TxSt Students Talking FBS Move

[TexasTerror]

There's more and more talk out of San Marcos that Texas State - San Marcos could very well move to FBS or 'Division I' (as the student politicos advertise) starting on June 1st.

It's election time and this is the main issue at the heart of the election, a move to FBS. One 'in the know' poster says that 'it isn't just politicking', so perhaps there is something behind this.

Thoughts? Thoughts on the possible move of TXST? Thoughts on the possible realignment of the SLC?


Just finished talking to the guy. He is running on the Reagan and Alexis President Ticket.

Honestly, I think it is just a guy politicking

Quotes from his chronie-
"Conference USA has shown interest in us since the 2005 season"
"UH will bring more fans to Bobcat Stadium than SFA"

Quotes from Candidate-
I asked him if CUSA has shown interest in Texas State--
"CUSA hasn't shown interest in us, but they would be the conference we would like to join when we move to BS"
"Moving to BS is going to be hard, but so was the name change."

Why June 1?-
Supposedly the NCAA is fixing to change the attendence rules requiring members to have 20,000 average attendance at games.

What has to be done?-
According to the candidate, LT and Trauth have to sign a piece of paper stating a commitment to move up. ASG will continue to raise the athletic fee by 10% (state-maximum) annually to help pay for increased scholarships.

Credit: http://www.bobcatfans.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=120631#120631

[TexasTerror]

This is just hypothetically and just for fun, since I enjoy talking conference realignment. To me, Texas State - San Marcos and Lamar are the two schools getting all worked up about possibly leaving the SLC. I can see UTSA leaving the SLC as well at some point mainly due to the large market they have.


SLC 2010...
Central Arkansas
Delta State (Div II)
McNeese State
Nicholls State
Northwestern State
Southeastern Louisiana

Houston Baptist (NAIA, non-FB)
Sam Houston State
Stephen F Austin
Tarleton State (Div II)
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
UT-Arlington (non-FB)

Your new schools would be Div II Delta State, Div II Tarleton State and NAIA Houston Baptist.

Delta State would be a great leap into Mississippi for the SLC. Some quality programs at hand and I think it would be a nice upgrade for the SLC once they got settled in.

Tarleton State would be a great pairing for UT-Arlington and has applied for SLC admission in the past. Work needs to be done facility-wise, but I think Tarleton State adds more than a UT-Pan American or Centenary. Centenary has a great market (Shreveport/Bossier City) to add, but I think Tarleton State could contribute more athletically at the Div I level.

Houston Baptist is apparently looking to move back into Div I after about two decades out. Into the Houston market for the SLC. SLC has no private schools, so this may be a tough sticking point for HBU. Would SLC want a private institution?

What would be intriguing is if LSU-Shreveport, another NAIA, thought about moving up. Helluva basketball school and in a great market. Could they provide more than Centenary? Apparently, Oklahoma City University, an NAIA power, is looking at a Div I move, but would the SLC want to go into Oklahoma? SLC shell has always been Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana.

[Pageoner]

Sunbelt?
and didnt they lose to SUU last year?lol

[Fresno St. Alum]

I think Texas St. will leave soon. I don't know about the others. There are already 13 members in the Sun Belt Texas St. would make 14. Tarleton St. would probably be at the top to replace them since the have football and HBU doesn't but if the SLC knows that Lamar and or UTSA add football why not take HBU.

[TexasTerror]

UT-Brownsville has a desire to join the SLC? Apparently, a bill in the Texas Legislature is meant to help them do that. This is the first I've heard about this. Will see if I can confirm this...

UT-Brownsville competes in NAIA. Until May 2006, they were a JUCO participating in the NJCAA. Baseball, soccer, golf and volleyball are offered there.
-----------------------
The big bucks also push other schools to keep up, which can sometimes translate into tuition increases. This is even going on within the UT System, specifically at UT-Brownsville. A bill by Sen. Eddie Lucio, D-Brownsville, seeks to charge UT-Brownsville students a fee of $8 per credit hour for their athletics program so the school can enter NCAA's Southland conference. Students at UT-Brownsville taking 12 hours would see their tuition rise $84 each semester, and they already pay $12 per credit hour to help fund the program.

http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2007/04/02/Opinion/Editorial.Bloated.Ncaa.Powerhouses-2816428-page2.shtml

[TexasTerror]

I think Texas St. will leave soon. I don't know about the others. There are already 13 members in the Sun Belt Texas St. would make 14.

All starts in C-USA. What will happen there? Will they break apart? Take LA Tech from the WAC? Go into the Sun Belt to add a school or few?


Tarleton St. would probably be at the top to replace them since the have football and HBU doesn't but if the SLC knows that Lamar and or UTSA add football why not take HBU.

I agree. SLC only adds a non-football school is a non-football school leaves. SLC is ideal at eight teams, and would only be better at nine teams (four home, four away) for football...no more, don't want a 'mandate' or 'skipping' foes every ___ year.

[Fresno St. Alum]

TT, why are the UT-Brownsville Scorpions, linked with Texas Southmost College? Are they on the same campus?

[TexasTerror]

TT, why are the UT-Brownsville Scorpions, linked with Texas Southmost College? Are they on the same campus?

Apparently it has something to do with Texas Southmost College being what amounts to a 'feeder' school or JUCO program to the four-year UT-Brownsville...


After UTB was created, a 99 year partnership was established between UTB and TSC allowing for students from TSC to seamlessly transition in to the four year University without having to apply a second time.

[Fresno St. Alum]

I kind of thought UT-Brownsville would try and replace MSU-Billings in the Heartland. Good to know that they have a higher goal.

[TexasTerror]

Articles on UT-Brownsville's Athletic Fees bill...no mention of Div I hopes anywhere. I think there was some confusion on this one...an error on the side of the Daily Texan perhaps...

