SoCon Off-season thread - 2023-2024

[caribbeanhen]

Rican J Lo may be single again.....

her gap is wider and deeper than the Puerto Rico trench

FuBeaR can have her as he knows about clearing big gaps

[FUBeAR]

Hoping no one will find this post too “political” for the FCS Forum…

THANKS Y’all!!!

https://twitter.com/vmi1839/status/1798701483963109625
https://twitter.com/citadel1842/status/1798705177815298471

[caribbeanhen]

Hoping no one will find this post too “political” for the FCS Forum…

THANKS Y’all!!!

https://twitter.com/vmi1839/status/1798701483963109625
https://twitter.com/citadel1842/status/1798705177815298471

I salute everyone of em!

Thank you for your sacrifices!

[The Cats]

Ten Must-See FCS Non-Conference Games in 2024
https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2024/6/6/24171710/fcs-football-preview-2024-austin-peay-chattanooga-montana-western-carolina-north-dakota-state-famu


4. Western Carolina at Montana

September 21 - Missoula, MT


5. Chattanooga at Austin Peay

November 23 - Clarksville, TN


8. Furman at William & Mary

September 21 - Williamsburg, VA

[Milktruck74]

Ten Must-See FCS Non-Conference Games in 2024


https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2024/6/6/24171710/fcs-football-preview-2024-austin-peay-chattanooga-montana-western-carolina-north-dakota-state-famu


4. Western Carolina at Montana

September 21 - Missoula, MT


5. Chattanooga at Austin Peay

November 23 - Clarksville, TN


8. Furman at William & Mary

September 21 - Williamsburg, VA

These games will be a good chance for the SoCon to gauge itself against some other conferences. However, I just don't see the Chattanooga at APSU game being that big. Sure it is a rematch of a previous playoff game, but the match up will be QUITE DIFFERENT. First off UTC didn't have their starting QB (he did hold for the FG unit) and used a RS-FR for second start (first start was against Bama). And While I realize there are still many days before the start of the season, the Offseason Transfer Portal hasn't seemed to hit the Mocs all that hard...The Mocs did have some guys graduate, but the next man up seems to fill those holes fairly well. The Defense will need to find a replacement for Brewton and PEarson, but the young guys are going to be solid.

Conversely, Jumping Scotty took 14 guys off the APSU two-deep to El Paso. And that doesn't count the portal losses to other teams or graduation. This is not last year's Govs!

I could be fooled, but I really do not see this as a very competitive game for the Mocs. MAybe it is and Maybe the new staff at APSU has brought in Studs that destroy my Mocs, but if the idea is that this game is a rematch of last year's playoff game...IT really isn't.

[FUBeAR]

Looks like Mercer is gonna get stripey wit it in 2024…
https://twitter.com/mercerprez/status/1802405928001491083
Replacement turf was badly needed. Contrasting green stripes may look cool. Have to wait until it’s all finished to know for sure.

[The Cats]

I don't know if this was posted...


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

[caribbeanhen]

8. Furman at William & Mary

September 21 - Williamsburg, VA

Great game

[FUBeAR]

I don't know if this was posted...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skRTdErvVjQ
Yep…on 1/25…but it is so nice, it should be posted twice. (Hope it’s ready for the ‘24 season…it’s supposed to be)

Excited about this...

https://twitter.com/MercerFootball/status/1750569639875055755
Elevated end zone view to watch/analyze OLine play, but still close to the action…AND rapid access to FREE beer.

Doesn’t get any better than that for FUBeAR!

[FUBeAR]

8. Furman at William & Mary

September 21 - Williamsburg, VA

Great game Maybe…Furman lost about 2/3rds of 2023 “Production” on O AND D and FUBeAR believes he read something along the lines of “W&M has everyone coming back” from a Team that was projected to run away with the CAA crown and was ranked as high as #4. And…it’s in W’burg.

We Paladins feel great about our Coaching Staff and also about the upcoming talent in the program, but until they show what they can do on Saturdays, it’s hard to be 100% confident. A win over Ole Miss in the opener would certainly help FUBeAR think Furman might be able to stay on the same field with the triumphant Tribe.

[Tribe4SF]

Maybe…Furman lost about 2/3rds of 2023 “Production” on O AND D and FUBeAR believes he read something along the lines of “W&M has everyone coming back” from a Team that was projected to run away with the CAA crown and was ranked as high as #4. And…it’s in W’burg.

We Paladins feel great about our Coaching Staff and also about the upcoming talent in the program, but until they show what they can do on Saturdays, it’s hard to be 100% confident. A win over Ole Miss in the opener would certainly help FUBeAR think Furman might be able to stay on the same field with the triumphant Tribe.

FUBeAR sandbagging?xrotatehx Unheard of!

What you heard about the Tribe was half right. Literally everyone is back on offense with some significant upgrades at WR. The defense loses 7 starters including two All-Americans so that's a different story. The cupboard is hardly bare though as the defense had significant depth last year and has picked up some key transfers and a strong group of redshirts.

[The Cats]

Western Carolina Adds East Carolina for 2027

The Catamounts will travel to Greenville to play the Pirates on Saturday, September 4, 2027. Western Carolina will receive $425,000 for the contest. Per the Western Carolina record books (https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/catamountsports.com/documents/2023/9/1/WCUFB2023_RecordBook.pdf), ECU holds an 18-13 lead in the series dating back to 1936 with ECU holding an 8-game winning streak.

https://fearthefcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WCU-ECU-2016-1024x699.jpg

[Milktruck74]

FUBeAR sandbagging?xrotatehx Unheard of!

