradise. It's just no longer a reality, and perhaps it never was.
The train that hit the SoCon has been coming down the tracks for a long time, and Iamarino wasn't looking. He couldn't stop it, but he surely could've taken steps to minimize the damage. Instead, he chose to ignore the warnings.
Now, he is left to clean up the mess of the accident, and he has no one but himself to blame. But the rest of the schools and their fans are the ones who will suffer.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Where Does the Southern Conference Go Now?
Well, some might say "good riddance" to the latest defectors from the Southern Conference. Appalachian State and Georgia Southern are now leaving for the joys of Tuesday night football, sparing all of us the "joy" of taking our life into our own hands as we drive through Statesboro.
It's a huge blow for the SoCon, along with the loss of the College of Charleston to the Colonial Athletic Association. ASU and GSU have nine national championships between them, and College of Charleston has represented the league exceptionally in basketball and baseball. It really hurts the profile of the conference on a national level.
Now, the question is this: What can the SoCon do to get that profile back on top, both as a I-AA (sorry...FCS) football power and as a "mid-major" in other sports?
The obvious response is to add teams. But who should they add?
Everyone knows the standard criteria that every conference should consider when adding member schools: Academic compatibility, athletic commitment, facilities, and geography (media markets, recruiting regions, and--at least in FCS--proximity).
But two other criteria need to be considered: Endowment and graduate programs.
Endowment doesn't indicate the amount of $$$ that schools will have to spend on athletics. But it is an indicator of the alumni commitment and the ability of the school to raise money. This means potential for paying to hire/retain coaches, build better facilities, and add or improve sports.
Grad programs may seem to be the oddball in the discussion (Furman has few, Wofford still has none). Make no mistake, these programs are the new cash cow in higher education. Again, they don't mean that athletic departments will directly benefit. But it does mean that the institution has revenue streams that will allow them to designate money towards athletics.
With all these in mind, who are the candidates and who should the Southern Conference wine and dine?
1. Mercer University
-Est. Endowment: 213 million
-Est. Enrollment: 4500 undergraduate, 3800 graduate
This is An Affair to Remember for a revamped Southern Conference. The Bears should be the #1 candidate for the Southern Conference, as they open their first season of football in 2013.
It's a geographic fit, picking a Georgia school to replace a Georgia school. They have multiple campuses, including graduate programs and a medical school in Atlanta. They have an established basketball program and begin football under Bobby Lamb. As a former SoCon Player of the Year and head coach at Furman, Lamb is familiar with all the expectations of the conference.
There is no question about Mercer's academic history or reputation, and there doesn't appear to be any sign of downgrading. With a growing alumni base, a share of the Greater Atlanta market and tremendous potential, Mercer is easily the cream of this crop...and Lamb's trips back to Greenville should be, well, intriguing.
2. Gardner-Webb University
-Est. Endowment: 48 million
-Est. Enrollment: 2700 undergraduate, 1600 graduate
The Bulldogs' growth in the last 20 years is nothing less than impressive. A look around the campus reveals brand new facilities all around, including relatively new, extremely attractive football and basketball facilities. The alumni base is growing, particularly as the University continues to add graduate programs. It is absolutely a natural geographic fit, 40 miles west of Charlotte and less than two hours' drive for Furman, Wofford, Western Carolina, and Davidson.
The problem is that Gardner-Webb's athletic history, fundraising possibilities, and media market offer absolutely nothing. Directions to the school are, "Go to the cow pasture, and take a left!" There is very little nearby to entice fans, and the school does not have a great athletic tradition on which to build.
Gardner-Webb may end up in the SoCon some day, but it should be as a result of expansion after more viable candidates are pursued.
3. Presbyterian College
No.
I'll just let you read the numbers from this link. (Okay, so it's Wikipedia...even there, they don't look like a good candidate).
