WAC/ASUN Alliance

[Catatonic]

Ok. So if I am reading those lines right then Jacksonville State and Sam Houston are not eligible for the AQ. ( See #2 )
That leaves 10 teams I believe.
Which of these 10 teams are in transition UP to division I? I know UNA is now a full member.
If a team has to play two transitional teams (or 3) then that will really make for an interesting view of that team!

your understanding is correct- Neither Jacksonville State nor Sam Houston are playoff eligible.

SFA’s schedule is particularly interesting- they play both Jacksonville State and Sam Houston as well as current FBS member LA Tech. Those games only count if the Jacks win.

Games against Warner, Utah Tech and Tarleton don’t count.

that leaves only 5 certain counters- 2 games against ACU, Southern Utah in conference and OOC games against Alcorn and UCA, plus any wins against the FBS transitional teams and La Tech.

Kennesaw in contrast has 9 counters on its schedule, plus games against Jax State (FBs transition) and FBS Cincinnati which could potentially count.

[EKU05]

SFA’s schedule is particularly interesting- they play both Jacksonville State and Sam Houston as well as current FBS member LA Tech. Those games only count if the Jacks win.

I'll one-up you on that. EKU also plays both Jacksonville State and Sam Houston, but they also play TWO FBS games (Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green State in weeks one and two).

[BEAR]

How confusing! xlolx Man I'd hate to be the conference leadership when this all hits in November....

[Catatonic]

How confusing! xlolx Man I'd hate to be the conference leadership when this all hits in November....
Seriously.

- - - Updated - - -

[SFA 93]

New Uni's

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FbBL9jUWYAAJ9kw?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FbBL-1PXoAAJQ4H?format=jpg&name=large

[JSUSoutherner]

I'll one-up you on that. EKU also plays both Jacksonville State and Sam Houston, but they also play TWO FBS games (Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green State in weeks one and two).
Wish JSU had Bowling Green and EMU. Would be easy for me to go to those.

We get EMU in 2024 though. Probably won't see JSU until then.

[FUBeAR]

How confusing! xlolx Man I'd hate to be the conference leadership when this all hits in November....The Alliance should keep weekly standings showing a ‘qualifying’ W/L record for each Team and rank Teams by YTD Winning %.

Though didn’t see it stated explicitly in that article, the ‘standings’ have to be determined by winning % because there is almost a certainty eligible Teams will have different numbers of total ‘qualifying’ games.

Right?

[Catatonic]

SFA, Love the “piney Woods’ on the sleeve.

[SFA 93]

Yes, I thought that was a nice touch.

[BEAR]

SFA, Love the “piney Woods’ on the sleeve.

I thought those were teeth when I first glanced at them on my small phone screen. xlolx I thought, dang...what would a lumberjack need with shark teeth? xlolx From a distance, like in the stands, they would appear to be sharp white triangles that look like teeth!

[SFA 93]

OK, the answer to the question about the way they will determine the automatic qualifier.

https://wacsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/releases/2022fbasunautobid

[FUBeAR]

OK, the answer to the question about the way they will determine the automatic qualifier.

https://wacsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/releases/2022fbasunautobid
This is the official announcement and appears to be a bit different from what the previously-cited article had posited was the process.

To FUBeAR, there seems to be some ‘wiggle-room’ and ‘mystery’ in this explanation vs. the certainty and math the article described. Could be wrong. Hope it’s all clean, clear, and smooth. It would not serve FCS well if the Conference’s Champion determination-schemes and the “bracketologist’s” voodoo miraculously points the Ouija Board toward a Whack-A-Sun bubble Team as being the AQ while another Team that is a ‘lock’ to make the playoffs is ‘just edged out’ of the AQ.

FUBeAR will be watching (Lord willin’)

FWIW…Here’s what his current FCS voodoo looks like…(FUBeAR sees ‘issues’…thinking others might as well)



Conference
ELO
Rank
Conference Leader
ELO
Rank



ASUN (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/conference/ASUN)

1396
1

Jacksonville State (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/schedule/Jacksonville-State)

1497
4



Missouri Valley (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/conference/Missouri-Valley)

1395
2

North Dakota State (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/schedule/North-Dakota-State)

1500
1



Big Sky (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/conference/Big-Sky)

1380
3

Montana (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/schedule/Montana)

1498
3



Western Athletic (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/conference/Western-Athletic)

1360
4

Sam Houston State (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/schedule/Sam-Houston-State)

1499
2



Southern (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/conference/Southern)

1358
5

East Tennessee State (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/schedule/East-Tennessee-State)

1480
13



Colonial Athletic (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/conference/Colonial-Athletic)

1352
6

Villanova (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/schedule/Villanova)

1492
7



Ivy League (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/conference/Ivy-League)

1328
7

Harvard (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/schedule/Harvard)

1412
31



Ohio Valley (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/conference/Ohio-Valley)

1324
8

Tennessee-Martin (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/schedule/Tennessee-Martin)

1472
17



Southland (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/conference/Southland)

1322
9

Southeastern Louisiana (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/schedule/Southeastern-Louisiana)

1470
18



SWAC (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/conference/SWAC)

1314
10

Jackson State (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/schedule/Jackson-State)

1468
19



Patriot League (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/conference/Patriot-League)

1311
11

Holy Cross (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/schedule/Holy-Cross)

1466
20



Big South (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/conference/Big-South)

1300
12

North Carolina A&T (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/schedule/North-Carolina-AT)

1370
38



MEAC (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/conference/MEAC)

1300
13

South Carolina State (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/schedule/South-Carolina-State)

1418
30



Pioneer League (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/conference/Pioneer-League)

1290
14

Davidso (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/schedule/Davidson)n

1340
43



Northeast (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/conference/Northeast)

1281
15

Sacred Heart (https://www.warrennolan.com/fcs/2022/schedule/Sacred-Heart)

1312
53

[SFA 93]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FbIL3-CaMAAA6Rm?format=jpg&name=large

[SFA 93]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FbK2le-VQAAA8aF?format=jpg&name=medium

[UNAPride]

Jax State with a decisive victory in the weather-shortened kickoff game! 42-17 over the Lumberjacks.

https://www.thestar.com/sports/football/ncaa/2022/08/27/webb-leads-jacksonville-states-rally-past-sf-austin-42-17.html

[JSUSoutherner]

Hello.

I would like to discuss that 4th place pick in the ASUN Coaches Poll.

[BEAR]

Hello.

I would like to discuss that 4th place pick in the ASUN Coaches Poll.

Wait. Your team has 22 more scholarships AND can win the conference championship (but not go to the playoffs) and you are bothered by being picked 4th by the coaches? If your team goes out and dominates every team in both conferences with 22 more scholarship players does it deserve to win the conference?
So are you fully stocked with those extra players the other teams don't have?xeyebrowx

[Daytripper]

Well, my preseason opinion of the Lumberjacks seems, uh, overly optimistic.

[Cocky]

Wait. Your team has 22 more scholarships AND can win the conference championship (but not go to the playoffs) and you are bothered by being picked 4th by the coaches? If your team goes out and dominates every team in both conferences with 22 more scholarship players does it deserve to win the conference?
So are you fully stocked with those extra players the other teams don't have?xeyebrowx

Sam will have as many as JSU.
No, JSU nor Sam deserves the opportunity to be conference champ. They have different circumstances than the other teams which makes it unfair.

[Catatonic]

ACU has named Maverick McIvor as QBI in advance of Thursday’s opener against Lamar.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FbNc46zXgAAj2sI.jpg

[SFA 93]

Great name for a football player.

Even better if this was the 1980s. :)

[Catatonic]

Great name for a football player.

Even better if this was the 1980s. :)

works well in 2022 as well https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/08/top-gun-maverick-becomes-7th-highest-grossing-film-domestically.html

- - - Updated - - -

[UNAPride]

The ASUN has announced that Jax State is ineligible for the conference title.

https://twitter.com/ASUN_Football/status/1565066909053321217?s=20&t=T81TRrgdRNfkv50AdtcOAA

[Libertine]

The ASUN has announced that Jax State is ineligible for the conference title.

https://twitter.com/ASUN_Football/status/1565066909053321217?s=20&t=T81TRrgdRNfkv50AdtcOAA

They're just now announcing this? I assumed this was decided months ago.

[The Cats]

Wonder what Hooty is doing this morning after the #6 KSU loss to unranked Samford?

[JSUSoutherner]

Wonder what Hooty is doing this morning after the #6 KSU loss to unranked Samford?

Probably trying to find reasons to rank Samford #1

[FUBeAR]

Probably trying to find reasons to rank Samford #1Welp - AGS, STATS, and Coaches Polls had KSU ranked tightly (6-8 range) around an average ranking of #7.

No way could all 3 of those esteemed groups be collectively wrong.

And, Samford was projected by the SoCon Coaches & Media to finish 6th or 7th in the SoCon. 2 more esteemed groups that couldn’t be wrong.

So, there are only 6 slots available ahead of KSU @ #7….but they lost, so we’ll bump them down to #8 and call it 7 slots available. Clearly, Samford belongs in 1 of those 7 slots…and we, of course need to bring the 5 Teams judged better than Samford - Chatt, ETSU, Mercer, Furman, and Western Carolina - along. So, FUBeAR suggests…

1 - NDSU
2t - Furman
2t - Mercer
4 - Samford
5 - ETSU
6 - Chatt
7 - WCU
8 - Kennesaw

We all good with this?

[caribbeanhen]

Remember Kennesaw State, the Lil Darlins of FCS, claim to fame is beating Monmouth

[The Cats]

I think some of the luster off the ASU/WAC Alliance just fell away...

[aceinthehole]

Remember Kennesaw State, the Lil Darlins of FCS, claim to fame is beating Monmouth
This entire board bought into the Big South at the time. KSU and Monmouth.

No respect for the NEC, ever. Sacred Heart can't get any respect here after multiple playoff appearances (and a regular season win at Delaware) and putting a star FCS RB on the NFL 53-man roster.

The AGS poll is as much to blame for the KSU and Monmouth hype over the years. Look at what SFU (picked 3rd in the NEC) did against a FBS team. The bias here is real.

[MR. CHICKEN]

Remember Kennesaw State, the Lil Darlins of FCS, claim to fame is beating Monmouth

.....JES'...LIKE DAT BOWL UH MAPLE PUDDIN'....NEW HAMPSHIRE..........BRAWK!

[caribbeanhen]

Remember Kennesaw State, the Lil Darlins of FCS, claim to fame is beating Monmouth

Well in all honesty the counter to that statement is Monmouths claim to fame is beating Kennesaw State

[SFA 93]

TKL:13;INT:1;PBU:1

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fb5q1plX0AMyoo7?format=jpg&name=medium

[taper]

This entire board bought into the Big South at the time. KSU and Monmouth.

No respect for the NEC, ever. Sacred Heart can't get any respect here after multiple playoff appearances (and a regular season win at Delaware) and putting a star FCS RB on the NFL 53-man roster.

The AGS poll is as much to blame for the KSU and Monmouth hype over the years. Look at what SFU (picked 3rd in the NEC) did against a FBS team. The bias here is real.
No reason to get that salty. Sorry, but the NEC isn't good. Akron might have that FBS label but is really, really bad. Any top 25 FCS team would handily beat them, not lose in OT. Playoff appearances from an autobid isn't that special. KSU got in that way too, but at least they won their first game every year they were in. I agree they're generally over-ranked, but anyone who consistently wins playoff games is still top 25. Want to change my mind? Consistently win good OOC and playoff games. The NEC isn't doing that, cherry-picking single games aside.

