This is a "serious" Thread..Please check your "egos" at the door


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Originally posted by MikeBigg
Blue, that's an entirely different matter. Grambling's accrediation had nothing to do with whether we had money, it had to do with how monies and records were kept.

Our athletic department receives a lot of corporate sponsorship and remember the $$$ donated to the Grambling Football program by the Culverhouse family (former owners of the Tampa Bay Bucs) so that Doug would remove the curse (lol). Not trying to boast, but the name Grambling State is very marketable. We get countless offers from promoters seeking to build credibility for their Classics.

We're even in the process of receiving a nice payday from a West Coast school to meet them in the season opener. But if I was AD at GSU, I'd simply open each year in Shreveport and get the game underwritten by the National Alumni Federation and the Eddie Robinson Foundation. You're looking at 40k each year for a season opener with a nice payday for either: FAMU, TnState, Hampton, NC&T, Tuskegee, Howard, etc....

Naww mike not at all, if you read my post again you'll see i agree with the GSU name making a difference because of what the real icon did(eddie rob)
But even with all that you mention LSU/SU have the only two self substain athletic programs in the state, and like you not boasting just facts
 



Roar Man, (You can send me that PM now, I cleaned out my in-box)

I am confused. After reading many of the post several things do not add up.

The biggest hurdle to get across between most current member institutions of the MEAC and/or SWAC is the NCAA Division I AA Pay-Off Automatic Bid versus the Bayou Classic and/or Turkey Day Classic and traveling (geographic locations) logistics.

In my opinion, this has not changed over the last 5 to 10 years. So, which athletic progam(s) whom is(are), considered to be seriously reviewing the feasibility study of a new conference alignment, willing to change their long standing belief in regards to the NCAA Division I AA Play-off automatic bid or Bayou/Turkey Day Classic date?

I seriously not believe the additional revenue preceived to be generated by the new alignment mention in the several of post above (that do not include atleast 12 athletic programs) will not be able to cover the non-revenue generating sports.

As "MACHIAVELLI" mention. How are the programs in discussion of creating a new conference measuring their desired membership qualities?
 
JROCK,

For the sake of discussion my Super Conference would be expansion in regards to current SWAC Membership.

#1 Scenario (Very Unlikely)
SWAC East:
Alabama A & M University
Alabama State University
Alcorn State University
*Florida A & M University
Jackson State University
*Tennessee State University

SWAC West:
Grambling State University
Mississippi Valley State University
Prairie View A & M University
Southern University
Texas Southern University
University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff

I think the SWAC (Commissioner, Presidents, & Athletic Directors) can make a serious run at Tennessee State University. But, I am not very confident that the SWAC (Commissioner, Presidents, & Athletic Directors) can make a serious run at Florida A & M University. So, I would take a serious look at Savannah State University.

#2 Scenario (Somewhat Likely)
SWAC East:
Alabama A & M University
Alabama State University
Alcorn State University
Jackson State University
*Savannah State University
*Tennessee State University

SWAC West:
Grambling State University
Mississippi Valley State University
Prairie View A & M University
Southern University
Texas Southern University
University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff

I think the 5-year NCAA Division I AA Football and 14-year NCAA Division I Basketball probabtion period for the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament qualifing rule will make it difficult for the SWAC (Commissioner, Presidents, & Athletic Directors) to take a serious look at Tuskegee University.

But
#4 Scenario (Likely)
SWAC East:
Alabama A & M University
Alabama State University
Alcorn State University
Jackson State University
*Tennessee State University
*Tuskegee University

SWAC West:
Grambling State University
Mississippi Valley State University
Prairie View A & M University
Southern University
Texas Southern University
University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff

**********************************************

If I could get Florida A & M University only with admittance of Bethune-Cookman College, then I would take Bethune-Cookman College and Savannah State University.