4. Coastal Carolina
-Est. Endowment: 23.5 million
-Est. Enrollment: 8360
Here's the good: Coastal Carolina has a demonstrated commitment to athletics. Even as a new football program, they've been to the FCS playoffs several times and boast several NFL players. They've also been to the NCAA tournament in basketball and baseball (probably their strongest sport). It would give the SoCon a strong presence along the coast to replace College of Charleston. Their facilities are terrific, and they show a solid commitment to getting better. Their baseball program would be a welcome addition to an already strong conference. (College baseball may not be big business everywhere, but it is in South Carolina).
Here's the bad: Coastal's academic reputation is not the best, and several school presidents seem opposed to their inclusion. Their endowment isn't great, nor is their pool upon which to draw donors, since the school is relatively new. However, with additional graduate programs and a growing alumni base, that may be destined to change.
Coastal may not be making any of the top 10 lists in US News, other than the one for party schools. But it's certainly no worse academically than Georgia Southern or other potential candidate East Tennessee State, and their profile is steadily improving. SoCon school presidents might have to swallow their pride (snobbery?) in order to get this up-and-coming program into the fold.
5. William and Mary
-Est. Endowment: 644 million
-Est. Enrollment: 6171 undergraduates, 2087 graduates
This makes sense on so many levels that they are almost as good a fit as Mercer. The only negative is that travel to Eastern Virginia is a headache, but the return may be worth the investment.
W and M is a former member of the Southern Conference. They offer access to recruiting in the Central/Tidewater/Northern Virginia area, not to mention those media markets. Their endowment and alumni base is solid, and they have a strong commitment to athletics (especially football). Not to mention they boast Mike Tomlin as an alum.
Yes, it's a long ride to Williamsburg. But if schools could make the trip in the 60s, then it shouldn't be a problem now. And you can take a side trip to Busch Gardens while you're at it.
6. East Tennessee State
-Est. Endowment: 97 million
-Est. Enrollment: 10,259 undergraduate, 2589 graduate
Well, Johnson City Community College may want to come back to the SoCon!
That's not an inaccurate assessment of ETSU from its previous stint in the league, but that may all be changing. The addition of numerous graduate programs, including a medical school, has elevated the school's academic profile. It's not Harvard, but it's no longer Harvard on the Hill, either.
The Bucs have a long-standing basketball tradition, and they are returning to the football field as well. Fortunately for all involved, they won't be playing in the Mini-Dome, a facility that resembles a design from an exercise yard at a state penitentiary. (In fact, I'm pretty sure the playing surface wasn't even that good). A new stadium and a new program give the Bucs some appeal.
I'm still not sold on ETSU. The Tri-cities area is beautiful and growing, but the Vols still rule the roost. It's not fertile ground for recruiting or media, and their loyalty is not stellar (they already left the conference once). Its academic reputation will be a question mark for some SoCon schools. But once again, it's not any worse than Georgia Southern.
So what are the top picks for the SoCon, from one independent blogger's perspective?
Top-Shelf: Mercer, William and Mary
Good Buy on Special: Coastal Carolina, ETSU
Happy Hour Only: Gardner-Webb
Cheap Stuff You Bought in College: PC
It's a huge blow for the SoCon, along with the loss of the College of Charleston to the Colonial Athletic Association. ASU and GSU have nine national championships between them, and College of Charleston has represented the league exceptionally in basketball and baseball. It really hurts the profile of the conference on a national level.
Now, the question is this: What can the SoCon do to get that profile back on top, both as a I-AA (sorry...FCS) football power and as a "mid-major" in other sports?
The obvious response is to add teams. But who should they add?
Everyone knows the standard criteria that every conference should consider when adding member schools: Academic compatibility, athletic commitment, facilities, and geography (media markets, recruiting regions, and--at least in FCS--proximity).
But two other criteria need to be considered: Endowment and graduate programs.
Endowment doesn't indicate the amount of $$$ that schools will have to spend on athletics. But it is an indicator of the alumni commitment and the ability of the school to raise money. This means potential for paying to hire/retain coaches, build better facilities, and add or improve sports.