[SFA 93]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fb5m4cwWAAEFlj9?format=jpg&name=large

[JSUSoutherner]

This entire board bought into the Big South at the time. KSU and Monmouth.

No respect for the NEC, ever. Sacred Heart can't get any respect here after multiple playoff appearances (and a regular season win at Delaware) and putting a star FCS RB on the NFL 53-man roster.

The AGS poll is as much to blame for the KSU and Monmouth hype over the years. Look at what SFU (picked 3rd in the NEC) did against a FBS team. The bias here is real.
The NEC is currently 1-8 with their 1 win being over a D2 squad in double OT.

It's ok though, next week you guys got Post, Thomas More, and Assumption to pad that SOS.

There is no bias here.

[Catatonic]

One of the guys on our board posted this and I thought some on here would find it interesting. From Massey-

Sam Houston St #18
Austin Peay #19
Jacksonville St #20
Eastern Kentucky #45
Stephen F Austin #47
ACU #50
Kennesaw St #53
Central Arkansas #55
Southern Utah #60
Tarleton St #69
North Alabama #79
Utah Tech #102

[JSUSoutherner]

Can't wait to put APSU in the ground one last time.

[Catatonic]

How do you like your team’s chances this week? I’ll start. Prairie View (1-0) at ACU

After bringing in 19 FBS transfers and a couple of 3 Star hs recruits, ACU has the depth and talent to be competitive. But first, they gotta learn to work together in a new system under 58 year old rookie Head coach Keith Patterson. Fortunately, our schedule is backloaded with the hardest games coming in the second half of the season. With the exception of P5 Missouri, each of ACU’s first 4 or 5 games are winnable.

the Cats got underway last week with 24-14 win over Lamar. This week’s game against Prairie View will pit a running team (PV went 0-6 with 2 picks in their opener) against ACU’s more balanced rpo attack. I like our chances. I’m going with ACU 30-PV 14.

[Panther88]

How do you like your team’s chances this week? I’ll start. Prairie View (1-0) at ACU

After bringing in 19 FBS transfers and a couple of 3 Star hs recruits, ACU has the depth and talent to be competitive. But first, they gotta learn to work together in a new system under 58 year old rookie Head coach Keith Patterson. Fortunately, our schedule is backloaded with the hardest games coming in the second half of the season. With the exception of P5 Missouri, each of ACU’s first 4 or 5 games are winnable.

the Cats got underway last week with 24-14 win over Lamar. This week’s game against Prairie View will pit a running team (PV went 0-6 with 2 picks in their opener) against ACU’s more balanced rpo attack. I like our chances. I’m going with ACU 30-PV 14.
We are not a running team, Cat. The rain forced the one-dimensional show last Sat vs sTu.

Acu will see what's what in a few hours.

[Catatonic]

We are not a running team, Cat. The rain forced the one-dimensional show last Sat vs sTu.

Acu will see what's what in a few hours.

- - - Updated - - -

[

Acu will see what's what in a few hours.[/QUOTE]

I wouldn’t have thought so based on last year’s stats but the first game this year with a new QB y’all were pretty one dimensional. Anyway, looking forward to the game although I’m sorry you aren’t bringing your band.

[Panther88]

- - - Updated - - -

[

Acu will see what's what in a few hours.

I wouldn’t have thought so based on last year’s stats but the first game this year with a new QB y’all were pretty one dimensional. Anyway, looking forward to the game although I’m sorry you aren’t bringing your band.[/QUOTE]

houston texans wrote a nice check for their opening day and the powers that be couldn't resist.

The Acu game was one of the scheduled band visits for the year but unfortunately, $$$$ and tv-time in htown won out.

From a historical perspective, Acu football OWNED PV football. We didn't offer athletic scholarships back then. Today, we offer 63. The tale of the tape will ensue shortly. You can ask SFA and SHSU how our team situates, for the most part.

[Catatonic]

I wouldn’t have thought so based on last year’s stats but the first game this year with a new QB y’all were pretty one dimensional. Anyway, looking forward to the game although I’m sorry you aren’t bringing your band.

houston texans wrote a nice check for their opening day and the powers that be couldn't resist.

The Acu game was one of the scheduled band visits for the year but unfortunately, $$$$ and tv-time in htown won out.

From a historical perspective, Acu football OWNED PV football. We didn't offer athletic scholarships back then. Today, we offer 63. The tale of the tape will ensue shortly. You can ask SFA and SHSU how our team situates, for the most part.[/QUOTE]

that was an exciting game that could have gone either way. See ya next year at your place.

[Mike296]

Gotta say I wasn’t all that impressed with APSU yesterday despite the blowout. Looked a bit sluggish at times.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Panther88]

houston texans wrote a nice check for their opening day and the powers that be couldn't resist.

The Acu game was one of the scheduled band visits for the year but unfortunately, $$$$ and tv-time in htown won out.

From a historical perspective, Acu football OWNED PV football. We didn't offer athletic scholarships back then. Today, we offer 63. The tale of the tape will ensue shortly. You can ask SFA and SHSU how our team situates, for the most part.

that was an exciting game that could have gone either way. See ya next year at your place.[/QUOTE]

If PV doesn't rescind over 30+% of its anticipated returning football scholarships and bring in legit D1 talent, I would not waste my time with visiting Panther stadium if I were you. Acu will win easily (again).

[SFA 93]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FcdqzxgWQAIzex0?format=jpg&name=medium

[SFA 93]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FctPgxBWYAERq-M?format=jpg&name=medium

[Catatonic]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FctPgxBWYAERq-M?format=jpg&name=medium
’whatbare your picks?
‘’I’ll go with Missouri over ACU
sam over TAMUC
Tarleton over ENMU
Weber over Utah Tech

And in a nail biter Southern Utah over Western Illinois

[Daytripper]

’whatbare your picks?
‘’I’ll go with Missouri over ACU
sam over TAMUC
Tarleton over ENMU
Weber over Utah Tech

And in a nail biter Southern Utah over Western Illinois

The only reason I would pick Sam Houston over Commerce is that the scuttlebutt is that Commerce is on their third string QB. Starter is hurt and #2 left the team. If they were at full force I would pick Commerce. Sam is just a train wreck right now.

[SFA 93]

Yes, QB Jagger Laroe is gone.

That leaves senior Univ. of Louisiana transfer Jaiave Magalei, 6-2; 220, junior Texas A&M-Kingsville transfer Zadock Dinkelmann 6-3; 243 or true freshman Thomas Landry 6-1; 229 to start for the Lions this Saturday.

Dinkelmann is the nephew of Ty and Koy Detmer and he had offers to Texas, LSU, and BYU out of high school.

[UNAPride]

The ASUN has announced the retirement of Commissioner Ted Gumbart at the end of the academic year.

https://asunsports.org/general/2022-23/releases/20220921dohidq

[JSUSoutherner]

The ASUN has announced the retirement of Commissioner Ted Gumbart at the end of the academic year.

https://asunsports.org/general/2022-23/releases/20220921dohidq
Just wait until it's announced he will be the new Commissioner of CUSA. :D

[UNAPride]

Just wait until it's announced he will be the new Commissioner of CUSA. :D

You heard it here first! LOL xthumbsupx

[Libertine]

Just wait until it's announced he will be the new Commissioner of CUSA. :D

I'm curious as to why in the world an FBS conference that's already struggling to maintain credibility would decide that stepping into the future means pushing out the only female commissioner in FBS in favor of a 60-year old white dude who recently retired and whose only experience in thirty-plus years of athletic administration has been in a conference that, for the entirely of his watch, has also struggled to maintain credibility and which may or may not even exist as a football conference at the FCS level by 2024.

I mean, Kyle Kallander has a better resume than that and he's, well, Kyle Kallander.

[JSUSoutherner]

I'm curious as to why in the world an FBS conference that's already struggling to maintain credibility would decide that stepping into the future means pushing out the only female commissioner in FBS in favor of a 60-year old white dude who recently retired and whose only experience in thirty-plus years of athletic administration has been in a conference that, for the entirely of his watch, has also struggled to maintain credibility and which may or may not even exist as a football conference at the FCS level by 2024.

I mean, Kyle Kallander has a better resume than that and he's, well, Kyle Kallander.

Clearly nothing gets past you.

[Libertine]

Clearly nothing gets past you.
Sorry, I missed the sarcasm. Somebody had dropped a Gumbart-to-CUSA rumor somewhere on AGS a few months back and I assumed that rumor still had legs.

[UNAPride]

Sorry, I missed the sarcasm. Somebody had dropped a Gumbart-to-CUSA rumor somewhere on AGS a few months back and I assumed that rumor still had legs.

After the recent upsets and media splash by the Sun Belt, I don't think anyone truly wants to be the Commissioner of CUSA anymore. :D

[UNAPride]

It's an important weekend for the ASUN!!

Battle of Ranked Conference Teams Headlines @ASUN_Football Week Four Schedule

ATLANTA - All six ASUN Conference Football teams are in action on Saturday highlighted by the first head-to-head meeting of league squad's in the inaugural season as No. 23/RV Austin Peay hosts No. 16/20 Eastern Kentucky while Kennesaw State and North Alabama also make home appearances. Jacksonville State and Central Arkansas are both playing in their third consecutive road games.

The Govs and Colonels not only open the ASUN Conference schedule this weekend but also feature a matchup between nationally-ranked squads with top 15-ranked offenses for APSU's Homecoming. The Owls make their home debut against Wofford in search of their first win after a bye week. The Bears look to build on their first win as they pay a visit to Southeast Missouri while the Lions look to return to the win column when they host Tarleton State. Following their first loss of the season, the Gamecocks look to rebound when they travel to Louisiana to take on Nicholls.

ASUN BEAMS

Game of the Week

#23/RV Austin Peay vs. #16/20 Eastern Kentucky | Sept. 24 | 3 PM CT | ESPN+
The first head-to-head ASUN Football contest of the inaugural season kicks off Saturday pitting a pair of nationally-ranked opponents against each other. No. 23/RV Austin Peay makes its conference debut hosting longtime rival No. 16/20 Eastern Kentucky for Homecoming in Clarksville. The Colonels (44.3 ppg) and Govs (39.8 ppg) both feature high-powered offenses that rank sixth and 13th nationally in scoring, respectively. APSU's defense has also held its last three opponents out of the endzone.

What to Watch For

*The victor in the Austin Peay vs. Eastern Kentucky game will take the early lead in the ASUN standings and both teams enter the tilt with win streaks
*Central Arkansas, after earning its first win of the year, looks to start a streak when it visits Southeast Missouri for the squad's third consecutive road game
*Following a week off with a bye, Kennesaw State seeks its first victory when it welcomes Wofford to Fifth Third Bank Stadium for the Owls' home opener

OTHER GAMES

UCA at Southeast Missouri (9/24; 2 PM CT - ESPN+)
JSU at Nicholls (9/24; 3 PM CT)
KSU vs. Wofford (9/24; 6 PM ET - ESPN+)
UNA vs. Tarleton State (9/24; 6 PM CT - ESPN+)

https://asunsports.org/sports/fball/2022...0921ln7w7s (https://asunsports.org/sports/fball/2022-23/releases/20220921ln7w7s)

[SFA 93]

I think we are the last division I team to finally get a home game.