Athletic Fee at UTB/TSC to Promote Growth in Services to Students
http://blue.utb.edu/newsandinfo/2007%C2%AD%C2%AD_02_19AthleticFeeFiledAustin.htm

UTB fee-hike bill left pending in Senate committee
http://www.uh.edu/ednews/2007/brownsville/200703/20070313utb.html

Brownsville Legislators at Odd (scroll down within issue)
http://www.utsystem.edu/news/weeklyupdates/2007/Issue5.html

[Fresno St. Alum]

ahh, damn that sucks. But I'll be on the lookout for them to move to the Heartland in D-II

[kats89]

There's more and more talk out of San Marcos that Texas State - San Marcos could very well move to FBS or 'Division I' (as the student politicos advertise) starting on June 1st.

It's election time and this is the main issue at the heart of the election, a move to FBS. One 'in the know' poster says that 'it isn't just politicking', so perhaps there is something behind this.

Thoughts? Thoughts on the possible move of TXST? Thoughts on the possible realignment of the SLC?



Credit: http://www.bobcatfans.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=120631#120631

Obviously those two dont know much. Since when has TSU avg. 20K in a season at a football game?xlolx xconfusedx

Why do they think CUSA would take them?xcoffeex

[CatFan22]

Sunbelt?
and didnt they lose to SUU last year?lol

They lost to UNC too.

[gokats85]

Obviously those two dont know much. Since when has TSU avg. 20K in a season at a football game?xlolx xconfusedx

Why do they think CUSA would take them?xcoffeex

20K (give or take) is what the University of Houston and Rice average in football attendance.

[youwouldno]

C-USA is already a big conference and has recently expanded. They have zero interest in Tx St, that's just common sense. If Tx St goes FBS, it will be to the putrid Sun Belt, where perhaps they could join soon-to-be-floundering WKU.

[slycat]

Obviously those two dont know much. Since when has TSU avg. 20K in a season at a football game?xlolx xconfusedx

Why do they think CUSA would take them?xcoffeex

well in theory our attendance would become higher because people would rather see CUSA schools at home then SLC. plus they travel better.

i think this is more BS that the Texas St AGS is spilling trying to gain support. its an easy way to get people listen to you.

ive said it before and ill say it again. i dont support a move at this point and if its to the sunbelt ill be really pissed.

as for schools that could replace us. i see abilene christian being a strong canidate. or maybe west texas a&m. i know ACU showed interest during the last expansion. centenary in LA is also a choice.

[patssle]

The biggest thing I don't understand is that you guys have had hardly any success in the past 20 years in the SLC except for 2005. What on earth makes you think you'll have any chance at the FBS level?

Not talking smack...just trying to make sense of it.

[McNeese75]

The biggest thing I don't understand is that you guys have had hardly any success in the past 20 years in the SLC except for 2005. What on earth makes you think you'll have any chance at the FBS level?

Not talking smack...just trying to make sense of it.

There is no sense to it!!!xrotatehx

[GeauxColonels]

IF Texas State left, I think they would HAVE to be replaced by a FOOTBALL-playing school. The SLC doesn't need anymore non-football schools.

That being said....if Texas A&M-CC adds football, it may be easier to find a replacement for the Bobcats as a non-football playing school would be slightly more acceptable (in my view at least). But I would really like to see 9 football-playing teams in the SLC.

[GeauxColonels]

The biggest thing I don't understand is that you guys have had hardly any success in the past 20 years in the SLC except for 2005. What on earth makes you think you'll have any chance at the FBS level?

Not talking smack...just trying to make sense of it.
I think you have to look at it from this point of view:


FBS is the $$-maker; as such, FBS schools get the most exposure from ESPN, SI and basically all other media. There are students at EVERY school that think anything less that FBS isn't worth the trouble. Many people that push for these moves do so without really knowing what kind of monetary commitment an FBS program takes and think that just because they're in FBS, they'll be successful. Why? Well, because that's what their dream is.
You can't fault anyone for wanting a successful program, but you also need to step back and look at all the facts. For every South Florida, there are teams like Louisiana-Monroe, FIU and FAU have moved to FBS with little-to-no success.

I don't think that there is a right or wrong here...it's really what the students, administration, fans and all other stake-holders want for a school. Do they want to field a Sun Belt or CUSA school that has a chance to play in the New Orleans Bowl or the Liberty Bowl? Or do they want to compete for an NCAA sanctioned national championship?

To each his own.

[kats89]

well in theory our attendance would become higher because people would rather see CUSA schools at home then SLC. plus they travel better.
i think this is more BS that the Texas St AGS is spilling trying to gain support. its an easy way to get people listen to you.

ive said it before and ill say it again. i dont support a move at this point and if its to the sunbelt ill be really pissed.

as for schools that could replace us. i see abilene christian being a strong canidate. or maybe west texas a&m. i know ACU showed interest during the last expansion. centenary in LA is also a choice.

I think you have to avg 20K before you could make the jump. Correct me if I am wrong.

[slycat]

I think you have to avg 20K before you could make the jump. Correct me if I am wrong.

well in that case the only way that can happen would require a stadium expansion (wont happen anytime soon). we would also have to have success like App St or Montana for a longer period of time to draw fans in. hard for that to happen in texas with so many school trying to get recruits. or a i guess some rich alum could buy 5000 extra tickets and give them away so it reaches the mark. the ASG and some fans here think its easy to move up. xrotatehx

[GeauxColonels]

I think you have to avg 20K before you could make the jump. Correct me if I am wrong.
True...but if a school were to declare their intent to move, and apply for the move, I think they would be subject to the rules and guidelines that were in existence at the time of the application.

That being said, what is the CURRENT attendance requirement? What does Texas State average?

[TexasTerror]

Money is THE issue and truthfully they should be able raise the money when they announce Texas State's intentions to move up. When the money is raised everything else will fall into place. It's time to get going on this.

(Credit: http://www.bobcatfans.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=120722#120722)

Didn't then-SWT and Jim Wacker announce a move to what was then-Division I-A a few years back? Where'd the money go from that?

[ucdtim17]

There's no amount you need to average to move up - didn't WKU average like 9k last year? The NCAA rubber-stamps everyone

[Mr. C]

I'll say it again. DUMB IDEA! Don't know why there is all this talk from such a mediocre program. To me, Texas State is to Texas what Cal State Northridge was to USC. They have ZERO chance to succeed with this type of a move. Can you call Texas State the next Idaho?

