Which conference will be stronger in 5 years

[bengalcajun]

"In fact it will be a league with one of the countries more "player coveted" bowl tie-ins."

Which bowl is this? Surely its not the New Orleans Bowl. The one that hosts schools with losing records? Stayin in the Belt is suicide. 20000+ for football games, postseason success in baseball & basketball gets us in all-sports in C-USA. Mark my words, if C-USA gets a 12th football member (and it is not us), Cajuns drop to 1-AA.

[waterboy]

The addition of the Fla schools & Troy certainly add to stability, but also create a larger area of interest while staying in a geographical area that makes sense. I attended every away game last year which was tough. This year's schedule will be a little easier in that regard, but CUSA & WAC have to do this every year. UL will now get exposure in the talent & population rich Fla markets, which will be an asset in recruiting. These large schools will most likely be very competitve in the coming years. Troy while small has an established athletic program with a history of success.

Troy is not a small school their enrollment is listed at 27,000 + students.

[geauxboy]

Troy is not a small school their enrollment is listed at 27,000 + students.

That 27,000 figure represents all there satellite campuses in 60 countries they claim, full & part time students. There are 9100 full time students on the Troy campus. 27000 would be larger than either Auburn or Alabama.

[DaddyCajun]

Simple question: Which conference will be stronger and more respected in 5 years

Sunbelt will be stronger as Regional Positioning will be "The Major Player". Sunbelt within 5 years will have Houston, USM, Memphis, and UAB! Out may be ULM, FIU and FAU! This would leave us with 9 team conference in Football consisting of:

WEST: Louisiana, NT, Ark St, USM, Houston

EAST: Memphis, UAB, MTU, Troy

I think this makes for a strong regional(travel) conference and some nice Universities!!

May later add Rice and Tulane!!



DaddyCajun