Tech to the Belt?

[USLJim]

A week or two back I was hedging Tech was a done deal. Talking to several people that have dealt with a few of the Eastern Members of the SBC, they don't have the votes yet. In fact, the game plan is to look at several others like WKU and MTSU. No one wants another travel partner in Texas considering the current options like Sam Houston.

UL administration better not VOTE to let loly poly in the SBC, THATS ALL INGOT TO SAY

[Ragin9221]

I have to disagree—everyone needs to get over their biases.

Let’s be honest: no one is significantly better than anyone else in this situation, academically or athletically. And if there is a difference, it’s marginal at best.

The same goes for Tech thinking they're better than ULM. In the real world, the difference is so small that it hardly matters.

What actually *does* make a difference is travel. Joining the Sun Belt West would essentially create a bus league—everyone would be close enough to become natural rivals, which they already are, which drives fan interest. As a non-BCS school, that’s exactly what we need to build a more engaged fan base.

Nobody cares if we play Northern Illinois, fans probably do not even know who they are. If they did they would not care. They know Tech, McNeese, Southern, Grambling though, i am not advocating the other schools. Tech is the only one that aligns with the other Sunbelt schools.

They would be a rival to UL, ULM, USA, Southern Miss, Troy, Ark St.,

1.Rivalries
2.Reduce travel costs.

Let them in!

[Ragin9221]

Find me a school just like Tech within this Geographical Region my white circle then okay! There isnt one, MTSU, WKU are out the white line, and would not create as much fan interest like Tech would! If you find one let me know. Not unless you can get Ole Miss, Miss. St. or Memphis, Tulane there is no one else.

Missouri State i would be okay with another market, and has alot of potential they are the only one. MTSU, WKU would align themselves out East.

Not unless we going for Jacksonville St., Jackson St. or Alcorn St. lol.

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[CajunSID]

I have to disagree—everyone needs to get over their biases.

Let’s be honest: no one is significantly better than anyone else in this situation, academically or athletically. And if there is a difference, it’s marginal at best.

The same goes for Tech thinking they're better than ULM. In the real world, the difference is so small that it hardly matters.

What actually *does* make a difference is travel. Joining the Sun Belt West would essentially create a bus league—everyone would be close enough to become natural rivals, which they already are, which drives fan interest. As a non-BCS school, that’s exactly what we need to build a more engaged fan base.

Nobody cares if we play Northern Illinois, fans probably do not even know who they are. If they did they would not care. They know Tech, McNeese, Southern, Grambling though, i am not advocating the other schools. Tech is the only one that aligns with the other Sunbelt schools.

They would be a rival to UL, ULM, USA, Southern Miss, Troy, Ark St.,

1.Rivalries
2.Reduce travel costs.

Let them in!

Excellent post.

[Tasso]

What I do not like is Three Louisiana schools in the conference. You have to remember the politics of the past in Louisiana regarding colleges. This could be the start of the old Southland conference. Governor Huey Long is still haunting us. Baton Rouge is still hurting us. They are there to protect the King, LSU.

[Turbine]

Louisiana should play Tech across the board more than they anyone.

They don't need to be in the same conference to do that.

If travel costs were really the main concern (like the administration implies) the two schools would ALREADY be doing a home-n-home every year, in every sport.

[Ragin9221]

What I do not like is Three Louisiana schools in the conference. You have to remember the politics of the past in Louisiana regarding colleges. This could be the start of the old Southland conference. Governor Huey Long is still haunting us. Baton Rouge is still hurting us. They are there to protect the King, LSU.

This isn’t the 1970s anymore. College football has changed—and everyone is feeling it. Attendance is down across the board, NIL deals have reshaped the game, and traditional advantages are fading fast.

The only way non-BCS schools can compete now is by putting butts in seats. It’s about energy, passion, and rivalries that fans care about. That means regional matchups. That means minimizing travel costs. And that means embracing schools with shared history and geography.

Louisiana Tech has long-standing ties with Sun Belt programs and sits right at the heart of the region. It makes sense—economically, competitively, and culturally. We don’t have million-dollar media contracts to lean on. We have to build through community, tradition, and real, local rivalries.

We can’t pay athletes like the powerhouses do—but we can build something just as strong: fan loyalty, purpose, and pride.

[Swamp]

They don't need to be in the same conference to do that.

I hope Ruston is reading this.

F Tech.

[VObserver]

The day the UL administration votes to let Tech, a known viper as a conference mate, into any conference, will be the day that UL has received the last dollar ever from me. Play them in everything every year, but voting to allow Tech into your conference is like hiring a pedophile to babysit your kids. It will not end well.

[Ragin9221]

I hope Ruston is reading this.

F Tech.

Imagine Tech vs. ULM or UL with a trip to the Sun Belt title game on the line. Packed stadium. Local media buzzing. Regional pride hanging in the balance. That’s the kind of atmosphere that builds traditions, moves merchandise, and pulls casual fans off the couch and into the stands.

It’s not just about history—it's about relevance. Conference stakes give old rivalries new fire. And in this era, where schools like ours don't have the luxury of massive TV contracts or national spotlight, we need to create excitement that resonates locally and regionally.

So yes, if that’s the scenario—Tech in the Sun Belt, fighting for a championship berth against UL, ULM, or Southern Miss Ark St. it absolutely creates more excitement, more passion, and more revenue. That’s the answer, loud and clear. Let’s lean into it.