#3 Scenario (Highly Unlikely)
SWAC East:
Alabama A & M University
Alabama State University
Bethune-Cookman College
*Florida A & M University
Jackson State University
*Savannah State University
*Tennessee State University

SWAC West:
Alcorn State University
Grambling State University
Mississippi Valley State University
Prairie View A & M University
Texas Southern University
Southern University
University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff
 
So Jafus,

Looking at your scenario #3, you would LOAD UP the East with a murderer's row that includes the two best teams from the MEAC - FAMU & Bethune, along with Alabama A&M (defending SWAC East Champs), Bama State (2001 SWAC East Champs and 2000 SWAC East Co-Champs with A&M) and Jackson State (1999 SWAC East Champs) AND Tennessee State!

While in the West you would have Grambling and Southern and a host of teams that have never won their division.

I don't think so.
 
Deuce,

So Jafus,

Looking at your scenario #3, you would LOAD UP the East with a murderer's row that includes the two best teams from the MEAC - FAMU & Bethune, along with Alabama A&M (defending SWAC East Champs), Bama State (2001 SWAC East Champs and 2000 SWAC East Co-Champs with A&M) and Jackson State (1999 SWAC East Champs) AND Tennessee State!

While in the West you would have Grambling and Southern and a host of teams that have never won their division.

I don't think so.

True, that would be the current case. I also stated that it would be (Highly Unlikely). That would be the case for football, but if you look at overall pictures of the entire conference for all sports (Basketball, etc.) that would not be the case. Reality of regional alignment would have to take some precedent. This often is case and has well for other conferences if you look at the SEC East Division as opposed to the SEC West Division just like the Big 12 South as opposed to the Big 12 North. But, time will change the complex of each division as well.
 
Hmmmmm,

I really don't know how to say this, but, I thought we were talking about the creation of a "new conference"..A Superconference. So far it looks like all we're doing here is expanding the SWAC

I'm talking about some big isht here. I'm talking about creating the HBCU version of the BCS. How are we going to do that if we keep including everybody??
 
Roar Man,

I understand the thought process. But, the only thing that most would consider and superconference would be a group of HBCU moving to NCAA Division I A or the expansion of a current HBCU NCAA Division I AA conference similar too (SEC expanding with South Carolina and Arkansas) or (Big 8 to Big 12 expanding with Texas, Texas A & M, Texas Tech, and Baylor). I honestly do not believe you can have a HBCU superconference outside of the above formats.
 
I think MikeBigg's proposals made the most sense.

Now, as for the idea of creating a superconference, well, I think thats trying to "re-invent the wheel." You already have in place whats needed, it just needs to be improved upon. (Adding a couple of schools would not hurt).

Someone mentioned in their posts that this new "superconference" could include some PWCs. Well, hell, they don't want to be in a conference with one HBCU what makes us think that they would want to be in a conference with 6 or 7?

LETS JUST IMPROVE ON THE SWAC AND MEAC AND CALL IT A DAY.
 
Originally posted by MACHIAVELLI


HOW WILL THIS BE MEASURED? WIN & LOSSES, CHAMPIONSHIPS, CONSISTANCY. OVER WHAT PERIOD OF TIME WOULD THIS PROCESS BE JUDGED, THE PAST 10 , 20, 30 YEARS ALL AND I DO MEAN ALL PROGRAMS GO THROUGH UPS AND DOWNS.

THIS STILL HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED
 
I hardly ever agree with a texican or bamian...and until now, NEVER agreed with a bamian texican, but TSU/BAMA gets my nod of agreement. We need to concentrate on becoming the best conference in 1AA football while maintaining the current members and adding TnState and FAMU. If neither or either wants to come over, we make a move.

We definitely need to keep all teams, but especially the two Tejas schools. Houston is a major city and the SWAC as well as individual schools need to do a better job of marketing games played in Texas. If we are to ever land a tv deal, we definitely need to have the Texas market to help make that happen and be successful. Plus, from a selfish standpoint...GSU recruits Texas and Houston. Playing at least one game in Texas each year helps us maintain our presence in that state's recruiting war.
 
Originally posted by MikeBigg
I hardly ever agree with a texican or bamian...and until now, NEVER agreed with a bamian texican, but TSU/BAMA gets my nod of agreement. We need to concentrate on becoming the best conference in 1AA football while maintaining the current members and adding TnState and FAMU. If neither or either wants to come over, we make a move.