[appfan2008]

I think you have to avg 20K before you could make the jump. Correct me if I am wrong.
Texas State does not come close to that but nor did western kentucky... but wku and tsu will both suck in fbs football... stupid moves... why do it? you dont have much success at fcs level so why move up? it just doesnt even make sense

[Mr. C]

Western Kentucky had at least won a national championship and had been arguably one of the top 10 or 12 programs in the FCS in recent years, though there isn't much support locally for the Hilltopper football program (9K attendance average for one of the top teams in the FCS?). Texas State has ONE decent season where it ties for a league championship and makes it to the semifinals and is talking big.

[Tod]

Western Kentucky had at least won a national championship and had been arguably one of the top 10 or 12 programs in the FCS in recent years, though there isn't much support locally for the Hilltopper football program (9K attendance average for one of the top teams in the FCS?). Texas State has ONE decent season where it ties for a league championship and makes it to the semifinals and is talking big.

Totally agree with you, Mr. C. This is just nuts. I don't think they really know what they're asking for. xsmhx xsmhx xsmhx

[Keeper]

(bumper sticker)
"WHERE THE HELL IS SAN MARCOS ?"

[TexasTerror]

(bumper sticker)
"WHERE THE HELL IS SAN MARCOS ?"

Between Austin and San Antonio...very much in University of Texas country...

They are proud of their city, hence the name of the school 'TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY - SAN MARCOS'...xthumbsupx

[patssle]

(bumper sticker)
"WHERE THE HELL IS SAN MARCOS ?"

They call San Marcos the piss stop for those travelling between San Antonio and Austin.

[blackfordpu]

There is no sense to it!!!xrotatehx

Agreed.

Why move up and continue to easily get your ass kicked when you can stay in the SLC and at least have a chance?

A winning program in the FCS is bound to make more money than a losing program in FBS.

[bobcatalum05]

They call San Marcos the piss stop for those travelling between San Antonio and Austin.

What would you call Huntsville then. Prisonville.

[Mr. C]

Can we avoid sending this thread to the smack board, please?

[MplsBison]

Why do so many people here get so pissed at FCS move ups?

Why take it personal?

[ButlerGSU]

The biggest thing I don't understand is that you guys have had hardly any success in the past 20 years in the SLC except for 2005. What on earth makes you think you'll have any chance at the FBS level?

Not talking smack...just trying to make sense of it.

I was thinking the same thing. They had one good year.

[Shockerman]

(bumper sticker)
"WHERE THE HELL IS SAN MARCOS ?"

I think you just answered your own question in regards to Texas State wanting to move up.

[youwouldno]

Why do so many people here get so pissed at FCS move ups?

Why take it personal?

Smart fans are just irritated by extreme irrationality, whether it relates to FCS/FBS or something else, like you saying the Ivies should be in the playoffs even though by rule they cannot show up.

[rufus]

Why do so many people here get so pissed at FCS move ups?

Why take it personal?
I've never really been able to understand why people get so sensitive about the topic either. What's right for one school isn't necessarily right for another. If the Ivies or some of the SWAC don't want to participate in the playoffs, then so be it. If Stony Brook wants to play football in a southern conference, well I guess that's their choice.

The same goes for a move to FBS. The FCS subdivision is about cost containment first and foremost. If a school is no longer interested in cost containment football, then by all means, they should no longer participate in FCS. If Texas State can fully fund FBS football, and it's students and alums prefer FBS football, then maybe Texas State should be playing FBS football.

[MplsBison]

What if a school is not interested in cost containment but could never reach a football budget of 10 million-20 million?

[appfan2008]

Texas State can do what they want but what i dont understand is why follow in the footsteps of so many others (the louisiana schools, fau, fiu, buffalo, idaho, mtsu, troy...) and move up... they all lose money lose football games and get no more recognition than a school that does well year in and year out at the fcs level (montana, uni, gsu, furman, ysu, ASU and others) my two cents

[henfan]

So the TSU students are talking. Talk is cheap. Fielding a competitive BCS level FB program, especially in the shadow of the burnt orange... well, not so cheap.

[rufus]

What if a school is not interested in cost containment but could never reach a football budget of 10 million-20 million?
Considering that TCU is the only non-BCS school with a football budget over $10 million, I would guess that a $10-20 million dollar budget isn't really necessary. Even so, Texas State would probably need to consider doubling its football budget. I honestly have no idea whether the students would support this move, since most of this money would probably come out of student fees. But if their student government decides to raise fees to cover the cost, then that's their choice. Again, it just doesn't matter to me whether Texas State plays FBS or FCS. It's their call.

[slycat]

after looking around our message board for awhile it seems im a very small minority that doesnt want to move up.

[slycat]

post from bobcatfans about budget


Marshall competes in Conf USA on about $16 million. If the students were willing to pay an extra $50 a semester and you can get the alumni to make up the other $3million we could easily make it. We would still need some large donations to upgrade our big 3 facilities.

To be even more competitive we would need to quickly kick it up to $20million. The wac also looks very attainable.

2004-2005 budgets of schools in Conf-USA. Private Schools dont have the same reporting requirements so they are alot harder to find.

