Western Kentucky opponents through 2017

[wkuhillhound]

I don't whether or not it has been put on here yet. If it has oops my bad...

On an April 27, 2007 at wkusports.com there was an article about WKU future opponents that will visit the new stadium and this will be able to put WKU on the map for future opponents in other sports as well. If there was a benefit for WKU going to FBS here it is. Here are just some of the opponents.

WKU will host........

Ball State in 2008
Bowling Green University in 2010
Indiana in Sept. 2010
Miami (Ohio) in 2011
Navy in 2013
Army in 2014
Iowa State in Sept. 2015
Army in 2016

WKU will have 8 Sun Belt Conference starting in 2009 and will play 4 non-conference games for a total of 12 games.

For the 2008 Schedule they will play six conference opponents.......

WKU will host
Middle Tennessee
Florida Atlantic
North Texas

WKU will travel to
Arkansas State
Florida International
Troy

Beginning in 2009 the have home games in odd years against
Arkansas State
Florida International
Louisiana-Lafayette
Troy

for even years
Florida Atlantic
Louisiana-Monroe
North Texas
Middle Tennessee

[MplsBison]

You've made the committment to give 85 scholarships instead of 63.

That's 22 more young men who will have the opportunity to play football as a scholarship athlete.


Hopefully, being a state university, the increase will go mostly to KY players.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Unless EKU is one of these opponents, why should we care? Incidentally, I didn't see them in your post.

[henfan]

If there was a benefit for FCS fans of WKU's move to the Sun Belch, it's this: fewer condescending threads like the preceeding one.

:pumpuke:

How many ways can you say, "We don't care?"

[wkuhillhound]

Unless EKU is one of these opponents, why should we care? Incidentally, I didn't see them in your post.

Eastern Kentucky is on the schedule for 2007 but I don't know about any other year.

[wkuhillhound]

If there was a benefit for FCS fans of WKU's move to the Sun Belch, it's this: fewer condescending threads like the preceeding one.

:pumpuke:

How many ways can you say, "We don't care?"

I feel very sorry for you. xnonono2x xwhistlex xcoffeex

[Mr. C]

Really, why should anyone around here care about WKU's schedule, unless it involves an FCS team? Hope you enjoy all of those "great" games you will be seeing in Bowling Green. We all know your move had NOTHING to do with football.

[walliver]

Shouldn't this be in the "Other Sports" forum?
(No offense intended).

[wkuhillhound]

Really, why should anyone around here care about WKU's schedule, unless it involves an FCS team? Hope you enjoy all of those "great" games you will be seeing in Bowling Green. We all know your move had NOTHING to do with football.

WKU can't help about the conference that they are in. The situation might have been different if WKU was in a different conference.

The haters are coming to roast on this thread. Maybe WKU should decide to stagnate so that YOU can like us. Western Kentucky enjoyed their many years with FCS, but we have a president who is a visionary and we will see it to the end. Whether anyone here likes it or not. WKU will probably end up playing FCS opponents in the future anyway so that it may be worthwhile to look at in future years.

[WUTNDITWAA]

Good grief, some of you remind me of those four "other" guys on the Alltel commercials. Show some respect.






Or come and get your love, at least. xsmiley_wix

[Mr. C]

Good grief, some of you remind me of those four "other" guys on the Alltel commercials. Show some respect.




Or come and get your love, at least. xsmiley_wix
Why should I respect a school that moves to FBS solely to benefit its BASKETBALL program. This move had nothing to do with football. WKU won a national championship in 2002, but has done nothing but slide backwards in football ever since. There is nothing to respect about this move.

[Mr. C]

WKU can't help about the conference that they are in. The situation might have been different if WKU was in a different conference.

The haters are coming to roast on this thread. Maybe WKU should decide to stagnate so that YOU can like us. Western Kentucky enjoyed their many years with FCS, but we have a president who is a visionary and we will see it to the end. Whether anyone here likes it or not. WKU will probably end up playing FCS opponents in the future anyway so that it may be worthwhile to look at in future years.
I'm a hater because I choose to tell the truth about a subject? Your president has a "vision" for basketball, not for football. WKU is not ready to move up in football. You don't have the fan base and your competitive stature has been sliding backwards for five years, ever since you brought in your new coach. There is nothing stagnant about playing football in the Gateway Conference. If anything, the Gateway took your move and went out and made itself better with the addition of North Dakota State and South Dakota State. Come back and tell us how much you enjoy life in the FBS after a few 3-9 seasons.

P.S. Most of us on this board hope to see Eastern Kentucky beat the stuffing out of the Hilltoppers this year. If you are going to end one of the best rivalries in college football, end it with a bang.

[WUTNDITWAA]

Nothing to respect about a school trying to better itself through athletics, while not cheating, so far as we know? I choose to look at the big picture, and WKU is making a move it feels will best advance its position -- much like the Dakota schools are doing, only they're moving to Division I-FCS.

[MplsBison]

the Gateway took your move and went out and made itself better with the edition of North Dakota State and South Dakota State.


With the edition of NDSU and SDSU?



And you're a professional writer?

[WUTNDITWAA]

Not a math guy. I was never good at addition. :o

Good catch. xthumbsupx


Edit: On first read, I thought you were catching a typo of mine. I've been hitting the backspace more than the actual keys today. I've got to ge some sleep. xoopsx

[Mr. C]

So now Minneapolis Bison is going to pick on everyone's typos? With your track record of messing up facts, you really have NO reason to go there.

[Mr. C]

Nothing to respect about a school trying to better itself through athletics, while not cheating, so far as we know? I choose to look at the big picture, and WKU is making a move it feels will best advance its position -- much like the Dakota schools are doing, only they're moving to Division I-FCS.
What big picture? They are sacrificing their football program with the hope of some day getting in a bigger conference for basketball (the one sport that they truly care about at WKU). This wasn't a football move.

[Shockerman]

Oddly enough, the joke is on Western Kentucky. This move to FBS was primarily made so that their basketball team could get into a better conference. Word on the street is that the Valley is about to add Saint Louis University to the league which would put us at 11 members. I believe WKU would have been a shoe in for #12. The SLU deal is far from concrete, but I really believe if WKU was available this deal would be far more likely.

[WUTNDITWAA]

What big picture? They are sacrificing their football program with the hope of some day getting in a bigger conference for basketball (the one sport that they truly care about at WKU). This wasn't a football move.

I think WKU is one of few schools that make moves based on their basketball programs. Villanova is an example of the this (UMass, Richmond, Duke, and Georgetown also come to mind). The only difference is that these schools are already in a good situation basketball-wise.

The only good basketball move WKU may have been able to make without altering its football program would have been to move to the Atlantic 10. However, that's about as geographically rediculous as if St. Louis was in the A-10.

xwhistlex Strike that last sentence.

[UncleSam]

I don't whether or not it has been put on here yet. If it has oops my bad...

On an April 27, 2007 at wkusports.com there was an article about WKU future opponents that will visit the new stadium and this will be able to put WKU on the map for future opponents in other sports as well. If there was a benefit for WKU going to FBS here it is. Here are just some of the opponents.

WKU will host........

Ball State in 2008
Bowling Green University in 2010
Indiana in Sept. 2010
Miami (Ohio) in 2011
Navy in 2013
Army in 2014
Iowa State in Sept. 2015
Army in 2016

WKU will have 8 Sun Belt Conference starting in 2009 and will play 4 non-conference games for a total of 12 games.

For the 2008 Schedule they will play six conference opponents.......

WKU will host
Middle Tennessee
Florida Atlantic
North Texas

WKU will travel to
Arkansas State
Florida International
Troy

Beginning in 2009 the have home games in odd years against
Arkansas State
Florida International
Louisiana-Lafayette
Troy

for even years
Florida Atlantic
Louisiana-Monroe
North Texas
Middle Tennessee


Sorry, but I'm not impressed and if I werre a WKU fan, I'd much rather see conference games vs YSU, UNI and SIU as opposed to likes of North Texas, Florida Atlantic and Florida International. As for those FBS games, they're nice, but they are all opponents that could be scheduled while remaining in the FCS.

But good luck to WKU, since they're not a BCS member, they are going to need it.

[MplsBison]

Oddly enough, the joke is on Western Kentucky. This move to FBS was primarily made so that their basketball team could get into a better conference. Word on the street is that the Valley is about to add Saint Louis University to the league which would put us at 11 members. I believe WKU would have been a shoe in for #12. The SLU deal is far from concrete, but I really believe if WKU was available this deal would be far more likely.