We definitely need to keep all teams, but especially the two Tejas schools. Houston is a major city and the SWAC as well as individual schools need to do a better job of marketing games played in Texas. If we are to ever land a tv deal, we definitely need to have the Texas market to help make that happen and be successful. Plus, from a selfish standpoint...GSU recruits Texas and Houston. Playing at least one game in Texas each year helps us maintain our presence in that state's recruiting war.

I can understand maybe MAYBE tsu because of their track,baseball and basketball program,but pvu??? you gotta be kidding.
All that equates to is another form of welfare,let the programs with the better strength go first and if and when the others meet the chanllange all they have to do is join
 
Don't agree...PVU has started to make some positive changes. The awarding of scholarships will make them a factor in future matchups. They have been competitive but lack of depth and overall talent has hurt. With the scholarships and planned stadium expansion they should only do better. Plus in all the other sports, they are just as competitive as the rest of the schools. Look at the improvement in their basketball program with the hiring of a good coach.

I think it was a good move on their part to make a coaching change. Nothing against Dorsey, but Whittington might be a better man for the job. He has Houston/Texas connections and should be able to sign some of the Texas schoolboy talent.

Let's not jump the gun on this one...Let's not give up what we have just to say we are a "SuperConference". The proposed SuperConference has us spread out geographically and I don't think any of these teams will help with our attendance for home games. Traditional opponents and familiarity helps keep rivalries interesting. If PVU picks up on their on-field performance (and I think they will), home and home games will be beneficial to all schools. Of course, we expect even more interest in the State Fair Classic.
 
I think some of the schools y'all have listed in a new conference format should only be admitted for "Bsktball and the other sports.

This new conference should be designed to take HBCU sports ,starting with fb, closely followed by basketball, back as close as we can get to where we were before integration...sorry but "everyone need not apply. Like someone else said here. Get yourselves ready I'st...then you can come in.
 



BCC aint close to being one of the best teams from the MEAC

Originally posted by Deuce
So Jafus,

Looking at your scenario #3, you would LOAD UP the East with a murderer's row that includes the two best teams from the MEAC - FAMU & Bethune, along with Alabama A&M (defending SWAC East Champs), Bama State (2001 SWAC East Champs and 2000 SWAC East Co-Champs with A&M) and Jackson State (1999 SWAC East Champs) AND Tennessee State!

While in the West you would have Grambling and Southern and a host of teams that have never won their division.

I don't think so.

BCC is just a Johnny Come lately as far as football is concerned.

MEAC championships
SCSU, 10
FAMU, 6
A&T, 5
DSU, 5
MSU, 3
BCC, 2
HIU, 2
NCCU, 2
HOU, 1

Historically, the two strongest teams from the Meac are SCSU and FAMU. Both would be a good geographic fit for any new conference alignment.
 
Interesting Thread

I think a super conference is nothing more than a pipe dream. The thing to do is simply continuing to develop, refine and market what we have. If TNST was to have a desire to join, then the SWAC council of presidents and commissioner should listen and evalute. Personally, I think they would be a good addition. FAMU would be a super addition also. I dont think that they have any interest. They are also the MEAC's backbone. Their departure would adversely impact MEAC'S prestige.
 
RoarMan,

I think some of the schools y'all have listed in a new conference format should only be admitted for "Bsktball and the other sports.

This new conference should be designed to take HBCU sports ,starting with fb, closely followed by basketball, back as close as we can get to where we were before integration...sorry but "everyone need not apply. Like someone else said here. Get yourselves ready I'st...then you can come in.

I understand your goal, but I think you are truly fooling yourself if you think a new superconerence based on football first an th closely followed by basketball will create the desired situation you are looking for, for HBCU "sports". It is even obvious that it has been very diffuclt for you explain the great benefits as well as gain ground support of this new superconference to the current hard core board readers. Imagine the difficulties that would take place once one has to organize presidents of the said schools involved in your new superconference alignment to move the conference to actual fruition.

Again the problems and concerns that you are viewing on this board with several different goals, visions, and aspirations for a superconference and HBCU sports in general are going to be the same problems and concerns you would face in trying to get 6, 7, 8, or even worse off 9 presidents to form this new superconference.