Conf USA

1. University of Memphis $24,289,381

2. University of Houston $22,648,933

3. University of Central Florida $22,089,418

4. University of Texas-El Paso $21,325,408

5. East Carolina University $21,128,219

6. University of Alabama-Birmingham $18,784,112

7. University of Southern Mississippi $18,246,484

8. Marshall University $16,323,459


Sun Belt
1. Florida Atlantic University $14,454,890

2. Florida International University $14,431,410

3. Troy State University $11,975,714

4. University of North Texas $10,643,248

5. University of Louisiana-Lafayette $7,622,387

6. University of Louisiana-Monroe $6,652,372

WAC
1. Fresno State $26,691,142

2. University of Hawaii $19,878,946

3. University of Nevada $18,677,243

4. Boise State University $16,693,080

5. San Jose State University $13,157,436

6. New Mexico State University $12,856,716

7. University of Idaho $11,864,247

8. Louisiana Tech University $11,009,487

9. Utah State University $10,965,546

MWC

1. University of New Mexico $27,594,982

2. San Diego State University $26,110,436

3. University of Utah $25,506,145

4. University of Nevada-Las Vegas $24,580,619

5. University of Wyoming $21,445,005

6. Colorado State University $19,043,174


Southland Conference
1. Texas State University-San Marcos $10,168,753

2. Stephen F. Austin State University $8,638,645

3. Northwestern State University $6,183,405

4. Sam Houston State University $6,180,659

5. Nicholls State University $3,677,392

[Mr. C]

So why does this person think the WAC would be quickly "attainable"? Simply because the budgets are lower? The WAC would have ZERO interest in Texas State. There is NO reason for bringing the Bobcats into that league. These people throw out these numbers like it is chump change. Also costs have escalated substantially over the past few years.

Do you know if the figures are for total athletic budget (as I expect they are), or are they football only?

The only league that would have ANY interest in Texas State would be the Sun Belt and I'm not sure even that awful conference would want the Bobcats. It would just spread the league even further west. The talk of Conference USA is even more of a joke.

[MylesKnight]

About the future of the SLC, at what point does the the University of Texas-Pan American get involved in this discussion?

The Athletic Program at UT-PA is being cleaned up and this school and if any Conference is a good fit for the Broncs, it is the SLC.

Thoughts?

[ucdtim17]

Wow - we already have a higher budget than everyone in the Sun Belt and we're not even full DI members yet. That whole league belongs in FCS

[Mr. C]

You are right on the mark with that comment.

[TexasTerror]

So the TSU students are talking. Talk is cheap. Fielding a competitive BCS level FB program, especially in the shadow of the burnt orange... well, not so cheap.

You'd be surprised...

Your calling them 'TSU' (or Texas State Univ - San Marcos) because they had students who ignored the administration and the Board of Regents to make things happen. Yep, name change came because some students went around several barriers...

Student talk is not as cheap as it seems in San Marcos. May be a huge undertaking, but the students may be able to put some more pressure on this to happen than meets the eye...

[TexasTerror]

About the future of the SLC, at what point does the the University of Texas-Pan American get involved in this discussion?

The Athletic Program at UT-PA is being cleaned up and this school and if any Conference is a good fit for the Broncs, it is the SLC.

Thoughts?

No replacement of a football-playing school with a non-football playing school. Simple as that...

Then again, if UTSA, Lamar or whomever else adds football after a TXST were to leave (if that occured), more chance of PanAm in the discussion. Personally, I'd prefer Tarleton St or Delta St before a UTPA...

[Mr. C]

You'd be surprised...

Your calling them 'TSU' (or Texas State Univ - San Marcos) because they had students who ignored the administration and the Board of Regents to make things happen. Yep, name change came because some students went around several barriers...

Student talk is not as cheap as it seems in San Marcos. May be a huge undertaking, but the students may be able to put some more pressure on this to happen than meets the eye...
Students alone are not going to raise the kind of cash needed to make a SUCCESSFUL move to the FBS. The whole point of everyone's skepticism is the fact that someone needs to show us the money. And those same students will be trashing the football team after a few of those 3-9 seasons.

[bigd]

Wow - we already have a higher budget than everyone in the Sun Belt and we're not even full DI members yet. That whole league belongs in FCS

No UCD just belongs in FBS.xsmiley_wix

Here are the football budgets, not all around athletic budgets like above of the only conferences they have a chance at:

UCD 1.68
Texas State 2.437

SUN BELT
Mid Tennessee State 4.750
Florida International 4.717
Troy 4.172
Florida Atlantic 3.587
Arkansas State 3.572
North Texas 3.200
Louisiana Lafayette 2.747
Western Kentucky 2.713
Louisiana Monroe 2.538

C-USA
SMU 10.710
Rice 9.062
Central Florida 7.176
Memphis 7.077
UTEP 6.507
Houston 6.321
Marshall 5.732
Southern Mississippi 5.556
Tulsa 5.472
East Carolina 5.372
Tulane 5.286
UAB 4.777

[Mr. C]

Again, Texas State has ZERO chance of getting into Conference USA.

[rufus]

You'd be surprised...

Your calling them 'TSU' (or Texas State Univ - San Marcos) because they had students who ignored the administration and the Board of Regents to make things happen. Yep, name change came because some students went around several barriers...

Student talk is not as cheap as it seems in San Marcos. May be a huge undertaking, but the students may be able to put some more pressure on this to happen than meets the eye...
It's good to see the students of Texas State taking a stand and playing a role in the administration of their university. After all, it is their university. With 18,000 students, their student government would only need to raise fees by around $83 per semester to generate another $3 million a year needed to fund FBS football. Although they'll still need to look to the alumni community to fund facilities improvements.

[TheRiver]

There is like 28,000 students at TXST

[ucdtim17]

There can't be many schools that spend a smaller portion of their overall athletic budget on football than us

[BearsCountry]

I think alot of comes with the name they have. I know us and Illinois State want to live up to our name and FBS is more recongition than FCS. Trouble is neither of us have a conference to move up in all-sports that is better than the MVC, well I know MSU wouldnt mind a move to CUSA and probally could get it in if we move up if an opening was available.

[GeauxColonels]

So why does this person think the WAC would be quickly "attainable"? Simply because the budgets are lower? The WAC would have ZERO interest in Texas State. There is NO reason for bringing the Bobcats into that league. These people throw out these numbers like it is chump change. Also costs have escalated substantially over the past few years.

Do you know if the figures are for total athletic budget (as I expect they are), or are they football only?

The only league that would have ANY interest in Texas State would be the Sun Belt and I'm not sure even that awful conference would want the Bobcats. It would just spread the league even further west. The talk of Conference USA is even more of a joke.
I was thinking the same thing. Even if they could attain a budget equal to WAC schools....travel costs would be RIDICULOUS for other sports.