Have you seen the renderings of SLU's new arena?

Wow.



Ever thing they'd go for football? Maybe play in Edward Jones?

[89Hen]

I feel very sorry for you. xnonono2x xwhistlex xcoffeex
I agree with henfan. Thanks for coming, but this belongs on the "Other Sports" board.

[dbackjon]

I agree with henfan. Thanks for coming, but this belongs on the "Other Sports" board.

That's three...

I am glad you are posting this, and glad you are still a part of the board. But this is now "Other Sports".

[youwouldno]

This is all very simple. WKU is sacrificing football so that they have a shot at the MAC down the line. It's not a great gamble, but I suppose its not entirely out of the question.

WKU is never going to play in a BCS bowl. Not in 5 years, not in 35 years. I'll take the playoffs.

[henfan]

Hillhound, no need to feel sorry for me, personally. I wish WKU nothing but the best in the future. Honestly though, your school is now outside of my periphery and, I'd bet, the periphery of most who read this message board. There's really little reason to offer a post like this on an FCS board.

Though you may not have intended to come off as condescending, surely you understand how readers, particularly those from the GFC, could find your post to be so. If you really think WKU is making a huge upgrade by joining the SBC vs. the GFC, heaven bless you. I'm sure our GFC friends would strongly disagree.

Hey, come back and join us anytime. Just check the unnecessarily uppity tone at the door.

Cheers.

[andy7171]

Hillhound, no need to feel sorry for me, personally. I wish WKU nothing but the best in the future. Honestly though, your school is now outside of my periphery and, I'd bet, the periphery of most who read this message board. There's really little reason to offer a post like this on an FCS board.

Though you may not have intended to come off as condescending, surely you understand how readers, particularly those from the GFC, could find your post to be so. If you really think WKU is making a huge upgrade by joining the SBC vs. the GFC, heaven bless you. I'm sure our GFC friends would strongly disagree.

Hey, come back and join us anytime. Just check the unnecessarily uppity tone at the door.

Cheers.
Dang! And coming from a Delaware fan! OUCH that hurts! ;) xcoolx

[Killtoppers90]

This is all very simple. WKU is sacrificing football so that they have a shot at the MAC down the line. It's not a great gamble, but I suppose its not entirely out of the question.

WKU is never going to play in a BCS bowl. Not in 5 years, not in 35 years. I'll take the playoffs.
I still don't see it as a sacrifice but to each his own. And For the rest of ya, I still think 1-AA football is a great thing - WKU just isn't a part of anymore. No attitudes, no remorse, no issues or condescension here but don't killus for trying to improve. Even if in your eyes it may not be!

[catamount man]

I still don't see it as a sacrifice but to each his own. And For the rest of ya, I still think 1-AA football is a great thing - WKU just isn't a part of anymore. No attitudes, no remorse, no issues or condescension here but don't killus for trying to improve. Even if in your eyes it may not be!

I will wish you nothing but the best in your move to FBS and I mean that in all sincerity.

GO CATAMOUNTS!!!

[PantherRob82]

So now Minneapolis Bison is going to pick on everyone's typos? With your track record of messing up facts, you really have NO reason to go there.

He's AGS' own Mr Negative, expect nothing less.

[PantherRob82]

Oddly enough, the joke is on Western Kentucky. This move to FBS was primarily made so that their basketball team could get into a better conference. Word on the street is that the Valley is about to add Saint Louis University to the league which would put us at 11 members. I believe WKU would have been a shoe in for #12. The SLU deal is far from concrete, but I really believe if WKU was available this deal would be far more likely.

The SLU deal is miles from concrete. I don't think it will even happen.

[dbackjon]

He's AGS' own Mr Negative, expect nothing less.


Just put him ignore. Life is much easier that way.

[MplsBison]

My logical arguments are so devastating that your only choice left is to stick your head in the sand.

[Mr. C]

My logical arguments are so devastating that your only choice left is to stick your head in the sand.
Logic? Minneapolis Bison?

xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx

Seeing those words together make me think of incongruent, paradoxical, oximoronic, discordant, conflicting, contradictory, incompatible. You get the idea.

[Fresno St. Alum]

The SLU deal is miles from concrete. I don't think it will even happen.
I talked to one of the guys from collegesportsinfo.com and they said it probably wasn't going to happen. They just posted the article that was writen about it. SLU makes sense in the MVC but they think the A-10 works so whatever.

[PantherRob82]

My logical arguments are so devastating that your only choice left is to stick your head in the sand.

How many different threads have you posted that on?

[PantherRob82]

I talked to one of the guys from collegesportsinfo.com and they said it probably wasn't going to happen. They just posted the article that was writen about it. SLU makes sense in the MVC but they think the A-10 works so whatever.

I don't think most of the fans or teams really want them. They wouldn't provide added strength and they'd be the home team for the conf tourney.

[Fresno St. Alum]

they should do much better with Majerus coaching

[EKU05]

I'm a hater because I choose to tell the truth about a subject? Your president has a "vision" for basketball, not for football. WKU is not ready to move up in football. You don't have the fan base and your competitive stature has been sliding backwards for five years, ever since you brought in your new coach. There is nothing stagnant about playing football in the Gateway Conference. If anything, the Gateway took your move and went out and made itself better with the addition of North Dakota State and South Dakota State. Come back and tell us how much you enjoy life in the FBS after a few 3-9 seasons.

P.S. Most of us on this board hope to see Eastern Kentucky beat the stuffing out of the Hilltoppers this year. If you are going to end one of the best rivalries in college football, end it with a bang.

Agreed on that last statement, but if you think this move was all about basketball then you have negative amounts of knowledge on the subject. If it was motivated by anything other than football it was the idea of the university in general trying to compete with Louisville and Kentucky.

The "motivated by basketball" thing is a ridiculous assumption. I'm sure that was viewed as one postive aspect of the move, but c'mon...

Also, the disappointing part is that WKU wanted to extend the football series...even offering a 10 year deal initially. EKU has hesitated to sign anything long term. The good news is with WKU redshirting a bunch of veteran players and basically their entire incoming class I think the Colonels are going to go down to WKU and score a nice win this season.

Also, for the record the current EKU-WKU contract has two games remaining...not one. After this season Western will still owe one more trip to Richmond.

[89Hen]

If it was motivated by anything other than football it was the idea of the university in general trying to compete with Louisville and Kentucky.
Louisville = Big East, Kentucky = SEC... not sure I follow that moving the football to the Sun Belch is an effort to realistically compete with that. xeyebrowx

[andy7171]

Just put him ignore. Life is much easier that way.
Nothing could be more true! xnodx

[EKU05]

Louisville = Big East, Kentucky = SEC... not sure I follow that moving the football to the Sun Belch is an effort to realistically compete with that. xeyebrowx


Are you aware of what the word "trying" means?

Of course they're not going to immediately be on that level, but they are considering this step one. I'm sure WKU, in their own head, is eventually picturing moving out of the SBC.

Truth be told, just the FBS football in general will help them in terms of casual perception of the school. That's really stupid, but it's true. 89Hen, I'm not sure where you're originally from, but if it is Delaware you may not have a good frame of reference since the flagship school in your state is FCS, but just that simple classification has already gotten them more positive press than they ever got before here in Kentucky.

Casual observers won't think of them the same way as U of L and UK right now...and maybe not ever. But this move has taken them a level above EKU and the MSUs..again in terms of casual observers.

[89Hen]

Are you aware of what the word "trying" means?

Of course they're not going to immediately be on that level, but they are considering this step one. I'm sure WKU, in their own head, is eventually picturing moving out of the SBC.

Truth be told, just the FBS football in general will help them in terms of casual perception of the school. That's really stupid, but it's true. 89Hen, I'm not sure where you're originally from, but if it is Delaware you may not have a good frame of reference since the flagship school in your state is FCS, but just that simple classification has already gotten them more positive press than they ever got before here in Kentucky.

Casual observers won't think of them the same way as U of L and UK right now...and maybe not ever. But this move has taken them a level above EKU and the MSUs..again in terms of casual observers.
I've been out of Delaware before thanks. xrolleyesx How much has LA-Lafayette gained over McNeese or Southern by moving up to LSU's level of football? How about FIU or FAU now on FU, FSU and Miami's level. The Sun Belt IMO is actually a step down. They are kind of a joke in I-A. I'd rather be another classification than a joke in your own division. xtwocentsx

[Mr. C]

Agreed on that last statement, but if you think this move was all about basketball then you have negative amounts of knowledge on the subject. If it was motivated by anything other than football it was the idea of the university in general trying to compete with Louisville and Kentucky.

