Don't Believe the Hype of the breakup of the CAA

[Lehigh Football Nation]

http://www.college-sports-journal.com/index.php/79-college-sports-journal/chuck-burton/206-dont-believe-the-hype-on-the-breakup-of-the-caa


One of Public Enemy's more timeless songs is the 1988 classic "Don't Believe the Hype" — a saying that has aged well due to the fact that there's a lot more sources of hype these days than facts.

Take the case of the latest rumors of the demise of the Colonial Athletic Association, or CAA.

When CBS Sports' Brett McMurphy "reported" (to use the term loosely) that VCU, George Mason and Butler "have had discussions with the Atlantic 10 and indicated to the league they have potential interest in joining for the 2013-14 school year," it set off a batch of rumors that all three schools were on their way to the 36 year old conference.

And when the New York Posts' Lenn Robbins tweeted last week that George Mason and Virginia Commonweath were going to leave the Colonial Atletic Association, or CAA, and that Butler "probably" was also going to join by May 1, Twitter, in the words of one fan, "exploded".

But the real story is not a CBSSports.com report filled with rumor or a 140 character message from a New York Post reporter.

It's that guys calling themselves journalists are reporting the "hype" instead of the facts.

[Tribe4SF]

Thanks for identifying the circular circle jerk of this particular rumor mill.

[Skjellyfetti]

It's that guys calling themselves journalists are reporting the "hype" instead of the facts.

Cough. Cough.


Did ESPN influence the selection of teams into the 20-team NCAA field - allowing a borderline, unranked team into the field, and having them host a first-round game against one of the highest-grossing teams in all of FCS?

http://www.college-sports-journal.com/index.php/79-college-sports-journal/chuck-burton/107-was-it-espn-that-chose-eastern-kentucky-for-the-field

[aceinthehole]

It's that guys calling themselves journalists are reporting the "hype" instead of the facts.
...
"Anybody can write a blog these days," Yeager told CSJ executive editor David Coulson at the Towson event.

xrolleyesx

Really ... You have the stones to critique others for reporting something just because they did not name the sources in the article? Yeager also said no school was leaving the CAA, including Georgia State. How accurate was his denials?

"The Next Patriot League Member... Loyola (MD)?" LFN 6/12/2008

Oi... My Good Heavens man. What are you THINKING? Loyola in the Patriot League in All Sports... including a football team?" That's what St. Ignatius of Loyola (founder of the Society of Jesus) seems to be saying in the picture to my left - and I think there are a fair amount of people out there who might agree with him.

But is it really as outlandish as all that? The rumors are flying on messageboards that Loyola might be looking for a new conference. The Greyhounds currently reside in the MAAC in all sports - and despite the fact that they don't currently sponsor it, football may be part of the equation.

So what's the truth? Could there be any truth to the rumors? Let's look at a tale of the tape and see what we can figure out.
...
Even if Loyola isn't going to be sponsoring football - and I believe the talk of the large lacrosse complex sounds suspiciously like a school that wants to add football down the line - they are a fantastic fit for the league for basketball and lacrosse. Furthermore, grabbing both Loyola and Marist would serve the dual purpose of getting two all-sports members AND shoring up football if Loyola isn't adding football. (It also seriously marginalizes the MAAC in basketball, men's and women's.)

Loyola's links to Holy Cross would seem to serve them extremely well - those links alone would appear to make Loyola's inclusion less problematic than other schools. If there was ever a school that had an 'in' with the Patriot League presidents, it's Loyola. That gives one reason to believe that talk of Loyola being 'not good enough academically' won't be as much of an issue as it's been for other schools.

I think adding Loyola and Marist would be fantastic for the Patriot League.
http://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2008/06/next-patriot-league-member-loyola-md.html

[danefan]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0M7qYnI_e2k/TnIeyDPnosI/AAAAAAAAB6s/7yJMa16sk38/s320/glass-houses.jpg

xpopcornxxpopcornxxpopcornxxpopcornxxpopcornxxpopc ornx

[bostonspider]

It is happening. Yesterday Wood Selig, the ODU AD was on 94.1 and from the way he was talking about ODU's future, it definitely seems like he's been in contact with GMU and VCU and knows they're gone. The May 1 date came up again. Wood specifically stated that it's going to be the day we might (aka. will) start seeing some changes across the collegiate landscape. Also, at ODU's spring game, Blaine Taylor was asked about the conference rumors and basically said that VCU and GMU have to do what's best for them and that ODU will do what's best for it...again a mutual understanding. Look at the difference of the Yeager quotes as well. From the first story, he categorically denied any CAA team was moving. Then a week later GSU was gone. Now for this story, he says he realizes that schools are talking to other leagues, but that no decisions have been made. VCU and GMU are gone. We will see what happens with Butler, but I would think they want to be in a conference that will be far and above the best non BCS (Power 6) basketball conference.

[aceinthehole]

Of course it is happening, and of course there will be "official" denials until it's actually done.

Why one blogger would try to question the motives or sources of professional reporters from CBS, ESPN, NY Post, and other beat writers who follow the A-10 and CAA is beyond me. The 'hype' article is the real embarrassment to professional journalism.

FYI - Here's another blogger who connects the dots and comes to the complete opposite conclusion of Mr. Burton.


... The Conference USA-Mountain West Conference merger (for football) may have foundered in the last months and Virginia Commonwealth may have issued yet another flat-out denial Friday, but sportswriters Dave Fairbank and David Teel from the Atlantic-10’s “hometown newspaper,” the Newport News Daily Press, posted articles Friday night and Saturday that tellingly confirmed the nugget of McMurphy’s March 25 article – the Atlantic-10 appears on the verge of expanding to 16 teams with three additions that should promote strong rivalries among the schools in the midwestern and southern regions of the conference’s sprawling footprint, and provide a huge inventory of 288 conference games with a number of very interesting matchups that will attract plenty of suitors when the current contract with CBS expires in March 2013 ... http://rushthecourt.net/2012/04/23/atlantic-10-remains-serious-about-its-basketball-presence/

[Apphole]

http://i.imgur.com/cjL8a.gif

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Why one blogger would try to question the motives or sources of professional reporters from CBS, ESPN, NY Post, and other beat writers who follow the A-10 and CAA is beyond me. The 'hype' article is the real embarrassment to professional journalism.

FYI - Here's another blogger who connects the dots and comes to the complete opposite conclusion of Mr. Burton.

http://rushthecourt.net/2012/04/23/atlantic-10-remains-serious-about-its-basketball-presence/

So when I do it, it's "speculation" and an embarrassment to journalism, but when David Fairbank does it, it's "connecting the dots?" xlolx

[aceinthehole]

So when I do it, it's "speculation" and an embarrassment to journalism, but when David Teel does it, it's "connecting the dots?" xlolx

First, David Teel used an unnamed source directly involved in realignment discussions. As a writer for a daily newspaper who must get his stories through an editor, we have no reason to accuse him of speculating. He is reporting from his sources and adding his context.

Second, what was the point or motivation for your most recent article? It read like another one of your rambling streams of thoughts. Not to mention the premise of your article is beyond hypocritical - you are a one-man rumor mill.

Of course you are free to blog whatever you wish, but what 'sources' do you have that suggest that the writers at CBS, ESPN, and the NY Post are making up rumors? You have floated more rumors and hype than anyone I have ever read on this message board. Your most recnt article was a rehash of quotes from other news articles without ever indicating that you talked to anyone yourself. Again, what is the point of your 'hype' article?

Even the JMU student journalist admitted that much of what is being reported is likely coming from 'informal' sources. Then you actually had the onions to write - "Add to that an ESPN.com report that Atlantic 10 commissioner Bernadette McGlade denied the report as well, it begs the question: what credibility do Mr. Robbins and Mr. McMurphy have left?"

So what credibility do you have? As others have mentioned, you've 'rumored' everything from the collapse of the CAA Football, to the start-up of AE Football, to suggesting for years that Patriot League expansion is imminent. You didn't even know which way the wind was blowing on PL scholarships until the day of the vote.

Here is a sample of the LFN hype-machine at work:

VMI to the Patriot League? (3/26/2012)
Are Maine and UNH Crying for Help? (8/9/2011)
Would Assumption College Be A Good PL Candidate? (9/28/2010)
Does URI AD Thorr Bjorn know something about PL scholarships? (7/8/2010)
Hofstra Leaving the CAA... For the Patriot League? (5/8/2009)
Friday Water Cooler: Patriot League Expansion (10/10/2008)
Where could NJIT fit? (4/24/2007)

[Lehigh Football Nation]

If you're going to **** with me, the least you can do is give the proper links to MY POSTS ON AGS or MY BLOG of MY OWN PERSONAL OPINION.

VMI to the Patriot League? (3/26/2012) (http://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2012/03/vmi-to-patriot-league.html)

The unspeakable thing I said: "What is clear is that the Patriot League has positioned themselves very well for what might happen in the future - whether it be a raid of the CAA, the collapse of the Big South, or members of the NEC and the Pioneer Football League growing dissatisfied with limited, or no, scholarships.
And while it's still speculation, there's plenty of reason to view all the public evidence and see a very good possibility that VMI could very well be the very next member of the Patriot League - in time for the 2013 season."

Are Maine and UNH Crying for Help? (8/9/2011) (http://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2011/08/are-unh-and-maine-crying-for-help.html)

The unspeakable thing I said: "New Hampshire and Maine have made their plea: they want to play 63 scholarship football in a Northeast-based league. The Patriot League can be that league - if the presidents want it."

Would Assumption College Be A Good PL Candidate? (9/28/2010)
Does URI AD Thorr Bjorn know something about PL scholarships? (7/8/2010)

* These are actually AGS posts I made - one of which appears to be ultimately vindicated. (Amazingly, it came from a quote from Bjorn from a local paper. Who'd have thought?)

Hofstra Leaving the CAA... For the Patriot League? (5/8/2009) (http://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2009/05/hofstra-looking-to-leave-caa.html)

The unspeakable thing I said: "I don't know if any of this stuff is true or not. Perhaps Hofstra's move to the A-10 is just a pipe dream cooked up by an overambitious basketball coach and some bored sportswriters. Perhaps Fordham's motivations have nothing to do with the Big East and a future affiliation with a Hofstra which is leaving the CAA. But if there is any hint of truth to these rumors, I would hope that the Patriot League office would be ready to allow scholarships - to allow for this expansion with Hofstra, and (just as importantly) to keep Fordham in the fold."

I could go on and link them all, but I think you get the point.

If you're going to try to **** with my reputation, the very least you could do is read the actual blog postings and get it right.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

First, David Teel used an unnamed source directly involved in realignment discussions. As a writer for a daily newspaper who must get his stories through an editor, we have no reason to accuse him of speculating. He is reporting from his sources and adding his context.

Let's take a look EXACTLY what was said.


"I hope I'm completely wrong," said a source directly involved in realignment discussions. "But I just get a sense that all hell is about ready to break loose."

WOW!!! STOP THE PRESSES!!!!!

[aceinthehole]

I'm not trying to **** on you - but isn't that what you did to Brett McMurphy and Len Robbins in your article?

So are you a blogger or a reporter?

Are you speculating and sharing your personal opinion, or are your reporting some news?

Listen, I think you add a lot to the conversation about FCS football on this messageboard, but don't get bent out of shape when someone questions what you post or what 'hat' you're wearing today.

Andy Katz and Brent McMurphy don't post on messageboards as a fan of a team or a league. They write as paid professionals for news and/or entertainment purposes.

You can post whatever and wherever you like, but be prepared for the feedback.

[Go...gate]

http://i.imgur.com/cjL8a.gif

Some of us old guys remember when Jessica Walter was REALLY hot.

[grayghost06]

It is happening. Yesterday Wood Selig, the ODU AD was on 94.1 and from the way he was talking about ODU's future, it definitely seems like he's been in contact with GMU and VCU and knows they're gone. The May 1 date came up again. Wood specifically stated that it's going to be the day we might (aka. will) start seeing some changes across the collegiate landscape. Also, at ODU's spring game, Blaine Taylor was asked about the conference rumors and basically said that VCU and GMU have to do what's best for them and that ODU will do what's best for it...again a mutual understanding. Look at the difference of the Yeager quotes as well. From the first story, he categorically denied any CAA team was moving. Then a week later GSU was gone. Now for this story, he says he realizes that schools are talking to other leagues, but that no decisions have been made. VCU and GMU are gone. We will see what happens with Butler, but I would think they want to be in a conference that will be far and above the best non BCS (Power 6) basketball conference.

You hit the nail right on the head and probably didn't even realize. When Yeager " categorically" denied it, it automatically made the opposite true. Reference any high profile litigation...it's better than a lie detector test. Sorry if I offended any legal minds or aspiring barristers - but hey, you know it's true :)

[Go...gate]

If you're going to **** with me, the least you can do is give the proper links to MY POSTS ON AGS or MY BLOG of MY OWN PERSONAL OPINION.

VMI to the Patriot League? (3/26/2012) (http://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2012/03/vmi-to-patriot-league.html)

The unspeakable thing I said: "What is clear is that the Patriot League has positioned themselves very well for what might happen in the future - whether it be a raid of the CAA, the collapse of the Big South, or members of the NEC and the Pioneer Football League growing dissatisfied with limited, or no, scholarships.
And while it's still speculation, there's plenty of reason to view all the public evidence and see a very good possibility that VMI could very well be the very next member of the Patriot League - in time for the 2013 season."