[Mr. C]

I think alot of comes with the name they have. I know us and Illinois State want to live up to our name and FBS is more recongition than FCS. Trouble is neither of us have a conference to move up in all-sports that is better than the MVC, well I know MSU wouldnt mind a move to CUSA and probally could get it in if we move up if an opening was available.
So are you saying that the reason that you and Texas State changed your schools' names (a dumb move by both IMO, I hate name changes) was to move to the FBS? BTW, Missouri State has about as much chance of getting into CUSA as Texas State, though at least the Bears have a decent basketball program.

[Mr. C]

It's good to see the students of Texas State taking a stand and playing a role in the administration of their university. After all, it is their university. With 18,000 students, their student government would only need to raise fees by around $83 per semester to generate another $3 million a year needed to fund FBS football. Although they'll still need to look to the alumni community to fund facilities improvements.
It's going to take A LOT MORE than $3 million a year to make something like FBS work at Texas State. New facilities, more money for ALL sports to travel etc. Most teams that have made the move make more money, but they also LOSE more money, too. This is a fiscal black hole and all to feed some people's egos and little more.

$3 million a year would be just enough to bring you a program like Idaho's. Wouldn't folks in San Marcos enjoy that?

[Shockerman]

Wow - we already have a higher budget than everyone in the Sun Belt and we're not even full DI members yet. That whole league belongs in FCS

Couldn't agree with you more.

[Seat16Demon]

If the NCAA enforced more strictly some of the 'rules and regulations' governing the requirements for FBS membership, the Sun Belt would empty back into FCS.

[MplsBison]

Has there ever been a team that went from FBS down to FCS since 73?

[Fresno St. Alum]

Sun Belt is the best Texas St. can get. C-USA would take La. Tech or N.Texas next. There is a latter that most if not all have to climb.

[GeauxColonels]

If the NCAA enforced more strictly some of the 'rules and regulations' governing the requirements for FBS membership, the Sun Belt would empty back into FCS.
True. xnodx

[TexasTerror]

From the University President of then-Southwest Texas State, circa 2000...

The special events have ended and the fanfare has died down; however, Southwest Texas State University has one final hurrah in its Centennial Campaign.

Football has been a part of the fabric of Southwest Texas since the year after the doors of the school opened. Woven into that fabric are back-to-back national championships, rivalries with A&I and Sam Houston and Stephen F..

Why would Southwest Texas want to move up to Division I-A football? Good question. But there are good answers, too.

The decision to go I-A by 2004 is a pivotal step in advancing the prestige of SWT. Now we must take steps to get us there.

“Timing is everything, and I’m unbelievably convinced that now is our time to make this move! We’re excited!”

http://www.ua.txstate.edu/univadv/hillviews/2000/spring/contents.html

[Mr. C]

Sun Belt is the best Texas St. can get. C-USA would take La. Tech or N.Texas next. There is a latter that most if not all have to climb.
CUSA wouldn't touch either Louisiana Tech or North Texas IMO, unless it is after a split-up of the league. There is a chance that the eastern schools in the league could leave and that would make it more attractive for some more geographically-based schools.

[Mr. C]

From the University President of then-Southwest Texas State, circa 2000...

The special events have ended and the fanfare has died down; however, Southwest Texas State University has one final hurrah in its Centennial Campaign.

Football has been a part of the fabric of Southwest Texas since the year after the doors of the school opened. Woven into that fabric are back-to-back national championships, rivalries with A&I and Sam Houston and Stephen F..

Why would Southwest Texas want to move up to Division I-A football? Good question. But there are good answers, too.

The decision to go I-A by 2004 is a pivotal step in advancing the prestige of SWT. Now we must take steps to get us there.

“Timing is everything, and I’m unbelievably convinced that now is our time to make this move! We’re excited!”

http://www.ua.txstate.edu/univadv/hillviews/2000/spring/contents.html
Just goes to show you how CLUELESS some presidents can be.

[TexasTerror]

CUSA wouldn't touch either Louisiana Tech or North Texas IMO, unless it is after a split-up of the league. There is a chance that the eastern schools in the league could leave and that would make it more attractive for some more geographically-based schools.

C-USA is going to split. No doubt in my mind...too many issues with the eastern school (i.e Marshall, East Carolina)...LA Tech will be the first to join C-USA...

UTSA is more likely to join C-USA than Lamar or Texas St-San Marcos...

[Bearkats94]

What about Angelo State? They will have a strong financial backing from the Texas Tech now so who knows what mite happen. Them and Tarleton would be a strong Western Division.

[Bearkats94]

C-USA is going to split. No doubt in my mind...too many issues with the eastern school (i.e Marshall, East Carolina)...LA Tech will be the first to join C-USA...

UTSA is more likely to join C-USA than Lamar or Texas St-San Marcos...

There would be some major hot heads in San Marcos if that happen.xlolx xnodx

[TexasTerror]

What about Angelo State? They will have a strong financial backing from the Texas Tech now so who knows what mite happen. Them and Tarleton would be a strong Western Division.

Angelo State is not in the Texas Tech system just yet...has not been passed at this point. I wouldn't think they'd be as high up on the list as some schools already in Div I and schools like Tarleton and Delta St...

[dbackjon]

C-USA is going to split. No doubt in my mind...too many issues with the eastern school (i.e Marshall, East Carolina)...LA Tech will be the first to join C-USA...

UTSA is more likely to join C-USA than Lamar or Texas St-San Marcos...

It cracks me up that Texas State so gets under your skin that you bother to type out Texas St-San Marcos in every post...xlolx xlolx

[Bearkats94]

There going to have to change there name again to lose there reputation of the laugh stock of football.xlolx

[TexasTerror]

It cracks me up that Texas State so gets under your skin that you bother to type out Texas St-San Marcos in every post...xlolx xlolx

I battled the name change in Austin in 2003 due to concerns about eventual attempts to change the name of Sam Houston State, which proved to ring true...