The field looks ready.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FdcesCtXgAIANuz?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FdcesrsWQAAge1Y?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FdcetSZWYAIHlvn?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FdceuE2X0AAIPPB?format=jpg&name=large

[Mike296]

Gotta say I was impressed with APSU in the second half against EKU, that said though, they really need to clean up the turnovers and not have to rely on Dilelo so much even if he’s turning into their best player.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SFA 93]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fd6Fw_1XoAYv80O?format=jpg&name=medium

[SFA 93]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FeQv0NhXwAMBeQL?format=jpg&name=medium

[Catatonic]

The first ASUN/WAC power rankings are scheduled to be released this week. I’ve got 1. APSU, 2. ACU, 3. EKU, 4. UCA.

anyone else want to venture a guess?

[SFA 93]

If we beat ACU on Saturday, can SFA #2? :)

[katss07]

My take would be 1. APSU 2. EKU 3. ACU. 4. UCA

[Catatonic]

If we beat ACU on Saturday, can SFA #2? :)
Things will be a lot clearer by the end of Saturday night. My guess is the final power poll won’t look much like the first one. SFA could win out and be #1. Or not.

[JSUSoutherner]

The first ASUN/WAC power rankings are scheduled to be released this week. I’ve got 1. APSU, 2. ACU, 3. EKU, 4. UCA.

anyone else want to venture a guess?

Are we going to be excluded from the rankings?

[Daytripper]

Are we going to be excluded from the rankings?

Of course. We are too. For two good reasons. 1. We are transitioning with more scholarships than the others. 2. We are a bad football team.

[JSUSoutherner]

2. We are a bad football team.
Speak for yourself.

[Daytripper]

Speak for yourself.

I was.

[JSUSoutherner]

I was.
I know.

[Catatonic]

It now appears the ASUN-WAC selection committee has pushed the announcement of the first power poll back a week, pending the outcome of this weeks games. We will try this again next week, when rankings may differ.

[EKU05]

A couple of weeks ago I thought we were as good or better than everyone else in this alliance. After watching us meltdown in the second half of the APSU game, struggle to beat Southern Utah, and lose our stud tight end for the season (and his career)...eh. I don't know anymore.

[katss07]

Speak for yourself.
Slow down, Kennesaw took y’all to OT

[JSUSoutherner]

Slow down, Kennesaw took y’all to OT
And SFA took y'all to the wire last year.

You know how rivalry games get.

Truthfully we should have buried Kennesaw. But it's hard to run up the score when you turn the ball over 5 times in a game.

But honestly, if I'm a Kennesaw fan, I'd rather get blown out than know the team we played gave us 5 separate chances to win and we blew every single one. xlolx

[SFA 93]

Actually it has been 3 straight years SHSU has had to come from behind to win it in the 4th quarter against SFA.

[katss07]

Actually it has been 3 straight years SHSU has had to come from behind to win it in the 4th quarter against SFA.
History will remember 11 straight blowouts.

[SFA 93]

I have no doubt that is how kat fans will remember it.

[JSUSoutherner]

I have no doubt that is how kat fans will remember it.
They'll make a plaque and put it next to their runner up shirts.

[Daytripper]

They'll make a plaque and put it next to their runner up shirts.

No more runner-up. We have national championship gear. Unlike you.

[HootyHoo]

According to Pete Thamel, KSU has become the favorite to join CUSA as the 10th member. Hooty is going big time!!!

[katss07]

Wow. Sam Houston won’t have the most embarrassing fanbase OR stadium in CUSA now.

[JacksFan40]

Wow. Sam Houston won’t have the most embarrassing fanbase OR stadium in CUSA now.
Who needs fans when you can get the Atlanta market?

[Puddin Tane]

Who needs fans when you can get the Atlanta market?

the 5,000 that dont go to Georgia Tech games go to watch Georgia State

[katss07]

the 5,000 that dont go to Georgia Tech games go to watch Georgia State
That’s of the 10,000 that don’t watch UGA, right?

[ACUmedic]

No more runner-up. We have national championship gear. Unlike you.

Aww yes…the asterisk Natty

[SFA 93]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FejLUcgWAAAWUB_?format=jpg&name=medium

[katss07]

Aww yes…the asterisk Natty
Woah!!! I can’t say anything bad about the ballgirl school.

You should’ve seen the ring Eric Schmid was wearing this weekend at the BOTPW.

[Daytripper]

Aww yes…the asterisk Natty


First post is a troll. Bad start.

[ACUmedic]

Woah!!! I can’t say anything bad about the ballgirl school.

You should’ve seen the ring Eric Schmid was wearing this weekend at the BOTPW.

Haha..the ballgirl, now THAT is a throwback reference.

[JSUSoutherner]

Bad start.
Reminds me of your season.

[Daytripper]

Reminds me of your season.

You used to actually post worthwhile stuff instead of weak trolling.

[JSUSoutherner]

You used to actually post worthwhile stuff instead of weak trolling.
It's a bye week.

[JSUSoutherner]

UNA has got some chunky boys up front good lord.

[SFA 93]

https://media.tenor.com/heA9KuvviGwAAAAC/tony-stark-iron-man.gif?t=AAXqkQ4K8psFCA6akQ0yMg
SFA kicker K:#41 CHRIS CAMPOS 5-10; 220 (SO.) G:6;FGA:11;FGM:10;LNG:51;PATA:26;PATM:26
https://twitter.com/SFA_Football/status/1578957596190334976?s=20&t=WD6HD_iacc26XiTlv7i4Dw


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiJUixWYDtY

[SFA 93]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FeutH8wXgAAvFOn?format=jpg&name=medium

[JSUSoutherner]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FeutH8wXgAAvFOn?format=jpg&name=medium

SFA at the top is cool. Considering we beat them by like 35 or something. Good times.

[katss07]

Kinda hope SF makes the playoffs just so UIW can humiliate them in the playoffs. It wouldn’t be close this time.

[SFA 93]

katss07=SFA obsessed

[katss07]

katss07=SFA obsessed
It’s just funny how things unfold. How much hate SFA fans had for the Southland. Then they travel to San Antonio and lose to a UIW in the playoffs. Now you’re lucky they didn’t join the WAC.

Like I said, hope you win the “conference” and get that rematch in the playoffs.

[SFA 93]

Football is one of many sports in an AD.

UIW, with the exception of football would have been a doormat in the WAC.

[UNAPride]

Just wait until it's announced he will be the new Commissioner of CUSA. :D


Wow, some news from the usually reliable Matt Brown this morning on the CUSA expansion front. Per Brown of Extra Points, “Austin Peay, Central Arkansas and North Alabama” are top candidates for CUSA expansion.

EKU being kept out of the league by WKU.

Edit: I’ll link the article, it is however behind a paywall.

https://www.extrapointsmb.com/conference-realignment-cusa-kennesaw-state-owls-rumors/

Hmmm... lol xeyebrowx

[dgtw]

SFA at the top is cool. Considering we beat them by like 35 or something. Good times.

In a 47 minute game.

[WE_ARE_LIONS]

Why the obsession with hating on SFA?

[JSUSoutherner]

Why the obsession with hating on SFA?
I mean what else are we supposed to talk about in a season where we cant go to a bowl, win the conference, or go to the playoffs?

If SFA is going to win the ASun-WAC then that's basically a conference championship for us by proxy.

[UNAPride]

Toyota Field for tomorrow's game between UNA and Jax State.

Can anyone instruct me on how to properly share from Twitter on here?

https://twitter.com/UNAFootball/status/1581043386978799616?s=20&t=TYEF14mFYxE3iRLQHhwkIA

[JSUSoutherner]

Toyota Field for tomorrow's game between UNA and Jax State.

Can anyone instruct me on how to properly share from Twitter on here?

https://twitter.com/UNAFootball/status/1581043386978799616?s=20&t=TYEF14mFYxE3iRLQHhwkIA

Why is UNA making us play football in Trash Panda stadium.

What a joke.

[UNAPride]

Why is UNA making us play football in Trash Panda stadium.

What a joke.

They wanted to see the generic new logo painted on a field. Something we've never been able to do in Braly Stadium. Sadly, UNA and the Florence Board of Education have been in a stand-off for about a decade. UNA wanted to prove that they could go play ball elsewhere. I don't care for the decision but it is what it is. The field looks pretty cool! Of course, I've just watched UWF play at Blue Wahoos Stadium beside the bay here in Pensacola for several seasons. So, it's not so foreign to me.

Can you, youngster, help me on the Twitter problem? lol. How do I get it to show on here?

[JSUSoutherner]

They wanted to see the generic new logo painted on a field. Something we've never been able to do in Braly Stadium. Sadly, UNA and the Florence Board of Education have been in a stand-off for about a decade. UNA wanted to prove that they could go play ball elsewhere. I don't care for the decision but it is what it is. The field looks pretty cool! Of course, I've just watched UWF play at Blue Wahoos Stadium beside the bay here in Pensacola for several seasons. So, it's not so foreign to me.

Can you, youngster, help me on the Twitter problem? lol. How do I get it to show on here?
So UNA wanted to stick it to the Florence BOE by going and painting their logo on Trash Panda stadium?

[UNAPride]

So UNA wanted to stick it to the Florence BOE by going and painting their logo on Trash Panda stadium?

If I watered 10 pages worth of BS down to one statement, yes. Lol.

UNA is trying their best to utilize the Huntsville media market to their best advantage possible. This game was strategic to partner with a north AL pro team in their new stadium. Our new AD said UNA was set to earn more revenue from this one game because of luxury/upgraded viewing options than all of the other home games in Braly combined.

But....basically, they wanted to paint the stadium in purple (shunning gold for some reason and noted by many alumni) to "expand the brand" beyond very dated Braly Stadium (which I personally am more tied to because of nostalgia). I wanted Braly filled one more time.

But, I'll certainly watch this one-way madness.

[dgtw]

I grew up in Florence and wanted to see one last game there. Plus football should not be played in a baseball stadium.

[WileECoyote06]

Toyota Field for tomorrow's game between UNA and Jax State.

Can anyone instruct me on how to properly share from Twitter on here?

https://twitter.com/UNAFootball/status/1581043386978799616?s=20&t=TYEF14mFYxE3iRLQHhwkIA

Home of the Trash Pandas!

[JSUSoutherner]

Home of the Trash Pandas!
An appropriate field for the UNA logo to be on.

[JSUSoutherner]

Man that Kennesaw stadium is empty.

[SFA 93]

SFA's game against Tarleton

- DB Triumphant Olatunji with 2 interceptions
- RB Miles Reed rushes for career-high 137 yards
- WR Xavier Gipson scores 2 touchdowns, including a 84-yard punt return
- QB Trae Self scores 4 TD's

[JSUSoutherner]

SFA's game against Tarleton

- DB Triumphant Olatunji with 2 interceptions
- RB Miles Reed rushes for career-high 137 yards
- WR Xavier Gipson scores 2 touchdowns, including a 84-yard punt return
- QB Trae Self scores 4 TD's
Thank you for not dragging our SOS down more than y'all already have.

[SFA 93]

FCS Longest Active Home Win Streaks

16 – Montana State (tied for longest in program history)
13 – Florida A&M, Sacred Heart, Stephen F. Austin
11 – Davidson

Note: St. Thomas is at 8 on FCS level, but 25 dating to D-III

[FUBeAR]

Thank you for not dragging our SOS down more than y'all already have.
https://c.tenor.com/QH_kU6Ma1PIAAAAC/hillary-clinton-crooked.gif

[SFA 93]

Don't worry JSUSouthern SFA pulled it out today, your SOS is still intact. LOL

[JSUSoutherner]

Don't worry JSUSouthern SFA pulled it out today, your SOS is still intact. LOL


Can we borrow your QB for a few weeks?