The "motivated by basketball" thing is a ridiculous assumption. I'm sure that was viewed as one postive aspect of the move, but c'mon...

Also, the disappointing part is that WKU wanted to extend the football series...even offering a 10 year deal initially. EKU has hesitated to sign anything long term. The good news is with WKU redshirting a bunch of veteran players and basically their entire incoming class I think the Colonels are going to go down to WKU and score a nice win this season.

Also, for the record the current EKU-WKU contract has two games remaining...not one. After this season Western will still owe one more trip to Richmond.
When are they going to honor that contract and come back to Richmond?

On the other stuff, I have to respectively disagree. WKU doesn't have the fan base (never has), or the football facilities to compete with ANYONE on the FBS level. I doubt that there will be a sudden influx to Bowling Green to see all of these SBC and MAC opponents. The only school they really draw for is EKU. This move, for football, is almost certainly going to be a failure. Even when WKU was in the playoffs and the I-AA championship game, they didn't draw flies. They had a terrible crowd in Chattanooga for their championship-game victory (about the worst representation of any team I've seen play in the final).

And in regards to the thing about the move putting WKU, at least in perception, about EKU, you'd have to be pretty stupid to believe that makes WKU better. I'd take EKU over WKU any day.

[youwouldno]

Well having 85 scholarships does make it easier to get into a halfway decent mid-major FBS conference. WKU would be less likely to get into the MAC or (in some kind of dream world) C-USA with 63; not that they're getting into one of those anyway. Maybe in 20 years.

One curious thing is that Sun Belt basketball was pretty much horrible last year. Since WKU was already in the SBC for basketball, the FBS move doesn't effect that sport; but any downturn in basketball could be devastating financially.

[FCS_pwns_FBS]

No attitudes, no remorse, no issues or condescension here but don't killus for trying to improve.

I'll ask you the same question I ask GSU fans that want us to move into the Sun Belt...there is nothing wrong with having ambitions to one day be an FBS powerhouse...but I don't see how playing football in the Sun Belt is going to get you there any faster. You are playing in a conference that gets no more TV coverage/national exposure than FCS does, and you are (and I think most here would agree with me) playing in a conference that is arguably weaker than the GFC (Northern Iowa, Illinois State, YSU, North Dakota State, Southern Illinois, 'nuff said). Obviously you don't draw in better recruits (I don't think you can argue that talent level is higher in the SBC than in the FCS conferences). That and you aren't any more likely to get a game with powerhouse FBS team (and you can still forget about getting to play them at home).

[BearsCountry]

You got to crawl before you walk.

[Fresno St. Alum]

It did look bad that WKU was the only school with football in the Sun Belt that wasn't in the Sun Belt for football. I think that was the biggest factor for the move no matter how good or bad they will be in FBS.

[Killtoppers90]

I'll ask you the same question I ask GSU fans that want us to move into the Sun Belt...there is nothing wrong with having ambitions to one day be an FBS powerhouse...but I don't see how playing football in the Sun Belt is going to get you there any faster. You are playing in a conference that gets no more TV coverage/national exposure than FCS does, and you are (and I think most here would agree with me) playing in a conference that is arguably weaker than the GFC (Northern Iowa, Illinois State, YSU, North Dakota State, Southern Illinois, 'nuff said). Obviously you don't draw in better recruits (I don't think you can argue that talent level is higher in the SBC than in the FCS conferences). That and you aren't any more likely to get a game with powerhouse FBS team (and you can still forget about getting to play them at home).
Hey now! FIU got PLENTY of exposure from their brawl with the Hurricanes! And actually I have seen more SBC games on tv than I ever have FCS. Not being spiteful here but it is fact. And this whole arguement is a two-edged sword anyway. Is it better to be in a really bad (right now) FBS conference and get beaten up on, or to be an a division that barely is recognized at all by a majority of the sports fans in the country? I can guarantee that WKU highlights (and LOTS of lowlights) will make ESPN more often than say any game from SIU, UD or GSU. I am not being unreasonable in this statement but you are talking exposure and even being on the losing end to a BCS school will be viewed better over the virtual anonymity of the FCS. Sad to say because I love the FCS and want to see it viewed more as an equal than the red-headed stepchild.

[youwouldno]

The question is, how is WKU going to move up further once in the FBS? Everyone at the bottom is always trying to improve. Why is WKU going to be more successful at this than other SBC programs?

[Mr. C]

I'll ask you the same question I ask GSU fans that want us to move into the Sun Belt...there is nothing wrong with having ambitions to one day be an FBS powerhouse...but I don't see how playing football in the Sun Belt is going to get you there any faster. You are playing in a conference that gets no more TV coverage/national exposure than FCS does, and you are (and I think most here would agree with me) playing in a conference that is arguably weaker than the GFC (Northern Iowa, Illinois State, YSU, North Dakota State, Southern Illinois, 'nuff said). Obviously you don't draw in better recruits (I don't think you can argue that talent level is higher in the SBC than in the FCS conferences). That and you aren't any more likely to get a game with powerhouse FBS team (and you can still forget about getting to play them at home).
I think in most years, the champion of the top four FCS conferences (Southern, CAA, Gateway and Big Sky) would beat up on the champion of the Sun Belt, even with 22 less scholarships. Georgia Southern would have grilled those pathetic teams during the Eagles heyday with the Erk/PJ option. Appalachian State would similarly have taken the Sun Belt champ apart the last two years. Case in point, North Texas has been one of the better Sun Belt teams. Two years ago, North Texas played LSU the week before ASU did. North Texas got beaten by nearly 50 points. ASU made it a close game until LSU pulled away in the fourth quarter. That game could have easily been a 14-14 tie after three periods.

BTW, some of the WORSE college football I've seen in recent years has been games that have been played by Sun Belt teams. It really is ugly football. Anybody remember that Florida Atlantic game a year or two back (can't remember the horrendous SBC team the Owls were playing) where it was 0-0 in regulation before going to OT? That's about as low as it goes. Give me Division III football before the SBC.

[BearsCountry]

The question is, how is WKU going to move up further once in the FBS? Everyone at the bottom is always trying to improve. Why is WKU going to be more successful at this than other SBC programs?

If WKU is a middle to pack fb team and keeps basketball strong it will find a home in a better conference.

[Fresno St. Alum]

The MAC is a little better than the Sun Belt as an all sports conference.

[youwouldno]

If WKU is a middle to pack fb team and keeps basketball strong it will find a home in a better conference.

Says who? The MAC and C-USA, the only two real options, both have 12 teams. Who is going to want WKU? When? Why would a conference want to add a program that will struggle to meet the attendance requirements? Why would they prefer WKU to other available options?

And, more generally, how is WKU going to draw a football following in a state with Louisville and Kentucky? WKU can never, ever, ever be more than the #3 program in that state. Kentucky isn't even a football state to begin with. Troy at least is in a football-crazed state, not that anyone cares about them anyway.

Make no mistake about it-- WKU hasn't moved up appreciably in the food chain. Their fans will deny it now and will deny it as they flounder in the SBC with low attendance and financial problems, but it's the truth.

[Fresno St. Alum]

MAC has 13 for football with Temple in there now. WKU is the nearest MAC area school that would want to join from FBS.

[youwouldno]

MAC has 13 for football with Temple in there now. WKU is the nearest MAC area school that would want to join from FBS.

Thanks for the correction, forgot about the Owls (I think that's right). Still doesn't do anything for WKU's chances that I can see; if the MAC wanted them, why not invite them now and go to 14? I assume the MAC has other plans.

[Fresno St. Alum]

I don't know what the MAC is doing. Have 12 or have 14, and have all as full members. When they had Marshall 13 full 14 FB. when you have 13 some play 1 more conference game than some of the others.

[NoSpinZone]

Kudo's to WKU. I personally find that schdule to be pretty impressive. I don't see schools like Iowa State, Army, Indiana coming to FCS programs, or strong programs like Miami (OH) and Bowling Green, heck or any FBS for that matter. That's just the reality. BGU and UM have spent time in the top 25 in the last 5 years they might be top 25 in 5 more.

I also think the Sun Belt is getting better and has potiental probably more than the MAC being in the south. Already playing basketball in the league you guys should be able to strike up some instant rivalries with MTSU, Troy, ULL, ASU and others. Also instead of one money game now they will have a couple of options each year that you can play the Auburn or Georgia's with and that's always exciting for fans.