.

He has his moments where he can be the Lou Holtz of the AGS Board...but he can gloat and over shoot with the best of us!!!

[FUBeAR]

FUBeAR sandbagging?xrotatehx Unheard of!

What you heard about the Tribe was half right. Literally everyone is back on offense with some significant upgrades at WR. The defense loses 7 starters including two All-Americans so that's a different story. The cupboard is hardly bare though as the defense had significant depth last year and has picked up some key transfers and a strong group of redshirts.

He has his moments where he can be the Lou Holtz of the AGS Board...but he can gloat and over shoot with the best of us!!!
As we all know, FUBeAR is nothing if not an invariably facts- and data-centered contributor to this august assemblage of “amateur” athletics aficionados.

Thus, FUBeAR presents his highly instructive 2024 SoCon Returning Production Percentage Matrix (SCRPPM, pronounced as “Scrap ‘em”)…



All
Avg Rtng %
Rank
Team
Rush ATT
Rtng %
Pass ATT
Rtng %
Recptns
Rtng %

Off Avg
Rtng %
Rank
Avg Off
Rtng %

Def (Tackles)
Rtng %
Rank
Tackles
Rtng %

All
Avg Rtng %
Rank
All Avg
Rtng %


1
Woff
99.54
99.21
69.86

1
89.54

2
67.01

1
78.28


2
Chatt
36.44
100.00
59.57

2
65.34

3
62.70

2
64.02


3
WCU
56.62
93.75
45.59

3
65.32

4
56.29

3
60.81


4
ETSU
62.23
44.54
32.35

4
46.37

6
47.90

4
47.14


5
VMI
50.25
30.70
31.58

5
37.51

5
55.02

5
46.27


6
Mercer
33.20
0.98
32.51

7
22.23

1
67.55

6
44.89


7
Furman
26.18
25.43
48.77

6
33.46

7
31.98

7
32.72


UNK
CIT
No
2024
Roster

is
Posted

Online
Yet

UNK
UNK


UNK
Samford
No
2024
Roster

is
Posted

Online
Yet

UNK
UNK



Discuss…

[caribbeanhen]

Maybe…Furman lost about 2/3rds of 2023 “Production” on O AND D and FUBeAR believes he read something along the lines of “W&M has everyone coming back” from a Team that was projected to run away with the CAA crown and was ranked as high as #4. And…it’s in W’burg.

We Paladins feel great about our Coaching Staff and also about the upcoming talent in the program, but until they show what they can do on Saturdays, it’s hard to be 100% confident. A win over Ole Miss in the opener would certainly help FUBeAR think Furman might be able to stay on the same field with the triumphant Tribe.

But that’s not always good…

The QB is coming back and it seems like he’s been in The Burg since Colonial times

RB Yoder healthy? Is so he is a joy to watch … physical

they had no passing game last year and it showed as early as the Wofford game …. That game, despite whipping those Johnny Reb Doggies, told me something wasn’t right with The Tribe last year

[Tribe4SF]

But that’s not always good…

The QB is coming back and it seems like he’s been in The Burg since Colonial times

RB Yoder healthy? Is so he is a joy to watch … physical

they had no passing game last year and it showed as early as the Wofford game …. That game, despite whipping those Johnny Reb Doggies, told me something wasn’t right with The Tribe last year

You are correct that the offense had issues last year. Short on WRs and then the best of them (DreSean Kendrick) was lost for the season in game four. Yoder was lost as well in game four and he is back along with Malachi Imoh and Martin Lucas at RB. An experienced o-line and three transfer WRs and Kendrick returning should contribute to big offensive strides.

[Milktruck74]

As we all know, FUBeAR is nothing if not an invariably facts- and data-centered contributor to this august assemblage of “amateur” athletics aficionados.

Thus, FUBeAR presents his highly instructive 2024 SoCon Returning Production Percentage Matrix (SCRPPM, pronounced as “Scrap ‘em”)…



All
Avg Rtng %
Rank
Team
Rush ATT
Rtng %
Pass ATT
Rtng %
Recptns
Rtng %

Off Avg
Rtng %
Rank
Avg Off
Rtng %

Def (Tackles)
Rtng %
Rank
Tackles
Rtng %

All
Avg Rtng %
Rank
All Avg
Rtng %


1
Woff
99.54
99.21
69.86

1
89.54

2
67.01

1
78.28


2
Chatt
36.44
100.00
59.57

2
65.34

3
62.70

2
64.02


3
WCU
56.62
93.75
45.59

3
65.32

4
56.29

3
60.81


4
ETSU
62.23
44.54
32.35

4
46.37

6
47.90

4
47.14


5
VMI
50.25
30.70
31.58

5
37.51

5
55.02

5
46.27


6
Mercer
33.20
0.98
32.51

7
22.23

1
67.55

6
44.89


7
Furman
26.18
25.43
48.77

6
33.46

7
31.98

7
32.72


UNK
CIT
No
2024
Roster

is
Posted

Online
Yet

UNK
UNK


UNK
Samford
No
2024
Roster

is
Posted

Online
Yet

UNK
UNK



Discuss…


I appreciate the data and I think it is a good start to the discussion, but it only shows a partial picture and in no way predicts the potential outcomes for the future season. Take for example, #4 ETSU with 47.14% of their total production returning and #6 Mercer with 44.89% of their total production returning. The difference is fairly negligible, so one could consider them close in returning talent. However, I'd much rather have 44% of the production off a team that went 9-4 and had a playoff win, than 95% (double) off a team that had 2 D1 wins against teams that were 2-20 combined!