Grad programs may seem to be the oddball in the discussion (Furman has few, Wofford still has none). Make no mistake, these programs are the new cash cow in higher education. Again, they don't mean that athletic departments will directly benefit. But it does mean that the institution has revenue streams that will allow them to designate money towards athletics.
With all these in mind, who are the candidates and who should the Southern Conference wine and dine?
1. Mercer University
-Est. Endowment: 213 million
-Est. Enrollment: 4500 undergraduate, 3800 graduate
This is An Affair to Remember for a revamped Southern Conference. The Bears should be the #1 candidate for the Southern Conference, as they open their first season of football in 2013.
It's a geographic fit, picking a Georgia school to replace a Georgia school. They have multiple campuses, including graduate programs and a medical school in Atlanta. They have an established basketball program and begin football under Bobby Lamb. As a former SoCon Player of the Year and head coach at Furman, Lamb is familiar with all the expectations of the conference.
There is no question about Mercer's academic history or reputation, and there doesn't appear to be any sign of downgrading. With a growing alumni base, a share of the Greater Atlanta market and tremendous potential, Mercer is easily the cream of this crop...and Lamb's trips back to Greenville should be, well, intriguing.
2. Gardner-Webb University
-Est. Endowment: 48 million
-Est. Enrollment: 2700 undergraduate, 1600 graduate
The Bulldogs' growth in the last 20 years is nothing less than impressive. A look around the campus reveals brand new facilities all around, including relatively new, extremely attractive football and basketball facilities. The alumni base is growing, particularly as the University continues to add graduate programs. It is absolutely a natural geographic fit, 40 miles west of Charlotte and less than two hours' drive for Furman, Wofford, Western Carolina, and Davidson.
The problem is that Gardner-Webb's athletic history, fundraising possibilities, and media market offer absolutely nothing. Directions to the school are, "Go to the cow pasture, and take a left!" There is very little nearby to entice fans, and the school does not have a great athletic tradition on which to build.
Gardner-Webb may end up in the SoCon some day, but it should be as a result of expansion after more viable candidates are pursued.
3. Presbyterian College
No.
I'll just let you read the numbers from this link. (Okay, so it's Wikipedia...even there, they don't look like a good candidate).
4. Coastal Carolina
-Est. Endowment: 23.5 million
-Est. Enrollment: 8360
Here's the good: Coastal Carolina has a demonstrated commitment to athletics. Even as a new football program, they've been to the FCS playoffs several times and boast several NFL players. They've also been to the NCAA tournament in basketball and baseball (probably their strongest sport). It would give the SoCon a strong presence along the coast to replace College of Charleston. Their facilities are terrific, and they show a solid commitment to getting better. Their baseball program would be a welcome addition to an already strong conference. (College baseball may not be big business everywhere, but it is in South Carolina).
Here's the bad: Coastal's academic reputation is not the best, and several school presidents seem opposed to their inclusion. Their endowment isn't great, nor is their pool upon which to draw donors, since the school is relatively new. However, with additional graduate programs and a growing alumni base, that may be destined to change.
Coastal may not be making any of the top 10 lists in US News, other than the one for party schools. But it's certainly no worse academically than Georgia Southern or other potential candidate East Tennessee State, and their profile is steadily improving. SoCon school presidents might have to swallow their pride (snobbery?) in order to get this up-and-coming program into the fold.
5. William and Mary
-Est. Endowment: 644 million
-Est. Enrollment: 6171 undergraduates, 2087 graduates
This makes sense on so many levels that they are almost as good a fit as Mercer. The only negative is that travel to Eastern Virginia is a headache, but the return may be worth the investment.
W and M is a former member of the Southern Conference. They offer access to recruiting in the Central/Tidewater/Northern Virginia area, not to mention those media markets. Their endowment and alumni base is solid, and they have a strong commitment to athletics (especially football). Not to mention they boast Mike Tomlin as an alum.