For those that said this is a basketball move and they aren't upgrading by moving, one thing you can't deny is this move certainly will upgrade their stadium and it appears they are putting the money where there mouth is.

No more track and it looks pretty sharp for the guy that said they don't have the facilites.


http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa129/nospin_photo/wku20rendering.jpg

[NoSpinZone]

Says who? The MAC and C-USA, the only two real options, both have 12 teams. Who is going to want WKU? When? Why would a conference want to add a program that will struggle to meet the attendance requirements? Why would they prefer WKU to other available options?

Something will happen in the Big East eventually and they will take one CUSA program possibly more. CUSA could be an option at that point but they need to get in line. The only conferences FCS schools will go directly to is the Sun Belt, MAC, or WAC unless they play basketball in one of the other conference those conferences aren't going to take a FCS school directly from FCS. Everyone has to start somewhere and work your way up.


Appalachian State would similarly have taken the Sun Belt champ apart the last two years. Case in point, North Texas has been one of the better Sun Belt teams. Two years ago, North Texas played LSU the week before ASU did. North Texas got beaten by nearly 50 points.

BTW, some of the WORSE college football I've seen in recent years has been games that have been played by Sun Belt teams. It really is ugly football.

.

First off comparing scores is pretty redicoulous, but just to use your logic. yes N. Tex lost worse than the 3 TD's you did, but they were not the Sun Belt champ, far from it actually They were 2-9 that year. Hey and they at least scored on LSU. Using your logic though App lost that same year to Kansas 38-8, while 2 year old FL Atlantic played them much more competitivly the week before 30-19. They were also only a 2-9 Sun Belt team but played them tougher than the D1aa champ. Go figure.

On FAU being ugly, hey at least that game was on national TV and you had the option of watching. BTW It sure wasn't ugly when Troy stomped a ranked Missouri team on national TV a couple of years back. Just food for thought.



WKU doesn't have the fan base (never has), or the football facilities to compete with ANYONE on the FBS level. Even when WKU was in the playoffs and the I-AA championship game, they didn't draw flies.

It wasn't but 3 or 4 years ago WKU was averaging with in one or two thousand fans of App State. Fact. Why is it they can't improve like you guys have, heck they put 5-7k a game in their basketball arena most year. Seems they have a pretty decent built in fan base that would probably get excited with the stadium they are building and getting teams like Iowa State in it.

[Fresno St. Alum]

The WKU stadium looks nice, I hope you can get the fans in there now.

[BearsCountry]

I think every conference is waiting for the Big East blowup.

[Fresno St. Alum]

It would be nice to see the Big East and C-USA split at around the same time and create 2 new conferences.

[Mr. C]

Something will happen in the Big East eventually and they will take one CUSA program possibly more. CUSA could be an option at that point but they need to get in line. The only conferences FCS schools will go directly to is the Sun Belt, MAC, or WAC unless they play basketball in one of the other conference those conferences aren't going to take a FCS school directly from FCS. Everyone has to start somewhere and work your way up.

First off comparing scores is pretty redicoulous, but just to use your logic. yes N. Tex lost worse than the 3 TD's you did, but they were not the Sun Belt champ, far from it actually They were 2-9 that year. Hey and they at least scored on LSU. Using your logic though App lost that same year to Kansas 38-8, while 2 year old FL Atlantic played them much more competitivly the week before 30-19. They were also only a 2-9 Sun Belt team but played them tougher than the D1aa champ. Go figure.

On FAU being ugly, hey at least that game was on national TV and you had the option of watching. BTW It sure wasn't ugly when Troy stomped a ranked Missouri team on national TV a couple of years back. Just food for thought.



It wasn't but 3 or 4 years ago WKU was averaging with in one or two thousand fans of App State. Fact. Why is it they can't improve like you guys have, heck they put 5-7k a game in their basketball arena most year. Seems they have a pretty decent built in fan base that would probably get excited with the stadium they are building and getting teams like Iowa State in it.
On most of this stuff, you and I will always disagree. It sounds like you have been sipping that Red Koolaid they have been dispensing in Bowling Green. The fact is the Sun Belt is and probably always will be considered the worst conference in the FBS. It would take a lot of changes for it to even pull anywhere close with the MAC, the Mountain West or the WAC. On the comparison between WKU and App State attendance, the simple fact is that even a national championship didn't energize the Hilltopper fans. The WKU campus is as close to Chattanooga as any team that has EVER appeared in a title game (not counting host teams like Marshall and Georgia Southern) and the Hilltoppers had the worst crowd of ANY team I've seen there. The only one that was close was Colgate, which is all the way in upstate New York. There were McNeese State fans all over the place. WKU had few who cared. ASU, by comparision, sold out the stadium. Congrats to WKU for the stadium upgrades they are embarking on. They are SORELY needed. Come back and talk to me in 10 years, when the Hilltoppers are still mirred in the Sun Belt and are completing another 3-9 season.

[Fresno St. Alum]

The fact is the Sun Belt is and probably always will be considered the worst conference in the FBS.

Mr. C, I totally agree with that. It's the A-Sun of the FBS.

[wkuhillhound]

On most of this stuff, you and I will always disagree. It sounds like you have been sipping that Red Koolaid they have been dispensing in Bowling Green. The fact is the Sun Belt is and probably always will be considered the worst conference in the FBS. It would take a lot of changes for it to even pull anywhere close with the MAC, the Mountain West or the WAC. On the comparison between WKU and App State attendance, the simple fact is that even a national championship didn't energize the Hilltopper fans. The WKU campus is as close to Chattanooga as any team that has EVER appeared in a title game (not counting host teams like Marshall and Georgia Southern) and the Hilltoppers had the worst crowd of ANY team I've seen there. The only one that was close was Colgate, which is all the way in upstate New York. There were McNeese State fans all over the place. WKU had few who cared. ASU, by comparision, sold out the stadium. Congrats to WKU for the stadium upgrades they are embarking on. They are SORELY needed. Come back and talk to me in 10 years, when the Hilltoppers are still mirred in the Sun Belt and are completing another 3-9 season.

They won the national championship. You can have all the crowd that you want. McNeese State would definitely trade the fan support for the national championship any day of the week. WKU will always have that in their trophy case. xthumbsupx

[NoSpinZone]

The fact is the Sun Belt is and probably always will be considered the worst conference in the FBS.

Mr. C, I totally agree with that. It's the A-Sun of the FBS.

That's why the WAC took 3 of their 8 current teams from the Sun Belt just two short years ago, (BTW all the bottom feeders the Sun Belt wanted to drop) xthumbsupx

How about a history lesson Fresno fan? Do you recall the now defunct Big West? It was the conference that preceded the Sun Belt and which many of the founding Sun Belt teams came directly from. It was also historically the bottom D1a conference in America for years, in which member schools like oh I don't know Fresno State , Boise State, Nevada, UNLV grew out of.

Basically the current WAC is the old Big West with an adopted name after all the old WAC members abandoned it. Pretty much the same group of schools that made up the Big West in the early and mid 90's when it was considered a joke conference now make up the WAC.

You have to start some where. The Sun Belt is a young conference, most of it's schools are relatively new to D1a, and were very successful in D1aa. Even FAU who Mr. C jokes on has a National Champion (the big one) legendary coach and built a top 4 D1aa team in 3 YEARS of existence in D1aa. I think being in the talent rich South the Belt has more potential than the Big West had IMO. Make the argument in another decade it's two early to pronounce them dead.

[813Jag]

It would be nice to see the Big East and C-USA split at around the same time and create 2 new conferences.
There is a certain school that feels like they are above CUSA so if there was a split it would be hard to envision these schools coming together. The Big East is a good size for football, but it's just too big for basketball.

[Fresno St. Alum]

That's why the WAC took 3 of their 8 current teams from the Sun Belt just two short years ago, (BTW all the bottom feeders the Sun Belt wanted to drop) xthumbsupx

How about a history lesson Fresno fan? Do you recall the now defunct Big West? It was the conference that preceded the Sun Belt and which many of the founding Sun Belt teams came directly from. It was also historically the bottom D1a conference in America for years, in which member schools like oh I don't know Fresno State , Boise State, Nevada, UNLV grew out of.

Basically the current WAC is the old Big West with an adopted name after all the old WAC members abandoned it. Pretty much the same group of schools that made up the Big West in the early and mid 90's when it was considered a joke conference now make up the WAC.