Those who have followed me in Huntsville are currently battling to protect the name of Sam Houston State in Austin, in a fight that really gained steam after Southwest Texas changed their name to Texas State University - San Marcos in large part due to the egos of a few students who put themselves above everyone else without going about things properly...

Gawd forbid Sam Houston State become a Texas State University - Sam Houston. Hence, I move now to protect our future interests, as well as other institutions in the Texas State University System, by calling the San Marcos school by it's full name. There's nothing inappropriate about it. It is their official name...

This is very personal. I'll not support a school with a name other than Sam Houston State. I'd support a Sam Houston University considering the lack of support from the state of Texas nowadays...

[BearsCountry]

So are you saying that the reason that you and Texas State changed your schools' names (a dumb move by both IMO, I hate name changes) was to move to the FBS? BTW, Missouri State has about as much chance of getting into CUSA as Texas State, though at least the Bears have a decent basketball program.

Why is our name changes such a bad thing? Southwest Missouri State was a horrible name. Missouri State is alot better and represents what are university is about. Also you forgot about our strong women's bb program (2 Final Fours) and a College World Series team in baseball plus when are new bb arena opens up, I would like to see any school outside of the BCS to match us in basketball and baseball stadiums.

We wouldn't get an invite now to CUSA but if we could improve football, our weak link, we would get a shot IMO. Alot of them like Western Kentucky and we are similar.

[Shockerman]

Why is our name changes such a bad thing? Southwest Missouri State was a horrible name. Missouri State is alot better and represents what are university is about. Also you forgot about our strong women's bb program (2 Final Fours) and a College World Series team in baseball plus when are new bb arena opens up, I would like to see any school outside of the BCS to match us in basketball and baseball stadiums.

Don't worry, you'll always be SWOMO to me! xthumbsupx

Seriously though, my grandpa still refers to Wichita State as Wichita U, and that name change was over 50 years ago. However, I do support the name change though of both SWOMO to Mo-state and SWT to Texas State as someday my kids and grandkids will only know SWOMO as Mo-state, which is good. It just goes to show how long it takes for a name change to really take place.

By the way, a buddy of mine who's brother goes to UNO said there was a petition to change the name of the school to Nebraska State, but still remain in the U system. Might be a good move for them, again, when looking fifty years down the road.

[Fresno St. Alum]

TT, is Angelo St. gonna be Angelo Tech?

Shock, The Nebraska St. thing is on the D-II board but I don't know if there is any real truth to it.

Mr.C., I know that C-USA won't take anyone else now but if a spot opened up those would have been the top 2.

[TxState_GO_CATS!]

we all know this whole thing is just a ploy to get more ASG (student government) votes just like it was last year. relax guys--we aren't going anywhere. :-)

[TexasTerror]

TT, is Angelo St. gonna be Angelo Tech?

We've got to see Angelo St move to the Tech system before we even get to that point. The TSUS administration is not too thrilled with this move as it's a slap in their face. But, that's what happens when we switched to a different model within the system.

They're also not too thrilled with the SHSU attempt to protect it's own name, but even the more broad name protection bill that would protect Lamar and Sul Ross. They see it as another slap to them considering they want to change all the names over which has led to some dissension on the board...

[MplsBison]

I battled the name change in Austin in 2003 due to concerns about eventual attempts to change the name of Sam Houston State, which proved to ring true...

Those who have followed me in Huntsville are currently battling to protect the name of Sam Houston State in Austin, in a fight that really gained steam after Southwest Texas changed their name to Texas State University - San Marcos in large part due to the egos of a few students who put themselves above everyone else without going about things properly...

Gawd forbid Sam Houston State become a Texas State University - Sam Houston. Hence, I move now to protect our future interests, as well as other institutions in the Texas State University System, by calling the San Marcos school by it's full name. There's nothing inappropriate about it. It is their official name...

This is very personal. I'll not support a school with a name other than Sam Houston State. I'd support a Sam Houston University considering the lack of support from the state of Texas nowadays...

Then leave the Texas State system right now.

What are you waiting for?


Maybe team up with SFA and start your own system.

[TexasTerror]

Then leave the Texas State system right now.

What are you waiting for?


Maybe team up with SFA and start your own system.

The state of Texas is looking to consolidate. It's no secret. SHSU would only be allowed to leave for another system (similar to Angelo St's attempt to move to the Texas Tech system).

Our system does not have a flagship, though the folks in San Marcos have tried to obtain it (despite their own representation saying SHSU has the lead academically -- that's their current student body president among them).

Our system was very university-independent. Now, it's chancellor-strong and we have a chancellor who is in possession of all sorts of control. He was messing with Angelo St to the point some folks were not too thrilled, which led for their push out.

Sul Ross should join Angelo St in the Texas Tech system. SHSU should stay with the Lamar components and grab SFA for our own system. Texas State - San Marcos should have their own Board of Regents per the request of the alums. Perhaps they'll have the same issues as each independent school (see SFA and especially Texas Southern's woes as of late). Perhaps that'd wake them up to reality...they already criticize their administration with every waking moment of every day. Being an independent would be even worse for them...

[MplsBison]

The state of Texas is looking to consolidate.

You mean TX St, UT, TAMU, Houston, N TX, etc. all under one system?

[TexasTerror]

You mean TX St, UT, TAMU, Houston, N TX, etc. all under one system?

No. There'd be several systems, but I'd look for most (if not all -- Texas Southern is an icky subject) of the independent schools to get taken up by other systems and perhaps some other shuffling (see Angelo St to Texas Tech system) to make for fewer systems...

Texas Higher Ed Coordinating Board President is from California. Lots of talk has occurred since he came on board, which has increased the urgency of certain schools (i.e SHSU) to protect their name...

[bobcatalum05]

So why does this person think the WAC would be quickly "attainable"? Simply because the budgets are lower? The WAC would have ZERO interest in Texas State. There is NO reason for bringing the Bobcats into that league. These people throw out these numbers like it is chump change. Also costs have escalated substantially over the past few years.

Do you know if the figures are for total athletic budget (as I expect they are), or are they football only?