Then there is the portal factor...which jacks the whole thing up. Example here would be the Mocs losing almost 100% of their returning pass attempts with the 2022 graduation of Hutchins and Copeland, but then I doubt many would argue the addition of Chase Artopoeus wasn't a significant upgrade in talent.

So yes, returning guys is usually a good thing, but returning productive guys off a winner is much more impactful to the future.

[FUBeAR]

I appreciate the data and I think it is a good start to the discussion, but it only shows a partial picture and in no way predicts the potential outcomes for the future season. Take for example, #4 ETSU with 47.14% of their total production returning and #6 Mercer with 44.89% of their total production returning. The difference is fairly negligible, so one could consider them close in returning talent. However, I'd much rather have 44% of the production off a team that went 9-4 and had a playoff win, than 95% (double) off a team that had 2 D1 wins against teams that were 2-20 combined!

Then there is the portal factor...which jacks the whole thing up. Example here would be the Mocs losing almost 100% of their returning pass attempts with the 2022 graduation of Hutchins and Copeland, but then I doubt many would argue the addition of Chase Artopoeus wasn't a significant upgrade in talent.

So yes, returning guys is usually a good thing, but returning productive guys off a winner is much more impactful to the future.
Yep, yep, yep - that’s the kind of good discussion FUBeAR thought this data might inspire.

Here’s another interesting aspect / anomaly.

Unless you were an Ole Miss fan, you KNOW that Mercer had a dang good Defense in 2023. And that includes the bunnies, who only managed a FG in Q1 and a short field TD thru almost the end of the 1st half, until, with Mercer’s O going 3 & out almost every series, the inevitable arrived. WCU fans might squawk up (as usual) as well cuz they scored a few points after Mercer took a 3 TD lead and held it almost until the 4th quarter….So…anyway, we see that Mercer is ‘#1 on D’ with the most Defensive Tackle production returning. And, we might conclude they are going to be great on D in ‘24.

Welp…they might be, but they lost 2 Safeties in Lance Wise & Richie Coffey that had been there for about a decade and were dual QB’s as well as the heart & soul of the Bears D. And, they lost DE All-Everything Solomon Zubairu up front, who had about 8 years in the Orange & Black and was the tone setter for the front 7. And…even with the loss of those 3, they may have had a bigger loss on D…

Former DC Joel Taylor is now the HC @ West Georgia. Coach Taylor was a true architect / builder of Mercer’s D. He built exactly what he wanted and he led them play like Champions.

Maybe the new DC will be even better and maybe those 3 Players will be replaced by even better Players, but the bar is high. We’ll see if the new Bears can clear it.

[SU DOG]

Our biggest question at Samford is who is the QB? Another question to ask, however, is when did Hatcher last have a dud at that position? The QB room is crowded with some really good ones, but someone will have to step it up in August, as ST did not have any of them elevating above the others (although it seemed down to two). Most improved group was said to be the D-Line. With two of the best LBs in the SoCon returning, the front 7 should be pretty salty. We will not look good on the percentage loss data tables, but there is a lot of experienced returnees who played a good bit last year and some very impressive transfers. Could Samford possibly be a surprise team this year?

[FUBeAR]

Our biggest question at Samford is who is the QB? Another question to ask, however, is when did Hatcher last have a dud at that position? The QB room is crowded with some really good ones, but someone will have to step it up in August, as ST did not have any of them elevating above the others (although it seemed down to two). Most improved group was said to be the D-Line. With two of the best LBs in the SoCon returning, the front 7 should be pretty salty. We will not look good on the percentage loss data tables, but there is a lot of experienced returnees who played a good bit last year and some very impressive transfers. Could Samford possibly be a surprise team this year?
Samford? Salty on D? C’mon….

Y’all going with another 30-40 inbound Xfer’s for the 3rd year in a row…or nah?

[Milktruck74]

Samford? Salty on D? C’mon….

Y’all going with another 30-40 inbound Xfer’s for the 3rd year in a row…or nah?

That may be why they haven't posted the roster yet. Ha.

[Milktruck74]

Yep, yep, yep - that’s the kind of good discussion FUBeAR thought this data might inspire.

Here’s another interesting aspect / anomaly.

Unless you were an Ole Miss fan, you KNOW that Mercer had a dang good Defense in 2023. And that includes the bunnies, who only managed a FG in Q1 and a short field TD thru almost the end of the 1st half, until, with Mercer’s O going 3 & out almost every series, the inevitable arrived. WCU fans might squawk up (as usual) as well cuz they scored a few points after Mercer took a 3 TD lead and held it almost until the 4th quarter….So…anyway, we see that Mercer is ‘#1 on D’ with the most Defensive Tackle production returning. And, we might conclude they are going to be great on D in ‘24.

Welp…they might be, but they lost 2 Safeties in Lance Wise & Richie Coffey that had been there for about a decade and were dual QB’s as well as the heart & soul of the Bears D. And, they lost DE All-Everything Solomon Zubairu up front, who had about 8 years in the Orange & Black and was the tone setter for the front 7. And…even with the loss of those 3, they may have had a bigger loss on D…

Former DC Joel Taylor is now the HC @ West Georgia. Coach Taylor was a true architect / builder of Mercer’s D. He built exactly what he wanted and he led them play like Champions.

Maybe the new DC will be even better and maybe those 3 Players will be replaced by even better Players, but the bar is high. We’ll see if the new Bears can clear it.