[SFA 93]

Xavier getting some attention on ESPNU

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ffyc4Z5WYAMG0j8?format=jpg&name=medium

[Libertine]

Tangentially ASUN:

Former Austin Peay HC Wil Healy has been fired by UNC-Charlotte after a 1-7 start and a 15-24 overall record. He is succeeded in the interim by Former Central Connecticut State HC Pete Rossamondo.

[SFA 93]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ff2zS5uX0AE4JRG?format=jpg&name=medium

[Daytripper]

Tangentially ASUN:

Former Austin Peay HC Wil Healy has been fired by UNC-Charlotte after a 1-7 start and a 15-24 overall record. He is succeeded in the interim by Former Central Connecticut State HC Pete Rossamondo.

Healy's star burned out quickly. WTH happened to him?

[FUBeAR]

Healy's star burned out quickly. WTH happened to him?

https://www.aumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/1-1.jpg
other may disagree; just FUBeAR’s observation.

[Libertine]

Healy's star burned out quickly. WTH happened to him?

He went to freakin' Charlotte.

[katss07]

Xavier getting some attention on ESPNU

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ffyc4Z5WYAMG0j8?format=jpg&name=medium
Where is the SFA helmet?

- - - Updated - - -


He went to freakin' Charlotte.
He also won at Austin Peay, so he’d seem like the man for such a job.

[SFA 93]

Would have been nice if that had one, but he used the black helmet.

They had a SFA helmet once.

[Libertine]

He also won at Austin Peay, so he’d seem like the man for such a job.

There is no man for such a job.

The Charlotte 49er program was originally conceived at the FCS level and, institutionally, that hasn't changed much even though they went FBS before their first game. Their recruiting and operational budgets, their hiring practices and their facilities are all still on par with FCS schools. Jerry Richardson Stadium is a 2nd-tier FCS stadium. During the recent conference realignment land grabs, they've been blessed/cursed by their location to be in one of the fastest growing cities in the US, which makes conferences want them despite all other factors. Still, Charlotte has done precious little to keep up athletically with their peers in whatever conference they happen to fail upwards into. Unless something changes administratively, they will be the Vanderbilt of the new AAC where going 6-7 with a blowout bowl game loss is an outstanding year.

[SFA 93]

They seem to have plans to better the situation

Charlotte 49ers to double Jerry Richardson Stadium capacity as part of $100 million athletics growth plan
https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2022/05/24/unc-charlotte-charlotte-49ers-hok-jenkins-peer.html

[F'N Hawks]

We got ACU coming to town this weekend. What can UND fans expect from the Wildcats? 5-2 record. Appear to have a high-end RB!

[katss07]

There is no man for such a job.

The Charlotte 49er program was originally conceived at the FCS level and, institutionally, that hasn't changed much even though they went FBS before their first game. Their recruiting and operational budgets, their hiring practices and their facilities are all still on par with FCS schools. Jerry Richardson Stadium is a 2nd-tier FCS stadium. During the recent conference realignment land grabs, they've been blessed/cursed by their location to be in one of the fastest growing cities in the US, which makes conferences want them despite all other factors. Still, Charlotte has done precious little to keep up athletically with their peers in whatever conference they happen to fail upwards into. Unless something changes administratively, they will be the Vanderbilt of the new AAC where going 6-7 with a blowout bowl game loss is an outstanding year.
Had never seen their stadium before. I wouldn’t call it a 2nd tier FCS stadium, but how the conference once called the Big East has interest in that is beyond me.

To be fair, I think a lot of people assumed APSU to be beyond repair. From an outsiders perspective, at least I did. Too bad for Coach Healy, seems like a good young coach. Been at two schools with less than ideal circumstances. Maybe a higher end FCS school makes a play at him when the season is over.

[caribbeanhen]

After watching William and Mary beat up Charlotte in game one, the problem is much bigger than the coach

[Catatonic]

F’N Hawks,

You are more likely to get a knowledgeable response on the ACU Board than here. https://catchat.freeforums.net/

basically, ACU is still a work in progress—New Coach and staff, with lots of transfers as well as some experienced returnees. The Cats run an rpo offense behind QB Maverick McIvor (transfer Texas Tech). McIvor hadn’t played in a game in three years so he’s still adjusting to the speed of the game. He has a very strong arm but doesn’t always make the best decisions. Rs freshman Jeremiah Dobbins is the RB you mentioned. Sr Kobe Clarke is ACU’s all time leading receiver. He’s complimented by several tall, speedy transfers, particularly 6’4 Kansas transfer Tristan Golightly. the OL is a mix of youngsters, with only two returning starters both of whom have been nursing injuries. I’m unclear about whether they will play this weekend.

On defense, the Cats are young and aggressive. That sometimes works to their advantage if they can pressure thevQB. It’s also worked against them at times with speedy receivers getting behind the secondary and catching the ball with no one near.

‘special teams is a mess. The Cats have had 3 kicks blocked, allowed several long reruns, and a fg kicker that’s hitting 40% of his tries. This is truly ACU’s weakest position group.

The Wildcats haven’t played a schedule that’s anywhere near as tough as yours. The next 4 games will be really challenging, starting with y’all. aCU is coming off a bye week, so hopefully they will be rested and nagging injuries will have had a chance to heal.

It’ll be great to play a ranked team from the MVFC to get an idea about where we are as a team.

Now, back at ya. What can ACU expect from UND?

[F'N Hawks]

F’N Hawks,

You are more likely to get a knowledgeable response on the ACU Board than here. https://catchat.freeforums.net/

basically, ACU is still a work in progress—New Coach and staff, with lots of transfers as well as some experienced returnees. The Cats run an rpo offense behind QB Maverick McIvor (transfer Texas Tech). McIvor hadn’t played in a game in three years so he’s still adjusting to the speed of the game. He has a very strong arm but doesn’t always make the best decisions. Rs freshman Jeremiah Dobbins is the RB you mentioned. Sr Kobe Clarke is ACU’s all time leading receiver. He’s complimented by several tall, speedy transfers, particularly 6’4 Kansas transfer Tristan Golightly. the OL is a mix of youngsters, with only two returning starters both of whom have been nursing injuries. I’m unclear about whether they will play this weekend.

On defense, the Cats are young and aggressive. That sometimes works to their advantage if they can pressure thevQB. It’s also worked against them at times with speedy receivers getting behind the secondary and catching the ball with no one near.

‘special teams is a mess. The Cats have had 3 kicks blocked, allowed several long reruns, and a fg kicker that’s hitting 40% of his tries. This is truly ACU’s weakest position group.

The Wildcats haven’t played a schedule that’s anywhere near as tough as yours. The next 4 games will be really challenging, starting with y’all. aCU is coming off a bye week, so hopefully they will be rested and nagging injuries will have had a chance to heal.

It’ll be great to play a ranked team from the MVFC to get an idea about where we are as a team.

Now, back at ya. What can ACU expect from UND?

Thank you! I am excited to have a non-conference game like this in the second half of the season - kind of unique and changes up the mindset a bit. Plus with ACU being 5-2 and in the hunt for the playoff bid it brings more importance!

UND offensively is pretty diverse, they run alot of motions and screens. Alot of quick stuff to negate pressure. When the running game gets going they will lean on it heavily then RPO off that but it hasn't always been there. The WR's are good route runners with good hands but not real fast. Schemes win games for UND, not pure athleticism if that makes sense. OL is just ok. Young with three first year starters but they have their moments where the protection is good and run game gets rolling but its far from consistent.
QB Schuster is playing well. Not real intimidating at about 5'11" but he is very intelligent and gets the ball out quick, moves around the pocket well to avoid pressure. Avg's about 240 yards per game.

Defensively it hasn't been real good this year. Giving up like 33 pts/game. Line is solid, nothing great but doable. Outside linebackers have been OK but underwhelming in pass rush game, inside linebackers have been better. Secondary is a dumpster fire at times. #3 is our best corner and after that it drops off fast at safety and the other corner. We can be had in the passing game that is for sure. Lack of pressure and bad coverage is a horrible combination!

It will be a fun game! GL to you all and hope the travel goes well for them with no issues!

[BEAR]

UNA heads to UCA this weekend. It's UCA's homecoming. I don't think this is the '95 matchup anymore...sorry Lion fans but I think the Bears might have enough to pull this one out... (unless you wear Lindenwood unis) xlolx

[UNAPride]

Wow! What a finish!!

Utah Tech holds on to win 47-44 over SFA.

[Daytripper]

Wow! What a finish!!

Utah Tech holds on to win 47-44 over SFA.

Really entertaining 4th quarter.

[UNAPride]

UNA heads to UCA this weekend. It's UCA's homecoming. I don't think this is the '95 matchup anymore...sorry Lion fans but I think the Bears might have enough to pull this one out... (unless you wear Lindenwood unis) xlolx

Yeah, it's already a blowout at the half. Hopefully this dismal year helps UNA reassign our coach to another position like they just did to the AD over the summer.

They mentioned the last game between the two was a D2 playoff game in 2005. The Lions and Bears split that year. They were mainly talking about the number of coaches that came out of that game including the current UCA Head Coach. He was the Bear QB. I didn't realize that!

[SFA 93]

Give credit to Utah Tech.

[Daytripper]

Give credit to Utah Tech.

I agree. They played us really tough. They are pretty good.

[katss07]

SFA is embarrassing. WAC should’ve brought in A&M Commerce and left SFA in the Southland.

[F'N Hawks]

ACU is pretty damn good. UND isn't as good as hoped but the Wildcats are pretty salty. They could've easily won that game.

[SFA 93]

ACU is definitely knocking on the door, they seem to have the right personnel in place, could easily be 7-1 right now.

[Catatonic]

SFA, ACU and Austin Peay all lost this week. Does that mean EKU as this week’s auto bid qualifier leader? What about going down the stretch? Who is in the best position to represent us based on upcoming schedule?

[SFA 93]

Central Arkansas is putting up numbers and 3-0 in conference play, and should get in if they win their last 3.

[SDFS]

ACU is definitely knocking on the door, they seem to have the right personnel in place, could easily be 7-1 right now.

The ACU QB a drop down from Texas Tech is nice

[UNAPride]

SFA, ACU and Austin Peay all lost this week. Does that mean EKU as this week’s auto bid qualifier leader? What about going down the stretch? Who is in the best position to represent us based on upcoming schedule?

Central Arkansas is the only eligible ASUN team left with an undefeated conference record. They play EKU this week and then SFA.

So, they basically control their own destiny for the AQ.

[Catatonic]

Central Arkansas is the only eligible ASUN team left with an undefeated conference record. They play EKU this week and then SFA.

So, they basically control their own destiny for the AQ.
’ACU is still undefeated in conference play on the WAC side. (The first SFA game didn’t count as a conference game. It was an add on thanks to UIW).

[SFA 93]

XAVIER GIPSON REC:229; YARDS:4,080; AVG:18.0; TD:36; PR:35; YDS:728; AVG: 21; TD:3

Projected a 3rd round draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

[SFA 93]

SFA is embarrassing. WAC should’ve brought in A&M Commerce and left SFA in the Southland.

lol you should file a complaint with the WAC

[UNAPride]

After 21 seasons as an assistant under three different head coaches and becoming head coach for the past six seasons, UNA has parted ways with Coach Chris Willis.