Are Maine and UNH Crying for Help? (8/9/2011) (http://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2011/08/are-unh-and-maine-crying-for-help.html)

The unspeakable thing I said: "New Hampshire and Maine have made their plea: they want to play 63 scholarship football in a Northeast-based league. The Patriot League can be that league - if the presidents want it."

Would Assumption College Be A Good PL Candidate? (9/28/2010)
Does URI AD Thorr Bjorn know something about PL scholarships? (7/8/2010)

* These are actually AGS posts I made - one of which appears to be ultimately vindicated. (Amazingly, it came from a quote from Bjorn from a local paper. Who'd have thought?)

Hofstra Leaving the CAA... For the Patriot League? (5/8/2009) (http://lehighfootballnation.blogspot.com/2009/05/hofstra-looking-to-leave-caa.html)

The unspeakable thing I said: "I don't know if any of this stuff is true or not. Perhaps Hofstra's move to the A-10 is just a pipe dream cooked up by an overambitious basketball coach and some bored sportswriters. Perhaps Fordham's motivations have nothing to do with the Big East and a future affiliation with a Hofstra which is leaving the CAA. But if there is any hint of truth to these rumors, I would hope that the Patriot League office would be ready to allow scholarships - to allow for this expansion with Hofstra, and (just as importantly) to keep Fordham in the fold."

I could go on and link them all, but I think you get the point.

If you're going to try to **** with my reputation, the very least you could do is read the actual blog postings and get it right.

Keep on truckin', LFN. You care about FCS and we denizens of the Northeast of love FCS football. Keep it up.

[Bogus Megapardus]

Some of us old guys remember when Jessica Walter was REALLY hot.


She's still got it.


http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lk2ji1nVNB1qiqetuo1_500.jpg

[Squealofthepig]

Some of us old guys remember when Jessica Walter was REALLY hot.

http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxpgavUjl71qcqvgxo1_1280.jpg

[asumike83]

http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_li8fuh2RuZ1qz5q5oo1_500.jpg

[Skjellyfetti]

http://cj.supraspeed.com/Pics/Funny/threadbackfire.gif

[Go...gate]

http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxpgavUjl71qcqvgxo1_1280.jpg

Nice to know that I'm not the only one who remembers her as a fine-looking lady....

[heath]

Dear Chuck.Bla bla bla,Get your school correct then worry about the restxthumbsupx

[Go...gate]

http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_li8fuh2RuZ1qz5q5oo1_500.jpg

I was looking for a still from "Play Misty For Me" but this will do just fine.

[Sader87]

She's still got it.


http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lk2ji1nVNB1qiqetuo1_500.jpg

Big "Archer" fan here too Bogie...must be a PL thing.

[Go...gate]

What a wild bunch we have in the Patriot League. :-)

[Squealofthepig]

Big "Archer" fan here too Bogie...must be a PL thing.

Since we're successfully derailing this silly thread, as a fellow Archer fan I have to point out the very nice Onion AV Club interview with Mike Reed on Archer's third season; part 1 (of 3) is available at http://www.avclub.com/articles/adam-reed-walks-us-through-archers-third-season-pa,72917/

Pertinent quote about Jessica Walter from the interview:


Jessica is the sweetest lady I’ve ever met in my life. I never use this word, but she’s so classy. So a lot of times, I’ll write something, some obscure dirty joke, and I have to explain to her what it means. She’s like, “Okay, what is this on page four?” “Oh, just read it, and it doesn’t matter.” “Adam, I want to know what it means if I’m saying it.” “Okay, it means this.” And she’s just like [aghast noise]. [Laughs.] I think a lot of times, she does it just because she likes me. Every time she’s in the booth, I feel like she’s doing me a huge favor.

[Bogus Megapardus]

"Archer" fans - does anybody else get the uncomfortable feeling that Sterling Archer probably attended (and played lacrosse at) a Patriot League school?



http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/2756/archergraduationfix400.png

[DFW HOYA]

That school in the background is not a PL lacrosse school.

[Bogus Megapardus]

That school in the background is not a PL lacrosse school.

And Sterling Archer is not a real person. It's a cartoon. They make it up. But you get the point. And if you're thinking that the building in the background resembles Healy Hall, the color of Archer's hood and tassel suggests otherwise.

[DFW HOYA]

And Sterling Archer is not a real person. It's a cartoon. They make it up. But you get the point. And if you're thinking that the building in the background resembles Healy Hall, the color of Archer's hood and tassel suggests otherwise.

I know what it resembles, I walked those stairs for four years. (Minutiae: Hoods and tassels are not university color-specific as an undergraduate. A red/gold hood refers to a science major.)


http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/2756/archergraduationfix400.png
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3VPopNOZdwE/Rz8rXM3bwDI/AAAAAAAAAqM/FYYrIrbx7dQ/s400/IMG_1001.JPG

[Bogus Megapardus]

I know what it resembles, I walked those stairs for four years.


OK you might have a point there. In fact, you might just have proved to all of Archer fandom that Sterling himself is a Georgetown alum.

On the other hand, I'm not giving up my claim to Archer as an unofficial PLer. It took some doing to cull that graduation photo from my archive of Season 2, Episode 9. And I'm keeping the avatar. As Jessica Walter might say (in her best Malory Archer voice): "Four years is nowhere NEAR enough time to prove anything, dear. Why, I've spent a LIFETIME trying to remember Sterling's birthday, and I still get it wrong. Now be a doll and fetch me some ice, will you?"

[aceinthehole]

Don't believe CSJ?

These same folks didn't bother to think about the sheer ludicrousness of the idea that Butler would "probably" make a momentous, all-sports decision to move all its sports to the Atlantic 10 in the span of ten days.
...
Seriously, what more do people need for folks to realize the truth that Butler is not moving on May 1?
...
Maybe Mr. McMurphy and Mr. Robbins, or any number of other so-called reporters, might want to remember next time to not "believe the hype".
http://www.college-sports-journal.com/index.php/79-college-sports-journal/chuck-burton/206-dont-believe-the-hype-on-the-breakup-of-the-caa

"So-called reporter" Andy Katz first "hyped" the story about Butler to the A-10 on March 12 ... and it becomes official on May 2nd.


March, 12, 2012
5:00 AM ET

By Andy Katz | ESPN.com

1. Butler has expressed interest in joining the Atlantic 10 and replacing Temple, according to multiple sources. The Bulldogs are intrigued by the major media markets and, of course, the increase in competition with Xavier, Saint Louis and Dayton among others. The A-10 will lose Temple in the fall of 2013 and must add a quality basketball program.



Updated: May 1, 2012, 9:02 PM ET
By Andy Katz | ESPN.com

Butler will officially join the Atlantic 10 for the 2013-14 season on Wednesday, a source with direct knowledge of the negotiation process told ESPN.com on Tuesday night.
http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/7879598/butler-bulldogs-join-atlantic-10-conference-all-sports-source-says

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Of course it is happening, and of course there will be "official" denials until it's actually done.

Why one blogger would try to question the motives or sources of professional reporters from CBS, ESPN, NY Post, and other beat writers who follow the A-10 and CAA is beyond me. The 'hype' article is the real embarrassment to professional journalism.

FYI - Here's another blogger who connects the dots and comes to the complete opposite conclusion of Mr. Burton.

http://rushthecourt.net/2012/04/23/atlantic-10-remains-serious-about-its-basketball-presence/

How did that May 1st George Mason and VCU to the A-10 rock-solid, "of course it is happening" prediction work out? Did I miss the press conference? Was Lenn Robbins invited to this shindig?

I mean, why would one blogger question the motives or sources of professional reporters, right?

[Mr. C]

Don't believe CSJ?
http://www.college-sports-journal.com/index.php/79-college-sports-journal/chuck-burton/206-dont-believe-the-hype-on-the-breakup-of-the-caa

"So-called reporter" Andy Katz first "hyped" the story about Butler to the A-10 on March 12 ... and it becomes official on May 2nd.




http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/7879598/butler-bulldogs-join-atlantic-10-conference-all-sports-source-says

So you totally ignore the part about how these guys you were lauding totally missed it on George Mason and VCU and switch the argument to Andy Katz and Butler. How disingenuous.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

So you totally ignore the part about how these guys you were lauding totally missed it on George Mason and VCU and switch the argument to Andy Katz and Butler. How disingenuous.

I'm also missing the part of my article where I slammed on Andy Katz. I'd love for ace to point out exactly where, in the article, I did so.

[Mr. C]

Considering that Mr. Katz used to write for my hometown paper, the Fresno Bee, I have seen him miss on plenty of things over the years (including his role in covering the Fresno State point shaving scandal which was reported and never proven, even after an FBI investigation).

[JMU2K_DukeDawg]

That fact that reporters are missing is not the news, nor what they missed on. Something is brewing and it wreaks of a CAA breakup. This has been building for a long time with schools like ODU, GMU, JMU, UD, VCU, and even Towson going in different directions from each other. ODU relies on Norfolk and it's getting them into the C-USA. Mason and VCU clearly have no serious desires for football, but want to max out their basketball options. JMU has been preparing to be a great option for an interested conference with 15-20 years of delusions of the Big East, but no one wants a school in Harrisonburg, VA, even if it has alumni in major markets like DC, except maybe the MAC. UD has simply not been pumping up the facilities like JMU and to a degree Towson. Delaware's best thing going for them is that they are the flagship institutionfor the state, albeit one of the tiniest states in the country. Towson has not yet fully realized it's market potential in Baltimore. W&M stays classy but does not really want to play with the big boys, similar to UR for football. The fissures run deep and the whole conference is about to crack big time.

[realgsu]

The Americans are not in Baghdad....

[bluehenbillk]

JMU has been preparing to be a great option for an interested conference with 15-20 years of delusions of the Big East, but no one wants a school in Harrisonburg, VA, even if it has alumni in major markets like DC, except maybe the MAC.

I agree with you that JMU's physical location is a detriment to any FBS conference that may look at them. The Big East talk exists nowhere except on a JMU message board. If I read correctly the last # that was published had JMU purchasing 1700+ seats for the FedEx game against WVU, where are the alums for that one? Hell, where are all the JMu fans for that one? No excuse not to bring 10-15K there, none.

[whitey]

I agree with you that JMU's physical location is a detriment to any FBS conference that may look at them. The Big East talk exists nowhere except on a JMU message board. If I read correctly the last # that was published had JMU purchasing 1700+ seats for the FedEx game against WVU, where are the alums for that one? Hell, where are all the JMu fans for that one? No excuse not to bring 10-15K there, none.

The game isn't until September. It's not like tickets are only available now. A lot of people (myself included) are waiting to purchase tickets because we are trying to organize a large group of old college friends and all sit together. If JMU doesn't bring 15k+ come September I will seriously be surprised.

Anyone on the JMU boards talking about the Big East is a freaking moron.

[TheRevSFA]

Sports reporting and weather:

The only paid jobs where being wrong is okay.

[DFW HOYA]

Anyone on the JMU boards talking about the Big East is a freaking moron.

Of course. The Big East is full right now, maybe two over its natural size, and any future departures begin a line outside the conference's door of the larger C-USA schools (ECU, Marshall, etc.) well before any I-AA schools, even Villanova or Georgetown.

[danefan]

So what is the realistic possibility of adding JMU to the MAC?

The MAC is eerily quiet in all of this.

What about Delaware as well? If you don't go now, I'm not sure you'll have a chance for a long time.

[NHwildEcat]

Looks to me like the CAA will be breaking up...too many program turning their backs to the conference.

I want some of this to get resolved...in the end I want UNH playing with Maine and some combination of Albany, SBU, Fordham etc...I have been big on the Albany, SBU situation. I want them! Although, I assume for us AE guys it might be best if the conference does something since 4 of the 5 schools I just mentioned are AE. I wish it could be the 4 of us and then add 4 more members...I don't care where they come from. It is time to get on the offensive in this mess...

[Lehigh Football Nation]

http://www.eyesradio.com/2012/52-breaking-news-about-george-mason-to-the-a10/


—By Thomas Block, Program Director for Eyesradio @tomcblock
For many months rumors have been circulating about the George Mason Patriots leave the CAA and joining the Atlantic-10 conference. Depending on who you talked to it was either accepted as a great thing for Mason or just bad timing.

I have learned today from sources within the Athletic Department that George Mason WILL NOT be going to the Atlantic-10 and this decision just happened within the last day or so. The hesitation to make the jump was the ultimate factor and had nothing to do with what VCU wanted to accomplish. At this time, it is unclear if VCU is still in the position to make the move.

Unconfirmed reports though suggest that incoming President, Dr. Angel Cabrera, was not in favor of the move. As additional details become available, I will post updates to this story

"Of course it's true!" xlolx

[whitey]

If I had more time I would go through all these threads and come up with a list of posters who basically guaranteed the CAA would be dead. That way in a couple days (maybe weeks) when it's formerly announced that George Mason and VCU are not going to the A-10 and ODU turns down CUSA's invite they can all eat crow.

[youwouldno]

If I had more time I would go through all these threads and come up with a list of posters who basically guaranteed the CAA would be dead. That way in a couple days (maybe weeks) when it's formerly announced that George Mason and VCU are not going to the A-10 and ODU turns down CUSA's invite they can all eat crow.

No chance ODU turns down C-USA. They always intended to move up quickly after adding football.

GMU and/or VCU staying doesn't really address the CAA's core problem, which is that only 4 full members play football and JMU would love to go FBS.

[whitey]

No chance ODU turns down C-USA. They always intended to move up quickly after adding football.

GMU and/or VCU staying doesn't really address the CAA's core problem, which is that only 4 full members play football and JMU would love to go FBS.