When it is all said and done it is the SoCon, so the only numbers that one can trust with a 95% confidence interval are the following:

4 - the number teams in contention for the conference title in late October.
3 - the number of solid teams that could beat 50%+ teams in FCS, but aren't vying for the SoCon title
2 - the number of GOD AWFUL teams in the conference.
1 - team that is in the previous category, but will actually determine the conference championship race by eliminating one of the 4 with an uncharacteristic performance (probably on the road too).

Just when you think you figured it all out...The SoCon will do SoCon Things!!!

[FUBeAR]

When it is all said and done it is the SoCon, so the only numbers that one can trust with a 95% confidence interval are the following:

4 - the number teams in contention for the conference title in late October.
3 - the number of solid teams that could beat 50%+ teams in FCS, but aren't vying for the SoCon title
2 - the number of GOD AWFUL teams in the conference.
1 - team that is in the previous category, but will actually determine the conference championship race by eliminating one of the 4 with an uncharacteristic performance (probably on the road too).

Just when you think you figured it all out...The SoCon will do SoCon Things!!!
LOL - it’s like you brought those 4 SoCon Commandments down from Paris or Lookout Mountain on stone tablets and posted ‘em in an office in Spartanburg!

[SU DOG]

With a new DC, I don't know how we will be on team defense. I was pointing out that with players like LBs Noah Martin and Jaden Moseley, experienced end rushers, and a couple of 300-pound tackles returning, the front at least could be pretty good talent-wise.

[Milktruck74]

Yep, yep, yep - that’s the kind of good discussion FUBeAR thought this data might inspire.

Here’s another interesting aspect / anomaly.

Unless you were an Ole Miss fan, you KNOW that Mercer had a dang good Defense in 2023. And that includes the bunnies, who only managed a FG in Q1 and a short field TD thru almost the end of the 1st half, until, with Mercer’s O going 3 & out almost every series, the inevitable arrived. WCU fans might squawk up (as usual) as well cuz they scored a few points after Mercer took a 3 TD lead and held it almost until the 4th quarter….So…anyway, we see that Mercer is ‘#1 on D’ with the most Defensive Tackle production returning. And, we might conclude they are going to be great on D in ‘24.

Welp…they might be, but they lost 2 Safeties in Lance Wise & Richie Coffey that had been there for about a decade and were dual QB’s as well as the heart & soul of the Bears D. And, they lost DE All-Everything Solomon Zubairu up front, who had about 8 years in the Orange & Black and was the tone setter for the front 7. And…even with the loss of those 3, they may have had a bigger loss on D…

Former DC Joel Taylor is now the HC @ West Georgia. Coach Taylor was a true architect / builder of Mercer’s D. He built exactly what he wanted and he led them play like Champions.

Maybe the new DC will be even better and maybe those 3 Players will be replaced by even better Players, but the bar is high. We’ll see if the new Bears can clear it.

That is the other side that is hard to quantify...The ability of a defense to be in the top of the league is always predicate on the offensive side of the ball to keep them on the sidelines and get rested up! Losing the play extenders (the guys like Lt. Huff that can just will the ball across the marker) makes a huge difference on the D's ability to stop things. I know it has been said that Furple has some guys in the QB room that can make it happen, but THe transfer of TH is going to impact their D too.

[caribbeanhen]

You are correct that the offense had issues last year. Short on WRs and then the best of them (DreSean Kendrick) was lost for the season in game four. Yoder was lost as well in game four and he is back along with Malachi Imoh and Martin Lucas at RB. An experienced o-line and three transfer WRs and Kendrick returning should contribute to big offensive strides.

This Furman game following up the Wofford whipping last year should become a thing

Certainly better games than snooze fest Bryant, Stony Broke and The Hampton Inn

Head South William & Mary

[Sitting Bull]

This Furman game following up the Wofford whipping last year should become a thing

Certainly better games than snooze fest Bryant, Stony Broke and The Hampton Inn

Head South William & Mary

Bryant was a gift to Maine, UNH and URI, so ok if it pleases them. We won’t be playing them annually. I don’t have a problem with Stony Brook - great school which seems to be on every MAC fans expansion list - or Hampton.

Now UD kicks the season off with Bryant - and it’s not even a league game. You guys scheduled them as an OOC game. Ironic,

We have four OOC games this year, three against schools in South Carolina, and 3 So Con (VMI the other). No complaints.

[caribbeanhen]

Bryant was a gift to Maine, UNH and URI, so ok if it pleases them. We won’t be playing them annually. I don’t have a problem with Stony Brook - great school which seems to be on every MAC fans expansion list - or Hampton.

Now UD kicks the season off with Bryant - and it’s not even a league game. You guys scheduled them as an OOC game. Ironic,

We have four OOC games this year, three against schools in South Carolina, and 3 So Con (VMI the other). No complaints.

you like driving to Stony Brook do you?

[FUBeAR]

Front page of the AJC today.

If you’re a SoCon Fan and you haven’t been to Macon and a game @ Mercer yet, you’re just not doing it right…
https://twitter.com/ajc/status/1803768522771775872
Today, there are about 1,000 residents living in 734 lofts. The 83 blocks that make up downtown have roughly 200 storefront-level businesses, 80% of them locally owned.

More than $958 million has been invested in the immediate square-mile heart of downtown since 1996.

The most-noticeable signs of revival are at night. Over two dozen thriving restaurants, bars, breweries and sidewalk cafes dot the streetscape. And, in a telling sign of modern vibrance, there are enough clear-bulbed, outdoor string lights twinkling over gathering spots to stretch to Savannah.

The Otis Redding Center for the Arts is being built on a corner near the City Auditorium, across historic Cotton Avenue from a one-time office building that in recent years was turned into Hotel Forty Five, a 94-room boutique space.