Coach Willis has had a career like possibly no other coach. He was hired by Mark Hudspeth over 20 years ago as offense assistant before switching to defense and rising to the DC position which he held for a long run of conference titles and playoff victories under Hud, Terry Bowden, and Bobby Wallace's second stint. Somehow, UNA convinced the incoming coaches to retain most of the staff from the preceding head coach. Chris Willis rode that wave to the top job as Wallace retired in 2016 after UNA made one final run to the D2 Championship game.

However, the final season in D2 and the transition to FCS have been tough sledding for the Lions football program in the Willis era. One year, great defense/no offense, the next year it's the opposite. Never the right combination and time has just run out.

We'll see who the new AD looks to for the open job.

https://www.waaytv.com/news/lions-part-ways-with-chris-willis-name-ryan-held-interim-head-coach/article_5b1d2664-58b0-11ed-a16f-fbfbf63c3a11.html

[UNAPride]

’ACU is still undefeated in conference play on the WAC side. (The first SFA game didn’t count as a conference game. It was an add on thanks to UIW).

I didn't realize that but I do have to give kudos to the ACU turnaround! I know you're enjoy it as is all of ACU Nation!!

[SFA 93]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fga04fMXEAE20k1?format=jpg&name=medium

[UNAPride]

LOL @ those rankings!

Central Arkansas beat Kennesaw State by 26 points and Austin Peay by 29 points. APSU also got beat by 24 at Jax State two days ago! Haha. Wow.

Very important game for them vs. EKU this weekend.

[Catatonic]

Scratching my head over these rankings.

[SFA 93]

The formula is a complete mystery.

[katss07]

Congrats to ACU. Kicked our ass tonight. Go beat SFA and make the playoffs. Please.

[bonarae]

Meanwhile, UTRGV has began a coaching search for the initial year of football there.

https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2022/11/14/23457484/utrgv-vaqueros-football-program-head-coach-salary-budget-heb-park-stadium-edinburg

[SFA 93]

ACU about an 8.5 point favorite.

Hopefully the Jacks show up and make a game of it.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fh8MoNvXwAU7p0d?format=jpg&name=medium

[UNAPride]

Rumor has it that UNA will face off against Mercer in the 2023 FCS Kickoff Game in Montgomery.

[JSUSoutherner]

Rumor has it that UNA will face off against Mercer in the 2023 FCS Kickoff Game in Montgomery.
Oh goody.

You could even it play it in the stadium for the Montgomery Biscuits!

[FUBeAR]

Rumor has it that UNA will face off against Mercer in the 2023 FCS Kickoff Game in Montgomery.
8/26/23?

If so, that will complete the Bears OOC schedule and means only 5 home games again. They have Ole Miss on 9/2, obviously, in Oxford. Then, they have Morehead State on 9/9 for a 2nd trip to Macon. Then 4 home / 4 away SoCon games.

[CockyGeek]

Rumor has it that UNA will face off against Mercer in the 2023 FCS Kickoff Game in Montgomery.

That is nothing to be excited about. That place is a dump.

[Catatonic]

Rumor has it that UNA will face off against Mercer in the 2023 FCS Kickoff Game in Montgomery.

Tough opener. Should be exciting and a real test of your progress.

[FUBeAR]

Tough opener. Should be exciting and a real test of your progress.Pretty sure you’re referring to UNA’s “progress.” Not so sure that’s the right word to use…

2018 7-3 (3-2 vs. FCS) - FCS Independent (w/5 lower division games)
2019 4-7 - FCS Big South
2020 - Covid
2021 - 3-8 - FCS Big South
2022 - 1-10 (0-10 vs. FCS) - FCS ASUN … fired Head Coach after 8th game w/2 years remaining on his contract

Mercer, eligibility wise, loses record-setting QB Fred Payton, starting TE, starting OT (who went down for the season in 5th game), and starting CB.

So, pre-portal & pre-deciding to ‘hang it up’ losses, Mercer will return 8.5 starters on Offense (SoCon #1) & 10 starters on Defense (SoCon #2) from a Team that should be practicing for a 1st round Playoff game right now.

As far as replacing the QB, Mercer does have 2021 SpringSeason SoCon Freshman of the Year, Carter Peavy, returning. He’s been Payton’s understudy in Fall of 2021 & 2022. Believe he took a redshirt this season, so should have 3 seasons of eligibility remaining, since Spring 2021 ‘didn’t count.’

And who knows what the portal might bring? Would imagine there are some smart QB’s out there, who see the Top 10 numbers Payton put up (3,019 yds & 32 TD’s) working with Mercer’s 2 record-setting returning WR’s, and think they might like to get ‘em some of that.

Should be an interesting game. Regardless of the venue, FUBeAR likes having one of ‘his Teams’ in a Week 0 game.

[UNAPride]

Tough opener. Should be exciting and a real test of your progress.

The entire non-conference schedule will be tough for the new staff and updated roster. Trial by fire. FutureShedules.com had UNA with this opening already:



08/31 - Chattanooga (https://fbschedules.com/ncaa/chattanooga/)
09/09 - at Tarleton State (https://fbschedules.com/ncaa/tarleton-state/)
09/23 - UT Martin (https://fbschedules.com/ncaa/ut-martin/)
11/18 - at Florida State (https://fbschedules.com/ncaa/florida-state/)


https://fbschedules.com/ncaa/north-alabama/

[UNAPride]

Pretty sure you’re referring to UNA’s “progress.” Not so sure that’s the right word to use…

2018 7-3 (3-2 vs. FCS) - FCS Independent (w/5 lower division games)
2019 4-7 - FCS Big South
2020 - Covid
2021 - 3-8 - FCS Big South
2022 - 1-10 (0-10 vs. FCS) - FCS ASUN … fired Head Coach after 8th game w/2 years remaining on his contract

Mercer, eligibility wise, loses record-setting QB Fred Payton, starting TE, starting OT (who went down for the season in 5th game), and starting CB.

So, pre-portal & pre-deciding to ‘hang it up’ losses, Mercer will return 8.5 starters on Offense (SoCon #1) & 10 starters on Defense (SoCon #2) from a Team that should be practicing for a 1st round Playoff game right now.

As far as replacing the QB, Mercer does have 2021 SpringSeason SoCon Freshman of the Year, Carter Peavy, returning. He’s been Payton’s understudy in Fall of 2021 & 2022. Believe he took a redshirt this season, so should have 3 seasons of eligibility remaining, since Spring 2021 ‘didn’t count.’

And who knows what the portal might bring? Would imagine there are some smart QB’s out there, who see the Top 10 numbers Payton put up (3,019 yds & 32 TD’s) working with Mercer’s 2 record-setting returning WR’s, and think they might like to get ‘em some of that.

Should be an interesting game. Regardless of the venue, FUBeAR likes having one of ‘his Teams’ in a Week 0 game.


The only positive outlook for UNA right now is the potential for some good players to return. Our fingers are crossed that they don't enter the portal.


WALTERS IS FINALIST FOR JERRY RICE AWARD

University of North Alabama freshman quarterback Noah Walters of Lincoln, Neb., is on the list of 25 national finalists for the 2022 Stats Perform Jerry Rice Award as the FCS Freshman of the Year.

Walters started in 10 of North Alabama's 11 games as a true freshman this fall and threw for 2,149 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for another 212 yards and two TDs. Walters led four fourth quarter drives to either tie a game or give the Lions the lead, including in his first collegiate appearance against Indiana State, when he led a fourth quarter drive to tie the game and force overtime against the Sycamores.

https://roarlions.com/images/2022/11/21/Jerry_Rice_Finalist_VLhD6.jpg?width=1884&quality=80&format=jpg

https://roarlions.com/news/2022/11/21/football-walters-is-finalist-for-jerry-rice-award.aspx


POWELL IS FINALIST FOR WALTER PAYTON AWARD

University of North Alabama sophomore running back ShunDerrick Powell of Hoxie, Ark., is a national finalist for the 2022 Walter Payton Award, which is annually presented to the national offensive player of the year in college football's Division I subdivision.

Powell is ranked among the FCS leaders in seven categories. He set a UNA single season record with 1,508 rushing yards and scored 18 touchdowns. His 160.1 all-purpose yards per game is also among the nation's best.

He rushed for more than 100 yards in seven games this season, including four games with more than 200 yards rushing. He also scored at least one touchdown in nine of UNA's 11 games, including seven straight.

https://roarlions.com/images/2022/11/22/Walter_Payton_Award_Finalist_NVTn6.jpg?width=1884&quality=80&format=jpg

https://roarlions.com/news/2022/11/22/football-powell-is-finalist-for-walter-payton-award.aspx

[JSUSoutherner]

That is nothing to be excited about. That place is a dump.
If it's good enough for the Montgomery Biscuits, it's good enough for UNA.

[SFA 93]

2X WALTER PAYTON AWARD FINALIST
4X All-AMERICAN
4X ALL-CONFERENCE
2X WAC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
JERRY RICE AWARD FINALIST

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FiL_r_KXkBsUOkT?format=jpg&name=medium

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FiMmugWXEBUComV?format=jpg&name=large

- - - Updated - - -

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FiHe9yZWIAAkSF5?format=jpg&name=medium

[FUBeAR]

The entire non-conference schedule will be tough for the new staff and updated roster. Trial by fire. FutureShedules.com had UNA with this opening already:



08/31 - Chattanooga (https://fbschedules.com/ncaa/chattanooga/)
09/09 - at Tarleton State (https://fbschedules.com/ncaa/tarleton-state/)
09/23 - UT Martin (https://fbschedules.com/ncaa/ut-martin/)
11/18 - at Florida State (https://fbschedules.com/ncaa/florida-state/)


https://fbschedules.com/ncaa/north-alabama/Confused.

The original post says…


Rumor has it that UNA will face off against Mercer in the 2023 FCS Kickoff Game in Montgomery.

…but this shows Chattanooga on THURSDAY 8/31. Mercer has Ole Miss on 9/2, so if 8/31, it can’t be Mercer playing in it. Did you mean Chatt in your original post?

[UNAPride]

Confused.

The original post says…



…but this shows Chattanooga on THURSDAY 8/31. Mercer has Ole Miss on 9/2, so if 8/31, it can’t be Mercer playing in it. Did you mean Chatt in your original post?


The Kickoff Game is on August 26th. Week 0.

There has been no announcement. So, it's not on that site yet.

[FUBeAR]

The Kickoff Game is on August 26th. Week 0.

There has been no announcement. So, it's not on that site yet.
So, 0 for the FCS-level in 2022, UNA, is going to open play in 2023 with, what should have been two 2022 Playoff Teams, Mercer on Sat. 8/26 & 5 days later, play Chatt on Thurs. 8/31?

OK…

[UNAPride]

So, 0 for the FCS-level in 2022, UNA, is going to open play in 2023 with, what should have been two 2022 Playoff Teams, Mercer on Sat. 8/26 & 5 days later, play Chatt on Thurs. 8/31?

OK…

Maybe they'd move the Chatty home game to the Saturday? I have no idea. Like I said, it's gonna be tough sledding for the new staff. But, I'm sure UNA wasn't gonna turn down an invite to play in that nationally televised game. Hopefully, it's not a blowout.