Yes, it's a long ride to Williamsburg. But if schools could make the trip in the 60s, then it shouldn't be a problem now. And you can take a side trip to Busch Gardens while you're at it.
6. East Tennessee State
-Est. Endowment: 97 million
-Est. Enrollment: 10,259 undergraduate, 2589 graduate
Well, Johnson City Community College may want to come back to the SoCon!
That's not an inaccurate assessment of ETSU from its previous stint in the league, but that may all be changing. The addition of numerous graduate programs, including a medical school, has elevated the school's academic profile. It's not Harvard, but it's no longer Harvard on the Hill, either.
The Bucs have a long-standing basketball tradition, and they are returning to the football field as well. Fortunately for all involved, they won't be playing in the Mini-Dome, a facility that resembles a design from an exercise yard at a state penitentiary. (In fact, I'm pretty sure the playing surface wasn't even that good). A new stadium and a new program give the Bucs some appeal.
I'm still not sold on ETSU. The Tri-cities area is beautiful and growing, but the Vols still rule the roost. It's not fertile ground for recruiting or media, and their loyalty is not stellar (they already left the conference once). Its academic reputation will be a question mark for some SoCon schools. But once again, it's not any worse than Georgia Southern.
So what are the top picks for the SoCon, from one independent blogger's perspective?
Top-Shelf: Mercer, William and Mary
Good Buy on Special: Coastal Carolina, ETSU
Happy Hour Only: Gardner-Webb
Cheap Stuff You Bought in College: PC
Friday, May 25, 2012
Appalachian, GaSo Better Look Before They Leap
And so we have entered the latest round of "Pop Goes the Weasel" in college football.
The Big 12 is chasing the ACC. Florida State is chasing the Big 12. Clemson is hiding in the bushes waiting to see what Florida State does. The Big East is chasing anyone with a football team. The SEC and Big 12 are racing for football dominance, and perhaps forming a not-so-secret secret alliance to get it.
It's getting to be a Pepe Le Pew cartoon, only we're pretty sure that there are multiple skunks and very few innocent cats who had unfortunate encounters with white paint. Maybe the cat is Notre Dame, being chased by everyone while trying to maintain its chastity as an independent and feigning the illusion that they are above all this money-grubbing and back-stabbing.
They're also pretending to be relevant enough to be above this feeding frenzy, but that's a different column.
The real losers in all of this are going to be the likes of Marshall, Middle Tennessee, Troy, BYU, and others in the "mid-major" category that unofficially exists in college football. And if they're not careful, Appalachian State and Georgia Southern will be losers as well.
The Mountaineers and Eagles are in the "No Man's Land" of college football. They're too big to be in FCS (the artist formerly known as 1-AA). They have dominated that division, and they really can't continue to "grow" their athletic programs if they stay put. Appalachian fans have already begun to develop a bit of apathy towards the division. How can you help that after you beat Michigan in the big house?
At the same time, they have to make a huge financial investment to risk moving up with the "big boys" in FBS (1-A). While they may reap huge financial benefits, they will be relegated to Tuesday night games on ESPNU and no realistic hope of winning a national title.
All indications are that AppSt and GaSo are movin' on up. But it is a difficult decision to make.
Now, the decision is becoming even more difficult. At some time in the future, we are going to see a "Big 64" in college football. Or perhaps 65, if the imaginary pole cat that is Notre Dame keeps getting away.
When that happens, the Gravy Train to the MAC, Conference USA, etc. will come to an end. The true title contenders will swallow up the pie that is now cut for those schools. There will still be money, but it won't be nearly the "cash cow" of the past.
Will the money be big enough to make the move worth it? Is it reasonable to expect fans to come out for that big trip to Detroit or Shrevport in late December? Or will the NCAA actually create a three-tier championship that will give teams like the Mountaineers and Eagles a chance to win a title?
Either way, these are huge and uncertain risks for any school considering a jump up to FBS. I do not envy at all the administrations at Appalachian or Georgia Southern as they consider all this. What was once a "no brainer" from a financial standpoint now seems as uncertain as ever.