Just down Cherry Street, the Tubman African American Museum (https://www.ajc.com/life/from-past-to-present-tubman-museum-honors-achievements-of-black-americans/J3N6RJXMDNDIBMGB6W6BZZXVIA/) and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame (https://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-news/hank-aarons-715th-homer-saluted-in-georgia-sports-hall-of-fame-exhibit/RYT3INHLQBBSFNZZHF6MRQPVSQ/) anchor the district’s eastern edge, along with another loft development at the famed Capricorn Studios, preserved as a museum and still-in-use recording venue. (https://www.ajc.com/blog/music/capricorn-studios-rising-mercer-music-capricorn/U8CsA9F8JHSHBaEF8Ag8pL/)

[Sitting Bull]

you like driving to Stony Brook do you?

I live in the Northeast so doesn’t bother me. I drove out 2 years ago and plan again this Fall. It’s actually a great spot for a weekend - Sag Harbor and the Hamptons are close by. You might even run into Justin Timberlake! (Or he run into you).

[caribbeanhen]

I live in the Northeast so doesn’t bother me. I drove out 2 years ago and plan again this Fall. It’s actually a great spot for a weekend - Sag Harbor and the Hamptons are close by. You might even run into Justin Timberlake! (Or he run into you).

Yes The Hamptons! Not to be confused with the dismal swamp Hampton of Virginia

[Sitting Bull]

Yes The Hamptons! Not to be confused with the dismal swamp Hampton of Virginia

Ha. We all know UD fans don’t like that “neighborhood”.

Which CUSA games are you looking most forward to driving?

[FUBeAR]

Bryant was a gift to Maine, UNH and URI, so ok if it pleases them. We won’t be playing them annually. I don’t have a problem with Stony Brook - great school which seems to be on every MAC fans expansion list - or Hampton.

Now UD kicks the season off with Bryant - and it’s not even a league game. You guys scheduled them as an OOC game. Ironic,

We have four OOC games this year, three against schools in South Carolina, and 3 So Con (VMI the other). No complaints.
you like driving to Stony Brook do you?
I live in the Northeast so doesn’t bother me. I drove out 2 years ago and plan again this Fall. It’s actually a great spot for a weekend - Sag Harbor and the Hamptons are close by. You might even run into Justin Timberlake! (Or he run into you).
Yes The Hamptons! Not to be confused with the dismal swamp Hampton of Virginia
Ha. We all know UD fans don’t like that “neighborhood”.

Which CUSA games are you looking most forward to driving?
Re: SoCon Off-season thread - 2023-2024

https://i.giphy.com/13RNUIRVHff2pi.webp

[ElCid]

Front page of the AJC today.

If you’re a SoCon Fan and you haven’t been to Macon and a game @ Mercer yet, you’re just not doing it right…
https://twitter.com/ajc/status/1803768522771775872
Today, there are about 1,000 residents living in 734 lofts. The 83 blocks that make up downtown have roughly 200 storefront-level businesses, 80% of them locally owned.

More than $958 million has been invested in the immediate square-mile heart of downtown since 1996.

The most-noticeable signs of revival are at night. Over two dozen thriving restaurants, bars, breweries and sidewalk cafes dot the streetscape. And, in a telling sign of modern vibrance, there are enough clear-bulbed, outdoor string lights twinkling over gathering spots to stretch to Savannah.

The Otis Redding Center for the Arts is being built on a corner near the City Auditorium, across historic Cotton Avenue from a one-time office building that in recent years was turned into Hotel Forty Five, a 94-room boutique space.

Just down Cherry Street, the Tubman African American Museum (https://www.ajc.com/life/from-past-to-present-tubman-museum-honors-achievements-of-black-americans/J3N6RJXMDNDIBMGB6W6BZZXVIA/) and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame (https://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-news/hank-aarons-715th-homer-saluted-in-georgia-sports-hall-of-fame-exhibit/RYT3INHLQBBSFNZZHF6MRQPVSQ/) anchor the district’s eastern edge, along with another loft development at the famed Capricorn Studios, preserved as a museum and still-in-use recording venue. (https://www.ajc.com/blog/music/capricorn-studios-rising-mercer-music-capricorn/U8CsA9F8JHSHBaEF8Ag8pL/)

Eh, I haven't been to Macon in 8 years, but it was still a pit then. Maybe it's gotten better. It was absolutely horrendous back during my first spin through middle GA back in 92-96. But the same could be said of Charleston. It was horrible in the early 80s. The barbed wire topped fences were not to keep us in, but to keep others out. We were forbidden to walk alone out side of school. But it took off after Hugo. I hardly recognize it now. It was more like a big town back during college. Now it's nicer, but ridiculously crowded.

[caribbeanhen]

Re: SoCon Off-season thread - 2023-2024

https://i.giphy.com/13RNUIRVHff2pi.webp


Oh Sorry

Is this South enough ?







(https://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisk48/9764529633/in/photostream/)https://live.staticflickr.com/7308/9764458194_a93fcabddb_b.jpg

(https://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisk48/9764225175/in/photostream/)
2

1

[FUBeAR]

Oh Sorry

Is this South enough ?
https://live.staticflickr.com/7308/9764458194_a93fcabddb_b.jpg
Tribute to FUBeAR & Mrs. FUBeAR’s wedding & honeymoon site?