You have to start some where. The Sun Belt is a young conference, most of it's schools are relatively new to D1a, and were very successful in D1aa. Even FAU who Mr. C jokes on has a National Champion (the big one) legendary coach and built a top 4 D1aa team in 3 YEARS of existence in D1aa. I think being in the talent rich South the Belt has more potential than the Big West had IMO. Make the argument in another decade it's two early to pronounce them dead.

So if I've got what you're saying right, is that the Sun Belt can become good members like the old Big West schools that went to the WAC. The Bottom Conference was the MAC back then The PCAA/BWest usually beat them in the Cal Raisin Bowl. The Big West Football conference doesn't exist anymore because the schools that had talent left for a better conference like the WAC and the top WAC schools would want to be in the MWC the bottom schools went to the Belt. So if any of the schools in the Sun Belt become solid year after year chances are another conference will take them and the sun belt would have to pick up the next WKU which would keep them at the bottom.

[Fresno St. Alum]

There is a certain school that feels like they are above CUSA so if there was a split it would be hard to envision these schools coming together. The Big East is a good size for football, but it's just too big for basketball.

Does that school start with an E and end in a CU?

[813Jag]

Does that school start with an E and end in a CU?
No it starts with a U and ends in South Florida. They think their athletics are on par with the big 3 in Florida.

[Fresno St. Alum]

No it starts with a U and ends in South Florida. They think their athletics are on par with the big 3 in Florida.

Ah yes, USFxlolx ECU feels the same way. at least USF is in the Big East but they are no Florida,FSU, or Miami. ECU is a Big East wannabe.

[Mr. C]

That's why the WAC took 3 of their 8 current teams from the Sun Belt just two short years ago, (BTW all the bottom feeders the Sun Belt wanted to drop) xthumbsupx

How about a history lesson Fresno fan? Do you recall the now defunct Big West? It was the conference that preceded the Sun Belt and which many of the founding Sun Belt teams came directly from. It was also historically the bottom D1a conference in America for years, in which member schools like oh I don't know Fresno State , Boise State, Nevada, UNLV grew out of.

Basically the current WAC is the old Big West with an adopted name after all the old WAC members abandoned it. Pretty much the same group of schools that made up the Big West in the early and mid 90's when it was considered a joke conference now make up the WAC.

You have to start some where. The Sun Belt is a young conference, most of it's schools are relatively new to D1a, and were very successful in D1aa. Even FAU who Mr. C jokes on has a National Champion (the big one) legendary coach and built a top 4 D1aa team in 3 YEARS of existence in D1aa. I think being in the talent rich South the Belt has more potential than the Big West had IMO. Make the argument in another decade it's two early to pronounce them dead.
If you want a history lesson, No Spin, just sit down with me for awhile. I COVERED Big West sports from 1978-1993 and followed the league from its inception in 1969. The Big West fell apart for football when teams like Cal State-Fullerton, University of the Pacific and Long Beach State DROPPED football. They stop-gapped for awhile with some of those Sun Belt teams, but the Big West was for most of its history primarily a California-based league. It started in 1969 as the Pacific Coast Athletic Association (PCAA), with teams like San Diego State, San Jose State, Fresno State, Long Beach State, UOP, UC Santa Barbara and Los Angeles State. Most of the teams moved from the old CCAA. San Diego State got a big head and left for the WAC following the 1975-76 school year and has had little success athletically since, spiraling to where it is now from what was one time a great program. UCSB and LA State left in 1972 as they were heading towards dumping their football programs. Cal State-Fullerton was added in 1975 as the Titans moved into Division I. Utah State became a replacement for San Diego State and the first non-California team in the PCAA in 1978 and UC Irvine joined as a non-football school around the same time. UNLV joined in 1982, giving the league a solid seven football members and New Mexico State came in for the 1984 season. The league stayed that way for eight years before Fresno State was invited to the WAC in 1992 and Long Beach State dropped its program after the death of head coach George Allen. Nevada joined in 1992, but it wasn't until 1993 that all of those future Sun Belt squads came into the league. Northern Illinois also was in the league for three seasons. Cal State Fullerton killed its program in 1993 and Pacific did the same in 1996. In its heyday, the PCAA/Big West was not the worst conference in I-A. It dominated its series of bowl games with the Mid-American Conference at the California Raisin Bowl. Fresno State was actually ranked No. 16 in the UPI final poll in 1984 and received ONE first place vote in the poll after an undefeated season (from Oklahoma's Barry Switzer). I can't recall seeing Sun Belt teams finish in the top 25 nationally.

And on Florida Atlantic, what has Howard Schnellenberger done since he went back to I-A/FBS? Very little. FAU had one good year in I-AA and the playoff run to the semifinals was helped immensely by the fact the Owls had arguably the easiest route of any team in the playoffs. They played the worst team in the field, Bethune-Cookman, in the first round and got a break when another low seed, Northern Arizona, upset No. 1 McNeese State in the quarterfinals. Even playing at home in the semifinals, FAU was pretty much hammered by Colgate (the game was much more lopsided than the score).

You can argue all you want, but unless there are major changes with the programs involved in the Sun Belt they will continue to be the bottom feeders of FBS.

[Mr. C]

They won the national championship. You can have all the crowd that you want. McNeese State would definitely trade the fan support for the national championship any day of the week. WKU will always have that in their trophy case. xthumbsupx
McNeese State has one of the best fan bases and one of the most down-home nicest in ALL of FCS. Absolutely great fans, who know how to support their team (as they did even in losing to WKU that 2002 night in Chattanooga). While I'm sure they would have loved to have had a title in either 1997, or 2002, I don't think they would trade their fan support for anything.

I'm glad you were able to enjoy a title in 2002, Hill Hound, but I wish more of you had been there to have done the same.

[Mr. C]

It wasn't but 3 or 4 years ago WKU was averaging with in one or two thousand fans of App State. Fact. Why is it they can't improve like you guys have, heck they put 5-7k a game in their basketball arena most year. Seems they have a pretty decent built in fan base that would probably get excited with the stadium they are building and getting teams like Iowa State in it.
Anyone who thinks that WKU's support has been anywhere close to ASU's over the years is delusional. At least when ASU has played in the title game, they have packed out the stadium. Can't say the same about the pitiful crowd from WKU that showed up in 2002. And WKU was playing closer to home than any team that has ever played in Chattanooga for the championship. It was an embarrassing showing.

[Fresno St. Alum]

Fresno St. was 11-0-1 in 1985 only tie was Hawaii

Date Played Winning Team Losing Team
December 19, 1981 Toledo 27 San Jose State 25
December 18, 1982 Fresno State 29 Bowling Green 28
December 17, 1983 Northern Illinois 20 Cal State Fullerton 13
December 15, 1984 UNLV 30 Toledo 13
December 14, 1985 Fresno State 51 Bowling Green 7
December 13, 1986 San Jose State 37 Miami (OH) 7
December 12, 1987 Eastern Michigan 30 San Jose State 27
December 10, 1988 Fresno State 35 Western Michigan 30
December 9, 1989 Fresno State 27 Ball State 6
December 8, 1990 San Jose State 48 Central Michigan 24
December 14, 1991 Bowling Green 28 Fresno State 21

7-4 vs. the MAC that would make the PCAA/Big West better than the MAC

[813Jag]

Ah yes, USFxlolx ECU feels the same way. at least USF is in the Big East but they are no Florida,FSU, or Miami. ECU is a Big East wannabe.
They barely belong there. Their facilities are not up to par and fan support is not good. They've been to two bowls and they've had to give tickets back. It'll be a few more years before the school gets behind it's athletic programs. xnonono2x xnonono2x

[McNeese75]

They won the national championship. You can have all the crowd that you want. McNeese State would definitely trade the fan support for the national championship any day of the week. WKU will always have that in their trophy case. xthumbsupx

xnonox It hurt to lose that game but our fans will be back the next time we make that trip xnodx Yours never showed up!!

[PantherRob82]

They won the national championship. You can have all the crowd that you want. McNeese State would definitely trade the fan support for the national championship any day of the week. WKU will always have that in their trophy case. xthumbsupx

Nope. I'd rather have the fans. I've been a UNI fan for 18 years and have been ok without a championship. It was great to see all the purple and gold in Chatty. The loss was tough, but a milestone in itself.

[NoSpinZone]

The Bottom Conference was the MAC back then The PCAA/BWest usually beat them in the Cal Raisin Bowl.