Again, if the powers that be really saw it fit to leave the SWAC and for a HBCU superconference without Prairie View A & M Univesity I would support even though I question the viability because I truly think and believe with the current direction of the program Prairie View A&M University as well as Mississippi Valley State athletics with their respective athetic directord will be fine and wil continue to create their own path. I am not so sure that once a suppose superconference is formed that those institutions that are left outside of it will be force to form their own conference alignment and identity in the new alignment of SWAC and noone never knows how that direction will do in 10 to 20 years as it relates to out performing (exposure, championships, and revenue) other HBCU conferences and may not look to reunite with those members of the so called superconference that left. Remember any conference is only as strong as it leadership from the top down (commissioner, college president, and athletic directors).

In closing, the newly formed superconference better not only have historically strong football members, but a very fortified and knowledgable commissioner, supportive presidents, and dedicated athletic directors or this exciting act will be just a poor exercise in futility.

Think About It!!
 
Originally posted by JROCK
Interesting Thread

I think a super conference is nothing more than a pipe dream. The thing to do is simply continuing to develop, refine and market what we have. If TNST was to have a desire to join, then the SWAC council of presidents and commissioner should listen and evalute. Personally, I think they would be a good addition. FAMU would be a super addition also. I dont think that they have any interest. They are also the MEAC's backbone. Their departure would adversely impact MEAC'S prestige.

The thing is JROCK no MEAC school thats in the top three wil ever join the SWAC because of pride in their conf.,that would be admitting that they fail and needs us.
Would any of the SWAC top teams join the MEAC?...NO!
So to have a mutal agreement the "ONLY"way this would work is to merge the best of the best.

Now mike pvu getting their scholarships back is all fine and dandy,but rome wasn't built in a day.
The top teams that were mention to make the move for the SWAC all have long records of consistency and have stood constant at the top three position.
Pv on the other hand is just the opposite as is MVSU,Pv has made its rep unfortunately from having the longest losing record in ncaa history and to top it off they did it concurrently in football and basketball.


Not only that you have to have schools that fans will travel with their teams and packing the house just to play you guys ain't gonna cut it.
Lastly don't get sooo serious we jest playin' make believe :emlaugh: :emlaugh: :emlaugh: :emlaugh:
 
JROCK,

Interesting Thread

I think a super conference is nothing more than a pipe dream. The thing to do is simply continuing to develop, refine and market what we have. If TNST was to have a desire to join, then the SWAC council of presidents and commissioner should listen and evalute. Personally, I think they would be a good addition. FAMU would be a super addition also. I dont think that they have any interest. They are also the MEAC's backbone. Their departure would adversely impact MEAC'S prestige.

True, very well put.
 
Jafus,

What you say is true, However, I for one "refuse" to "concede" that we as HBCU are relegated to the (as we're perceived and portrayed to be) "bottom of the barrel" by our peers" namely the PWC of all ranks within the NCAA and the "blue chip recruit.

A story: There was a kid heavily recruited by just about everyone, he and my son played on the same fb team in high school together. While he was in the process of choosing a school, he asked me for some advise..now you know I'm going to mention TSU..RIGHT? Well.. I did. And you know what his reply was?? ...ISHT!! I was like...WHAT!! He say's..you've got to be kidding me. I was like Man let me tell you something, TSU was the school of ED TOO TALL JONES, TSU was the school of Cleveland Elam, Jefferson St Joe Gilliam and others, Well the "kid" told me he knew all that..even told me he was a fan of TSU, But, that was a loooong time ago. BCF is now perceived to be WEAK, he'd rather walk on at a PWC than go to TSU or any HBCU.

THAT WAS THE "LAST" TIME I SPOKE TO THAT KID TOO. LOL!!

Long story short. The kid ended up signing with Alabama. Never considerd TSU or "any other HBCU.

What I am getting at here is if we look back on the last 20 yrs or so, all of America outsides of the HBCU have at least tried to bring their programs up to par within the athletic community, Where as we the HBCU..even in despite of how we're perceived/portrayed by our peers, continue to stay the course that we charted at a time when we could pick and choose from just about any of the "blue chip recruits.

Just as the "kid" stated in my story above. TIMES HAVE CHANGED.



Somehow/Someway we the HBCU have got to change or the end result will be..obscurity forever.