How did you know?

https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/scnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/da/5dae2be4-c95e-11e2-b393-0019bb30f31a/51a7a71f09ee5.image.jpg
https://tothemeornottotheme.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/141460741_cf4014fb29_o-e1398831489531.jpg?w=262&h=295
https://tothemeornottotheme.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/dillon.jpg
Honeymoon Suite with mirrored headboard!

[Milktruck74]

https://x.com/TheChadWithrow/status/1804136560947777999?s=19

ETSU's Coach lays out his Idea to have a D3-P5 farm league...sign 300 guys and keep them in the system. Maryville - Carson Newman - ETSU - App State - UT Knoxville...move them up and move them down as needed... What a clown!!! However, he may be a prophetic clown!!!

[FUBeAR]

Eh, I haven't been to Macon in 8 years, but it was still a pit then.

(Nah…you weren’t in the right place or you were allowing yourself to confirm your prior impressions. FUBeAR was there about 15 times per year from 2012 to 2018, and by 2016 (8 years ago), it was clearly becoming what these recent AJC & CNN articles say that it is now.)

Maybe it's gotten better. It was absolutely horrendous back during my first spin through middle GA back in 92-96.
Welp… ‘96 is nearing 3 decades ago and most of the renaissance in Macon, coincidentally or not, has taken shape since the rebirth of Mercer Football in the early 2010’s.

But don’t take FUBeAR’s word for it … or even the AJC’s. Just to look to everyone’s most trusted news source … CNN…just yesterday.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/23/travel/macon-georgia-best-towns-america/index.html

America’s Best Towns to Visit 2024
Macon is No. 7 on the list thanks to its musical history, thriving downtown and new national park push

How the Southern city of Macon went from ‘ghost town’ to ‘popping’ destination

Macon, Georgia (CNN)
Stroll through downtown Macon, and you’ll find craft brewpubs not far from a lounge that’s been keeping music lovers entertained for half a century. A beloved new bagel shop is a half-mile walk from a soul food classic that’s still serving fried chicken and collard greens 65 years after opening.

The past and the present are both alive and well along streets lined with architectural beauties dating as far back as the 1820s.

But not too long ago, this hilly city on the Fall Line between Georgia’s Piedmont and Coastal Plain had fallen on hard times.

“When I first got here, Macon was a ghost town,” said Richard Brent, who arrived in central Georgia in 2007 as a construction project manager and eventually went from a volunteer to executive director at The Big House Museum, which is packed with memorabilia from its time as headquarters for the Allman Brothers Band. “I traded in a hardhat for some AC and rock ‘n’ roll music,” Brent said.

[FUBeAR]

https://x.com/TheChadWithrow/status/1804136560947777999?s=19

ETSU's Coach lays out his Idea to have a D3-P5 farm league...sign 300 guys and keep them in the system. Maryville - Carson Newman - ETSU - App State - UT Knoxville...move them up and move them down as needed... What a clown!!! However, he may be a prophetic clown!!!
https://twitter.com/outkick360/status/1804122103093854636

LOL - “ABC” - “Always Be ‘Cruitin’”- got himself on a national platform and SELLIN’ that ish hopin’ to get the spiel out to the 3 Stars that Tennessee offers (non-commit-ably), but pulls their offer when they get ‘full’ with the kids they really wanted.

What he meant to say was…

”Come here and sit behind the (now better) 7 or 8 guys I told 2 years ago that they could catch 80 balls here as Freshmen and 100 balls as Soph’s and, then, sign with Tennessee…but they didn’t … and you won’t either, and we might even end up having you here for all 4 years unless we cut you and send you to Carson-Newman….or you have an opportunity to transfer ‘up’ to Akron.”

[OL FU]

Eh, I haven't been to Macon in 8 years, but it was still a pit then. Maybe it's gotten better. It was absolutely horrendous back during my first spin through middle GA back in 92-96. But the same could be said of Charleston. It was horrible in the early 80s. The barbed wire topped fences were not to keep us in, but to keep others out. We were forbidden to walk alone out side of school. But it took off after Hugo. I hardly recognize it now. It was more like a big town back during college. Now it's nicer, but ridiculously crowded.

I want to go to Macon. The Big House. Capricorn Studios museum, Harriot Tubman museum, and the Native American Mounds (that I can't remember how to spell:))outside of town.

[FUBeAR]

I want to go to Macon. The Big House. Capricorn Studios museum, Harriot Tubman museum, and the Native American Mounds (that I can't remember how to spell:))outside of town.Atta guy!

Ocmulgee Mounds are really cool.
Capricorn Studios is just amazing!
Never went to the Big House … always wanted to, but ended up at H&H Soul Food Restaurant instead. YUM!

If you go, stay @ Hotel 45 downtown. It’s a Marriott property and cool. They are proud of their rooms though…not as proud as some of those downtown GVL Hotels, but still pretty dang proud.

[caribbeanhen]

[/CENTER]
Tribute to FUBeAR & Mrs. FUBeAR’s wedding & honeymoon site?

How did you know?

https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/scnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/da/5dae2be4-c95e-11e2-b393-0019bb30f31a/51a7a71f09ee5.image.jpg
https://tothemeornottotheme.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/141460741_cf4014fb29_o-e1398831489531.jpg?w=262&h=295
https://tothemeornottotheme.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/dillon.jpg
Honeymoon Suite with mirrored headboard!

This is funny

[ElCid]

Welp… ‘96 is nearing 3 decades ago and most of the renaissance in Macon, coincidentally or not, has taken shape since the rebirth of Mercer Football in the early 2010’s.