[UNAPride]

https://www.asunsports.org/sports/fball/2022-23/FB_All-Conference.png

ATLANTA - The 2022 ASUN Conference Football postseason honors were announced Wednesday by the league office as voted on by the conference's head coaches. Central Arkansas claimed two individual honors as David Walker was tabbed Defensive Player of the Year and Will Diggins earned Freshman of the Year award while Eastern Kentucky also boasted a pair of honorees with Parker McKinney tabbed as Offensive Player of the Year and Walt Wells named Coach of the Year. North Alabama's ShunDerrick Powell garnered Offensive Player of the Year recognition and Kennesaw State's Conor Cummins earned the Special Teams Player of the Year accolade to round out the list of superlatives.

McKinney led the ASUN in every passing category while setting EKU single-season records for completions (278), attempts (402), passing yards (3,502) and passing touchdowns (28). He boasted a league-best eight 300+ yard passing performances highlighted by the ASUN's first 400-yard passing game with 427 yards in EKU's season-ending win over KSU, while also rushing for 373 yards and eight touchdowns. McKinney closed his regular-season campaign as the Colonels' career leader in total offense, passing yards, passing touchdowns, completions, and attempts. Against ASUN competition, McKinney threw 14 touchdowns against just three interceptions in leading EKU to a conference championship. The standout signal-caller currently ranks top-10 nationally in eight offensive categories and is a finalist for the Walter Payton Award as FCS Offensive Player of the Year.

The ASUN's leading rusher, Powell ranks third in FCS for rushing touchdowns (18), total touchdowns (18) and is fourth for rushing yards (1,509). He produced seven 100-yard rushing games this season, including a span of five-straight, highlighted by four games with more than 200 yards rushing. Powell recorded a school-record and career-best 251 yards against UVA Wise and twice topped the 200-yard mark in ASUN play against EKU (218) and Austin Peay (207). He is also listed top-5 in all of FCS for rushing yards per game (137.2), rushing yards per carry (6.83), all-purpose yards (172.0) and scoring (10.8). In ASUN games, he averaged 146.8 rushing yards per game, which was more than 40 yards per game greater than the second leading rusher. Powell was named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award as well.

Walker was a force on the defensive line for the Bears, leading the ASUN and ranking second in the FCS for sacks with 12 for a total loss of 83 yards and tackles for-loss with 22 (loss of 107 yards). He finished the season with 66 total tackles including 36 solo stops while reaching a season-high nine tackles in three contests. Walker had at least one TFL in 10 of 11 games headlined by a season-best four TFLs against Missouri State and a UCA school record matching 3.5 sack effort in a road victory at Stephen F. Austin. Against ASUN foes, his top performances included 3.5 TFLs against UNA and 3.0 TFLs versus JSU. Walker was recently named a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award as FCS Defensive Player of the Year.

In his first season handling the Owls' place-kicking duties, Cummins was a perfect 25-of-25 on his PATs while also connecting on 10-of-14 (71.4%) of his field goal tries. He tallied a total of 55 points for KSU. Cummins went 4-of-6 from 40 yards or farther and set the KSU record for longest field goal with a 50-yard kick at Eastern Kentucky.

Diggins played in 10 of 11 games as a freshman and helped anchor an offensive line that produced 434.2 yards, which ranked second in the ASUN (20th in FCS) and 32.1 points per game (29th in FCS). The Bears ranked third in the conference and 25th in the FCS for passing offense at 264.0 yards per game. UCA scored over 49 points in a game four times during the season, including a 64-point explosion against UNA.

Wells captured his second consecutive ASUN Coach of the Year award after leading the Colonels to an ASUN regular-season title and a return to the FCS Playoffs for the first time since 2014. He guided Eastern Kentucky to a 7-4 record (3-2 ASUN), matching his best season at the helm of the program. EKU went 6-1 against FCS opponents this season and earned the ASUN's second-ever victory over an FBS foe with a 59-57 seven-overtime decision at Bowling Green. The Colonels boasted the ASUN's top total offense at 447.1 yards per game (14th in FCS) and passing offense at 318.4 yards per game (3rd in FCS), while ranking as the second highest scoring team at 35.7 points per game (16th in FCS).
Offensive Player of the Year: Parker McKinney, Eastern Kentucky & ShunDerrick Powell, North Alabama
Defensive Player of the Year: David Walker, Central Arkansas
Special Teams Player of the Year: Conor Cummins, Kennesaw State
Freshman of the Year: Will Diggins, Central Arkansas
Coach of the Year: Walt Wells, Eastern Kentucky

ASUN All-Conference Offense
QB - Parker McKinney#, Eastern Kentucky, Jr., Coalfield, Tenn.
RB - *ShunDerrick Powell, North Alabama, So., Hoxie, Ark.
RB - *Darius Hale#, Central Arkansas, So., Pearland, Texas
WR - Drae McCray, Austin Peay, So., Tallahassee, Fla.
WR - Jarrod Barnes, Central Arkansas, Jr., Cabot, Ark.
TE - Dakota Allen, Eastern Kentucky, Sr., Lebanon, Ohio
TE - Sean Brown#, Jacksonville State, So., Rome, Ga.
TE - Corson Swan, North Alabama, Sr., Spanish Fort, Ala.
OL - Chandler Kirton, Austin Peay, Fr., Atlantic Beach, Fla.
OL - Jaylin Hendrix#, Central Arkansas, Sr., Everman, Texas
OL - Payton Collins#, Eastern Kentucky, So., Columbus, Ohio
OL - Fau Tai'Vai, North Alabama, So., Melbourne, Australia
C - Treylen Brown, Jacksonville State, So., Spartanburg, S.C.
C - Cameron Watson, North Alabama, Sr., Madison, Miss.

ASUN All-Conference Defense

DL - David Walker, Central Arkansas, So., Stuttgart, Ark.
DL - Logan Jessup#, Central Arkansas, Jr., Wynne, Ark.
DL - TK McLendon, Eastern Kentucky, Sr., Soperton, Ga.
DL - Jaylen "J-Rock" Swain#, Jacksonville State, So., Oxford, Ala.
LB - *Matthew Jackson#, Eastern Kentucky, Sr., Nashville, Tenn.
LB - Antoine Williams, Austin Peay, So., Birmingham, Ala.
LB - Stevonte Tullis#, Jacksonville State, Sr., Dothan, Ala.
DB - Demetries Ford, Austin Peay, So., South Miami, Fla.
DB - Shamari Simmons, Austin Peay, Jr., Ashland, Ala.
DB - Cameron Godfrey#, Central Arkansas, So., Spring, Texas
DB - Tamuarion Wilson, Central Arkansas, So., Bryant, Ark.
DB - Deontre Morris, Kennesaw State, So., Atlanta, Ga.

ASUN All-Conference Specialists

K - Maddux Trujillo, Austin Peay, So., Flowery Branch, Ga.
P - Matthew Rigney, Austin Peay, Jr., Newcastle, Australia
P - Chandler Caughron#, Central Arkansas, So., Memphis, Tenn.
RS - Gabriel Benyard, Kennesaw State, So., Ocilla, Ga.

* - Denotes unanimous selection

# - Denotes a two-time selection to the All-Conference Team
NOTE: Ties in voting resulted in a 14-person Offensive Team, 12-person Defensive Team and four-person Specialist Team

https://www.asunsports.org/sports/fball/2022-23/releases/20221122qivjle

[UNAPride]

According to SFA Head Coach Colby Carthel, the WAC and ASUN are forming a football-only conference with the plans to move to FBS. He said the announcement will come in the next few weeks.


"...in the future, maybe sooner than later, that whole league together will make the jump to the FBS level."


Around the 56:00 mark.



https://youtu.be/vA1EYip8E_I?t=3362

[Daytripper]

According to SFA Head Coach Colby Carthel, the WAC and ASUN are forming a football-only conference with the plans to move to FBS. He said the announcement will come in the next few weeks.


"...in the future, maybe sooner than later, that whole league together will make the jump to the FBS level."


Around the 56:00 mark.



https://youtu.be/vA1EYip8E_I?t=3362

We will see. Hoping to make the move in the unpredictable future may be a foolish bet. The college football landscape is changing so fast, who knows what it will look like in 5 years?

[UNAPride]

We will see. Hoping to make the move in the unpredictable future may be a foolish bet. The college football landscape is changing so fast, who knows what it will look like in 5 years?

Absolutely. But, this new football conference is the stability these FCS schools needed while several await the call to FBS. 9 is a decent number.

[SFA 93]

UTRGV coming in 2025

They already launched their social media and currently looking for a head coach.

https://twitter.com/UTRGVFootball

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fh4FOw0WIAEwHHM?format=jpg&name=medium

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FD1g-A-XMAEGpWW.jpg

ASUN/WAC

ABILENE CHRISTIAN
AUSTIN PEAY
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
EASTERN KENTUCKY
NORTH ALABAMA
SOUTHERN UTAH
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE
TARLETON STATE
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS - RIO GRANDE VALLEY (2025)
UTAH TECH

[Catatonic]

A football only conference is workable for FCS. FBS does not approve football only conferences.

[UNAPride]

A football only conference is workable for FCS. FBS does not approve football only conferences.

Exactly. That seems to be the story between the lines here.

[UNAPride]

UTRGV coming in 2025

They already launched their social media and currently looking for a head coach.

https://twitter.com/UTRGVFootball



ASUN/WAC

ABILENE CHRISTIAN
AUSTIN PEAY
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
EASTERN KENTUCKY
NORTH ALABAMA
SOUTHERN UTAH
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE
TARLETON STATE
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS - RIO GRANDE VALLEY (2025)
UTAH TECH


I've enjoyed watching their social media rollout! Fun to see a program start from scratch. I got to watch it happen here in Pensacola with UWF a few years back.

It took me a minute to learn that UTRGV is UT-Pan American and two other colleges consolidated. Interesting.

While certainly spread out, that looks like a good list of 10 to me!!

[Catatonic]

The only way I can think of is for one of the conferences to reclassify as FBS and schools from the other conference to join as football only affiliateS?

[EKU05]

The only way I can think of is for one of the conferences to reclassify as FBS and schools from the other conference to join as football only affiliateS?

That could be an interesting idea if the members from whichever conference doesn't officially sponsor football get some guarantees in writing that they can't be kicked out at the whim of the sponsoring conference (and maybe get a vote when it comes to admitting football members or something). But the bigger issue may be that I think you have to have eight full members playing at the FBS level, and neither of these conferences is there or likely to be all that soon.

[UNAPride]

The only way I can think of is for one of the conferences to reclassify as FBS and schools from the other conference to join as football only affiliateS?


That could be an interesting idea if the members from whichever conference doesn't officially sponsor football get some guarantees in writing that they can't be kicked out at the whim of the sponsoring conference (and maybe get a vote when it comes to admitting football members or something). But the bigger issue may be that I think you have to have eight full members playing at the FBS level, and neither of these conferences is there or likely to be all that soon.


I think for this group of 10 to pursue FBS at some point, they would all eventually need to be in the WAC. That's the main way I could see this unfolding. Otherwise, I have no idea. Maybe that will be discussed when the new FCS league is announced soon.

[EKU05]

I think for this group of 10 to pursue FBS at some point, they would all eventually need to be in the WAC. That's the main way I could see this unfolding. Otherwise, I have no idea. Maybe that will be discussed when the new FCS league is announced soon.

