COASTAL CAROLINA ON SUN BELT EXPANSION RADAR

Sun Belt Expansion rumors continue to heat up as it has been confirmed that Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson has had conversations with both Coastal Carolina and Eastern Kentucky. Just how far the talks have gone and whether or not anything comes from this latest round of expansion talk is unknown. Benson has made it clear that he is interested in adding at least one more member to the Sun Belt Conference. Stay tuned.SUN BELT AND COASTAL CAROLINA LINK

MTSU FAN BASE SEARCHES FOR MOMENTUM

MTSU FANS CHEER FOR THE BLUE RAIDERS

G5 Blog Original Content

This summer we will look at  several different fan bases from the Gang of 5 Schools and explore  what makes each of them unique. Today we look at the third and final school, Middle Tennessee University. 

"AN EXCITING TIME FOR ALL OF US"

On November 29th, 2012 MTSU President Sydney McPhee and MTSU Athletic Director Chris Massaro addressed an enthusiast MTSU crowd in the school's new,  state of the art ,  Student Union Building. The pair, flanked by MTSU cheerleaders and the MTSU band, were at the Student Union to announce the inclusion of the  Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders into Conference USA.

The celebration inside the Student Union building  represented a long and hard fought battle for  MTSU athletics . A hard fought battle, that is, to place the Blue Raider program on a more prominent and lucrative stage. The  MTSU announcement party was as much about celebrating the school's entry into Conference USA as it was about completing a victory lap for the Blue Raider program.  MTSU it seemed ,with its 21,000 student population ( the largest in the state of Tennessee  ) was on the cusp of rebranding itself and earning  the  respect  it so desperately wanted in the state of Tennessee and beyond.

Finally, after a solid 12 year run in the Sun Belt, a run in which  the Blue Raiders had earned an impressive  54 Championships and 8 All Sports Trophies, MTSU had been offered and accepted  a full invite( all sports) into Conference USA. At the announcement party that day, AD Chris Massaro confidently told the Blue Raider faithful that entry into Conference USA constituted , " an exciting time for all of us". 

Entry into Conference USA was  touted as a triumph by MTSU fans, Massaro and Chancellor Sydney McPhee.  Many long time supporters of the program envisioned Conference USA as the vehicle that would give the Blue Raider's the kick start its athletic program needed. More than anything however, MTSU fans and administrators believed MTSU's inclusion in  the new conference would provide the Blue Raider fan base the momentum needed to carry the school into the next level of collegiate athletics, especially as it pertained to better attendance at MTSU football games and the recruitment of more talented athletes. Now 3 years later, some of the initial enthusiasm and hope from that November day has given way to a less satisfying reality.  In particular, questions are now being asked that  ponder whether or not inclusion in CUSA has given MTSU the boost  it hoped it would receive when it joined the league.

NOT THE SAME CONFERENCE

When MTSU proudly announced their entry into Conference USA, the league was in the midst of a dramatic realignment process that was altering not only  CUSA but College sports as well. Just two days before MTSU's CUSA announcement for example , ECU and TULANE made an announcement of their own telling reporters and supporters that they had accepted an invite to join the now defunct Big East. ECU and TULANE's departure announcement had  completed a sweeping and league altering overhaul of CUSA. An overhaul that included the lose of some the conferences top schools and brands. Schools and brands that had no doubt  made CUSA an attractive option for  MTSU to join in  the first place.

UCF, MEMPHIS( a potentially important partner for MTSU) SMU, HOUSTON AND TULSA ( along with ECU and Tulane) would no longer be in CUSA. Instead ,CUSA would now consist of  some of MTSU's  former Sun Belt rivals like NORTH TEXAS and WESTERN KENTUCKY, among other new schools.  When the dust finally settled , CUSA  looked much different than it had  only one short year before MTSU had been  invited to join the league. (  MTSU was invited to join CUSA precisely because of the departure of some the conference schools to the Big East)Did the new CUSA look as , "exciting" to MTSU now as it  had when the school was first contacted by the CUSA membership team?