Why can't our presidents and athletic directors see what is staring them straight in the face??
 
Roar Man,

I can understand and unfortunately relate to your story. But we must take a closer look at the real circumstances that put the ugly state (In the view HBCU fans) of situation into play.

Our biggest problem (let's face it) is "capital". Indirectly this is in part to our inability to understand the current state of athletics as well as our inability to market our niche' in today?s athletic culture.

Please provide me with an estimate on the revenue generated from this new super conference alignment and why you believe your numbers to be accurate.

Remember we did not get into this position over night and unfortunately will take more than a night to get out of it.

But again for the sake of discussion. Below is some further example of several of the issues that would have to be overcame to get the new Super Conference off the ground (i.e. NCAA Regulations and Bylaws, Membership Agreement, and etc).

1. Tennessee State
(Pushes for Bethune-Cookman, South Carolina State, and Texas Southern)

2. Florida A&M
(Pushes for Alabama State, Bethune-Cookman, and South Carolina State)

3. Jackson State
(Pushes for Alabama State, Alcorn State, and Mississippi Valley State)

4. Southern
(Pushes for Alabama State, Alcorn State, and Texas Southern)

5. Grambling State
(Pushes for Alcorn State, Prairie View A&M, and Texas Southern)

6. Alabama A&M
(Pushes for Alabama State, Alcorn State and South Carolina State)

7. North Carolina A&T State
(Pushes for Bethune-Cookman, Howard, and South Carolina State)

??8. Bethune-Cookman?? Without them will FAMU come??

??9. South Carolina State??, Alabama State??, and Texas Southern??

Alabama State (4) (Turkey Day Classic may influence selection)
Alcorn State (3)
Bethune-Cookman (3)
Howard (1)
Mississippi Valley State (1)
Prairie View A&M (1)
South Carolina State (4)
Texas Southern (3)

New Super Conference
Alabama A&M
**Alabama State
Florida A&M
Grambling State
Jackson State
North Carolina A&T State
**South Carolina State
Southern
Tennessee State

New Super-conference, would have to wait at least one year to be awarded the NCAA Division I tournament automatic bid (WAC when it broke up into the WAC and MWC).

The new conference would not gain an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I AA Championship Play-offs, because of the Bayou Classic. How will this effect the membership?

SWAC New alignment
**Alabama State
Alcorn State
Arkansas Pine Bluff
****Bethune-Cookman
Prairie View A & M
Mississippi Valley State
***Savannah State
Texas Southern

May lose automatic bid to NCAA Division I Basketball and Baseball tournaments because they do not have minimum number of conference (6) members to solicit automatic bid.

MEAC New alignment
****Bethune-Cookman
*Coppin State
Delaware State
Hampton
Howard
*Maryland-Eastern Shore
Morgan State
Norfolk State
***Savannah State
**South Carolina State

May lose automatic bid to NCAA Division I AA Football tournament and NCAA Division I baseball tournament because they do not have minimum number of conference (6) members to solicit automatic bid.

*Basketball only members
**Maybe a member of the new Super Conference
***Possible new member to join SWAC
****May stay with MEAC or follow Savannah State to join SWAC, highly influencial on how the New Super Conference decides on possible members Alabama State and/or South Carolina State
 
Jafus,

You sure know how to put a bro on the line don't you? LOL!!


Jafus, I haven't researched my suggested conference configuration to the point where I would have some "hard numbers" to show.

I do feel very strongly though that a "new conference" with the right mix of HBCU should have no problem avg at least 20,000 per gm. Throw that in with my projected monie's increase from the "classic"s, Plus the emphasis I placed on scheduling at least one or two 1A payday games per year, just adding up those three things alone should pay immediate dividends.


SuperConference:

9 schools all sports

3 schools basketball & non-revenue

Eight conference games fb

2 non-conference rival/classic games

1 payday gm vs major 1A program




From the conversations I've had with the last two AD's at TSU I really don't think the issue of participating in the IAA playoffs will have much bearing (for us) on a decision of this magnitude..the SWAC has already pretty much dismissed them and just last year the MEAC commisioner stated publically he was interested in reviving the Heritage Bowl, With the MEAC sending it's champion this time.