But don’t take FUBeAR’s word for it … or even the AJC’s. Just to look to everyone’s most trusted news source … CNN…just yesterday.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/23/travel/macon-georgia-best-towns-america/index.html

America’s Best Towns to Visit 2024
Macon is No. 7 on the list thanks to its musical history, thriving downtown and new national park push

How the Southern city of Macon went from ‘ghost town’ to ‘popping’ destination

Macon, Georgia (CNN)
Stroll through downtown Macon, and you’ll find craft brewpubs not far from a lounge that’s been keeping music lovers entertained for half a century. A beloved new bagel shop is a half-mile walk from a soul food classic that’s still serving fried chicken and collard greens 65 years after opening.

The past and the present are both alive and well along streets lined with architectural beauties dating as far back as the 1820s.

But not too long ago, this hilly city on the Fall Line between Georgia’s Piedmont and Coastal Plain had fallen on hard times.

“When I first got here, Macon was a ghost town,” said Richard Brent, who arrived in central Georgia in 2007 as a construction project manager and eventually went from a volunteer to executive director at The Big House Museum, which is packed with memorabilia from its time as headquarters for the Allman Brothers Band. “I traded in a hardhat for some AC and rock ‘n’ roll music,” Brent said.

As I said, it might have improved. It's was always sort of dilapidated. Probably since Sherman visited. I was last there at a game in 14. Last time there at all was in 15. Very rarely went to Macon. Especially at night. Too much crime. Downtown was about 25 miles from the house. I will say, you could see some improvements over the years, so if it continued, it might have turned the corner by now.

[ElCid]

I want to go to Macon. The Big House. Capricorn Studios museum, Harriot Tubman museum, and the Native American Mounds (that I can't remember how to spell:))outside of town.

Luckily, I can go to games at Wofford, Furman and WCU real easy. Only 35 miles to Furman and 50 to WCU. Heck I pass WCU all the time going on drives. All are 1 hr to 90 minute drives. ETSU is a bit further at about two hours, and then UTC is good haul only because there is no direct route. Charleston is actually easier than UTC at 4:30. Macon is about the same. VMI and Samford are to hell and gone. Never been to Samford.

If you go to Macon, take the time to go down the aviation museum in Warner Robins just south of the base. If you like airplanes. They got a huge number.

[Milktruck74]

Front page of the AJC today.

If you’re a SoCon Fan and you haven’t been to Macon and a game @ Mercer yet, you’re just not doing it right…
https://twitter.com/ajc/status/1803768522771775872
Today, there are about 1,000 residents living in 734 lofts. The 83 blocks that make up downtown have roughly 200 storefront-level businesses, 80% of them locally owned.

More than $958 million has been invested in the immediate square-mile heart of downtown since 1996.

The most-noticeable signs of revival are at night. Over two dozen thriving restaurants, bars, breweries and sidewalk cafes dot the streetscape. And, in a telling sign of modern vibrance, there are enough clear-bulbed, outdoor string lights twinkling over gathering spots to stretch to Savannah.

The Otis Redding Center for the Arts is being built on a corner near the City Auditorium, across historic Cotton Avenue from a one-time office building that in recent years was turned into Hotel Forty Five, a 94-room boutique space.

Just down Cherry Street, the Tubman African American Museum (https://www.ajc.com/life/from-past-to-present-tubman-museum-honors-achievements-of-black-americans/J3N6RJXMDNDIBMGB6W6BZZXVIA/) and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame (https://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-news/hank-aarons-715th-homer-saluted-in-georgia-sports-hall-of-fame-exhibit/RYT3INHLQBBSFNZZHF6MRQPVSQ/) anchor the district’s eastern edge, along with another loft development at the famed Capricorn Studios, preserved as a museum and still-in-use recording venue. (https://www.ajc.com/blog/music/capricorn-studios-rising-mercer-music-capricorn/U8CsA9F8JHSHBaEF8Ag8pL/)

I was in Maconga for two weeks to train a new hire back in '13. Then it wasn't the best or worst place I had been, it was just meh.... However, I was in the midst of training for an Ironman, so I went for a 10 or 12 mile run that took me all around the area...the next day I told the local where all I had been, and she informed me that I was very fortunate to not have contracted a case of Accelerated Lead Poisoning. I really didn't think it was that bad...but I've also lived in Memphis!!!

I should probably check it out, I love thriving downtowns. I never thought I would live in a downtown area, but I'm glad I do now. I love being able to walk to restaurants and walk home after a libation or 3.

[FUBeAR]

I was in Maconga for two weeks to train a new hire back in '13. Then it wasn't the best or worst place I had been, it was just meh.... However, I was in the midst of training for an Ironman, so I went for a 10 or 12 mile run that took me all around the area...the next day I told the local where all I had been, and she informed me that I was very fortunate to not have contracted a case of Accelerated Lead Poisoning. I really didn't think it was that bad...but I've also lived in Memphis!!!

I should probably check it out, I love thriving downtowns. I never thought I would live in a downtown area, but I'm glad I do now. I love being able to walk to restaurants and walk home after a libation or 3.Yeah - things were just starting to get a little better in 2013 (after several decades of decline) as the infrastructure for positive change - the consolidation of Macon & Bibb County Gov’t in 2012, then MAP, then Knight Foundation investment grant(s)…and all sorts of other entities (like Mercer U), investments, and people - began ‘falling into place.’ 2013 was the 1st year FUBeAR spent many weekends in Maconga … and you had to squint real hard … and sometimes cover parts of your eyes, but you could see it had potential. Steady improvement since then… and certainly up to … “Dang, this place is really cool!” by 2020.