First off just because one champ beat another champ doesn't necessarily mean it's a better conference. You say they were the worst conference in America but in saying that you admit the Big West was not much better (if any) when your champ is pitted against their champ in a bowl. That pretty much signals they were equivalent in most people's eyes.

Both of these groups of teams have improved and worked themselves into a better positions today or just by default are better off are in better positions because of new schools moving up from FCS and taking their place at the bottom. There are always going to be teams moving up and the majority will struggle to adjust for a while, so getting there sooner and establishing yourself ahead of the newcomers helps.


The Big West Football conference doesn't exist anymore because the schools that had talent left for a better conference like the WAC and the top WAC schools would want to be in the MWC the bottom schools went to the Belt. So if any of the schools in the Sun Belt become solid year after year chances are another conference will take them and the sun belt would have to pick up the next WKU which would keep them at the bottom.

You can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig ,and the current WAC is pretty much the same schools from the Big West of the early and mid 90's with a new name. I'm not talking or worried so much about the name of a conference, but the group of schools that make up the current Sun Belt and IMO they have more longterm potential more so than say the MAC schools just because of location, most just haven't been in D1a very long like those schools you mentioned. All I am saying is give them a chance before you death sentence them, they have had what 5 years? You will probably see the core group from now of the Belt stick together for the most part even if there are some raids.

My point is if you have aspirations and goals beyond D1aa you have to start somewhere in D1a and work your way up. The Belt/MAC or out west the WAC are about the only places to go directly from FCS unless you are already in another conference for basketball like UConn, UAB, or USF were. Chances are a USF lucky location situation... founding a program/ to d1a / to CUSA/ to the Big east in 5 years will never happen again.

Bottom line is WKU has the goals and are trying to put themselves in a position to have better opportunities. That's respectable IMO. One side effect of the move is they are already bettering themselves through facilities enhancement and better schedules just by moving to the Belt. Some of the other guys around here knocking them just sounds like sour grapes to me.

[NoSpinZone]

I can't recall seeing Sun Belt teams finish in the top 25 nationally.

You said the Big West was started in 1969 and then said FSU was top 20 in 1985. So give the Belt another decade they have only had like 5 years. Many of the schools haven't been at FBS level much longer.


And on Florida Atlantic, what has Howard Schnellenberger done since he went back to I-A/FBS? Very little. FAU had one good year in I-AA and the playoff run to the semifinals was helped immensely by the fact the Owls had arguably the easiest route of any team in the playoffs. They played the worst team in the field, Bethune-Cookman, in the first round and got a break when another low seed, Northern Arizona, upset No. 1 McNeese State in the quarterfinals. Even playing at home in the semifinals, FAU was pretty much hammered by Colgate (the game was much more lopsided than the score).

You can argue all you want, but unless there are major changes with the programs involved in the Sun Belt they will continue to be the bottom feeders of FBS.

1st you could make rationalizations and excuses like that for any program with success. The fact is it took Shellybooger 2 years and by year 3 he was in the top 5 in D1aa. If you think he/they suck well so be it, I'm just not sure what your opinion is about about the rest of us. Whatever he did worked in D1aa.

I doubt the Sun Belt teams will remain bottom feeders for ever. The majority of the new teams that move up struggle and they will probably take their current place at the bottom and push their status up just as they have done for the MAC.

[Fresno St. Alum]

NSZ,
I say top to bottom the Big West was better than the MAC most years. I was here I know what I saw.
Evolving: I know if Fresno St, Boise St., Hawaii or Nevada were offered a MWC invite they'd leave in a second, why, because the rest of the old Big West/Sky hasn't evolved Utah St., NMSU, Idaho, SJSU(finally had 1 good year)

Sun Belt: Unless there is a split where will these schools go to upgrade their level of play to be the next Boise St. and not the current Idaho?

[NoSpinZone]

Ah yes, USFxlolx ECU feels the same way. at least USF is in the Big East but they are no Florida,FSU, or Miami. ECU is a Big East wannabe.

I think everyone can agree USF lucked out with location and it had nothing to do with accomplishments. As far as ECU that could be said about many schools. They along with at least a dozen schools are Big East wannabe's. Many of them played in conferences with those schools chosen and beat them often as well as other BCS schools so it's understandable IMO. I'm not sure what the big deal is. I'm sure every school doesn't want BCS millions xrolleyesx . I do however think ECU they is one of the serious candidates along with Memphis and UCF.



Evolving: I know if Fresno St, Boise St., Hawaii or Nevada were offered a MWC invite they'd leave in a second....

Hey Big East wannabe beats being a MWaC goat want- to -be xthumbsupx

[Fresno St. Alum]

Hey Big East wannabe beats being a MWaC want- to -be

Well obviously location doesn't allow the WAC schools to be big east wannabes. Fresno & Boise know MWC is possible and the PAC 10 is not. They don't run there mouths like ECU, Hofstra whoever. If the BE splits Memphis and UCF are in. No shot for ECU unless they go to 12. ECU would be last in Basketball every year if they ever got in.

I'm sure every school doesn't want BCS millions

Boise St. earned their BCS millions, they didn't bottom feed like Baylor

[NoSpinZone]

Ah yes, USFxlolx ECU feels the same way. at least USF is in the Big East but they are no Florida,FSU, or Miami. ECU is a Big East wannabe.

I think everyone can agree USF lucked out with location and it had nothing to do with accomplishments. As far as ECU being wannabe's that could be said about many schools. Many of them played in conferences with those schools chosen and beat them often as well as other BCS schools so it's understandable IMO. I'm not sure what the big deal is, everyone's a wannabe something. I'm sure every school doesn't want BCS millions xrolleyesx . I do however think ECU they is one of the serious candidates along with Memphis and UCF.



Evolving: I know if Fresno St, Boise St., Hawaii or Nevada were offered a MWC invite they'd leave in a second....

Hey Big East wannabe beats being a MWaC want- to -be xthumbsupx

[NoSpinZone]

Well obviously location doesn't allow the WAC schools to be big east wannabes. Fresno & Boise know MWC is possilbe and the PAC 10 is not. They don't run there mouths like ECU, Hofstra whoever. If the BE splits Memphis and UCF are in. No shot for ECU unless they go to 12. ECU would be last in Basketball every year if they ever got in.

Boise St. earned their BCS millions, they didn't bottom feed like Baylor

I personally don't think UCF will get in. I think the Big East has their Florida team. Any new FL team just undercuts the potential of USF and that was the very reason they were picked, for their potential and to open up FL recruiting for the Big East. Adding UCF would hurt, Louisville, Rutgers, and WV that get much of their players in FL recruiting. Bring them in and you water everyone down.

I also wouldn't say no shot on ECU. WV really likes them and in case you missed it football drives conference expansion and they have great support and look to be getting cranked back up to where they once were. ECU also played in the old CUSA basketball with the Louisville's, Cincy's, Marquette's etc when it was a power conference and those teams didn't seem to have a problem (nor did the Big East for USF hoops). UCF was in the A-Sun with Libscomb and Stetson and couldn't draw 2000 fans most years in hoops. They aren't much to write home about if you are basing the pick on hoops. Then Memphis's football is back in the tank after Deangelo Williams graduated, exactly where it was the 30 years before him.

Each candidate has their positives and negatives and I don't think it's that cut and dry as you make it. I also don't think the Big East goes to 10 or 12. They probably add just one if they split.

[813Jag]

UCF doesn't offer much, they're building a new stadium. But what sport would they really be able to compete in the Big East? Maybe football, but not at a high level.
The Big East has already recruited Florida hard, Rutgers used to have a billboard on I-4 here in Tampa xlolx

[Fresno St. Alum]

If they add 1 its Memphis. Its not just football its FB and BKB that drives who to take in a conference along with location etc..

UCF had a solid year in BKB in the C-USA, ECU never had a good year in BKB in the C-USA. UCF went to the C-USA championship in FB their 1st year ECU has not but ECU has been good at football they're in a slump. If you weigh both UCF is better. I think UCF would make a good travel parter and keep USF happy with a close rival if they came in. But they may just take one if any of this ever happens and that would be Memphis. Good or bad at football awesome at basketball and a new solid market.

[813Jag]

If they add 1 its Memphis. Its not just football its FB and BKB that drives who to take in a conference along with location etc..