What's your definition of "quick". There are numerous reports that Selig had a 10 year plan in place for ODU's football program. 10 years isn't all that quick in my opinion. Selig was at Western Kentucky when they moved up. So he knows first hand what an early move to FBS can do.

If VCU and Mason stay I don't think it's so cut and dry anymore for ODU. Also if ODU doesn't accept the invite and the CAA replaces Georgia State with a school that plays football you're up to 6 members that play football. And who is to say that the CAA doesn't add 3 new all-sports members now that Georgia State is leaving?

[youwouldno]

What's your definition of "quick". There are numerous reports that Selig had a 10 year plan in place for ODU's football program. 10 years isn't all that quick in my opinion. Selig was at Western Kentucky when they moved up. So he knows first hand what an early move to FBS can do.

If VCU and Mason stay I don't think it's so cut and dry anymore for ODU. Also if ODU doesn't accept the invite and the CAA replaces Georgia State with a school that plays football you're up to 6 members that play football. And who is to say that the CAA doesn't add 3 new all-sports members now that Georgia State is leaving?

ODU is not comparable to WKU at all. ODU has a ton of potential because they would have virtually no sports competition in the US' 36th largest metro area and a massive supply of local talent. They have more upside than any other FCS program and a large chunk of existing FBS teams as well. They may as well get on with it.

Other schools are going to look at the CAA and see a situation where a number of schools have been or are considering other options. The conference can't offer enough to overcome that kind of uncertainty.

[aceinthehole]

ODU is not comparable to WKU at all. ODU has a ton of potential because they would have virtually no sports competition in the US' 36th largest metro area and a massive supply of local talent. They have more upside than any other FCS program and a large chunk of existing FBS teams as well. They may as well get on with it.

Other schools are going to look at the CAA and see a situation where a number of schools have been or are considering other options. The conference can't offer enough to overcome that kind of uncertainty.

UT-San Antonio?

[youwouldno]

UT-San Antonio?

Well San Antonio does have the Spurs, and ODU has a much, much stronger overall athletic department. I guess in 20 years it could be close but ODU is in another category at this point.

[blukeys]

Officially Delaware will say they want to stay in the CAA. UD always plays with their cards close to the vest. They are not Georgia State.

Any decision by UD will obviously be seriously impacted by Football, but the best bet for actually making money with little financial input by the school is with Men's and to a lesser extent Women's Basketball. The Muir administration has been charged with upgrading ALL of the sports.

There is serious marketing being done for Lacrosse, Field Hockey, and Volleyball, All of which have become competitive Nationwide.

The big question for UD is this, does a move up to FBS help improve all of the other sports and the overall image of the University?

The modern day CAA came about because of the desire of UD to link up with similar schools such as JMU and W&M. At the time it was probably a good move.

Ud will have options if they choose to make any kind of move. I am not going to lose any sleep on this one.

[GA St. MBB Fan]

The Americans are not in Baghdad....

http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com/images/07-minister.jpg

[Appfan_in_CAAland]

When App State and GaSo move to the Sun Belt in the coming weeks, the SmallCon will be looking for two. W&M and Richmond (football-only) return to their home of over 50 years, along with UNCW for other sports.

ODU to CUSA; VCU and Mason to the A10; JMU (and Delaware?) to the MAC; W&M, UNCW, and Richmond football to the SoCon; GaSt and URI already gone. I'd say the rest of CAA will soon be absorbed into the America East.

[alvinkayak6]

How will all this affect the mighty the citadel?

[whitey]

George Mason's AD just announced that GMU will not be leaving for the A-10. He admits they did essentially kick the tires but decided to stay put.


Steven Goff ‏ @GMUWashPost
GMU was never offered A-10 membership, nor did it apply, but did meet with representatives #masonmbb


Steven Goff ‏ @GMUWashPost
VCU, ODU situations no bearing on GMU decision, O'Connor says. He called commissioner with decision about 45 minutes ago #masonmbb
Expand


Steven Goff ‏ @GMUWashPost
O'Connor: "we felt it was in our best interests to stay," citing history, geographic strength. "Good things in the CAA moving fwd"


Steven Goff ‏ @GMUWashPost
George Mason will remain in the CAA, AD Tom O'Connor tells me. Had talks with Atlantic 10, did due diligence, decided to stay #masonmbb

Link. (https://twitter.com/#!/GMUWashPost)

[whitey]

I would not be surprised at all if both VCU and Old Dominion also stay put. Wouldn't be surprised if they left either but this just proves it's not cut and dry decisions for schools to move.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

It's still ODU's and VCU's decision to make, but it's encouraging that one of the schools has put the gun down in this Mexican standoff.

[whitey]

It's still ODU's and VCU's decision to make, but it's encouraging that one of the schools has put the gun down in this Mexican standoff.

Agreed. It also means that a full on break up of the CAA is extremely unlikely at this point even if VCU and ODU move on. CAA will reload just like they did in 2001 if they have to.

[WMTribe90]

I would not be surprised at all if both VCU and Old Dominion also stay put. Wouldn't be surprised if they left either but this just proves it's not cut and dry decisions for schools to move.

Great news. Hopefully this non-move by GMU starts a reverse domino effect whereby VCU now decides to also stay, which in turn gives ODU reservations about taking its young FB program to CUSA, which will be a step down for basketball if GMU and VCU both stay. Good for GMU, they did their homework and didn't rush an important decision.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Agreed. It also means that a full on break up of the CAA is extremely unlikely at this point even if VCU and ODU move on. CAA will reload just like they did in 2001 if they have to.

I think you're right. To me, ODU is still the wild card. I'm guessing that VCU is a lot less likely to leave now that GMU is staying, do you agree? I see little motivation to leave for them now, especially since they are getting those CAA shares in basketball.

[whitey]

Official announcement on the CAA's website (http://www.caasports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8500&ATCLID=205426308).

[whitey]

I think you're right. To me, ODU is still the wild card. I'm guessing that VCU is a lot less likely to leave now that GMU is staying, do you agree? I see little motivation to leave for them now, especially since they are getting those CAA shares in basketball.

VCU certainly has to have some serious reservations now and an additional 5 million other reasons to not leave. VCU is a lot less likely to leave. ODU's decision just became slightly more difficult as well however they (of course) have football to consider. I still put them at about a coin flip.

[TheDancinMonarch]

I don't know about man-made global warming but this has been a man-made "crazy fog". Hopefully now that it has lifted in Fairfax, it won't be long before it lifts in Richmond and Norfolk.

[alvinkayak6]

Official announcement on the CAA's website (http://www.caasports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8500&ATCLID=205426308).

For now.................... Wait until 2013...............or tomorrow

[Dane96]

Exactly my thought. The release is so "open" it's not even funny.

[bostonspider]

In the end, after gaining Butler and losing Temple and Charlotte, the A10 only has room for one more addition to get back to an even number. That addition was always going to be VCU over GMU. The Rams have shown a level of commitment to their basketball program that the Patriots have not.

[MplsBison]

In the end, after gaining Butler and losing Temple and Charlotte, the A10 only has room for one more addition to get back to an even number. That addition was always going to be VCU over GMU. The Rams have shown a level of commitment to their basketball program that the Patriots have not.

And it also avoids any conflict with GW's interests.

[superman7515]

There's still the matter of Yeager saying they wanted a full member to come in and replace Georgia State the season the Panters depart. Wouldn't that member need to be announced by the June 1 deadline in order to keep the number of teams continuous?

[zilla]

There's still the matter of Yeager saying they wanted a full member to come in and replace Georgia State the season the Panters depart. Wouldn't that member need to be announced by the June 1 deadline in order to keep the number of teams continuous?

Might explain why our president was recently granted permission by our BOTs to seek other avenues of conference affiliation.

Pure speculation on my part though.

[Tim James]

A10 should take BU over VCU. They already have the Richmond market and BU gives you Boston and they dont play football so there wont be a problem here.

[CRAZY_DANE]

I wish BU would leave America East. Maybe then we could have America East football. BU is like the fat friend that wants to go home instead of having fun.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

A10 should take BU over VCU. They already have the Richmond market and BU gives you Boston and they dont play football so there wont be a problem here.

xflaggedx

[JMU2K_DukeDawg]

And it also avoids any conflict with GW's interests.

I doubt this had anything to do with anything. Mason is a public school in Fairfax, VA compared to GW being a private DC school. George Mason could be in Minneapolis for all that GW cares about. No conflicting interests between these schools in fans, support or otherwise. Neither really gets any air time in the DC market, so that point is moot as well. In fact, Mason already tends to get more time on local sports channels through CAA TV contracts than GW does with the A10.

[Dane96]

It did happen to be something attached to it. GWU and two other schools were not happy with the possible addition with both VCU and GMU.

And I would bet on it...

[MplsBison]

I wish BU would leave America East. Maybe then we could have America East football. BU is like the fat friend that wants to go home instead of having fun.

One of the best lines in the movie:

"You DON'T have study!!.....you go to BU..."

[henfan]

Not sure why the A-10 would want a second school in Richmond but it looks like VCU may be leaving the CAA after all. This would free up a slot for a school committed to FB and a complete D-I athletic department.xthumbsupx

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/blog/brett-mcmurphy/19042989

[aceinthehole]

This would free up a slot for a school committed to FB and a complete D-I athletic department.xthumbsupx

Assuming VCU and ODU do bolt for other conferences, the CAA will be down to 9 teams in hoops/olympic and 8 teams for football. It makes a whole lot of sense that the CAA will need just one school that sponsors football to even up the scheduling for both sports.

- 10 basketball teams allows a balanced 18-game round-robin home/away schedule.
- 9 football teams allows the league to have a complete 8-game round-robin schedule.

CAA
Delaware (FB)
Drexel
George Mason
Hofstra
UNC-Wilimngton
James Madison (FB)
Northeastern
Towson (FB)
William & Mary (FB)

+ CAA Football
Maine
New Hampshire
Richmond
Villanova

So the question becomes - who is likely to be the CAA's next member - Coastal Carolina, Stony Brook, or another candidate?

[danefan]

Assuming VCU and ODU do bolt for other conferences, the CAA will be down to 9 teams in hoops/olympic and 8 teams for football. It makes a whole lot of sense that the CAA will need just one school that sponsors football to even up the scheduling for both sports.

- 10 basketball teams allows a balanced 18-game round-robin home/away schedule.
- 9 football teams allows the league to have a complete 8-game round-robin schedule.

CAA
Delaware (FB)
Drexel
George Mason
Hofstra
UNC-Wilimngton
James Madison (FB)
Northeastern
Towson (FB)
William & Mary (FB)

+ CAA Football
Maine
New Hampshire
Richmond
Villanova

So the question becomes - who is likely to be the CAA's next member - Coastal Carolina, Stony Brook, or another candidate?

Does the CAA make a protective offensive play for more than 1 school now though? Maybe add 3 now anticipating that JMU and Delaware leave too in the next 5 years?

[aceinthehole]

Does the CAA make a protective offensive play for more than 1 school now though? Maybe add 3 now anticipating that JMU and Delaware leave too in the next 5 years?

I guess they could, but adding 3 schools to the basketball side would not help in replacing VCU and ODU in the the league. I'm sure some people would argue it would further weaken basketball and, of course would dilute the NCAA share distributions due to current members.

However, I think it is more likely that the CAA Football might add 2 members (in addition to the CAA member w/ football) to stablize the football side. In that case Albany and Stony Brook would be ideal candidates for CAA Football, especially if say Coastal Carolina got the full CAA membership invite.

[henfan]

With an uncertain future, I'd be surprised if there was enough support league-wide to vote two teams in. If one solves the immediate problems, then by virtue of their strong academics, existing full scholarship FB program and strong MLAX team, Stony Brook would have to be near the top of the list.

[danefan]

With an uncertain future, I'd be surprised if there was enough support league-wide to vote two teams in. If one solves the immediate problems, then by virtue of their strong academics, existing full scholarship FB program and strong MLAX team, Stony Brook would have to be near the top of the list.

As long Hofstra doesn't form some coalition to block it.

[henfan]

As long Hofstra doesn't form some coalition to block it.

Hofstra? Ha! They'll likely have zero say in any expansion that goes down. A school that dxcked over the CAA & CAA FB probably isn't in a great position in terms of engaging in coalition building. They witnessed what happened first-hand to the AEC in 2000 when obstructionist members were allowed to dictate the terms of membership. This time HU stands to be left in the dust.

[aceinthehole]

SBU brings a lot to the table for the CAA, but ins't UNCW long overdue for their 'promised' travel partner?

I don't know all the dynamics of CAA membership, but from the outside, I would think Coastal would be the #1 option (travel partner for UNCW, scholly FB, very good baseball) with SBU a strong #2.

I don't think Hofstra has enough of a selfish need (or the required clout) to block SBU. I do agree, that in part to the unstable conference environment, the CAA really only needs 1 team right now (with football), so they can be picky if they want, but must move swiftly to enure the replacement can come on aboard for the 2013-14 season.

[MplsBison]

Add Coastal, Stony and Albany all now, with the stipulation that Albany must get to FBS counter level of scholarships in __ years.

[henfan]

SBU brings a lot to the table for the CAA, but ins't UNCW long overdue for their 'promised' travel partner?

I wonder how much the conference collectively values landing a nearby rival (the 'travel partner' concept is long extinct) for UNCW with everything else there is to consider? Does the conference want to set about expanding the conference southward again, which would add a whole lot of flights to Olympic sport travel itineraries? A non-FB school like UNCW (one on probation nonetheless) doesn't really pose any immediate risk to leave the CAA. If they did, the CAA could always look to another school with FB to strengthen the conference & FB league. I'm also not sure how Coastal measures up academically to the rest of the CAA.