Well, the WAC or the ASUN. The point is that they'd all need to be together. I've wondered if there exists any possibility of adding a few non-football schools to both leagues and then splitting into three eventually. Basically, you end up with:

-ASUN non-football plus a couple additions
-WAC non-football plus a few additions
-All scholarship football schools together in a single, all-sport conference

Maybe it's a pipe dream, but the thought has at least crossed my mind. The three conferences could even maintain some kind of scheduling alliance going forward if we still wanted teams to be playing each other.

[UNAPride]

Well, the WAC or the ASUN. The point is that they'd all need to be together. I've wondered if there exists any possibility of adding a few non-football schools to both leagues and then splitting into three eventually. Basically, you end up with:

-ASUN non-football plus a couple additions
-WAC non-football plus a few additions
-All scholarship football schools together in a single, all-sport conference

Maybe it's a pipe dream, but the thought has at least crossed my mind. The three conferences could even maintain some kind of scheduling alliance going forward if we still wanted teams to be playing each other.

I think you're on to something here. It seems to me, with the WAC's history in FBS, that's where the football schools would end up landing.

It'll be interesting to see if any of that happens.

In the meantime, I'm wondering what the name of this FCS football conference is going to be. It will be UNA's third different football conference in three seasons.

[Catatonic]

That could be an interesting idea if the members from whichever conference doesn't officially sponsor football get some guarantees in writing that they can't be kicked out at the whim of the sponsoring conference (and maybe get a vote when it comes to admitting football members or something). But the bigger issue may be that I think you have to have eight full members playing at the FBS level, and neither of these conferences is there or likely to be all that soon.

the WAC will have 6 once current schools complete transition an UTRGV launches football. They are already D1, so the four year transition from D2 doesn’t apply. The other two? McNeese backed away from the WAC in large part because they want to move to FBS. I suspect they would rekindle their interest if the WAC commits to a move up within a defined period of years. The 8th? I don’t know who else is out there that is looking to move up. Maybe a Big Sky school?

[UNAPride]

the WAC will have 6 once current schools complete transition an UTRGV launches football. They are already D1, so the four year transition from D2 doesn’t apply. The other two? McNeese backed away from the WAC in large part because they want to move to FBS. I suspect they would rekindle their interest if the WAC commits to a move up within a defined period of years. The 8th? I don’t know who else is out there that is looking to move up. Maybe a Big Sky school?

From a post on the ASUN board on CSNbbs today:

The way I understand it is, because the WAC was FBS before, the NCAA will allow them back to FBS provided they show continuity.


The way it has been explained to me is, the WAC and ASUN put football schools together in FCS for a few years (also to my understanding, the past two seasons will count). When Tarleton and Utah Tech complete their transitions, the WAC will accept all ASUN football schools as full members. At that point, the non football schools in the WAC will have found homes in other conferences (some going to the ASUN) at that point, a few more schools will(should) join the WAC.


Also to my understanding, it has to be called the WAC the duration of FCS to continue continuity.

https://csnbbs.com/thread-960076-post-18613848.html#pid18613848

[FUBeAR]

From a post on the ASUN board on CSNbbs today:

The way I understand it is, because the WAC was FBS before, the NCAA will allow them back to FBS provided they show continuity.


The way it has been explained to me is, the WAC and ASUN put football schools together in FCS for a few years (also to my understanding, the past two seasons will count). When Tarleton and Utah Tech complete their transitions, the WAC will accept all ASUN football schools as full members. At that point, the non football schools in the WAC will have found homes in other conferences (some going to the ASUN) at that point, a few more schools will(should) join the WAC.


Also to my understanding, it has to be called the WAC the duration of FCS to continue continuity.

https://csnbbs.com/thread-960076-post-18613848.html#pid18613848
Does this sound, to anyone else, that Tom Sawyer is telling this story…or just to FUBeAR?

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_0n_cmiXKc/U2p8dywtcyI/AAAAAAAAAME/_9GtkMzRgSs/s1600/tom_sawyer_copia3_0073.jpg

[CockyGeek]

ASUN will probably say anything to new members at this point. Raiding the OVC turned out to be a terrible business decision.

[EKU05]

Does this sound, to anyone else, that Tom Sawyer is telling this story…or just to FUBeAR?

Does it all sound pretty unlikely to actually unfold? Absolutely? But 1983 usually has good info, and I don't doubt that it's being discussed behind the scenes.

There are a lot of hurdles to clear, and even if you can clear them you're betting that C-USA won't pick another 2-4 schools off eventually, but I'm not ready to use the word "impossible" on a plan like this. Both conferences clearly had this as an original plan. They're just consolidating it into one league now (theoretically if all of this was true).

[dgtw]

That is nothing to be excited about. That place is a dump.

The stadium is fine. It just pissed me off going to Montgomery instead of playing at home.

[UNAPride]

Austin Peay's Gerald Harrison wants Govs in FBS football by 2025. Here's the plan

From near the end of this article:


While Austin Peay's ASUN membership remains strong, there could be a scenario in which the Govs are looking to join an FBS conference in the coming years. Jacksonville State and Kennesaw State will join Conference USA, and Harrison said he'd like for Peay to have a conference affiliation that makes sense regionally. But he didn't rule out the possibility of playing as an independent in the FBS.

"We want to be in an FBS conference," Harrison said. "Don't get me wrong, financially, we're not going to try to join a conference in the northeast. We're very happy in the ASUN. We're not overjoyed that we lost two members as soon as we walked in the door. But we'll see where this goes."

https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/sports/college/apsu/2022/12/02/austin-peay-football-fbs-gerald-harrison-athletics-director/69696103007/

[katss07]

I thought the WAC/ASUN planned on moving up as a group? Wouldn’t this undermine that?

[Libertine]

I thought the WAC/ASUN planned on moving up as a group? Wouldn’t this undermine that?

Reality undermines that plan. This is just another reminder.

[katss07]

Reality undermines that plan. This is just another reminder.
Oh I agree that it isn’t happening and something like it is completely unrealistic. But if there as much as trying to work together and make the jump as a unit, this goes against that.

Anyways, I’m no insider on the financial state of APSU or what their athletic dept. looks like, but this move would seem to be… unlikely. Can’t imagine Sunbelt or CUSA would look at APSU. Is independence really an option? That sounds like a bad idea!

[mvfcfan]

The thought of Austin Peay being FBS makes me LOL. They are lucky to draw a couple thousand fans to their games. Their fan board was so inactive that it shut down. The NCAA really needs to crack down on this nonsense or end the FBS / FCS split. When a school like APSU wants to go FBS you know things are getting out of hand.

[SFA 93]

North Alabama (FCS): Sources shared with FootballScoop last night that Brent Dearmon was on campus and UNA was seeking to reach an agreement with him (https://footballscoop.com/news/sources-north-alabama-targeting-brent-dearmon) to become their next head coach.

[UNAPride]

North Alabama (FCS): Sources tell FootballScoop UNA got their man. This deal is done (https://footballscoop.com/news/sources-north-alabama-targeting-brent-dearmon).

https://roarlions.com/images/2022/12/3/Dearmon.jpeg?width=1884&quality=80&format=jpg

BRENT DEARMON NAMED HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AT UNA

FLORENCE, Ala. -- An Alabama native who has been a collegiate head coach and served as offensive coordinator at Arkansas Tech, Kansas, Middle Tennessee State and Florida Atlantic, Brent Dearmon has been named as the 12th head football coach at the University of North Alabama.

North Alabama Director of Athletics Dr. Josh Looney made the announcement Saturday, concluding a month-long national search.

UNA will officially introduce its new head football coach at a 2 p.m. press conference on Monday (December 5) in the Pierce Hospitality Suite in Flowers Hall on the UNA campus.

https://roarlions.com/news/2022/12/3/football-brent-dearmon-named-head-football-coach-at-una.aspx

[ST_Lawson]

https://twitter.com/RedditCFB/status/1601223771683459074

[DFW HOYA]

The WAC-ASun: Because nothing says big-time football like than the annual Tarleton State-Utah Tech game.

[SpreadTheWord]

WAC-ASUN literally translates into "Child Abuse"...

[Libertine]

WAC-ASUN literally translates into "Child Abuse"...


xlolxxlolx

All-time great post!

[UNAPride]

2023 ASUN-WAC Football Schedule

https://wacsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/photos/2023_ScheduleV2_headline.jpg


https://wacsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/releases/2023fbconfschedule

[SFA 93]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FkctDsbXwAEYOpY?format=jpg&name=large

[SFA 93]

I guess in 2024 we will finally get a SFA vs.North Alabama game.

[UNAPride]

I guess in 2024 we will finally get a SFA vs.North Alabama game.

Yep. All conference teams will be playing each other in 2024.

[UNAPride]

From Pete Thamel:

Sources: Oliver Luck has been brought on as the executive director of the new football partnership between the ASUN Conference and the Western Athletic Conference. He'll be a consultant and start immediately.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/35385991/sources-sports-exec-oliver-luck-work-asun-wac

From the article:

The addition of Luck provides the aspirational group a credibility boost, as he has done everything from finish as a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship while a star quarterback at West Virginia to play for the Houston Oilers. He's also a lawyer who worked as the CEO of NFL Europe, the president of the Houston Dynamo of the MLS and commissioner of the XFL. He's currently the chairman of Altius Sports Partners.

[BEAR]

"I'm excited to work with 10 outstanding presidents who have a united vision to build their football programs," said Luck. "Together, with WAC Commissioner Brian Thornton and ASUN Commissioner Ted Gumbart, we are going to build and execute a game plan for success. The NCAA is in a transformational stage and now is a great time to build a new football conference." - (from the article above)


A new football conference. Nice. It will be good to be finally part of something that isn't going to fall apart because teams are leaving. xlolx
If I recall from a radio interview from one of the A.D.s he said FBS is a strong likelihood but for sure not this year. Hiring Luck is the first step into evaluation and planning.

[Daytripper]

"I'm excited to work with 10 outstanding presidents who have a united vision to build their football programs," said Luck. "Together, with WAC Commissioner Brian Thornton and ASUN Commissioner Ted Gumbart, we are going to build and execute a game plan for success. The NCAA is in a transformational stage and now is a great time to build a new football conference." - (from the article above)


A new football conference. Nice. It will be good to be finally part of something that isn't going to fall apart because teams are leaving. xlolx
If I recall from a radio interview from one of the A.D.s he said FBS is a strong likelihood but for sure not this year. Hiring Luck is the first step into evaluation and planning.

Presidents and athletic directors are all coming to the realization that if you are not FBS in the near future, you will be relegated to college football ghetto (FCS, D-II)

[UNAPride]

"I'm excited to work with 10 outstanding presidents who have a united vision to build their football programs," said Luck. "Together, with WAC Commissioner Brian Thornton and ASUN Commissioner Ted Gumbart, we are going to build and execute a game plan for success. The NCAA is in a transformational stage and now is a great time to build a new football conference." - (from the article above)


A new football conference. Nice. It will be good to be finally part of something that isn't going to fall apart because teams are leaving. xlolx
If I recall from a radio interview from one of the A.D.s he said FBS is a strong likelihood but for sure not this year. Hiring Luck is the first step into evaluation and planning.