[caribbeanhen]

Yeah - things were just starting to get a little better in 2013 (after several decades of decline) as the infrastructure for positive change - the consolidation of Macon & Bibb County Gov’t in 2012, then MAP, then Knight Foundation investment grant(s)…and all sorts of other entities (like Mercer U), investments, and people - began ‘falling into place.’ 2013 was the 1st year FUBeAR spent many weekends in Maconga … and you had to squint real hard … and sometimes cover parts of your eyes, but you could see it had potential. Steady improvement since then… and certainly up to … “Dang, this place is really cool!” by 2020.

Is it as cool as this …

bucket list!



https://sightseeingsenorita.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/IMG_5168-2-768x1152.jpg

[PaladinNation]

Furman is starting out the 2025 recruiting season with a bang two confirmed and tomorrow could be another.

Brady Smith — CPA, - TN
6-2 280 OL
https://x.com/bradyw_smith/status/1804314719160791074

Hunter Taylor — Greenville, HS -SC
6-6 295 OL
https://x.com/HunterTaylor74/status/1806024967701606534

3 Star TB CJ Nettles announces tomorrow-could be another big pickup for the DINS.
https://x.com/CJNettles5/status/1801709637697474720

[Tribe4SF]

Furman is starting out the 2025 recruiting season with a bang two confirmed and tomorrow could be another.

Brady Smith — CPA, - TN
6-2 280 OL
https://x.com/bradyw_smith/status/1804314719160791074

Hunter Taylor — Greenville, HS -SC
6-6 295 OL
https://x.com/HunterTaylor74/status/1806024967701606534

3 Star TB CJ Nettles announces tomorrow-could be another big pickup for the DINS.
https://x.com/CJNettles5/status/1801709637697474720

W&M has seen the hottest recruiting start ever. Top guy is Leon Clark, 3* RB with offers from Va Tech, Texas A&M, UNC, Maryland, Syracuse and a number of G5 schools.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240608/2469074cee88e22a42bd55b0d6c319c4.jpg

[Milktruck74]

Is it as cool as this …

bucket list!?





https://sightseeingsenorita.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/IMG_5168-2-768x1152.jpg



The girl? or the town?

[caribbeanhen]

The girl? or the town?

what did you see first?

[TribeNomad1]

what did you see first?

Is that one of those tests, what you see first tells a lot about you? I want to be friends with the guys that see her first.

[FUBeAR]

Is that one of those tests, what you see first tells a lot about you? I want to be friends with the guys that see her first.
FUBeAR found himself first attracted to the well-trimmed bush in the front.

[TribeNomad1]

FUBeAR found himself first attracted to the well-trimmed bush in the front.

We can be friends since we noted the same thing firstxsmiley_wix

[PaladinNation]

W&M has seen the hottest recruiting start ever. Top guy is Leon Clark, 3* RB with offers from Va Tech, Texas A&M, UNC, Maryland, Syracuse and a number of G5 schools.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240608/2469074cee88e22a42bd55b0d6c319c4.jpg
https://twitter.com/CJNettles5/status/1807094533563224549

Great start for W&M
Nettles did commit to Furman.
3 Star RB 85 rating on 247
FBS offers; App, ArkSt, FAU, GaSt, Liberty, Miami-OH
FCS offers; Mercer, FL-A&M, APSU, NorthBama

[caribbeanhen]

Is that one of those tests, what you see first tells a lot about you? I want to be friends with the guys that see her first.

waiting for Milktrucks answer…. Hopefully he will provide the correct answer like TN1 did

[Milktruck74]

waiting for Milktrucks answer…. Hopefully he will provide the correct answer like TN1 did

I have no intentions to run for political office, but as one who like to keep my options open...I will refrain from answering the question!

[caribbeanhen]

I have no intentions to run for political office, but as one who like to keep my options open...I will refrain from answering the question!

if that’s your answer you’re already in politics

[Milktruck74]

if that’s your answer you’re already in politics

It is less about being political with the answer...and more about being married for 26 years (mostly happy and like to stay that way)!!!

[FUBeAR]

It is less about being political with the answer...and more about being married for 26 years (mostly happy and like to stay that way)!!!
So…no comments on the strange bush in the front then?

[caribbeanhen]

It is less about being political with the answer...and more about being married for 26 years (mostly happy and like to stay that way)!!!

Well never said you weren’t smart…

[Milktruck74]

I do appreciate a will manicured bush, but I only express that appreciation for one particular one and it is not in this picture!

[bonarae]

Back to the topic... Mercer has replaced turf at Five Star Stadium.

https://www.facebook.com/deluxeathletics/posts/pfbid0URV4DtsK85vjBRGugVKsBRhMMco7TV5njDEgPHT8erXe jFqG8xdnqSCQJWXqqA6ul

[bonarae]

The Citadel and Charleston Southern announce "Lowcountry Boil Bowl" as the title of their new rivalry game.

https://csusports.com/news/2024/7/3/football-rivals-charleston-southern-and-the-citadel-announce-lowcountry-boil-bowl.aspx

[caribbeanhen]

Furman at William & Mary is one of the FCS “game of the year”

Might as well be a Conference game

Ole Danny Rocco will bring his Keydets into The Burg as well for a hot August opening beat down

[FUBeAR]

Back to the topic... Mercer has replaced turf at Five Star Stadium.

https://www.facebook.com/deluxeathletics/posts/pfbid0URV4DtsK85vjBRGugVKsBRhMMco7TV5njDEgPHT8erXe jFqG8xdnqSCQJWXqqA6ul
Yep - as first reported in one of the many on-topic posts in this thread, Post #256, on June 18th.