Really, I think we "all" have put forth some "good" ideas here. Maybe some will work...Maybe some won't. But what we do know is..NON of them will work if we don't get up off our butts and at least try.
 
Really, I think we "all" have put forth some "good" ideas here. Maybe some will work...Maybe some won't. But what we do know is..NON of them will work if we don't get up off our butts and at least try. [/B][/QUOTE]
"DITTO"

and the only real problem we'll have if we're honest, is getting our @ss off the self made plantation
 
Roar Man,

Jafus,

You sure know how to put a bro on the line don't you? LOL!!

Smile!! ;-)

Jafus, I haven't researched my suggested conference configuration to the point where I would have some "hard numbers" to show.
Your statements below are enough to give me something to consider.

I do feel very strongly though that a "new conference" with the right mix of HBCU should have no problem avg at least 20,000 per gm.

This is interesting!! This is a very ambioush figure, goal and I would agree if this is the case then the superconference is something that should seriously be reviewed. I am not sure this is case. I think if anything, this is where we can take a lesson from Southern University in reference to their attendance. Southern University has gotten a handle on attendance for football games atleast outside of having a winning and competitive program.

"Generally" speaking it does not matter whom they play, from Prairie View A & M University and Mississippi Valley State University to Jackson State University and Florida A & M University they have done well on attendance. I believe it based on the fact that their marketing plan (whether it was done on purpose or not) has created an event like atmosphere (similar to a classic, everybody want to tailgate, be scene, and be apart of the fun) at home football games which has alumni, students, and the general community interested in attending the game no matter whom they play.

I am very concern that many of our loyal fans have gotten a misconception that our fan base should also (almost equally) be based on the visiting team. If we want to have some similarities to the larger PWC programs that you mention earlier when talking to the young man that was chosing a institution to continue his football career at the collegiate level. It should be noted that these PWC institution do not based their attendance numbers on a visiting opponent. Of course record crowds and larger crowds are the norm when a top 10 program or true historic rival comes to town.

Throw that in with my projected monie's increase from the "classic"s,
If many of the team listed above are in the same conference, where would the conference match-up come from? Are you now stating that you are going to move the would be larger home attendance games of your proposed 20,000 in attendance to a off campus site Classic location?

Plus the emphasis I placed on scheduling at least one or two 1A payday games per year, just adding up those three things alone should pay immediate dividends.
How do pla to guarantee NCAA Division I AA HBCU conference members to availability to schedule atleast one or two NCAA Division I A games per year?

SuperConference:

9 schools all sports

Cool

3 schools basketball & non-revenue

Whom are your three proposed basketball/non football participating members?

Coppin State
Maryland-Eastern Shore

or

Are you suggesting that some programs will be willing to drop their football programs to join the conference as basketball/non football participating programs? What programs do you believe will take the course? With the passion of football in the South. Again which of these current NCAA Division I programs do you
believe will cancel their football program:

SWAC New alignment
**Alabama State
Alcorn State
Arkansas Pine Bluff
Prairie View A & M
Mississippi Valley State
***Savannah State
Texas Southern

MEAC New alignment
****Bethune-Cookman
**South Carolina State

*Basketball only members
**Maybe a member of the new Super Conference
***Possible new member to join SWAC
****May stay with MEAC or follow Savannah State to join SWAC, highly influencial on how the New Super Conference decides on possible members Alabama State and/or South Carolina State

Eight conference games fb

2 non-conference rival/classic games

1 payday gm vs major 1A program

Please see above a comments.

From the conversations I've had with the last two AD's at TSU I really don't think the issue of participating in the IAA playoffs will have much bearing (for us) on a decision of this magnitude..the SWAC has already pretty much dismissed them and just last year the MEAC commisioner stated publically he was interested in reviving the Heritage Bowl, With the MEAC sending it's champion this time.

Good Point and that is Interesting!!

Really, I think we "all" have put forth some "good" ideas here. Maybe some will work...Maybe some won't. But what we do know is..NON of them will work if we don't get up off our butts and at least try.

I whole heartedly agree!! That is why I am some passionate and detailed when it comes to subjects like the one above. Because we must take the time to review the entire picture of such suggestions.
 
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