UCF had a solid year in BKB in the C-USA, ECU never had a good year in BKB in the C-USA. UCF went to the C-USA championship in FB their 1st year ECU has not but ECU has been good at football they're in a slump. If you weigh both UCF is better. I think UCF would make a good travel parter and keep USF happy with a close rival if they came in. But they may just take one if any of this ever happens and that would be Memphis. Good or bad at football awesome at basketball and a new solid market.
USF doesn't want anything to do with UCF. They were basically forced to play UCF in football even though they're eighty miles apart. They acknowledge no rivalry in any sport with the Knights.

[Fresno St. Alum]

hmm, they wouldn't want a travel partner for bkb and some other sports? The BE doesn't want the orlando market? I like UCF better than ECU and Marshall besides them there are no other legit options. Temple again hehe

[NoSpinZone]

I never say never after USF got in, but I don't see them adding UCF. Fact is 3 years ago they were in the ASun for all sports and the MAC, this from a FL team. CUSA didn't even care to add them or Marshall even when they were sitting at 11 teams. That should tell you something. Guess they passed up on that market or travel partner for USF or even a possible championship game back then until they got raided.

If you add them now it hurts USF, Rutgers, Louisville, etc that recruit FL hard because basically they all are recruiting FL guys left over after Miami, FSU and FL get done and currently they have something over UCF and get first tabs on that second tier talent. If they give it to them that's just taking food off their plate.

Markets are a wash when you consider USF is 90 miles away from UCF. If that was a true reason to bring them in USF should already be able to at least carry that area. Truth is both are 5th page news in their market and deliver nothing. Travel partners are a myth, they don't use them as it is now for other schools in in the league in close proximity. Even if they did I doubt it would play a major factor.

[813Jag]

hmm, they wouldn't want a travel partner for bkb and some other sports? The BE doesn't want the orlando market? I like UCF better than ECU and Marshall besides them there are no other legit options. Temple again hehe
It's hard to explain the feelings that USF has towards UCF. I'm sure they wouldn't mind having a short conference trip to Orlando, but to them that's as far as it goes. When the two teams met in football in '05 there was a record crowd at Raymond James but at least half of the was UCF fans. When the Bulls went to Orlando in '06 although the crowd was larger there wasn't the same buzz. Here's a link that shows how the Bulls feel in regards to scheduling. (http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/usf_ucf_extends_series_galaxy_explodes/http://) George O'Leary said he would like to make this an annual game, but USF seems more interested in pursuing a long range series with Miami around Thanksgiving. xconfusedx Keep in mind not many Bulls fans made the trip to Miami in '05.
Here in Tampa during football season, the coverage goes like this: Buc, Gators, Noles, Canes, and then the Bulls. USF is striving to get on the level of those schools, but the school hasn't established itself beyond being a commuter school. It's only been around for 50 years. Their trying to move in hyperspeed to rise to the top.

[wkuhillhound]

xnonox It hurt to lose that game but our fans will be back the next time we make that trip xnodx Yours never showed up!!

We only needed the one championship and took it! xpeacex I saw the droves of McNeese fans in disappointment as I cheered them on with a my keys a rattlin' xthumbsupx

[PantherRob82]

We only needed the one championship and took it!

The one and last championship.....or will you guys be the first Sun Belt team in the BCS championship? xlolx

[wkuhillhound]

The one and last championship.....or will you guys be the first Sun Belt team in the BCS championship? xlolx

At least WKU has a championship? Almost doesn't count. :o :D xcoffeex xrulesx xreadx

[PantherRob82]

At least WKU has a championship? Almost doesn't count. :o :D xcoffeex xrulesx xreadx

Never said it did. Also said I didn't mind not having a championship earlier in the thread in response to your comments about McNeese. I enjoy being successful the majority of the time over the last 20+ years.

Also enjoy not being a mediocre FBS team. Enjoy.xthumbsupx

[NoSpinZone]

Never said it did. Also said I didn't mind not having a championship earlier in the thread in response to your comments about McNeese. I enjoy being successful the majority of the time over the last 20+ years.

Also enjoy not being a mediocre FBS team. Enjoy.xthumbsupx

WKU has been as good as anyone the last decade. As far as the FBS, you're right, why would N. Iowa ever want Iowa State to visit their expanded 30k seat home field xrolleyesx

[PantherRob82]

WKU has been as good as anyone the last decade. As far as the FBS, you're right, why would N. Iowa ever want Iowa State to visit their expanded 30k seat home field xrolleyesx

We're ok with going down to Iowa State, having a shot at winning, and having a decent season. Home games versus "name teams" doesn't equal good seasons or fun for the fans.

[McNeese75]

We only needed the one championship and took it! xpeacex I saw the droves of McNeese fans in disappointment as I cheered them on with a my keys a rattlin' xthumbsupx

Yep, you and the other 100 fans that were there.

You won the one that counted but you had your ass handed to you earlier in the year in our house xnodx (But that still does not make up for the NC :) )

[McNeese75]

WKU has been as good as anyone the last decade. As far as the FBS, you're right, why would N. Iowa ever want Iowa State to visit their expanded 30k seat home field xrolleyesx

xconfusedx Got some stats or whatever to back up the WKU statement?

[NoSpinZone]

xconfusedx Got some stats or whatever to back up the WKU statement?

Sure do

The last 10 years 1997-2006

Top 20 finishes

WKU 7 total...6 in the top 12... 1 Championship
McNeese 6 total...4 in the top 12...0 Championships
N. Iowa 6 total...3 in the top 12...0 Championships

others to win a title in that period
Montana 10 total...1 championship
G. Southern 8 total.... 2 championships
App State 7 total..... 2 championships
Youngston 6 total...1 championship
UMass 5 total...1 championship
Delaware 4 total...1 championship
JMU 4 total....1 championship

So it was no fluke. They have consistently been one of the top programs over the last decade. Infact they were better than I even thought. I would probably rank them #4th best program the last decade when you consider their consistency. Hows that.

You guys need to give credit where it's do. They have been one of the top programs for a while, they have won it all so don't begrude them if they want to try a new challenge. They should have as good of a shot at being successful on the next level as anyone.

[PantherRob82]

Sure do

The last 10 years 1997-2006

Top 20 finishes

WKU 7 total...6 in the top 12... 1 Championship
McNeese 6 total...4 in the top 12...0 Championships
N. Iowa 6 total...3 in the top 12...0 Championships

others to win a title in that period
Montana 10 total...1 championship
G. Southern 8 total.... 2 championships
App State 7 total..... 2 championships
Youngston 6 total...1 championship
UMass 5 total...1 championship
Delaware 4 total...1 championship
JMU 4 total....1 championship

So it was no fluke. They have consistently been one of the top programs over the last decade. Infact they were better than I even thought. I would probably rank them #4th best program the last decade when you consider their consistency. Hows that.

You guys need to give credit where it's do. They have been one of the top programs for a while, they have won it all so don't begrude them if they want to try a new challenge. They should have as good of a shot at being successful on the next level as anyone.


Those stats work for you. From 97-00, we had a new coach who didn't want to be here and was looking for a step up and out. Change it to the last 15 years and the numbers change. Anyone can find some numbers to prove whatever point they want. xrolleyesx

[PantherRob82]

You guys need to give credit where it's do. They have been one of the top programs for a while, they have won it all so don't begrude them if they want to try a new challenge. They should have as good of a shot at being successful on the next level as anyone.

Can I give the credit where it's due? xlolx

That's the biggest load of crap I've read. How do they have as good of a shot as anyone at being successful at the next level. I'll give you that they may be the best team in the Sun Belt, but that isn't success to me. Winning what is about the 12th best conference in the country is not impressive.

[NoSpinZone]

Those stats work for you. From 97-00, we had a new coach who didn't want to be here and was looking for a step up and out. Change it to the last 15 years and the numbers change. Anyone can find some numbers to prove whatever point they want. xrolleyesx

Now the excuses about a coach roll in and you want 15 years after you didn't like those 10?? Um Ok how about 20 next? We can make sure every player you have now was either not born or still wetting their diapers. xthumbsupx A decade is the perfect time period to measure trends. We use a decade to measure all kinds of things like taking a census for example.


Can I give the credit where it's due? xlolx

That's the biggest load of crap I've read. How do they have as good of a shot as anyone at being successful at the next level. I'll give you that they may be the best team in the Sun Belt, but that isn't success to me. Winning what is about the 12th best conference in the country is not impressive.