And from the ASUN release:

"We have 10 presidents with the same goal - to elevate our institutions through outstanding academic programs, world-class faculty and staff and ALL of our Division I sports, including our historic football programs competing and winning at the highest possible level of competition and recognition," said Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaddin. "With Oliver Luck's leadership, we have added an important piece of that equation. This is an exciting time for our schools, our conferences and for the overall growth and strength of both the ASUN and the WAC."

https://asunsports.org/sports/fball/2022-23/releases/20230105d8sjt0

[katss07]

Presidents and athletic directors are all coming to the realization that if you are not FBS in the near future, you will be relegated to college football ghetto (FCS, D-II)
Don’t get it twisted though, the CUSA and “G5” conferences will soon become lumped into that “college football ghetto too.

[katss07]

I’ll be curious to see what happens when CUSA expands to 12 and (likely) invites two of these schools.

[UNAPride]

In the ESPN article last month, it said they were in touch with 4 current FCS schools to join once the transition to FBS starts.

I hear one is Chattanooga.

[katss07]

In the ESPN article last month, it said they were in touch with 4 current FCS schools to join once the transition to FBS starts.

I hear one is Chattanooga.
Wow, that would be a shocker considering the SoCon just upped their exit fee last month and UTC’s past stance on FBS football. It’ll be fun to see what happens but I doubt that rumor is true.

[EKU05]

Wow, that would be a shocker considering the SoCon just upped their exit fee last month and UTC’s past stance on FBS football. It’ll be fun to see what happens but I doubt that rumor is true.

I'm not saying it is true, and I haven't heard anything. But, if they're waiting until it's more of a sure thing before pulling the trigger then the risk is low and the cost may be worth it. They rebuffed the ASUN because everything seemed too far downstream and unsure. Jumping on board something that is already happening is a different story, so I'd rate it as "believable" that Chattanooga would be interested at a later point in time.

Now, the question is...

*If* they are interested, would it be as a full member of the ASUN? I'd say probably yes, but there are a lot of unknowns at this stage of the game so I'm not sure about anything.

[UNAPride]

I didn't realize that Oliver Luck is Andrew's father. Interesting.

[Libertine]

I didn't realize that Oliver Luck is Andrew's father. Interesting.

He was also the commissioner of the ill-fated XFL 2.0. Read into that what you will.

[UNAPride]

He was also the commissioner of the ill-fated XFL 2.0. Read into that what you will.

Or just read about it.

Vince McMahon, Former XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck Settle Lawsuit

Luck, who filed a wrongful termination lawsuit (https://www.si.com/xfl/2020/04/21/oliver-luck-sues-vince-mcmahon-wrongful-termination-xfl) against the former XFL owner in April 2020, is set to receive roughly $24 million in damages, per Fischer. According to court documents, the two parties officially reached the agreement June 16, less than a month before the case had been set to go to jury selection July 11.

https://www.si.com/xfl/2022/06/21/vince-mcmahon-former-xfl-commissioner-oliver-luck-settle-lawsuit

[EKU05]

He was also the commissioner of the ill-fated XFL 2.0. Read into that what you will.

The league had good TV ratings, and it only shut down due to the pandemic. There's not much "reading into" that needs to be done.

And while Luck is no longer involved, the league is still alive and will be playing football in a few weeks under new ownership. Luck being out of the picture is more about timing and a personal fallout out with McMahon than the league itself being "ill-fated" in any way other than running into a global pandemic.

[UNAPride]

The only way I can think of is for one of the conferences to reclassify as FBS and schools from the other conference to join as football only affiliateS?

RIP to Catatonic. I learned on the D2 board yesterday that he passed just before the new year. He and I both were more involved on the D2 board over the years but it was always great to interact with him here, too.

He lived a full life but it's still such sad news to me.

He loved his Wildcats and followed UGA after being on the faculty there for 30 years.

[Lion-Fan]

Oh man, that's sad to hear, I've been talking to him for years on the D2 board as well.

[UNAPride]

The FCS Kickoff is finally official after being a rumor for a couple of months.

https://herosports.com/fcs-kickoff-2023-mercer-north-alabama-bzbz/

https://herosports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Week-0-2023-1140x570.jpeg

[CockyGeek]

Bring sunscreen, cash, and toilet paper. Make sure you eat a big lunch and get wasted in the parking lot.

[UNAPride]

Bring sunscreen, cash, and toilet paper. Make sure you eat a big lunch and get wasted in the parking lot.

xlolx

[SFA 93]

NDSU's Brett Watson to become the next DE Coach at SFA.

[bonarae]

Update...

https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/mark-story/article272537359.html

[SpreadTheWord]

NDSU's Brett Watson to become the next DE Coach at SFA.

He's a good guy. Was UIW's DL coach under Eric Morris.

[SFA 93]

New official name for SFA.

Stephen F. Austin State University, a Member of the University of Texas system.

[wapiti]

New official name for SFA.

Stephen F. Austin State University, a Member of the University of Texas system.

That is a mouthful.

SFASUAMOTUOTS!!!!!

[SFA 93]

LOL put that on a helmet.

Yes that is the going joke on the Sawmill, but we will stay SFA for short.

[SFA 93]

Colby Carthel is now searching for a defensive coordinator for the second straight season with Joe Cauthen headed for Utah State.

The last two Lumberjack defensive coordinators are now at FBS schools.

[KPSUL]

LOL put that on a helmet.

Yes that is the going joke on the Sawmill, but we will stay SFA for short.

SFASUAMOTUOTS Well, at least you won't need to Copy Right that.

[MR. CHICKEN]

Colby Carthel is now searching for a defensive coordinator for the second straight season with Joe Cauthen headed for Utah State.

The last two Lumberjack defensive coordinators are now at FBS schools.

....AN' YER BETTER FO' IT......DUH AXEMEN.....GAVE UP 30.9 PPG.....IN 2022.......🤭.....ER....UH.....UMM........AWK!

[POD Knows]

Colby Carthel is now searching for a defensive coordinator for the second straight season with Joe Cauthen headed for Utah State.

The last two Lumberjack defensive coordinators are now at FBS schools.
How is that even possible for a team that doesn’t even really seem to play defense. 😀

[SFA 93]

I agree, not so good on defense in 2022, but pretty good before that with Scott Power as DC.

2021 - 18 points a game (#20 in the nation), 113 rushing (3.2 average), 198 passing, 45 sacks; 15 INTs; (32%) 3rd down conversion

Sonny Cumbie was impressed with the SFA defense when the Jacks played Texas Tech in 2021, when Cumbie was still on the staff there.

He hired nearly the whole damn defensive staff away from Carthel.

I miss Scott Power as DC, his defensive philosophy was more aggressive than Cauthen's

[katss07]

Good thing they still have ELITE playcaller Matt Storm!

[SFA 93]

Possible canidates for DC ar SFA

https://www.texasfootball.com/article/2023/02/27/five-possible-candidates-to-be-the-next-dc-at-sfa?ref=article_preview_img

[SFA 93]

Stephen F. Austin: Sources tell FootballScoop Colby Carthel is planning to hire Tulane linebackers coach Michael Mutz as his new defensive coordinator (https://footballscoop.com/news/sources-colby-carthel-adding-fbs-veteran-as-stephen-f-austin-defensive-coordinator) at SFA.

[McCowboys]

When is WAC football going FBS?
Did SFA's men's basketball team just lose in the WAC tournament first round?

[Libertine]

When is WAC football going FBS?
Did SFA's men's basketball team just lose in the WAC tournament first round?

Not soon, if ever.

Yes.

[McCowboys]

Not soon, if ever.

Yes.

That is a shame about basketball. When the Jacks were in the SLC, there were many game nights when I watched SFA and whoever they were playing rather than McNeese and whoever they were playing because the quality of SFA basketball was just so much better, and who could forget when the Jacks were in the SLC and beat Duke! Really sorry to hear about the loss in the WAC first round.

As for football, I guess McNeese made the correct choice to remain in the SLC. FBS is still the goal for McNeese (not mine, but the powers that be) and many fans.

[UNAPride]

That is a shame about basketball. When the Jacks were in the SLC, there were many game nights when I watched SFA and whoever they were playing rather than McNeese and whoever they were playing because the quality of SFA basketball was just so much better, and who could forget when the Jacks were in the SLC and beat Duke! Really sorry to hear about the loss in the WAC first round.

As for football, I guess McNeese made the correct choice to remain in the SLC. FBS is still the goal for McNeese (not mine, but the powers that be) and many fans.

The WAC is a tough basketball conference. It's ranked 12th out of 33 D1 conferences where the Southland is ranked 30th.

https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/rpi-ranking/rpi-rating-by-conf

[SFA 93]

The SLC has improved.

They were #31 in 2022.

SFA won the WAC men's and women's title their first season in the conference.

The women finished second this season and the men had tons of injuries, one game they only had 5 scholarship players available to play.

They still won 19 games on the season.

And may I add that the WAC and CUSA (#9) are forming a scheduling alliance for the next few seasons to increase even more the non-conference schedules for both conferences in basketball.

[UNAPride]

As for football, I guess McNeese made the correct choice to remain in the SLC. FBS is still the goal for McNeese (not mine, but the powers that be) and many fans.

Interestingly, I'm hearing McNeese may be on the move soon. I was sent a message late last night that the ASUN is targeting four current D1 schools for expansion. Three have FCS football as of now. One of the names on the list was McNeese.

[McCowboys]

The SLC has improved.

They were #31 in 2022.

SFA won the WAC men's and women's title their first season in the conference.

The women finished second this season and the men had tons of injuries, one game they only had 5 scholarship players available to play.

They still won 19 games on the season.

And may I add that the WAC and CUSA (#9) are forming a scheduling alliance for the next few seasons to increase even more the non-conference schedules for both conferences in basketball.

Regardless, it looks like both the WAC and SLC were one bid leagues this year, and just like the Cowboys, the Jacks will be sitting at home. McNeese just hired Will Wade (I have mixed feelings about this), but no matter what, McNeese and the SLC are a football first league.

[McCowboys]

Interestingly, I'm hearing McNeese may be on the move soon. I was sent a message late last night that the ASUN is targeting four current D1 schools for expansion. Three have FCS football as of now. One of the names on the list was McNeese.

Is the ASUN interested in McNeese or is McNeese interested in them? It's good to be wanted, but right now, with McNeese having the rights to host many SLC post-season tournaments for the next few years, I don't know what McNeese could gain my moving to the ASUN. I am not doubting you. I just would not understand this. McNeese's one goal is to go FBS, and if this would not help that goal, I doubt it would happen. I know Southeastern Louisiana would jump at that chance of moving to the ASUN if they could.

[Libertine]

Is the ASUN interested in McNeese or is McNeese interested in them? It's good to be wanted, but right now, with McNeese having the rights to host many SLC post-season tournaments for the next few years, I don't know what McNeese could gain my moving to the ASUN. I am not doubting you. I just would not understand this.

This for sure. McNeese got a ridiculous level of concessions from the Southland in exchange for staying put -- including, as I recall, the right to rename the conference if they so choose -- and that was just over a year ago. I'm not sure what the ASUN can offer McNeese in 2023 that the *Lake Charles Experience Conference* (aka, the Southland Conference) can't.

[UNAPride]

Is the ASUN interested in McNeese or is McNeese interested in them? It's good to be wanted, but right now, with McNeese having the rights to host many SLC post-season tournaments for the next few years, I don't know what McNeese could gain my moving to the ASUN. I am not doubting you. I just would not understand this. McNeese's one goal is to go FBS, and if this would not help that goal, I doubt it would happen. I know Southeastern Louisiana would jump at that chance of moving to the ASUN if they could.

I agree with you on all points.