The only league that would have ANY interest in Texas State would be the Sun Belt and I'm not sure even that awful conference would want the Bobcats. It would just spread the league even further west. The talk of Conference USA is even more of a joke.


That was my post on Bobcatfans.com and I was just providing a look at other schools in mid major athletic budgets.

Just a guess of what it would take to begin to compete in a FBS conference is $16million. Again that is just the begining. Our budget is $10.6 million and with 27,500 students we would only have to raise athletice fees by about $35 a semester if you include summer school. The alumni and the increase in ticket sales/merchandising would have to come up with the other $3million a year.

Also, a large capital campaign would have to be completed to expand the football stadium, upgrade the Baseball/Softball complex considerably, and renovate the basketball arena.

The reason I mentioned the WAC is because LA Tech is competiting in that conference with a budget that is not much larger than the one we already have. We are actually closer than the other schools in the WAC than LA Tech. New Mexico State is competiting in the WAC on $12.7million.

http://ope.ed.gov/athletics/search.asp

I was just giving a list of figures to give people more information on what it would take to compete at a Mid Major level.

Yes, I want to move up. As a school of 27,500 I just want to see TXST live up to its potential.

[WUTNDITWAA]

I've never really been able to understand why people get so sensitive about the topic either. What's right for one school isn't necessarily right for another. If the Ivies or some of the SWAC don't want to participate in the playoffs, then so be it. If Stony Brook wants to play football in a southern conference, well I guess that's their choice.

The same goes for a move to FBS. The FCS subdivision is about cost containment first and foremost. If a school is no longer interested in cost containment football, then by all means, they should no longer participate in FCS. If Texas State can fully fund FBS football, and it's students and alums prefer FBS football, then maybe Texas State should be playing FBS football.


There you go again with all that crazy talk about a school deciding for itself.xsmiley_wix

[walliver]

Why is our name changes such a bad thing? Southwest Missouri State was a horrible name. Missouri State is alot better and represents what are university is about. Also you forgot about our strong women's bb program (2 Final Fours) and a College World Series team in baseball plus when are new bb arena opens up, I would like to see any school outside of the BCS to match us in basketball and baseball stadiums.

We wouldn't get an invite now to CUSA but if we could improve football, our weak link, we would get a shot IMO. Alot of them like Western Kentucky and we are similar.

Western Kentucky is in the Sunbelt, not C-USA.

[Seat16Demon]

I battled the name change in Austin in 2003 due to concerns about eventual attempts to change the name of Sam Houston State, which proved to ring true...

Those who have followed me in Huntsville are currently battling to protect the name of Sam Houston State in Austin, in a fight that really gained steam after Southwest Texas changed their name to Texas State University - San Marcos in large part due to the egos of a few students who put themselves above everyone else without going about things properly...

Gawd forbid Sam Houston State become a Texas State University - Sam Houston. Hence, I move now to protect our future interests, as well as other institutions in the Texas State University System, by calling the San Marcos school by it's full name. There's nothing inappropriate about it. It is their official name...

This is very personal. I'll not support a school with a name other than Sam Houston State. I'd support a Sam Houston University considering the lack of support from the state of Texas nowadays...


TT, I'm right there with ya. There are two main systems in LA. The LSU system and the Univ. of LA system. We fought, and to a degree still fight, this battle in LA. LSU (and satellites) does their own thing and collects a tremendous amount of the state funding. The Univ. of La. system has a majority of the other schools (i.e. Northwestern State, McNeese, Nicholls, SLU, Grambling, etc.) and gets a lot less funding. We have two step-children in the system AKA U. of La-Laf. and U. of La-Monroe who proceeded to send us all into upheaval for a while over names and heritage. Needless to say, it's all about $$$$. They wanted to name change to go 'big-time' in FBS (1-A at the time). This has proven to be hilarious since U-LA-Monroe has had to change mascots and such because of the Native American controversy. Both of these schools just happen to be in the aforementioned Sun Belt.
xeyebrowx

[BearsCountry]

Western Kentucky is in the Sunbelt, not C-USA.

Key word "like" didnt say they were members.

[youwouldno]

Just a side-note, not only do WKU/Tx St etc. have no shot at C-USA, but C-USA isn't even a good football conference at this point. Getting to a BCS bowl is very difficult out of there now, with their recent defections.

[FormerPokeCenter]

Yes, I want to move up. As a school of 27,500 I just want to see TXST live up to its potential.

Winning consistently in the SLC would be a step in the right direction in that regard...

If you can't win effectively and consistently in the SLC, what makes you think a few additional scholarships would change that?

[TexasTerror]

Winning consistently in the SLC would be a step in the right direction in that regard...

If you can't win effectively and consistently in the SLC, what makes you think a few additional scholarships would change that?

And it's not like their basketball program is that attractive either at this point. They did make a great hire and I think the program will climb out of it's hole, but that may be a year, if not longer down before they can climb up to the level where they can compete regularly for the SLC title, which really isn't that big a deal...

[GeauxColonels]

TT, I'm right there with ya. There are two main systems in LA. The LSU system and the Univ. of LA system. We fought, and to a degree still fight, this battle in LA. LSU (and satellites) does their own thing and collects a tremendous amount of the state funding. The Univ. of La. system has a majority of the other schools (i.e. Northwestern State, McNeese, Nicholls, SLU, Grambling, etc.) and gets a lot less funding. We have two step-children in the system AKA U. of La-Laf. and U. of La-Monroe who proceeded to send us all into upheaval for a while over names and heritage. Needless to say, it's all about $$$$. They wanted to name change to go 'big-time' in FBS (1-A at the time). This has proven to be hilarious since U-LA-Monroe has had to change mascots and such because of the Native American controversy. Both of these schools just happen to be in the aforementioned Sun Belt.
xeyebrowx
I think the best part about it is the way people associated with UL-Lafayette insist on calling the school UL or Louisiana and refer to their sports teams as "Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns"!!! Louisiana's? I don't want them! lol xlolx xlolx

[walliver]

I think the best part about it is the way people associated with UL-Lafayette insist on calling the school UL or Louisiana and refer to their sports teams as "Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns"!!! Louisiana's? I don't want them! lol xlolx xlolx

"The University of Louisiana" was the original name of a New Orleans institution which later changed its name, after a big gift from Paul Tulane.xtwocentsx

[McNeese75]

I think the best part about it is the way people associated with UL-Lafayette insist on calling the school UL or Louisiana and refer to their sports teams as "Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns"!!! Louisiana's? I don't want them! lol xlolx xlolx

Don't send em our way either :D

[Green Cookie Monster]

post from bobcatfans about budget

Sac State at $12M is in great shape when compared to the Sun Belt and some WAC programs. Our $1.7M football budget would need to expand. What are the conference payouts to each school in the Sun Belt and WAC?

