ACC expansion ...

[CajunFun]

Who would you say are the top 3 after Memphis, UL and what 2 other schools? Who is best to fill an SMU slot in the AAC west?

I'm shocked the ACC picked SMU.

Except I'm not. I was really shocked when the AAC didn't pick Georgia State. They want major markets, they want schools with academics, they want schools with growth potential? GSU is way ahead of some of the schools they picked.

Who would be the other two? Can't say, because different presidents and different conferences use different metrics. USM shocked everyone by coming this way, and brought Marshall and ODU with them. I'm not sure the conventional wiseguys saw that coming. But it worked out nicely, and if we continue knocking off big boys like we did last year, that's going to throw some shoes in the sprockets.

If football is the driver, and TV is driving football, what I want to see are the Nielson and cable numbers. ESPN has those, and if conferences aren't consulting them, that's a mistake.

Short answer: I don't know who the other two are. My reasons for suspecting that UL is on many short lists is because of our growing sports success, our expanding sports, academic and research facilities, our rapid research growth, Louisiana as a major talent pool...

...and yes, the names 'Louisiana' and 'Ragin' Cajuns' are also going to help. As will the schools who have visited UL, and loved coming here. Don't discount those intangibles.

[JayWalker]

I'm shocked the ACC picked SMU.

Except I'm not. I was really shocked when the AAC didn't pick Georgia State. They want major markets, they want schools with academics, they want schools with growth potential? GSU is way ahead of some of the schools they picked.

Who would be the other two? Can't say, because different presidents and different conferences use different metrics. USM shocked everyone by coming this way, and brought Marshall and ODU with them. I'm not sure the conventional wiseguys saw that coming. But it worked out nicely, and if we continue knocking off big boys like we did last year, that's going to throw some shoes in the sprockets.

If football is the driver, and TV is driving football, what I want to see are the Nielson and cable numbers. ESPN has those, and if conferences aren't consulting them, that's a mistake.

Short answer: I don't know who the other two are. My reasons for suspecting that UL is on many short lists is because of our growing sports success, our expanding sports, academic and research facilities, our rapid research growth, Louisiana as a major talent pool...

...and yes, the names 'Louisiana' and 'Ragin' Cajuns' are also going to help. As will the schools who have visited UL, and loved coming here. Don't discount those intangibles.

Anyone who was shocked over Southern Miss heading this way wasn't paying enough attention. That was in the works for three years before it happened.

[CajunFun]

Anyone who was shocked over Southern Miss heading this way wasn't paying enough attention. That was in the works for three years before it happened.

Interesting to hear you say that. I had heard USM was unhappy, but that was from the fans.

What does the Bird of Paradise know that we do not? Inquiring minds want to know.

[CajunFun]

Keye Luke - Charlie Chan

Ouch, I owe you an apology.

Keye Luke did play Charlie Chan... in the 1970s animated series.

My humblest apologies.

[JayWalker]

Interesting to hear you say that. I had heard USM was unhappy, but that was from the fans.

What does the Bird of Paradise know that we do not? Inquiring minds want to know.

Nine teams have left CUSA. Some wanted to leave before the others. Consistency in television (ESPN+ vs. Stadium/Facebook/CBSSN, etc.) was a huge factor with teams wanting out of CUSA.

[Big Buds]

Tulane is so far ahead of us in every metric it’s not even funny. Hell they even shed the Jewish Private stigma.

Every metric except athletic success and fan support. But yes, they have more money and stronger academics.

[HoustonCajun]

I'm shocked the ACC picked SMU.

Except I'm not. I was really shocked when the AAC didn't pick Georgia State. They want major markets, they want schools with academics, they want schools with growth potential? GSU is way ahead of some of the schools they picked.

Who would be the other two? Can't say, because different presidents and different conferences use different metrics. USM shocked everyone by coming this way, and brought Marshall and ODU with them. I'm not sure the conventional wiseguys saw that coming. But it worked out nicely, and if we continue knocking off big boys like we did last year, that's going to throw some shoes in the sprockets.

If football is the driver, and TV is driving football, what I want to see are the Nielson and cable numbers. ESPN has those, and if conferences aren't consulting them, that's a mistake.

Short answer: I don't know who the other two are. My reasons for suspecting that UL is on many short lists is because of our growing sports success, our expanding sports, academic and research facilities, our rapid research growth, Louisiana as a major talent pool...

...and yes, the names 'Louisiana' and 'Ragin' Cajuns' are also going to help. As will the schools who have visited UL, and loved coming here. Don't discount those intangibles.

I agree, but Cajun4Life and others do not. My question is if the university sees us your way or Cajun4Life's way and wants to pursue something higher? I agree with him that UL is not ready for P5, but should be ready for the next step up to getting there. The SBC has made great strides, but it has a perception to overcome that the AAC does not have. Who does the AAC have to chose from in the west as a replacement for SMU?

[cajun4life]

Every metric except athletic success and fan support. But yes, they have more money and stronger academics.

Baseball national championship. Rose Bowl Championship.

[cajun4life]

I agree, but Cajun4Life and others do not. My question is if the university sees us your way or Cajun4Life's way and wants to pursue something higher? I agree with him that UL is not ready for P5, but should be ready for the next step up to getting there. The SBC has made great strides, but it has a perception to overcome that the AAC does not have. Who does the AAC have to chose from in the west as a replacement for SMU?

If the university was serious about athletics, we would use the entire 3% GF transfer. The University would fully back a student athletic fee. Raise our athletic budget to around $50M and completely separate the RCAF.

Do we do any of those things?

[Big Buds]

Baseball national championship. Rose Bowl Championship.

No Natty in baseball…you’re thinking of Rice.

Rose Bowl as in like 90 years ago? Seriously? Mention the damn Cotton Bowl for Christ sake that was at least very fresh.

Actually dig in and compare our Athletics over the last quarter century…it’s not even close who the better program is.

[CajunFun]

I agree, but Cajun4Life and others do not. My question is if the university sees us your way or Cajun4Life's way and wants to pursue something higher? I agree with him that UL is not ready for P5, but should be ready for the next step up to getting there. The SBC has made great strides, but it has a perception to overcome that the AAC does not have. Who does the AAC have to chose from in the west as a replacement for SMU?

If the AAC calls us, should we go?

Ask me again week 4-5 of the football season. I'll say it once again, I wanna know if the SBC's giant-killing spree last season was a one-time fluke, or if we're for real.

[CajunEXPRESS]

If the AAC calls us, should we go?

Ask me again week 4-5 of the football season. I'll say it once again, I wanna know if the SBC's giant-killing spree last season was a one-time fluke, or if we're for real.

The SBC is already better than the current AAC in football top to bottom.