It is interesting to note however, that even before the departure of ECU and Tulane, MTSU struggled with football attendance in their inaugural  CUSA season. No where was this more evident than when the Blue Raiders hosted  ECU, arguably one of  CUSA's most recognizable  brands, during the 2013 Football Season. Here then was a perfect opportunity to show case the advantages of making the jump from the Sun Belt to CUSA. The MTSU-ECU game that day was broadcast  on the FSN network to what amounted to most of  Southeast region of the country. The announced  attendance for the game was 23,103. While this marked a small improvement over typical home attendance numbers for MTSU(  between 18000 and 20,000)  the game did not show well on tv as there were large swaths of the stadium with no fans.  Although one game does not encapsulate a school's entire athletic struggle, the Pirate home game certainly spoke volumes about the need for MTSU to increase its fan base participation and to create a narrative that fans and alumni can embrace.

GOING FORWARD

MTSU's issues are similar in nature to many schools that make up the Gang of 5 confederation. While  MTSU is in much better shape than many G5 schools, especially  FIU(one of the other fan bases that this blog has examinedFIU FAN BASE STRUGGLES LINK) there is still much work to be done. MTSU appears to be stuck in  middle ground territory  when it comes to fan participation and overall sports competitiveness. As the school with the largest undergraduate population in the state of Tennessee, MTSU  can and should do better.

Here then are a couple questions that are worth examining  if the Blue Raider program wants to move beyond its current position in college sports.  In truth these are questions that every athletic department or school leadership should be wrestling with.

1. NAME THE MTSU STORY: What story is MTSU going to tell? What does the athletic program stand for? Do the Blue Raiders want to  compete directly with UT or do they want to compete with the Western Kentucky's of College Sports? Either way name it and then do what it takes to make the story true.

2. WHAT DOES THE MTSU BRAND MEAN?: While the brand question is similar to finding the right story to tell, it is different in one important aspect, the brand represents what the entire school stands for, not just the athletic program. Is MTSU a challenger brand for example? Is it a rebel brand? It it a neutral brand? Is the brand happy to to just field a team? What does the MTSU brand say about how the school wants to compete in the field of athletics

3.WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE FOOTBALL TEAM: Football drives the bus. Until basketball earns more money or garners more attention than football, the boys of Fall and Winter will keep paying the bills. What does MTSU want from its football team? If  MTSU wants a champion then has the school committed itself to paying the kind of money and finding the coaching staff that can make  this happen. A vision to win starts at the top( Chancellors office) and trickles down to every worker, coach , teacher and student.

FINALLY

MTSU shares much in common with the majority of G5 fan bases. Most of these fan bases, like MTSU,  are looking for ways to increase fan( student, alumni and local population) participation and to compete against the  better funded Power 5 schools. The good news for MTSU is that the Blue Raider program has a solid foundation to build from.  MTSU finds itself in a position of opportunity rather than  a position of crisis.

With its  large student population and alumni base  as well as its  close proximity to Nashville( 35 miles) the Blue Raiders appear to be underachieving when it comes to fan participation and sports competitiveness, especially football. While there is no easy path that can guide  MTSU to its full potential, the Blue Raider program  has the ability to move beyond its current state of affairs with the right vision and leadership.

To do so however, MTSU will need a clearer direction and stronger story to tell to its supporters.  Schools that are successful in sports have a clear vision that can be articulated by both fan and University president alike( see ECU FANS SERVE AS MODEL FOR G5 SCHOOLS)

The good news for MTSU is that the University  seems to  have many of the necessary ingredients to be a top G5 school. The Blue Raider athletic program however, now has to put these pieces together. In short, the Blue Raider program needs an intriguing story tell and a brand identity that  most of its students and alumni want to be a part of and embrace. Stay tuned.

SPECULATION SATURDAY: NEW G5 LEAGUE TO COMPETE WITH THE AAC AND MWC: THE NATIONAL 10 CONFERENCE

G5 Original Content

NATIONAL 10 CONFERENCE

Its the middle of summer, which means that in addition to hot days with no breeze, it is also the season of  wild speculation  among College Football fans. So,   as  the balmy days of summer slowly march ( painstakingly slow that is)  towards the cooler days of  Fall and the start of the 2015 Football Season, I am dedicating todays blog post to the creation of a new Gang of 5 Conference.