If these two teams leave the Southern Conference, it will create a brief sigh of relief for Furman, Wofford, etc. Their departure would give permanent FCS members in the SoCon a more realistic shot at a conference title. But it would also weaken the conference overall and may actually hurt the Conference's chances to win a National Championship.
A lot hinges on what Appalachian and Georgia Southern decide to do. Most of all, the future of their athletic departments and all things tied to them are at stake. Before they join the race around the Mulberry Bush, they better thing long and hard about whether or not it's worth the chase for the big bags of cash. Because those bags may not actually be there.
No, I wouldn't want to be at the top of any athletic department faced with making this decision in the current college football climate. It will be a shame if Appalachian State and Georgia Southern join the chase, only to realize that what they caught really was a skunk.
The Big 12 is chasing the ACC. Florida State is chasing the Big 12. Clemson is hiding in the bushes waiting to see what Florida State does. The Big East is chasing anyone with a football team. The SEC and Big 12 are racing for football dominance, and perhaps forming a not-so-secret secret alliance to get it.
It's getting to be a Pepe Le Pew cartoon, only we're pretty sure that there are multiple skunks and very few innocent cats who had unfortunate encounters with white paint. Maybe the cat is Notre Dame, being chased by everyone while trying to maintain its chastity as an independent and feigning the illusion that they are above all this money-grubbing and back-stabbing.
They're also pretending to be relevant enough to be above this feeding frenzy, but that's a different column.
The real losers in all of this are going to be the likes of Marshall, Middle Tennessee, Troy, BYU, and others in the "mid-major" category that unofficially exists in college football. And if they're not careful, Appalachian State and Georgia Southern will be losers as well.
The Mountaineers and Eagles are in the "No Man's Land" of college football. They're too big to be in FCS (the artist formerly known as 1-AA). They have dominated that division, and they really can't continue to "grow" their athletic programs if they stay put. Appalachian fans have already begun to develop a bit of apathy towards the division. How can you help that after you beat Michigan in the big house?
At the same time, they have to make a huge financial investment to risk moving up with the "big boys" in FBS (1-A). While they may reap huge financial benefits, they will be relegated to Tuesday night games on ESPNU and no realistic hope of winning a national title.
All indications are that AppSt and GaSo are movin' on up. But it is a difficult decision to make.
Now, the decision is becoming even more difficult. At some time in the future, we are going to see a "Big 64" in college football. Or perhaps 65, if the imaginary pole cat that is Notre Dame keeps getting away.
When that happens, the Gravy Train to the MAC, Conference USA, etc. will come to an end. The true title contenders will swallow up the pie that is now cut for those schools. There will still be money, but it won't be nearly the "cash cow" of the past.
Will the money be big enough to make the move worth it? Is it reasonable to expect fans to come out for that big trip to Detroit or Shrevport in late December? Or will the NCAA actually create a three-tier championship that will give teams like the Mountaineers and Eagles a chance to win a title?
Either way, these are huge and uncertain risks for any school considering a jump up to FBS. I do not envy at all the administrations at Appalachian or Georgia Southern as they consider all this. What was once a "no brainer" from a financial standpoint now seems as uncertain as ever.
If these two teams leave the Southern Conference, it will create a brief sigh of relief for Furman, Wofford, etc. Their departure would give permanent FCS members in the SoCon a more realistic shot at a conference title. But it would also weaken the conference overall and may actually hurt the Conference's chances to win a National Championship.
A lot hinges on what Appalachian and Georgia Southern decide to do. Most of all, the future of their athletic departments and all things tied to them are at stake. Before they join the race around the Mulberry Bush, they better thing long and hard about whether or not it's worth the chase for the big bags of cash. Because those bags may not actually be there.
No, I wouldn't want to be at the top of any athletic department faced with making this decision in the current college football climate. It will be a shame if Appalachian State and Georgia Southern join the chase, only to realize that what they caught really was a skunk.
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