[superman7515]

Does the CAA make a protective offensive play for more than 1 school now though? Maybe add 3 now anticipating that JMU and Delaware leave too in the next 5 years?

Delaware isn't going anywhere.

[MplsBison]

I wonder how much the conference collectively values landing a nearby rival (the 'travel partner' concept is long extinct) for UNCW with everything else there is to consider? Does the conference want to set about expanding the conference southward again, which would add a whole lot of flights to Olympic sport travel itineraries? A non-FB school like UNCW (one on probation nonetheless) doesn't really pose any immediate risk to leave the CAA. If they did, the CAA could always look to another school with FB to strengthen the conference & FB league. I'm also not sure how Coastal measures up academically to the rest of the CAA.

Huh?

The travel partner concept is not extinct. It just never applied to football, as you only play one game a week. For the rest of the sports, multiple game weekends (or even multi-game days) are the standard.


If you have to fly your volleyball, baseball or basketball team to the Carolinas anyway, why wouldn't it be better to play two conference teams in the same weekend? More bang for the buck.

[MplsBison]

Delaware isn't going anywhere.

Even if the MAC offered the same deal as they did to UMass?

[State Line Liquors]

There really is no attractive addition for the CAA. If you were one of the 'target schools' why would you change your current situation for something that's potentially more volatile?

Don't bother adding anyone, put a fork in the league and everyone move on.

[superman7515]

Even if the MAC offered the same deal as they did to UMass?

Even if the MAC offered Delaware the same deal the Big 12 gives Texas.

[aceinthehole]

I wonder how much the conference collectively values landing a nearby rival (the 'travel partner' concept is long extinct) for UNCW with everything else there is to consider? Does the conference want to set about expanding the conference southward again, which would add a whole lot of flights to Olympic sport travel itineraries? A non-FB school like UNCW (one on probation nonetheless) doesn't really pose any immediate risk to leave the CAA. If they did, the CAA could always look to another school with FB to strengthen the conference & FB league. I'm also not sure how Coastal measures up academically to the rest of the CAA.

I hate to ever have to agree with MPLS, but travel partners are used throughout the NCAA for basketball and Olympic sports in dozens of conferences. In fact it is one of the few dynamic that can keep travel manageable in one-bid bus league like the CAA and others.

In a standard Thurs/Sat league hoops schedule, it makes a ton of sense to have bus for 2 league teams in close proximity on a road trips. It makes scheduling much, much easier and gives you more bang for the buck. This has been a staple of the Ivy League Fri/Sat schedule for decades:

Dartmouth/Harvard
Brown/Yale
Cornell/Columbia
Princeton/Penn

And I personally think the whole 'academic' thing is way overrated when it comes to conference membership. A Florida State graduate doesn't put on his resume that he went to school in the same conference as Duke. Coastal's academics would have no reflection on the value of a degree from Delaware or W&M. To suggest that employer or anyone is really evaluating the quality of a college degree based on the school's FCS athletic conference is absurd.

[Dane96]

Hofstra? Ha! They'll likely have zero say in any expansion that goes down. A school that dxcked over the CAA & CAA FB probably isn't in a great position in terms of engaging in coalition building. They witnessed what happened first-hand to the AEC in 2000 when obstructionist members were allowed to dictate the terms of membership. This time HU stands to be left in the dust.

Not true...and I am pretty certain of this. Right now there is a coalition of schools supporting the block of SBU as a full-time member, after requested so by Hofstra. Now...whether this holds water moving forward...probably unlikely. If Yeager is smart, he moves in SBU as a football member at the minimum (different voting process) and then gets the coalition to back off in the "name of the conference."

[State Line Liquors]

Right now there is a coalition of schools supporting the block of SBU as a full-time member, after requested so by Hofstra.

If that's true, then I'm more confident than ever that the thread has been pulled on the CAA. Tag it and bag it.

[Dane96]

My source....has honestly never been wrong. And they were spot on with GMU getting negged by the A-10.

[aceinthehole]

If that's true, then I'm more confident than ever that the thread has been pulled on the CAA. Tag it and bag it.

And do what? The remaining 8 CAA members have a lot of NCAA $$$ coming their way over the next 6 years. Be assured, the CAA will find a replacement to even the league out.

The only difference now between the CAA and the MAAC, AE, et al is the CAA has a lot more $$$ and a TV exposure than anoy other 1-bid conference on the East Coast.

[State Line Liquors]

Delaware's athletic budget is $35 Million. If we're sticking around, it's not for the extra $500k we might get as a result of VCU or ODU leaving the conferenc.e

[superman7515]

It's because of 100 years of tradition before progress that has the fans convinced that despite mounting evidence of an aging and shrinking fan base, UD football should be allowed to die a slow death while clinging to the historic rivalries but doing nothing to bring in the younger fans and students.

BTW: I'm not even interested in the MAC, just stating the obvious in the decline of the fan base as it continues to age and UD remains reactive instead of proactive.

[State Line Liquors]

It's because of 100 years of tradition before progress that has the fans convinced that despite mounting evidence of an aging and shrinking fan base, UD football should be allowed to die a slow death while clinging to the historic rivalries but doing nothing to bring in the younger fans and students.

BTW: I'm not even interested in the MAC, just stating the obvious in the decline of the fan base as it continues to age and UD remains reactive instead of proactive.

The best option for the future of UD football doesn't even exist presently. If it ever will exist, is something only the athletic director has an inkling of at this point. It would helpful if he'd make it clear what the long term plan is going forward so I can adequately begin to reduce my financial support of the UDAF if we have no intention growing the fanbase or focus on improving the quality of our opponents.

I could certainly save myself plenty of dinero picking and choosing the games I'd like to attend, and grab game day parking for select games. No sense giving what I do if the foot is off the gas pedal in the athletic department football offices.

[superman7515]

The best option for the future of UD football doesn't even exist presently. If it ever will exist, is something only the athletic director has an inkling of at this point. It would helpful if he'd make it clear what the long term plan is going forward so I can adequately begin to reduce my financial support of the UDAF if we have no intention growing the fanbase or focus on improving the quality of our opponents.

I could certainly save myself plenty of dinero picking and choosing the games I'd like to attend, and grab game day parking for select games. No sense giving what I do if the foot is off the gas pedal in the athletic department football offices.

Now that I certainly agree with. Why keep paying to the UDAF when I could have spent 1/10 of that for better seats at some games last season.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Hofstra blocking Stony Brook would be truly pathetic, if true.

[henfan]

My source....has honestly never been wrong. And they were spot on with GMU getting negged by the A-10.

Your anonymous source is wrong. Hofstra is not in a position of influence in the CAA and especially among its CAA FB members, who they left high and dry when they cancelled FB. HU could leave the CAA tomorrow and few would bat an eye, especially with SBU were waiting in the wings. Nothing against your source, but that info just does not seem the least bit credible and makes zero sense. Hopefully this isn't the same cat who told you HU was returning to play FB in the AEC was a done deal a few years back.

The process to vote in a non-CAA member into CAA FB would involve getting the requisite approval (votes) from CAA & CAA FB members. Aside from offering a recommendation, employee Yeager has little input into the matter. See http://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/8500/supportfiles/Handbook/FB/CAAFBHANDBOOKweb.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=8500

"2.05 Membership matters (including admission, probation suspension or expulsion) must be decided by an affirmative vote of at least three-fourths (3/4) of the members in “good standing”. Three-fourths of the CAA Football member institutions and three-fourths of the CAA member institutions must approve a new CAA Football member who is not an active CAA member."

[henfan]

I hate to ever have to agree with MPLS, but travel partners are used throughout the NCAA for basketball and Olympic sports in dozens of conferences. In fact it is one of the few dynamic that can keep travel manageable in one-bid bus league like the CAA and others.

In a standard Thurs/Sat league hoops schedule, it makes a ton of sense to have bus for 2 league teams in close proximity on a road trips. It makes scheduling much, much easier and gives you more bang for the buck. This has been a staple of the Ivy League Fri/Sat schedule for decades:

Dartmouth/Harvard
Brown/Yale
Cornell/Columbia
Princeton/Penn

And I personally think the whole 'academic' thing is way overrated when it comes to conference membership. A Florida State graduate doesn't put on his resume that he went to school in the same conference as Duke. Coastal's academics would have no reflection on the value of a degree from Delaware or W&M. To suggest that employer or anyone is really evaluating the quality of a college degree based on the school's FCS athletic conference is absurd.

Sure, the "travel partner" concept as you define it is something that is indeed employed still. Schools are not sharing costs and traveling with one another. There's got to be a better term to describe the modern day application.

The academic aspect may be overrated for some conferences but not the CAA. (What's the anagram that the NEC has to the Colonial Academic Alliance?) Stony Brook is an exceptional academic school and, all things being equal, would be a much better add than some of the other names listed for that reason.

[danefan]

Freso St Alumn reminded me of this article

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20120413/SPORTS07/204130330/As-Georgia-State-departs-conference-s-future-unclear?nclick_check=1

Would seem to indicate Yeagers preference of adding 3 schools. Unless some of the FB only members join as full sport members.

[superman7515]

I question the validity of the teams mentioned in the article, but 12 is a distinct possibility...


Coastal Carolina (Big South), the College of Charleston (Southern Conference) and Davidson (Southern Conference) have been most prominently reported as potential candidates to replace Georgia State. Each makes sense geographically, keeping an additional southern team along with North Carolina at Wilmington.

If Davidson joins, from the PFL for the past decade not SoCon, I will vomit.

[State Line Liquors]

Hofstra blocking Stony Brook would be truly pathetic, if true.

xnodx

That would be both truly pathetic and truly hilarious in one fell swoop. The league would deserve whatever painful demise they had coming if it happened, and I would certainly hope that it would be the end of UD's now meaningless affiliation with HU. RIP Joe Gardi.

[danefan]

I question the validity of the teams mentioned in the article, but 12 is a distinct possibility...



If Davidson joins, from the PFL for the past decade not SoCon, I will vomit.

I agree on the teams. I posted it for he number more than the teams.

[danefan]

Your anonymous source is wrong. Hofstra is not in a position of influence in the CAA and especially among its CAA FB members, who they left high and dry when they cancelled FB. HU could leave the CAA tomorrow and few would bat an eye, especially with SBU were waiting in the wings. Nothing against your source, but that info just does not seem the least bit credible and makes zero sense. Hopefully this isn't the same cat who told you HU was returning to play FB in the AEC was a done deal a few years back.

The process to vote in a non-CAA member into CAA FB would involve getting the requisite approval (votes) from CAA & CAA FB members. Aside from offering a recommendation, employee Yeager has little input into the matter. See http://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/8500/supportfiles/Handbook/FB/CAAFBHANDBOOKweb.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=8500

"2.05 Membership matters (including admission, probation suspension or expulsion) must be decided by an affirmative vote of at least three-fourths (3/4) of the members in “good standing”. Three-fourths of the CAA Football member institutions and three-fourths of the CAA member institutions must approve a new CAA Football member who is not an active CAA member."

So all Hofstra has to do is convince 2 other non-football schools to vote against Stony Brook and they're blocked?

Doesn't seem like you need a whole lot of influence for that alliance.

[dbackjon]

I agree on the teams. I posted it for he number more than the teams.


How ready is Albany to go to 63 schollies?

[danefan]

How ready is Albany to go to 63 schollies?

My understanding is that the only thing left is to find a conference to play in.

But there has never been a real public push by our athletic department.

[henfan]

So all Hofstra has to do is convince 2 other non-football schools to vote against Stony Brook and they're blocked?

Doesn't seem like you need a whole lot of influence for that alliance.

But again, what AD is going to allow its athletic future to be dictated by Hofstra? Come on; get real.

More importantly, why in the world would HU vote against their own best interests? Given their limited budget, why would they ever oppose adding a school that would help reduce their travel expenses across all of the sports in which they participate? Would they rather add several flights to their budget with a Coastal Carolina, etc.?

Not coincidentally, it seems to be Albany fans who protest the loudest when we begin discussing SBU and the CAA. Hmm.

[danefan]

But again, what AD is going to allow its athletic future to be dictated by Hofstra? Come on; get real.

More importantly, why in the world would HU vote against their own best interests? Given their limited budget, why would they ever oppose adding a school that would help reduce their travel expenses across all of the sports in which they participate? Would they rather add several flights to their budget with a Coastal Carolina, etc.?

Not coincidentally, it seems to be Albany fans who protest the loudest when we begin discussing SBU and the CAA. Hmm.

Not protesting it. I'm happy for SBU if they get in. They've made all the right moves. I hope we both end up in the conference. In fact, i don't really care if it is the CAA. I jut want to play full scholarship football in the same conference as our peers, SBU being one of them.

All I'm saying is its not all that far fetched that Hofstra could convince two other schools that it was bad for them to add SBU.

[MplsBison]

But again, what AD is going to allow its athletic future to be dictated by Hofstra? Come on; get real.

More importantly, why in the world would HU vote against their own best interests? Given their limited budget, why would they ever oppose adding a school that would help reduce their travel expenses across all of the sports in which they participate? Would they rather add several flights to their budget with a Coastal Carolina, etc.?

Not coincidentally, it seems to be Albany fans who protest the loudest when we begin discussing SBU and the CAA. Hmm.

At the risk of repeating myself: adding Coastal is not adding flights. It's getting Coastal and Wilmington for the cost of one flight.