[GeauxColonels]

"The University of Louisiana" was the original name of a New Orleans institution which later changed its name, after a big gift from Paul Tulane.xtwocentsx
Yeah. Then the University of Southwestern Louisiana tried to change its name to the University of Louisiana in the 1980s; but the attempt was blocked in the legislature by some pretty influential LSU backers. So, when the names of USL and Northeast Louisiana University were changed simultaneously, it pissed them off even more. xlolx xlolx xlolx

[GeauxColonels]

Don't send em our way either :D
Um...what if I send them there for you guys to beat them on the field? xthumbsupx

[treacherous]

Hold onto your hats. This is going to happen, and the money and community is there to support it.

[TexasTerror]

Hold onto your hats. This is going to happen, and the money and community is there to support it.

Is this attempt #2 or #3 by your institution to move up? Third time is possibly the charm...xnodx

[TexasTerror]

From the University Star, the Texas State - San Marcos student newspaper. Not sure if this is 'all talk' to get the vote out or what...never know with those ASG kids! They keep talking about June 1st as I'm not sure they will have a strategic plan by that point...

Both ASG presidential candidates pushing for Division 1A

By Jacob Mustafa
The University Star

The push for Texas State football to become a Division I-A program will be a hot-button issue in the upcoming Associated Student Government elections, with both of the major student body presidential candidates having their say on the matter.

The Division I-A move has been a topic brought up at ASG meetings, message boards and The University Star for some time, but with a June 1 deadline approaching, ASG candidates are bringing the message to the masses. The NCAA’s bylaws state in order to be considered for a move to Division I-A, a university must submit a confirmation by June 1 detailing its strategic plan and philosophy.

Presidential candidate Reagan Pugh argued the move would be beneficial to school pride and prestige, as does his opponent Chris Anderson.

“If we want to go in the right direction then on June 1, (Texas State President Denise) Trauth needs to sign off on us going Division I(-A),” Pugh said.

http://star.txstate.edu/content/view/3084/

[slycat]

good points by our AD why it would stupid to try to move by june 1st. lets win in the FCS first.

[TexasTerror]

Cover sports story in today's fishwrap in San Marcos about FBS/I-A for the Bobcats from San Marcos...

Mon, Apr 09 2007
I-A for Texas State? Not so fast

College Athletics

By Bart Isley
Daily Record Sports

San Marcos — In Texas, like in much of the rest of the country, football has a seismic impact on the rest of the college sports landscape. Rarely does a school discuss a move up in classification or a change in conference affiliation because the equestrian team “has been so darn successful.”

At Texas State it’s clear that the aftershock of the 2005 playoff run by the Bobcat football team has yet to run its course. For the first time, a move up from the Championship Subdivision (formerly known as I-AA) to the Bowl Subdivision (formerly called I-A), has become a major, explosive issue in the Associated Student Government elections.

At first glance it would appear that the two presidential candidates are doing little more than taking a minor issue and exploiting it for the purposes of rallying the student body — the collegiate equivalent of a third grade politico promising chocolate milk for everyone in the cafeteria or no more homework if he’s elected.

But there’s much more to this particular discussion than a campaign promise. Athletic director Larry Teis has acknowledged that there are a number of donors that have said they’ll donate large sums of money if Texas State will announce a desire to move to Division I-A in football. Teis has also casually discussed a possible move up with a number of leaders from viable I-A conferences like the Mountain West, Conference USA and the WAC.

http://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/sports/local_story_097143155.html?keyword=topstory

[ucdtim17]

Good article. There are likely several schools ahead of them in the sights of the 3 conferences mentioned should they want to expand - the Sun Belt might be looking for schools during the next conference shakeup, but that's about the only forseeable scenario

[TexasTerror]

Good article. There are likely several schools ahead of them in the sights of the 3 conferences mentioned should they want to expand - the Sun Belt might be looking for schools during the next conference shakeup, but that's about the only forseeable scenario

I'm not sure, reading the Bobcats board, that the Sun Belt is what they'd want. I think they'd rather stay in the SLC than go to the Sun Belt. Would theirs fan really care more about Arkansas State than McNeese State? I'm not sure their fans could get pumped for Florida Atlantic as they completely no-showed a televised game against them a few years back...

[dbackjon]

UT-San Antonio’s announcement that it’ll advance to the I-A level with its newly minted football program has also catalyzed discussion at Texas State. One must, as always in college sports, keep up with the Roadrunners, of course.

Did we miss this?

[TexasTerror]

Did we miss this?

UTSA has done a study and it was recommended (and the admin agreed with it) that they would go to FBS after a brief stay in FCS...

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17323

[dbackjon]

UTSA has done a study and it was recommended (and the admin agreed with it) that they would go to FBS after a brief stay in FCS...

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17323

thanks - that was during a down time for me on-line!!

[ucdtim17]

I'm not sure, reading the Bobcats board, that the Sun Belt is what they'd want. I think they'd rather stay in the SLC than go to the Sun Belt. Would theirs fan really care more about Arkansas State than McNeese State? I'm not sure their fans could get pumped for Florida Atlantic as they completely no-showed a televised game against them a few years back...


That's what I meant - the WAC, MWC, and CUSA all have other more attractive candidates. The Sun Belt looks like the only option under any scenario and I don't think they want that