Ok so they could stay in FCS and win the 11th/12th/13th/14th/ or 15th best conference instead and that would be more impressive? They have already been to the tops of this level, no need to repeat it. The bowl system for all it's faults is still more lucrative and gets more interest in attendance and better ratings year in year out than the championship game. Even the Sun Belt Bowl. Who says they are stuck there or that that conference will never get better. You have to start somewhere but the potential is there to build a team that can play and beat Oklahoma in a major bowl in front of tens of thousands and millions on TV and cement yourself in history.

Many would have said that couldn't be done a decade ago as well and would have trashed Boise for leaving FCS with a mediocre record and starting out terrible in D1a. and how stupid they were for leaving D1aa to go play in a conference with N. Texas, New Mexico St, Utah St and others. It wasn't a mistake.

[wkuhillhound]

Can I give the credit where it's due? xlolx

That's the biggest load of crap I've read. How do they have as good of a shot as anyone at being successful at the next level. I'll give you that they may be the best team in the Sun Belt, but that isn't success to me. Winning what is about the 12th best conference in the country is not impressive.

Football is not our biggest fanbase, I understand that. Hopefully, that will be resolved with the new stadium that is being built. Hearing about Boise State success in the BCS, should motivate any Sun Belt or any mid-major school wanting to aspire to greatness. WKU wants to become an even better school athletically in all sports, not just a couple. In order for WKU to achieve national recognition, the college needed to get OUT of the comfortable boat into new waters. There is absolutely nothing wrong in doing that. No one said it won't be rough going for a few years that is expected. So what if the conference isn't the SEC or ACC. It's still a conference on the rise, I rather belong to a conference that is on the rise instead of lukewarm. If our WKU fans are patient, then everything will be back full circle. I will definitely be patient, just because I am an alumni of the best institution in Kentucky bar none. Nothing will ever change that. xnodx

[PantherRob82]

Football is not our biggest fanbase, I understand that. Hopefully, that will be resolved with the new stadium that is being built. Hearing about Boise State success in the BCS, should motivate any Sun Belt or any mid-major school wanting to aspire to greatness. WKU wants to become an even better school athletically in all sports, not just a couple. In order for WKU to achieve national recognition, the college needed to get OUT of the comfortable boat into new waters. There is absolutely nothing wrong in doing that. No one said it won't be rough going for a few years that is expected. So what if the conference isn't the SEC or ACC. It's still a conference on the rise, I rather belong to a conference that is on the rise instead of lukewarm. If our WKU fans are patient, then everything will be back full circle. I will definitely be patient, just because I am an alumni of the best institution in Kentucky bar none. Nothing will ever change that. xnodx


I wish you guys the best. I just am saying I'd rather have a loyal fanbase than a championship, that I wouldn't want to be in the Sun Belt. Hopefully you guys can move on to another conference someday.

[PantherRob82]

Now the excuses about a coach roll in and you want 15 years after you didn't like those 10?? Um Ok how about 20 next? We can make sure every player you have now was either not born or still wetting their diapers. xthumbsupx A decade is the perfect time period to measure trends. We use a decade to measure all kinds of things like taking a census for example.



Ok so they could stay in FCS and win the 11th/12th/13th/14th/ or 15th best conference instead and that would be more impressive? They have already been to the tops of this level, no need to repeat it. The bowl system for all it's faults is still more lucrative and gets more interest in attendance and better ratings year in year out than the championship game. Even the Sun Belt Bowl. Who says they are stuck there or that that conference will never get better. You have to start somewhere but the potential is there to build a team that can play and beat Oklahoma in a major bowl in front of tens of thousands and millions on TV and cement yourself in history.

Many would have said that couldn't be done a decade ago as well and would have trashed Boise for leaving FCS with a mediocre record and starting out terrible in D1a. and how stupid they were for leaving D1aa to go play in a conference with N. Texas, New Mexico St, Utah St and others. It wasn't a mistake.

I'm not trashing WKU. I'm just saying that isn't my idea of success.

Statistically the last 10 years favor WKU. What if we did the years since WKU's championship. Would those favor WKU?

Winning the Gateway isn't winning the 11th-15th conference. It's a different level.

Boise didn't leave for the Sun Belt. If WKU was going to a FBS "mid-major" I would be happy for them.

[NoSpinZone]

Winning the Gateway isn't winning the 11th-15th conference. It's a different level.

I'm talking about in the grand scheme of college football. The Sun Belt is still at the very least as good as any top FCS conference if not better.




Boise didn't leave for the Sun Belt.

No they left a then much deeper version of FCS after a mediocre year to play in a conference with this list of sexy schools...

Boise State
New Mexico St
Idaho
Nevada
Utah State
North Texas
Ark St

for a chance to play the #3 team from CUSA in the Boise Bowl. Yeah that's worlds better than the Sun Belt xeyebrowx




If WKU was going to a FBS "mid-major" I would be happy for them.

Got to start somewhere. Conference is irrelevent anyway. They can still make a mark from anywhere if they do what they need to and win. With and equal 85 scholorships and recruiting to FBS they stand a better shot to compete with the teams at that level.

[TheBisonator]

All I can say is that I thank WKU for moving to the FBS, giving my team an opportunity and an invitation to compete in the best conference in the FCS. Look at it from an NDSU or SDSU fan's prespective. If WKU stayed in the Gateway, we'd still be mired in the GWFC, having to play conference road games at UND and USD sometime in the future. (blech)

So I say thank you, Hilltoppers.:D

[Zoo]

The Gators are going to kill you guys. Say hello to "The Swamp".

I can't wait to see those fans having a great time doing "The Chomp" and shouting "Go Gators!" when they watch WKU get killed.

GO FLORIDA!

[PantherRob82]

The Gators are going to kill you guys. Say hello to "The Swamp".

I can't wait to see those fans having a great time doing "The Chomp" and shouting "Go Gators!" when they watch WKU get killed.

GO FLORIDA!

xlolx xlolx xlolx

[Killtoppers90]

The Gators are going to kill you guys. Say hello to "The Swamp".

I can't wait to see those fans having a great time doing "The Chomp" and shouting "Go Gators!" when they watch WKU get killed.

GO FLORIDA!

Ladies and Gentleman,

We have a GENIUS in our midst! He thinks WKU is going to get killed by Florida. Welcome there newbie and thanks for THAT tidbit of mental prowess! Like we were all thinking otherwise!

[wkuhillhound]

The Gators are going to kill you guys. Say hello to "The Swamp".

I can't wait to see those fans having a great time doing "The Chomp" and shouting "Go Gators!" when they watch WKU get killed.

GO FLORIDA!

wow that was a stretch......xchinscratchx

[PantherRob82]

so when do you guys officially leave the board? :D

[dbackjon]

so when do you guys officially leave the board? :D

Hey - they're in limbo here - give'm a year. And some of them are nice guys...:D

[Killtoppers90]

so when do you guys officially leave the board? :D

Was that an option?

[PantherRob82]

Hey - they're in limbo here - give'm a year. And some of them are nice guys...:D

i agree. xthumbsupx

[PantherRob82]

Was that an option?

I guess there probably isn't a good FBS board.

[Mr. C]

Hey - they're in limbo here - give'm a year. And some of them are nice guys...:D
Limbo? Is that the same thing as Pergatory?

[Zoo]

Wow, I love how you guys got so angry. xlolx

Calm down, it was a joke.

[NDSUFREAK]

http://img.youtube.com/vi/lkvhnRAd4V0/2.jpg

can't we get along and eat some berries and cream!

[Fresno St. Alum]

If there is an FBS board it would be boring. Ohio St. this Michigan that USC is better than you blah blah blah. I bet half of them don't even know WKU is coming and 80% don't care. Nothing good to talk about on there. I like it here and in D-II that's where the movement action is.

[PantherRob82]

If there is an FBS board it would be boring. Ohio St. this Michigan that USC is better than you blah blah blah. I bet half of them don't even know WKU is coming and 80% don't care. Nothing good to talk about on there. I like it here and in D-II that's where the movement action is.

yeah. FBS just isn't as fun.

[Zoo]

yeah. FBS just isn't as fun.

Yup. The FBS is full of players who just wanna play for the paycheck on Sundays.

I hope WKU isn't going to be like Miami (FL.) and get into fights with FIU. xlolx

[PantherRob82]

I hope WKU isn't going to be like Miami (FL.) and get into fights with FIU. xlolx

xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx

[813Jag]

Yup. The FBS is full of players who just wanna play for the paycheck on Sundays.

I hope WKU isn't going to be like Miami (FL.) and get into fights with FIU. xlolx
Whatelse is there for the 'Canes to do? xlolx