[aceinthehole]

Sure, the "travel partner" concept as you define it is something that is indeed employed still. Schools are not sharing costs and traveling with one another. There's got to be a better term to describe the modern day application.

The academic aspect may be overrated for some conferences but not the CAA. (What's the anagram that the NEC has to the Colonial Academic Alliance?) Stony Brook is an exceptional academic school and, all things being equal, would be a much better add than some of the other names listed for that reason.

OK, let's call them "travel pairs" if that makes you feel better. Fact is that adding Coastal Carolina gives CAA teams 2 games for 1 road trip - that's the cost saving and scheduling benefit in a nutshell.

Again, all these academic alliances are great and certainly something some schools and conferences are very proud of, but I still think you are vastly overestimating their importance. VCU isn't too concerned they are giving up any academic associations by leaving the CAA for the A-10. ODU likely doesn't care about the academic association in C-USA. You can take shots at the NEC academics or these other school or conference if you wish, but I assure you the academic concerns are not one of the top factors in these ongoing conference realignmnets.

[henfan]

At the risk of repeating myself: adding Coastal is not adding flights. It's getting Coastal and Wilmington for the cost of one flight.

OK, I'll grant you that but there are 3 sports that would still require separate flights from CAA members, since UNCW & CCU don't both participate in them (FB, WLAX & WSwimming).

I think CCU would be a fine add if the CAA ever expands to take 2 or more schools. I just think there are better options at the very top of the list. Thankfully, the league doesn't consult with message board experts like me on membership decisions.xsmileyclapx

[henfan]

Again, all these academic alliances are great and certainly something some schools and conferences are very proud of, but I still think you are vastly overestimating their importance. VCU isn't too concerned they are giving up any academic associations by leaving the CAA for the A-10. ODU likely doesn't care about the academic association in C-USA. You can take shots at the NEC academics or these other school or conference if you wish, but I assure you the academic concerns are not one of the top factors in these ongoing conference realignmnets.

Of course academics aren't driving much of the D-I conference realignment, especially among the major conferences... and that's precisely part of the problem. Most of it seems to be driven by finance/media positioning. Many of these affiliations are unlikely to stand the test of time because they're being developed on shaky principles.

I'm not overestimating the importance of the CAA Academic Alliance at all. I also didn't suggest that academics or the Colonial AA was a key factor in maintaining membership. That doesn't change the fact that academics remains a very important element to CAA CEO's in deciding who they are and aren't going to invite to the conference. CEO's and their boards are the ones calling the shots, not the coaches and AD's.

While I'm sure that academics are of concern to NEC CEO's as well, the NEC really isn't a player in D-I realignment. Their membership choices are slightly more limited due to their positioning in the D-I pecking order.

[Dane96]

NM...

[Dane96]

Your anonymous source is wrong. Hofstra is not in a position of influence in the CAA and especially among its CAA FB members, who they left high and dry when they cancelled FB. HU could leave the CAA tomorrow and few would bat an eye, especially with SBU were waiting in the wings. Nothing against your source, but that info just does not seem the least bit credible and makes zero sense. Hopefully this isn't the same cat who told you HU was returning to play FB in the AEC was a done deal a few years back.

The process to vote in a non-CAA member into CAA FB would involve getting the requisite approval (votes) from CAA & CAA FB members. Aside from offering a recommendation, employee Yeager has little input into the matter. See http://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/8500/supportfiles/Handbook/FB/CAAFBHANDBOOKweb.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=8500

"2.05 Membership matters (including admission, probation suspension or expulsion) must be decided by an affirmative vote of at least three-fourths (3/4) of the members in “good standing”. Three-fourths of the CAA Football member institutions and three-fourths of the CAA member institutions must approve a new CAA Football member who is not an active CAA member."

Your post...makes zero sense.

1- Hofstra does hold votes for FULL MEMBERSHIP, which is what I specifically mentioned.
2- Two other schools are in a bloc with Hofstra to CURRENTLY (key word) block all sport Stony Brook
3- Len Robbins is getting his "Stony Brook to the CAA" directly from Fiore and/or his minions
4- I have multiple sources on this...I trusted my first one...but I wanted to confirm
5- HU leaving tomorrow or another day doesn't mean squat...they have "like-minded" institutions on their side.
6- Why would Hofstra have an issue with SBU football? They can be cutting a deal saying...you need football to survive, fine...SBU is in...but no f'in way we are giving up our hoops and lax markets. Not a chance.

Is this really difficult to comprehend.

And don't belittle me. I personally have the HOFSTRA document about returning to the AE. Not the Albany document...THE HOFSTRA DOCUMENT. Things change, except in your world as absolutes. My view of you has not changed: I didn't for one second believe your horse**** story when it came defending your comment about Albany's "nice little stadium" for the NEC. Words...have meaning. You chose to use specific words.

Nothing against your source...what a load of **** comment. That's like saying..."Hey, not trying to be mean...but your a bit heavy". You do have something against my source...you think they are misinformed at best, stupid more likely.

I thought about this post for a good five minutes after I wrote it. I decided to post it after reflecting that frankly, I DON'T LIKE YOUR ATTITUDE...ever.

Good day.

That said, who knows what direction the wind blows next week.

[Dane96]

So all Hofstra has to do is convince 2 other non-football schools to vote against Stony Brook and they're blocked?

Doesn't seem like you need a whole lot of influence for that alliance.

Shocking DF...you used logic...can you lend that to Henfan please.

Oh...MR. HENFAN...they (Hofstra) already have two schools in their bloc...add GMU to that list in the near future.

[Dane96]

But again, what AD is going to allow its athletic future to be dictated by Hofstra? Come on; get real.

More importantly, why in the world would HU vote against their own best interests? Given their limited budget, why would they ever oppose adding a school that would help reduce their travel expenses across all of the sports in which they participate? Would they rather add several flights to their budget with a Coastal Carolina, etc.?

Not coincidentally, it seems to be Albany fans who protest the loudest when we begin discussing SBU and the CAA. Hmm.

Ummm...really...now you are putting words in our mouths. Completely untrue...never said. If SBU gets in...I'd bet money in a few years (max) we are in the same league (whatever it is).

You are projecting your anger that Delaware seemingly has no plan. Maybe?!

[henfan]

Dane96, I'm sorry that you want to make this a personal issue. I didn't belittle you personally but I did (and still do) indeed question the veracity of the info passed along by your anonymous sources, particularly since the info flies in the face of common sense and reason. If you want to believe that Hofstra somehow holds Svengali-like control over other CAA schools or that Rabinowitz & the HU BOT feel some critical institutional threat posed by SBU MBB & MLAX, I don't intend to try to change your mind. However, I do want to discuss with you and others why this makes no sense whatsoever.

Besides, what's it matter to you that I or anyone else has serious doubts about you've relayed? You should feel content that you have the inside scoop and the rest of us schlubs are in the dark. I just don't put any stock in info relayed via anonymous sources posted to public message boards. It's really nothing against you personally and my opinion of you hasn't changed either.xthumbsupx

If UD intends to remain a part of the CAA & the FCS, as a fan I'd prefer athletic affiliations with schools like SBU, UNH, CCU and UA to those with DU, GMU, VCU and UNCW. I won't lose sleep over it either way; they're all fine schools and it's just not that important in the grand scheme of things. Alas, the CAA conference CEO's will decide what happens with membership and we fans, message board experts and our sources, anonymous and otherwise, will be left to watch from the sidelines.

[henfan]

All I'm saying is its not all that far fetched that Hofstra could convince two other schools that it was bad for them to add SBU.

IMO, it does seem is far-fetched, given the context. HU is a school who caused animosity among conference mates & administrators by dropping FB without warning. If HU still had FB, there would be little need to add another school with a FB program. They've put every school in the conference in this position.

So, let's hear the theory. Which schools are lined up ("currently") to oppose SBU's inclusion out of deference to HU's best interests?

[danefan]

IMO, it does seem is far-fetched, given the context. HU is a school who caused animosity among conference mates & administrators by dropping FB without warning. If HU still had FB, there would be little need to add another school with a FB program. They've put every school in the conference in this position.

So, let's hear the theory. Which schools are lined up ("currently") to oppose SBU's inclusion out of deference to HU's best interests?

I have no info on who is lined up. All I'm saying is its easier to envision it now that HU would only need to convince two other schools.

[Dane96]

Dane96, I'm sorry that you want to make this a personal issue. I didn't belittle you personally but I did (and still do) indeed question the veracity of the info passed along by your anonymous sources, particularly since the info flies in the face of common sense and reason. If you want to believe that Hofstra somehow holds Svengali-like control over other CAA schools or that Rabinowitz & the HU BOT feel some critical institutional threat posed by SBU MBB & MLAX, I don't intend to try to change your mind. However, I do want to discuss with you and others why this makes no sense whatsoever.

Besides, what's it matter to you that I or anyone else has serious doubts about you've relayed? You should feel content that you have the inside scoop and the rest of us schlubs are in the dark. I just don't put any stock in info relayed via anonymous sources posted to public message boards. It's really nothing against you personally and my opinion of you hasn't changed either.xthumbsupx

If UD intends to remain a part of the CAA & the FCS, as a fan I'd prefer athletic affiliations with schools like SBU, UNH, CCU and UA to those with DU, GMU, VCU and UNCW. I won't lose sleep over it either way; they're all fine schools and it's just not that important in the grand scheme of things. Alas, the CAA conference CEO's will decide what happens with membership and we fans, message board experts and our sources, anonymous and otherwise, will be left to watch from the sidelines.

Your last paragraph should shine a light on what I am talking about. There is a clear divide (four-fold) in the CAA right now, and they are: academics; football; geography; and money/facilities.

It is a much smaller version of the Big East issue...and it will come to a head when you are not bringing in multi-million dollar (large scale version) revenues to appease the schools.

You don't need sources or scuttlebutt message board fodder to see how Hofstra can quid-pro-quo negotiate with like-minded institutions in order to "protect their house." More importantly, it's easy to see why certain schools would look at Hofstra and see themselves in the proverbial conference mirror.

I don't really care either way if you see that or not because you are entitled to your opinion. My issue with you is that you constantly toss aside people's view point in a way that is not adverserial arguing; It is more akin to "you don't know what you are talking about", hence poster with a source...your story is not credible.

BIG DIFFERENCE. Just respect other people's comments and opinions. No reason not to banter...but don't be an internet snob.

[henfan]

Then you should be questioning EVERY post on this board that comes from any source...including your own.

I'm only genuinely interested in the CAA and I try to add my two cents to those threads as time allows. As for what little info I might get from folks at UD or elsewhere (and that's very little these days), I have seldom shared it on message boards... at least not directly. It might color my opinions, however.

[MplsBison]

OK, I'll grant you that but there are 3 sports that would still require separate flights from CAA members, since UNCW & CCU don't both participate in them (FB, WLAX & WSwimming).

I think CCU would be a fine add if the CAA ever expands to take 2 or more schools. I just think there are better options at the very top of the list. Thankfully, the league doesn't consult with message board experts like me on membership decisions.xsmileyclapx

Hopefully the FB scheduling geniuses would try to prevent dual trips to the Carolinas for Maine, New Hampshire, etc. Those schools are probably chartering for most conference road games except against each other anyway.

[MplsBison]

Your last paragraph should shine a light on what I am talking about. There is a clear divide (four-fold) in the CAA right now, and they are: academics; football; geography; and money/facilities.

It is a much smaller version of the Big East issue...and it will come to a head when you are not bringing in multi-million dollar (large scale version) revenues to appease the schools.

You don't need sources or scuttlebutt message board fodder to see how Hofstra can quid-pro-quo negotiate with like-minded institutions in order to "protect their house." More importantly, it's easy to see why certain schools would look at Hofstra and see themselves in the proverbial conference mirror.

I don't really care either way if you see that or not because you are entitled to your opinion. My issue with you is that you constantly toss aside people's view point in a way that is not adverserial arguing; It is more akin to "you don't know what you are talking about", hence poster with a source...your story is not credible.

BIG DIFFERENCE. Just respect other people's comments and opinions. No reason not to banter...but don't be an internet snob.

Maybe it's time for the conference to tell Hofstra to suck it. What do they add to the conference now? They don't have football and their bball program doesn't do anything that I'm aware of (out here in the midwest).

[superman7515]

Their basketball team wants nothing more than to get an invite to the A10 and leave.

[MplsBison]

Their basketball team wants nothing more than to get an invite to the A10 and leave.

Well maybe when Stony Brook is in the CAA kicking their butts in non-football sports, plus still having a football team, Hofstra will get fed up and join the MAAC.

[henfan]

The reality is that HU athletics probably isn't going anywhere so long as Stuart Rabinowitz is running the show. Forgetaboutit. Their Olympic sports programs just aren't strong enough to attract the interest of the A-10 and they aren't likely to take a competitive step backwards (for most sports) to the MAAC. It'll be interesting to see what their new AD has in store.

[Dane96]

Their basketball team wants nothing more than to get an invite to the A10 and leave.

Agreed. And now they won't and neither will NU, GMU, Drexel and Wilmington. Add BU and Siena to that mix of non-invitees who had A-Ten aspirations.

[aceinthehole]

The reality is that HU athletics probably isn't going anywhere so long as Stuart Rabinowitz is running the show. Forgetaboutit. Their Olympic sports programs just aren't strong enough to attract the interest of the A-10 and they aren't likely to take a competitive step backwards (for most sports) to the MAAC. It'll be interesting to see what their new AD has in store.

I agree. While Hofstra would love to be in the A-10 (I think they have made their intentions well known), there is no interest from the A-10.