I have built the new conference to compete with the AAC and MWC and have taken schools from the MAC, SUN BELT AND CONFERENCE USA  to do so.  I have concentrated almost entirely on schools with good football programs. In a few  cases a school's market was key to their entry into the new league.  I also chose schools that I believe a Commissioner could take to tv Networks and make a solid case for both money and strong tv coverage.

HERE WE GO:

NATIONAL 10

(in no particular order)

1. ARKANSAS STATE: WITH AN IMPRESSIVE RECORD OVER THE PAST 4 YEARS( WITH MULTIPLE COACHES NO LESS) AND A BEING LOCATED IN STATE WITH ONLY ONE OTHER FBS SCHOOL ARK STATE BELONGS IN THE NATIONAL 10. THE RED WOLVES HAVE ALSO RECRUITED WELL AND HAVE ONE OF THE MOST PRO ACTIVE AD'S IN THE COUNTRY.

2. GEORGIA SOUTHERN: SOMEWHERE ERK RUSSEL, THE FATHER OF GEORGIA SOUTHERN FOOTBALL, IS SMILING. THE EAGLES KNOW HOW TO WIN FOOTBALL GAMES, PERIOD. THEY DOMINATED FCS PLAY AND NOW LOOK LIKE THEY ARE  FULLY CAPABLE OF WINNING AT THE FBS LEVEL AS WELL. GEORGIA SOUTHERN ALSO  HAS A GREAT GAME DAY ATMOSPHERE MAKING THEM A SOLID PICK FOR THE NATIONAL 10.

3. MARSHALL: MARSHALL IS BACK TO ITS WINNING WAYS AND HEAD COACH DOC HOLIDAY KNOWS HOW TO FIND TALENTED FOOTBALL PLAYERS WHO WANT TO PLAY IN HUNTINGTON. WITH ONE OF THE MOST LOYAL FAN BASES IN ALL OF FOOTBALL, MARSHALL IS A MUST HAVE PROGRAM FOR THE NATIONAL 10. THE THUNDERING HERD IS A DOMINANT  GANG OF 5 SCHOOL AT THE MOMENT.

4. LA TECH: LA TECH HAS A GREAT FOOTBALL PEDIGREE AND THEIR BASKETBALL HISTORY  IS BRIGHT AS WELL. HEAD COACH SKIP HOLTZ LOOKS LIKE HE HAS FOUND HIS GROOVE AND IS POSITIONING LA TECH INTO A CONFERENCE USA POWER. WITH GREAT RECRUITING GROUNDS AND A PASSIONATE FAN BASE  THE BULLDOGS BELONG IN THE NATIONAL 10.

5. ULL: WITH ONE OF THE BEST HEAD COACHES IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND A FAN BASE THAT HAS ONE OF THE BEST TAIL GATING SCENES AMONG THE GANG OF 5 , THE RAGIN CAJUNS HAVE A LEGIT PROGRAM. ADD IN BASEBALL AND THE  RICH LOUISIANA  RECRUITING GROUNDS  AND THE RAGIN CAJUNS  MAKE FOR A FINE ADDITION TO THE NATIONAL 10.

6. WKU: WHILE THE HILLTOPPERS ARE RELATIVELY NEW  TO THE RANKS OF  FBS  COMPETITION THEY HAVE PROVEN THAT THEY CAN RECRUIT AND PLAY GOOD FOOTBALL AT THIS LEVEL.  WKU BASKETBALL HAS A GREAT TRACK RECORD AND WOULD BE A HUGE PLUS FOR THE NATIONAL 10.

7. NIU: THE HUSKIES BELONG IN ANY NEW G5 CONFERENCE SPIN OFF BECAUSE THEY HAVE PROVEN THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN GAMES THAT GET THEM TO THE BIG SHOW. WITH A STRONG FOOTBALL PROGRAM AND BRAND THAT PEOPLE RECOGNIZE NIU MAKES A GREAT ADDITION TO THE NATIONAL 10.

