Podcast: Dr. Bryan Maggard (9-10-21)

[JayWalker]

I don't know what the Sun Belt plans are. I do remember that solidarity was a word used in the past by Sun Belt AD's. That was about four days before Western Kentucky blindsided everyone by announcing they were leaving.

If I had to make a guess as to potential invitees, I'd name four schools: UTSA (who is about to be the football power in CUSA), Southern Miss (good brand and geography...plus I think they'd jump at the chance), Marshall (if the league wants to expand East....again) and one FCS move up: James Madison who was mentioned just before Coastal was added. (Softball fans would love this one.)

But I'm making the assumption the Sun Belt wants to raid CUSA.

[shof]

I don't know what the Sun Belt plans are. I do remember that solidarity was a word used in the past by Sun Belt AD's. That was about four days before Western Kentucky blindsided everyone by announcing they were leaving.

If I had to make a guess as to potential invitees, I'd name four schools: UTSA (who is about to be the football power in CUSA), Southern Miss (good brand and geography...plus I think they'd jump at the chance), Marshall (if the league wants to expand East....again) and one FCS move up: James Madison who was mentioned just before Coastal was added. (Softball fans would love this one.)

But I'm making the assumption the Sun Belt wants to raid CUSA.

I’m probably in the minority but think UTSA would be a solid addition as well. They get very good support in San Antonio and the Alamodome is a very nice venue.
Basketball sucks, but that’s not what this is really about anyway.

UTSA and USM would be a solid add to the west division.

[JayWalker]

Again, I think the decision the Sun Belt makes will be based upon whether they are adding teams to get to 12, or making a preemptive strike in case they lose members. If it's the former, I think expansion is in the west, if it's the latter, I think its a more eastern fill. But that's just my opinion and I don't claim to have any concrete knowledge of what they plan to do.

[ULvictory]

I don't know what the Sun Belt plans are. I do remember that solidarity was a word used in the past by Sun Belt AD's. That was about four days before Western Kentucky blindsided everyone by announcing they were leaving.

If I had to make a guess as to potential invitees, I'd name four schools: UTSA (who is about to be the football power in CUSA), Southern Miss (good brand and geography...plus I think they'd jump at the chance), Marshall (if the league wants to expand East....again) and one FCS move up: James Madison who was mentioned just before Coastal was added. (Softball fans would love this one.)

But I'm making the assumption the Sun Belt wants to raid CUSA.

Those 4 picks are actually good picks for branding. Since the 3 schools (UCF, Houston, and Cincinnati) left the AAC yesterday, Memphis has now come up as an additional candidate for Big 12 expansion. That's where it gets interesting. And this is where I (can't believe I am doing this) tip my hat off to the Sun Belt IF they are able to make this work.

The real question comes now: Where does Aresco go? Does he go after the big market (Charlotte, Georgia St, etc.) or teams with recent solid on-field success (Coastal, UL, App)?

I'm excited to see where this thing goes. I just hope we are in the conversation.

[Duggie35]

If the SBC can add a team or two from CUSA and/or the AAC, that alone would do wonders to enhance the status and perception of the Sun Belt.

[Cajun90]

I like the idea of adding James Madison. Seem to be an up-and-coming school as far as sports go. Have a very nice football stadium.

[ZoomZoom]

If the SBC can add a team or two from CUSA and/or the AAC, that alone would do wonders to enhance the status and perception of the Sun Belt.

Do not be the step up conference this time. That’s how you break perception...by not being who people perceive you are based on past behavior.

Gosh almighty, it’s crazy. Be the hunter!

[JayWalker]

Do not be the step up conference this time. That’s how you break perception...by not being who people perceive you are based on past behavior.

Gosh almighty, it’s crazy. Be the hunter!

We all bashed the FCS call ups as they were added because our egos were hurt.

Georgia Southern won the Sun Belt their first year in the league.
App has won or shared every title after that til last year.
CCU is good.

[JamesTheJeweler]

I heard (cant remember when) the Sunbelt will at "some point in time" make a play for UNT, Middle Tennessee, FAU, FIU and Western Kentucky.

Mark it down.

Yeah, NO!

[Turbine]

I heard (cant remember when) the Sunbelt will at "some point in time" make a play for UNT, Middle Tennessee, FAU, FIU and Western Kentucky.

Mark it down.

I just remembered when. It was 9 to 18 years ago

[ULGrad@HOU]

There are too many scenarios and possibilities and moving parts. I just hope UL lands in a very positive position for fans and for the best possible national exposure.

[Geaux]

Were about to find out if Commissioner Gill is Tarzan or Jane.