The next expansion/replacement schools on the A-10's list (when UMass gets a FBS-conference invite) is likely George Mason and Creighton. Hofstra, Siena, or Boston Univ., etc. are not in serious consideration.

No schools out there want to join the MAAC - its a hoops-focused league of small Catholic colleges with horrible facilities in the Northeast region.

[MplsBison]

I agree. While Hofstra would love to be in the A-10 (I think they have made their intentions well known), there is no interest from the A-10.

The next expansion/replacement schools on the A-10's list (when UMass gets a FBS-conference invite) is likely George Mason and Creighton. Hofstra, Siena, or Boston Univ., etc. are not in serious consideration.

No schools out there want to join the MAAC - its a hoops-focused league of small Catholic colleges with horrible facilities in the Northeast region.

Are they that much better than Marist?

How about the NEC then?

[bluehenbillk]

VCU's press conference is 1:30pm today to announce they're going to the A-10.

[henfan]

VCU's press conference is 1:30pm today to announce they're going to the A-10.

This pretty much assures that VCU will never have FB in our lifetimes. This is potentially very good news to those of us who would like to see our school affiliated with schools who have D-I FB programs. The next few months will be exciting to watch if you're a fan of FCS FB and the CAA.

[aceinthehole]

Exciting for sure, but I would think ODU's decision will have much greater impact on CAA football and the future of JMU & UD football, right? If ODU joins C-USA what do you think is Delaware's (or JMU's) long-term plan for football?

A) Remain in a conference with a core group of schools commited to (or relgated to) FCS, such as W&M, Richmond, UNH, Maine - and maybe add a few new one like Coastal, SBU or others. Non-conference opponets remain mainly in the PL, Ivy, MEAC, and NEC.

or

B) Position UD for growth along with existing FCS programs with larger ambitions, such as JMU, Liberty, Appalachian State, and Georgia Southern that are actively seeking an invite to play FBS football. Non-conference and potential future conference peers may include programs such as Marshall, Buffalo, UMass, Charlotte, East Carolina, etc.

IMO, Hen fans are the ones most strongly divided on which path to choose. At least your program has a choice to make (many do not), but the football world is quickly shifting around you and the ideal scenario for UD (an all-sports conference with high-level FCS football that includes both academic and regional/historic peers) may not exist in the very near future.

[superman7515]

JMU's long term plans are FBS.

Delaware's long term plans are to twiddle thumbs and hope an aging fanbase continues to pay the bills while the over 60 crowd continues their mantra of "the students don't matter" and do their best to drive the young people out of the stadium.

[MplsBison]

JMU's long term plans are FBS.

Delaware's long term plans are to twiddle thumbs and hope an aging fanbase continues to pay the bills while the over 60 crowd continues their mantra of "the students don't matter" and do their best to drive the young people out of the stadium.

Is it really this bad?

It's scary to think that NDSU could become like this. But reality is that probably the majority of NDSU alumni living in ND are not getting younger, as many of the young ones (myself included) leave state after graduating. At least Mpls is not too far to drive up for games even on gameday, if weather's good.

[danefan]

This kind of the puts CAA in an odd spot for 2012 doesn't it?

I can't keep track of all the moves so far, but Ga St is out for 2012 as well right?

[aceinthehole]

This kind of the puts CAA in an odd spot for 2012 doesn't it?

I can't keep track of all the moves so far, but Ga St is out for 2012 as well right?

CAA basketball tourney in March 2013 is going to be interesting. It is scheduled to be played on VCU's home court, who will no longer be a member of the league. Towson and UNCW are ineligible because of APR issues. If ODU announces a conference move to C-USA they will be ineligible as well, even if the play in the regular season. Yes, Georgia State is gone this year as well.

Men's hoops teams eligible for the 2013 CAA Tourney at VCU in Richmond, VA: (8) Delaware, Drexel, George Mason, Hofstra, James Madison, Northeastern, Old Dominion(?), and William & Mary.

Very good news if you are a UD or JMU basketball fan. They may have a 1 in 7 odds of getting to the big dance.

[bluehenbillk]

JMU may have FBS long-term plans but in reality they're like the god-ugly girl waiting to be asked to a prom. They may have FBS aspirations but there isn't really a FBS league that finds them attractive....

[kdinva]

CAA basketball tourney in March 2013 is going to be interesting. It is scheduled to be played on VCU's home court,

VCU hasn't called the Coliseum "home" since the 98-99 season.

[aceinthehole]

VCU hasn't called the Coliseum "home" since the 98-99 season.

My mistake, but it is their former home court and stands just down the street from campus, correct? I think it fair to say (and most CAA fans suggest), that the site had a clear "home court advantange" for VCU in the CAA tourney. But yes, I stand corrected.

[superman7515]

Is it really this bad?

It's scary to think that NDSU could become like this. But reality is that probably the majority of NDSU alumni living in ND are not getting younger, as many of the young ones (myself included) leave state after graduating. At least Mpls is not too far to drive up for games even on gameday, if weather's good.

Like I said before, I'm not excited about the prospect of the MAC, but the youth aren't interested in the level of football that UD plays. Yes, UD has averaged over 20k for the regular season for forever, but last year showed a significant decline and that was with giveaways, $5 tickets, and them literally giving away money for people to come. Meanwhile 2,000-2,500 students out in the parking lot walk back to campus as soon as the game starts and the tailgating is done because they just aren't interested in the games. The older alums/fans don't care because they say the "students don't matter" because they aren't paying for the tickets, but the students become the paying fans later in life, so if you continually neglect, disrespect, and ignore them, your fan base starts aging and dying off while not being replaced with fresh faces. Unfortunately, there are a vocal section (whether majority or minority, I don't know) that seem to be content with that, I guess because they'll be dead before it's a problem.

[MplsBison]

Like I said before, I'm not excited about the prospect of the MAC, but the youth aren't interested in the level of football that UD plays. Yes, UD has averaged over 20k for the regular season for forever, but last year showed a significant decline and that was with giveaways, $5 tickets, and them literally giving away money for people to come. Meanwhile 2,000-2,500 students out in the parking lot walk back to campus as soon as the game starts and the tailgating is done because they just aren't interested in the games. The older alums/fans don't care because they say the "students don't matter" because they aren't paying for the tickets, but the students become the paying fans later in life, so if you continually neglect, disrespect, and ignore them, your fan base starts aging and dying off while not being replaced with fresh faces. Unfortunately, there are a vocal section (whether majority or minority, I don't know) that seem to be content with that, I guess because they'll be dead before it's a problem.

Well at least I can say that, for now, the students do seem to show pretty good support and consider some of the MVFC games meaningful. I would still consider it a problem that a lot of those students move out after graduating, but so far NDSU attendance and season tickets is only growing. But it's still something to keep any eye on in the next 10-20 years, for NDSU athletic department.

[henfan]

My no count opinion is that the UD admin has just never placed the same sort of emphasis on athletics as some of their tradition athletic and academic peers in the region. UD has been one of the wealthiest publicly-funded institutions in the country since at least the early 1970's (maybe even before then) but they just haven't let athletics influence their institutional decisions. I don't see that changing, despite all of the other elements might otherwise play into any decision about conference or subdivision realignment.

IMO, the only way they would reclassify the FB program is if they were absolutely forced to do it by way of circumstance and provided the move didn't conflict with institutional goals or cause them to utilize a considerable amount of resources. UD was one of the very last of their former group of schools to reclassify from D-II to D-I/I-AA in the early '80's and they went kicking and screaming. It took them 8 more years before they made the decision to offer athletically related aid for FB. This isn't a school that historically made bold or sudden moves with athletics.

So I see UD hanging around the FCS for years to come, provided the rug isn't pulled out from beneath them. If the FB fanbase erodes, oh well. Athletics just isn't THAT important to them. They'll be content being one of the 24 (or eventually 32 or 64) teams competing in the FCS playoff system, playing in whatever mid-major conference doesn't cost them too much skin.

[MplsBison]

My no count opinion is that the UD admin has just never placed the same sort of emphasis on athletics as some of their tradition athletic and academic peers in the region. UD has been one of the wealthiest publicly-funded institutions in the country since at least the early 1970's (maybe even before then) but they just haven't let athletics influence their institutional decisions. I don't see that changing, despite all of the other elements might otherwise play into any decision about conference or subdivision realignment.

IMO, the only way they would reclassify the FB program is if they were absolutely forced to do it by way of circumstance and provided the move didn't conflict with institutional goals or cause them to utilize a considerable amount of resources. UD was one of the very last of their former group of schools to reclassify from D-II to D-I/I-AA in the early '80's and they went kicking and screaming. It took them 8 more years before they made the decision to offer athletically related aid for FB. This isn't a school that historically made bold or sudden moves with athletics.

So I see UD hanging around the FCS for years to come, provided the rug isn't pulled out from beneath them. If the FB fanbase erodes, oh well. Athletics just isn't THAT important to them. They'll be content being one of the 24 (or eventually 32 or 64) teams competing in the FCS playoff system, playing in whatever mid-major conference doesn't cost them too much skin.

How can that be, though?

Delaware is in the best position possible of all the small-state public flagship universities to move to FBS. If they can't do it, none can.

[BlueHenSinfonian]

My no count opinion is that the UD admin has just never placed the same sort of emphasis on athletics as some of their tradition athletic and academic peers in the region. UD has been one of the wealthiest publicly-funded institutions in the country since at least the early 1970's (maybe even before then) but they just haven't let athletics influence their institutional decisions. I don't see that changing, despite all of the other elements might otherwise play into any decision about conference or subdivision realignment.

IMO, the only way they would reclassify the FB program is if they were absolutely forced to do it by way of circumstance and provided the move didn't conflict with institutional goals or cause them to utilize a considerable amount of resources. UD was one of the very last of their former group of schools to reclassify from D-II to D-I/I-AA in the early '80's and they went kicking and screaming. It took them 8 more years before they made the decision to offer athletically related aid for FB. This isn't a school that historically made bold or sudden moves with athletics.

So I see UD hanging around the FCS for years to come, provided the rug isn't pulled out from beneath them. If the FB fanbase erodes, oh well. Athletics just isn't THAT important to them. They'll be content being one of the 24 (or eventually 32 or 64) teams competing in the FCS playoff system, playing in whatever mid-major conference doesn't cost them too much skin.

Personally, I'm not that pessimistic. Part of the student attendance problem has been due to the increase in the tailgate nazis busting students for underage drinking, at least so I've heard. There was also an attendance hit from longtime season ticket holders who were upset about the new mandatory donations. Winning football games will help solve both problems - just look at what happened to women's basketball attendance this year when we started dominating the conference.

As someone posted on GoHens from their conversation with Muir there are plans for a $50 million upgrade to the athletics facilities on west campus. Given that The Bob was recently improved, that Rullo is still fairly new, and that nobody really cares about baseball, the bulk of that money likely seems related to the football stadium. $50 million is close to what JMU spent on their upgrade, and it's a lot of cash to invest if the AD doesn't have big plans ahead for the future of football at UD.

I'm sure the powers that be would have rather waited a few more years to watch how UMass does with their jump to the MAC before plotting a course for ourselves, but while many people predicted that a conference affiliation shakeup was on the horizon, no one could have known how soon it would come nor hoe widespread the effects would be. Right now all of the early jumpers are start ups - GA State, UNC-Charlotte, and potentially ODU. Established programs in the FCS like Montana, Appy, and JMU are keeping options open, which is what I'm sure our AD is doing as well. GA Southern announced intentions for a FBS move, but they stated a five year plan to get ready for it. I'm confident that when the time comes to make a decision, Delaware will do what is necessary to take the program to the next level.

[henfan]

How can that be, though?

Delaware is in the best position possible of all the small-state public flagship universities to move to FBS. If they can't do it, none can.

It's not that they can't; it's that they aren't interested. Athletics is just never been THAT important to UD. They've been able to grow the university just fine without big time sports and seem content following that path.

I'm not being pessimistic; I'm pragmatic.

[BlueHenSinfonian]

They've been able to grow the university just fine without big time sports and seem content following that path.


Delaware hasn't made a move to play at the highest level possible in the past, but at least in recent history has invested to play at the top of the next level down. If the rest of the top level FCS schools move up and the MAC/Sun-Belt/C-USA become the new defacto FCS, we'll follow the rest up. Right now Delaware has the largest athletics budget in the CAA, and as far as I can see the highest in the FCS, at $36 million. Delaware sponsors many more sports than are required, and spends over $2 million more per year in scholarships than the next highest, JMU.

Our athletics budget is higher than every school in the Sun Belt and MAC, behind only Boise State in the WAC, and behind only Memphis and UCF in C-USA. Delaware does all of that without a student athletics fee (and from what others have read very little of the $750 per year comprehensive student fee goes towards athletics).

To me, that isn't indicative of a school that doesn't care about athletics. Delaware has always been cautious in big moves and the athletics department doesn't go around broadcasting future plans until firm decisions have been made. With the lack of information flowing out it's easy to assume that no plans are being made, but it seems more likely to me that Muir, Harker, and everyone else at the top level of university management are paying close attention to the game of conference affiliation musical chairs that's going on, and are working on a plan that will insure the greatest long term benefits to both the image of the university as well as the success of the athletics programs.

[henfan]

Delaware hasn't made a move to play at the highest level possible in the past, but at least in recent history has invested to play at the top of the next level down.

...Eventually.

I'm not as sold as you are that the school is the least bit interested in FB reclassification. They've not hinted at it and they certainly don't appear to be making the kinds of investments necessary to prepare for it. We'll wait and see if Football Stadium Plan 5.0 ever comes to fruition. I'll believe it when I see it.

Meanwhile, one of the UD's biggest obstacles to any FB re-classification is their insistence on the outmoded broad based philosophy. Their athletic expenses are naturally higher because they offer more sports than any other school in the CAA, except W&M. This isn't a school positioning itself for a run at the FBS.

[jmufan]

Exciting for sure, but I would think ODU's decision will have much greater impact on CAA football and the future of JMU & UD football, right? If ODU joins C-USA what do you think is Delaware's (or JMU's) long-term plan for football?

A) Remain in a conference with a core group of schools commited to (or relgated to) FCS, such as W&M, Richmond, UNH, Maine - and maybe add a few new one like Coastal, SBU or others. Non-conference opponets remain mainly in the PL, Ivy, MEAC, and NEC.

or

B) Position UD for growth along with existing FCS programs with larger ambitions, such as JMU, Liberty, Appalachian State, and Georgia Southern that are actively seeking an invite to play FBS football. Non-conference and potential future conference peers may include programs such as Marshall, Buffalo, UMass, Charlotte, East Carolina, etc.

IMO, Hen fans are the ones most strongly divided on which path to choose. At least your program has a choice to make (many do not), but the football world is quickly shifting around you and the ideal scenario for UD (an all-sports conference with high-level FCS football that includes both academic and regional/historic peers) may not exist in the very near future.

ODUs decision would have a greater effect than vcus departure. I am sure if ODU does go, jmu would do what they can to be next, whether that happens remains to be seen.

[bluehenbillk]

Everyone would be shocked if ODU didn't jump. That'd leave the once 12-team CAA with 8 teams for 2013. With a possible rift between football schools & no-football schools in the CAA regarding expansion something will have to give.

I hear people talk about UD, JMU and maybe App State possibly getting together. Maybe lump Liberty & GSU in that bunch, which might be stretching it. Who else would want to join that league knowing they'd be a have-not against those football schools? Don't know if you could fill out a complete league that way?

[MplsBison]

JMU, UD, GA Southern and App St should all be in the FBS.

[aceinthehole]

Everyone would be shocked if ODU didn't jump. That'd leave the once 12-team CAA with 8 teams for 2013. With a possible rift between football schools & no-football schools in the CAA regarding expansion something will have to give.

No doubt about it, the CAA has some tough decsions ahead of itself if ODU bolts and JMU remains interested in FBS.

Here's your factions:
Northern basketball- NU, Hofstra, Drexel, GMU
FCS football - UD, Towson, JMU
FBS hopes - JMU
Southern basketball - UNCW
'CAA Football' - UNH, Maine, 'Nova, Richmond

Do CAA members get a vote on CAA Football (only) membership? Handicapping this is going to be very difficult, because there are a lot of dynamics at play.

For example, adding Stony Brook as a members of the CAA makes a lot of sense because they have both FB and Lax, but how will Maine & UNH react to losing SBU as an a member of America East for hoops and other olympic sports? Will this cause the a new AE-4 (UNH, Maine, SBU, & UA) to agree to defect and join the CAA as a pacakage?

If you subscribe to the premise that each school's #1 priority is to do what's best for the school, not a conference, you can come up with a lot of different scenarios. Clearly, Big South and other conferences are in play, but I'm not sure of all the dynamics going on in other leagues.

[MplsBison]

No doubt about it, the CAA has some tough decsions ahead of itself if ODU bolts and JMU remains interested in FBS.

Here's your factions:
Northern basketball- NU, Hofstra, Drexel, GMU
FCS Football - UD, Towson, JMU
FBS hopes - JMU
Southern basketball - UNCW
CAA Football - UNH, Maine, 'Nova, Richmond

Do CAA members get a vote on CAA Football (only) membership? Handicapping this is going to be very difficult, because there are a lot of dynamics at play.

For example, adding Stony Brook as a members of the CAA makes a lot of sense because they have both FB and Lax, but how will Maine & UNH react to losing SBU as an a member of America East for hoops and other olympic sports? Will this cause the a new AE-4 (UNH, Maine, SBU, & UA) to agree to defect and join the CAA as a pacakage?

If you subscribe to the premise that each school's #1 priority is to do what's best for the school, not a conference, you can come up with a lot of different scenarios. Clearly, Big South and other conferences are in play, but I'm not sure of all the dynamics going on in other leagues.

I doubt any of those four could justify the added expense of non-football in the CAA, to the president, board of regents, taxpayers, etc.

AE is cheap travel and equally one-bid as the CAA now will be.

[aceinthehole]

This is a melodramatic editorial, but there are some cracks in the CAA foundation


Suddenly, the A-10 has strengthened its position as the NCAA's premier conference not involved in football.

The A-10 probably didn't know what a brilliant move it made five years ago, when it got out of the football business and gave control of its Football Championship Subdivision arm to the CAA.

Now, the CAA has been left holding a poker hand that will not be a winner.

Some of the schools in the CAA are basketball-centric. Others are football-centric and want to become FBS programs. Still others like the comfort of the FCS and are incapable of moving up to the FBS.

There is little unity of thought or direction, and with that scenario comes division.

While the CAA tries to hold onto the railing in this storm, the A-10 steams along.
http://hamptonroads.com/2012/05/rich-radford-caa-doomed

[Pard4Life]

An eight team CAA football league would work. Everyone would actually play each other.

There would be no rift between the non-football and football schools. Each side needs the other if the league is to survive. There are more parties wanting to stay together than to leave. Furthermore, you have schools that bridge the gap, like Delaware, WM, and JMU that are major conference cornerstones who do not have or want other options, aside from JMU and rumored FBS.

The CAA isn't the Big East, where there will be a division between schools receiving massive revenue for football.

Worst case scenario is that the CAA football league folds and a new regional league forms, or you have several associate memberships with other leagues.

There is no worry unless you see a CAA bolt to FBS.

[henfan]

For example, adding Stony Brook as a members of the CAA makes a lot of sense because they have both FB and Lax, but how will Maine & UNH react to losing SBU as an a member of America East for hoops and other olympic sports?

According to league bylaws, all CAA member schools receive automatic invitations to CAA FB. Why would UNH's and UMaine's reactions be of concern to the CAA? It's not as if they would have a vote in the matter.

Of course, neither UNH nor UMaine play the sport, but an SBU departure would drop the AEC's MLAX league down to 5 teams. That should definitely be a cause for concern in the AEC's commish.

[aceinthehole]

According to league bylaws, all CAA member schools receive automatic invitations to CAA FB. Why would UNH's and UMaine's reactions be of concern to the CAA? It's not as if they would have a vote in the matter.

Of course, neither UNH nor UMaine play the sport, but an SBU departure would drop the AEC's MLAX league down to 5 teams. That should definitely be a cause for concern in the AEC's commish.

Of course UNH & Maine have no vote, but as you point out, if SBU bolts for the CAA it may help UNH/Maine for football, but it would likely do some damage (indirectly or directly) to some AE olympic sports. I think losing SBU in baseball would hurt the AE (and Maine) as well.

[henfan]

http://hamptonroads.com/2012/05/rich-radford-caa-doomed[/QUOTE]

Yeah, a little melodramatic. Ha.

Wait, wasn't the A-10 the same conference that just lost it's premiere hoops program (Temple) to the Big East? If MBB was so singularly important, why wasn't the A-10 able to maintain UNCC? Why would UMass also be looking to relocate the first chance they get?

FCS FB was never something that held back the A-10 from becoming an NCAA juggernaut. They did such a shxtty job administering the league that it just made sense for another conference to take it over. While it's a nice Olympic sport league with very good MBB, the A-10 will never be a major conference due to the lack of football, specifically FBS FB.

[henfan]

Of course UNH & Maine have no vote, but as you point out, if SBU bolts for the CAA it may help UNH/Maine for football, but it would likely do some damage (indirectly or directly) to some AE olympic sports. I think losing SBU in baseball would hurt the AE (and Maine) as well.

Unfortunately for the AEC, I don't think the well being of their conference is of paramount concern to the CAA.

[aceinthehole]

Unfortunately for the AEC, I don't think the well being of their conference is of paramount concern to the CAA.

Agreed, but it is certainly a concern of 2 CAA Football members; so I'm just wonder what the UNH & Maine ADs are thinking about all this realignment right now. They both look to be in a bind without much leverage.

[Dane96]

I can guarantee you that AE baseball would be in serious trouble if SBU left. It's tenuous at best with the number of teams...

[henfan]

I can guarantee you that AE baseball would be in serious trouble if SBU left. It's tenuous at best with the number of teams...

Wait. This is crazy. Doesn't CCSU offer baseball? ;-)

[aceinthehole]

Wait. This is crazy. Doesn't CCSU offer baseball? ;-)

Yes, CCSU has a very strong baseball program, but not MLax ;)

[GA St. MBB Fan]

This pretty much assures that VCU will never have FB in our lifetimes.

Why? Being in the A-10 didn't stop Charlotte from starting football.


Yes, Georgia State is gone this year as well.

Men's hoops teams eligible for the 2013 CAA Tourney at VCU in Richmond, VA: (8) Delaware, Drexel, George Mason, Hofstra, James Madison, Northeastern, Old Dominion(?), and William & Mary.



Georgia State is playing in the CAA for the 2012-2013 school year in all sports. However, as of right now, they are ineligible for postseason CAA play. This may change though: http://blogs.ajc.com/georgia-state-sports/2012/05/15/how-vcus-decision-affects-gsu-and-the-caa/?cxntfid=blogs_georgia_state_sports (see #3)

[MplsBison]

Both Georgia St and ODU should be eligible to win all CAA titles in the 2012-13 school year and then play full Sun Belt or CUSA schedules in the 2013-14 school year.

That's fair.

[henfan]

Why? Being in the A-10 didn't stop Charlotte from starting football.

FB was also UNCC's ticket out of the A-10. There's no way in hell VCU will ever start FB now, at least not in any of our lifetimes.

[Saint3333]

Why? Being in the A-10 didn't stop Charlotte from starting football.



Georgia State is playing in the CAA for the 2012-2013 school year in all sports. However, as of right now, they are ineligible for postseason CAA play. This may change though: http://blogs.ajc.com/georgia-state-sports/2012/05/15/how-vcus-decision-affects-gsu-and-the-caa/?cxntfid=blogs_georgia_state_sports (see #3)

GA St. - postseason play, why is this a concern - what sport are they going to win?

[BlueHenSinfonian]

Both Georgia St and ODU should be eligible to win all CAA titles in the 2012-13 school year and then play full Sun Belt or CUSA schedules in the 2013-14 school year.

That's fair.

Both schools entered the conference with a full understanding of the bylaws, they should honor them. Yeager's comment on respecting the presidents' vote is just good PR, there is no way the measure for GA State or ODU (should they choose to leave the league) to be eligible for CAA championships will be approved. For football it won't matter, especially with the playoffs expanding if you're 7-4 D1 in the CAA you're going to get an invite, you don't have to win the conference. For basketball GA State doesn't have much sway, and the non-VA schools in the CAA are all tired of the VA-bias, especially with the tournament location, they won't vote to give one of the VA schools (ODU) any breaks when it comes to the basketball tournament.

[GlassOnion]

Exactly how would that be fair?

They leave the conference in a lurch, and then ask for accomodation from the rest of the conference, by requesting that they change the conference by-laws because that team has 1 season left in conference? Why in the world would the other presidents vote for that?

[TheDancinMonarch]

Both schools entered the conference with a full understanding of the bylaws, they should honor them. Yeager's comment on respecting the presidents' vote is just good PR, there is no way the measure for GA State or ODU (should they choose to leave the league) to be eligible for CAA championships will be approved. For football it won't matter, especially with the playoffs expanding if you're 7-4 D1 in the CAA you're going to get an invite, you don't have to win the conference. For basketball GA State doesn't have much sway, and the non-VA schools in the CAA are all tired of the VA-bias, especially with the tournament location, they won't vote to give one of the VA schools (ODU) any breaks when it comes to the basketball tournament.

Should ODU move, which seems likely, they will deserve what they get in terms of conference championship for this season. Nothing. They would have had more than reasonable chances in basketball, football and men's soccer. But that's what happens when delusions of grandeur get in the way.

[MplsBison]

Both schools entered the conference with a full understanding of the bylaws, they should honor them. Yeager's comment on respecting the presidents' vote is just good PR, there is no way the measure for GA State or ODU (should they choose to leave the league) to be eligible for CAA championships will be approved. For football it won't matter, especially with the playoffs expanding if you're 7-4 D1 in the CAA you're going to get an invite, you don't have to win the conference. For basketball GA State doesn't have much sway, and the non-VA schools in the CAA are all tired of the VA-bias, especially with the tournament location, they won't vote to give one of the VA schools (ODU) any breaks when it comes to the basketball tournament.

No flipping way that ODU or GA St don't go the MBB tournament if they win the CAA tournament in 2013. For a one-bid league like the CAA is now, that would be lawsuit worthy IMO.

[MplsBison]

Should ODU move, which seems likely, they will deserve what they get in terms of conference championship for this season. Nothing. They would have had more than reasonable chances in basketball, football and men's soccer. But that's what happens when delusions of grandeur get in the way.

Sandbagger.

[TheDancinMonarch]

Sandbagger.

I'm not trying to sandbag anyone. I opposed to move and consider the inability to compete for conference championships to be an apt punishment. My apologies to the athletes.

[whitey]

No flipping way that ODU or GA St don't go the MBB tournament if they win the CAA tournament in 2013. For a one-bid league like the CAA is now, that would be lawsuit worthy IMO.

Huh? They won't even be allowed to participate in the CAA tournament unless the bylaws are changed.

[MplsBison]

Huh? They won't even be allowed to participate in the CAA tournament unless the bylaws are changed.

Ok, fine.

But I'm saying - that's absolutely wrong.

[GA St. MBB Fan]

FB was also UNCC's ticket out of the A-10. There's no way in hell VCU will ever start FB now, at least not in any of our lifetimes.

So why couldn't FB be VCU's ticket out of the A-10 a few years down the road? I still don't see why VCU moving to the A-10 prohibits VCU from starting football (in our lifetimes).


GA St. - postseason play, why is this a concern - what sport are they going to win?

Basketball, baseball, softball, golf, track, tennis, soccer, cross-country, volleyball. They could win in any of those sports and not be eligible for the CAA tourney.

[MplsBison]

So why couldn't FB be VCU's ticket out of the A-10 a few years down the road? I still don't see why VCU moving to the A-10 prohibits VCU from starting football (in our lifetimes).



Basketball, baseball, softball, golf, track, tennis, soccer, cross-country, volleyball. They could win in any of those sports and not be eligible for the CAA tourney.

Isn't it just for team sports?

Or are you telling my individual athletes at GA St can not even qualify for the CAA conference championship meets in golf, track, XCtry and tennis? That's outright absurd.

[whitey]

Ok, fine.

But I'm saying - that's absolutely wrong.

I'm not going to argue because I think it's a major disservice to the student athletes especially considering other conferences don't have this rule. But that's the way the rules are written right now for the CAA.

[TheDancinMonarch]

I'm not going to argue because I think it's a major disservice to the student athletes especially considering other conferences don't have this rule. But that's the way the rules are written right now for the CAA.

The athletes are eligible for individual conference awards. The University Presidents just did not want a lame-duck school representing them in the post season. They wrote the rule and they voted in the rule. It is not just something being imposed by the "conference".

[Saint3333]

So why couldn't FB be VCU's ticket out of the A-10 a few years down the road? I still don't see why VCU moving to the A-10 prohibits VCU from starting football (in our lifetimes).



Basketball, baseball, softball, golf, track, tennis, soccer, cross-country, volleyball. They could win in any of those sports and not be eligible for the CAA tourney.

It was a joke. You aren't likely to win the conference.

[superman7515]

http://blogs.delawareonline.com/collegesports/


In statement released by Delaware, UD athletic director Bernard Muir said he and university president Patrick Harker “are leading an internal team that has been engaged in a thorough evaluation of the evolving conference realignments and the implications for our student-athletes and the university.”

Muir would not comment beyond the statement, but The News Journal has learned high-ranking UD officials have at least discussed the possibility of moving the Blue Hens to the FBS.

“Obviously, we approach this process carefully and methodically and are working to appropriately assess all options before arriving at a decision,” Muir said.

“This due diligence process requires time to compile and review historical conference data, assess financial and personnel information, understand NCAA, conference and legal implications as well as appropriate potential transition plans and to make a recommendation to the UD Board of Trustees.”

[MplsBison]

http://blogs.delawareonline.com/collegesports/

At least Delaware actually has FBS conference options, geographically. NDSU could form a committee...but not have anywhere to go.

[BlueHenSinfonian]

At least Delaware actually has FBS conference options, geographically. NDSU could form a committee...but not have anywhere to go.

NDSU could fit into the WAC or the extreme west end of the MAC.

[DJnva]

The athletes are eligible for individual conference awards. The University Presidents just did not want a lame-duck school representing them in the post season. They wrote the rule and they voted in the rule. It is not just something being imposed by the "conference".

Sure, but the CAA would get any postseason funds ODU earns...would make sense to me to put them in the best place to earn the CAA some money as a parting gift.

[bluehenbillk]

http://blogs.delawareonline.com/collegesports/

Video of UD statement:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBzJGckMYO4

[NHwildEcat]

NDSU could fit into the WAC or the extreme west end of the MAC.

I am sure if UMass knew that some day their new football conference would expand as far west as ND they may have opted to wait for a BE invite.

[kdinva]

JMU made a press release/statement about actions within the CAA this week:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4500950

Seems here they are "committed" to CAA/1-AA football the remainder of this decade, anyway........

[danefan]

JMU made a press release/statement about actions within the CAA this week:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4500950

Seems here they are "committed" to CAA/1-AA football the remainder of this decade, anyway........

Until they get a better offer somewhere else.....

JMU and Delaware are really holding the CAA Football conference together. Without them the conference looks a lot less attractive to any of the schools they will be pursuing.

[NHwildEcat]

Until they get a better offer somewhere else.....

JMU and Delaware are really holding the CAA Football conference together. Without them the conference looks a lot less attractive to any of the schools they will be pursuing.

True...if they were to bolt, it would be game over for CAA football.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

http://www.college-sports-journal.com/index.php/79-college-sports-journal/chuck-burton/218-old-dominion-departs-caa-for-conference-usa


"James Madison University is extremely proud of its comprehensive commitment to all of its student-athletes, athletic programs and fans," their official release noted. "The conference realignment discussion for some schools has focused on particular sports and in doing so does a disservice to the other student athletes, athletic programs and the fans."

Read in the context of Old Dominion's press conference that football was the "driving force" to their move to Conference USA, it seemed like the Dukes, who have also made their intentions known about wishing to pursue FBS football, we speaking directly to their disappointment with Old Dominion's decision.

My take on this whole release is that's it's a barb directed directly at Old Dominion, who is taking a potshot at the Monarchs for making a move for one sport (football) rather than what's in the best interest for all sports.

[GA St. MBB Fan]

Isn't it just for team sports?

Or are you telling my individual athletes at GA St can not even qualify for the CAA conference championship meets in golf, track, XCtry and tennis? That's outright absurd.

Hmmm....I'm not sure.


It was a joke. You aren't likely to win the conference.

I know it was a joke. We aren't likely to win the conference in what? Football? You're right, we aren't and most GA State fans expect us to very poor in 2012. But the other sports? We have been quite competitive in, and it is very possible that we could be contending for a conference title in basketball, baseball, softball, golf, track, tennis, soccer, cross-country, volleyball.


Sure, but the CAA would get any postseason funds ODU earns...would make sense to me to put them in the best place to earn the CAA some money as a parting gift.

Yep. Which is why if you ask me, we should try to pull a VCU and get in the SBC for the Olympic sports beginning in 2012-2013 or just forfeit every CAA game. Because if Georgia State or ODU were to make it to the tourney, they would not see any of that tourney money under the current set up.

[ASUMountaineer]

Hmmm....I'm not sure.



I know it was a joke. We aren't likely to win the conference in what? Football? You're right, we aren't and most GA State fans expect us to very poor in 2012. But the other sports? We have been quite competitive in, and it is very possible that we could be contending for a conference title in basketball, baseball, softball, golf, track, tennis, soccer, cross-country, volleyball.



Yep. Which is why if you ask me, we should try to pull a VCU and get in the SBC for the Olympic sports beginning in 2012-2013 or just forfeit every CAA game. Because if Georgia State or ODU were to make it to the tourney, they would not see any of that tourney money under the current set up.

Hard to feel sorry for GSU or ODU in that situation. Those were the rules they knew before making the decision to jump. I don't blame either school for moving, but you can't come back and try and change the rules after the fact. However, I doubt GSU is willing to forfeit games.

[GA St. MBB Fan]

Hard to feel sorry for GSU or ODU in that situation. Those were the rules they knew before making the decision to jump. I don't blame either school for moving, but you can't come back and try and change the rules after the fact. However, I doubt GSU is willing to forfeit games.

I agree that GSU is unwilling to forfeit games, that's not Ron Hunter's style any way. With regard to be eligible for the conference tourney, I think there is a chance a waiver could pass because the CAA is in a unique predicament. That is, not only is VCU gone, and GSU and ODU ineligible, but Towson and UNCW are ineligible as well due to academic sanctions. That leaves the CAA with a 7 school tourney.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

NJIT: "Sure! We'll be in the CAA for a year!" xlolx

[blukeys]

JMU's long term plans are FBS.

Delaware's long term plans are to twiddle thumbs and hope an aging fanbase continues to pay the bills while the over 60 crowd continues their mantra of "the students don't matter" and do their best to drive the young people out of the stadium.

Please explain to me how the older fans "do their best to drive the young people out of the stadium"

Your statement has no basis in facts.

Either put up or shut up Superman.

Please give me your detailed analysis with examples of how older fans are doing "their best to drive the young people out of the stadium"

Specific examples would be appreciated.

As someone who is either the father or uncle of 3 season ticket holders under the age of 30, I really resent your dumb and stupid post about the very loyal Delaware fanbase at or over the age of 60.

Many Delaware fans and season ticket holders are the result of Fathers and Grandfathers who took kids to games for years.

Your gratuitous and totally stupid comment that Delaware fans over the 60 are "trying to drive young people out of the stadium" is totally at the odds with any facts. Most UD fans were introduced to UD football by those over 60 fans you are insulting.

Superman it is obvious you have no clue what you are talking about. But, I will await your reply as to why the over 60 fans at UD are such a bad thing for the school and attendance.

[Tubby Raymond]

Please explain to me how the older fans "do their best to drive the young people out of the stadium"

Your statement has no basis in facts.

Either put up or shut up Superman.

Please give me your detailed analysis with examples of how older fans are doing "their best to drive the young people out of the stadium"

Specific examples would be appreciated.

As someone who is either the father or uncle of 3 season ticket holders under the age of 30, I really resent your dumb and stupid post about the very loyal Delaware fanbase at or over the age of 60.

Many Delaware fans and season ticket holders are the result of Fathers and Grandfathers who took kids to games for years.

Your gratuitous and totally stupid comment that Delaware fans over the 60 are "trying to drive young people out of the stadium" is totally at the odds with any facts. Most UD fans were introduced to UD football by those over 60 fans you are insulting.

Superman it is obvious you have no clue what you are talking about. But, I will await your reply as to why the over 60 fans at UD are such a bad thing for the school and attendance.
How about reiterating the same point over and over again

How about reiterating the same point over and over again

How about reiterating the same point over and over again

How about reiterating the same point over and over again

How about reiterating the same point over and over again

How about reiterating the same point over and over again

[superman7515]

Please explain to me how the older fans "do their best to drive the young people out of the stadium"

I've heard numerous times from the older crowd that the "students don't matter" because they aren't buying tickets. That thinking is exactly what is driving young people out of the stadium. If you don't pay any attention to them when they're students, they have little reason to pay attention to you when they graduate. How about the deafening silence that is the over 60 crowd and how they complain when the students and younger fans stand up and make noise because all that enthusiasm blocks their view. Have you not noticed that the majority of the fans in the stands are not under 40 and that those older fans that are leaving, for whatever reasons they are leaving, are not being replaced at the same rate? They gave away tickets and sold them for $5 a game, literally gave away money for games, bilked season ticket holders by charging mandatory donations to the UDAF for seats and then sold better seats for 1/2 the price, and the attendance still dropped by 1,000 a game. Three different home games that were the lowest attended in 20 years and you don't think that the people are disinterested because the older set clings the 1970's as some sort of golden heyday that never passed? Pining for the good old days of playing Temple, CW Post, and Gettysburg but doing nothing to advance the program. Let's say that the older set came into their means at the age of 25, for some it was a bit earlier, some later, but we'll shoot for the median. That means for at least the last 35 years, the program has been theirs. What advancement to facilities did they bring about since 1977? The stadium is still the same, but after 35 years the seating has decreased so the attendance record is nearly 40 years old. Obviously no advancement there. There are now handrails and lights. Kudos. They had to be dragged into D1 in the 1980's, kicking, screaming, and complaining the whole time, but never demanded that UD give up West Chester because they couldn't really give up on the 1970's. The bathrooms? A wall you urinate on into a trough. 1970's. Clinging to "traditional rivalries" that current students have never heard of nor do they care to know of, so thousands of them pack into the parking lot to tailgate but as soon as the game starts they literally walk back to Main Street to go watch "real football" somewhere else. I'm not advocating moving anywhere, but times change and UD football hasn't. Other schools have caught and surpassed what UD had, while Delaware clung to the days of yore and it shows when you look at the age of those attending. I'm certainly not trying to insult you or anyone else, but the fact remains that those fans allowed UD to be complacent, they never planned for the future, and they never gave to the program, at least according to Muir and Harker when they instituted the seating policy. It's great that some people brought their kids and grandkids to the games, but why ignore the 15,000 of them enrolled two blocks away?

[Sader87]

Holy Cross has to have the "oldest loyal fan base" in America. I defy anyone to come up with a school that has as many fans over 50 years of age (who actually attend and sit through games at Fitton or away) than those under 50 (percentage-wise).

[ASUMountaineer]

I agree that GSU is unwilling to forfeit games, that's not Ron Hunter's style any way. With regard to be eligible for the conference tourney, I think there is a chance a waiver could pass because the CAA is in a unique predicament. That is, not only is VCU gone, and GSU and ODU ineligible, but Towson and UNCW are ineligible as well due to academic sanctions. That leaves the CAA with a 7 school tourney.

I definitely agree there's a chance they get a waiver.

[whitey]

I definitely agree there's a chance they get a waiver.

They need 7 of the 9 remaining schools to say yes. Three schools (JMU, W&M and UNC-W) have already come out and flat out stated they will not vote to change the rule. Snowballs chance in hell of it happening.