8.FIU: THE FLORIDA MARKET IS JUST TO IMPORTANT FOR THE NATIONAL 10 TO SKIP.  FIU IS STRUGGLING AT THE MOMENT BUT HAVE PROVEN THEY CAN WIN WHEN GIVEN THE RIGHT HEAD COACH. SUPURB RECRUITING GROUNDS, GREAT SPOTS FOR BOWL GAMES AND A SCHOOL THAT WITH THE RIGHT LEADERSHIP CAN WIN AND WIN BIG, FIU BELONGS IN THE NATIONAL 10

9. RICE: LIKE FLORIDA, THE TEXAS MARKET IS TO IMPORTANT TO PASS OVER. THE NATIONAL 10 PICKS RICE AS IT SOLE TEXAS SCHOOL. RICE IS INVESTING SOME SERIOUS CASH INTO THEIR STADIUM AND FOOTBALL PROGRAM. HEAD COACH DAVID BALIFF IS AN EXCELLENT EVALUATOR OF TALENT AND KNOWS HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM HIS PLAYERS. RICE ALSO BRINGS A NATIONAL NAME TO THE CONFERENCE.

10. OHIO : WITH A FAN BASE THAT SUPPORTS ITS TEAM,  AS WELL AS HAVING SOLID FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL , OHIO DESERVES A SPOT IN THE NATIONAL 10. THE BOBCATS HAVE BEEN THE MODEL OF CONSISTENCY UNDER HEAD COACH FRANK SOLICH AND WOULD BE A STRONG ADDITION TO THE NATIONAL 10. OHIO ALSO HAS A GOOD  RIVALY WITH MARSHALL, A PLUS FOR ANY  G5 LEAGUE.



NATIONAL 10
1. ARK STATE
2. GEORGIA SOUTHERN
3. MARSHALL
4. LA TECH
5. WKU
6. NIU
7. FIU
8.ULL
9. OHIO
10.RICE


If the conference were to expand to 12 here are schools that would be at the top of the list.

UAB
UTEP
APPALACHIAN STATE
SOUTHERN MISS
TEXAS STATE

SAN DIEGO STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Good San Diego State Preview from the guys over at SB Nation. I have picked the Aztecs to finish 4th this season. Worth a look:San Diego Preview link

UAB HEAD COACH BILL CLARK PROVING CHARACTER STILL EXISTS IN SPORTS

G5 Blog original content




UAB HEAD COACH BILL CLARK 

Conference Media days are usually boring affairs that reporters and coaches dread attending. Conferences want to put their best foot forward during their media day and so everything tends to be scripted from who and what time a Head Coach and his players will speak  to what types of snacks will be  distributed during coffee breaks.

Reporters, hungry for news, parse every word a coach speaks hoping to glean some type of hidden meaning , shift in philosophy  or change of team strategy. Coaches on the other hand, only want  to speak in generic terms, smile at the camera and then go home as soon as possible to  get ready for Summer and Fall camp. At the end of the day then, everyone goes home completely   sure that nothing of substance was said or debated. Conference Media Days are like family gatherings where Momma tells everyone to keep their craziness in check  for a whole day.

Sometimes however, interesting things do occur at Media days. Sometimes reporters,  coaches and fans  learn something new. Sometimes there are moments that reveal why grown men care so much about football and the men who lead their favorite football teams. Yesterday such a moment took place when  UAB Head Coach Bill Clark showed up at the Conference USA Media Day by himself to tell anyone who would  listen that UAB Football is back.

 Just as important however, as Clark making the media rounds and  extolling the virtues of UAB football was that reporters , coaches and sports fans of all types were once again reminded  that  in addition to being one heck of a football coach, Bill Clark is also a man of character. Something that comes as no surprise to UAB fans who already proudly  know this  about their Head Football Coach.

I have been a fan of Bill  Clark since he earned the Head Coaching job at UAB a few years back. In a short article I penned about the Head Coach(Bill Clark Great Hire For UAB Link) I wrote the following :

Finally, if you needed one more reason to be impressed with Clark how about the brief story that was published in the Trussville Tribune, an Alabama newspaper , in mid May about Clark.  The newspaper, reported that Bill Clark had been invited to serve as guest speaker for a gathering of local business men and politicians at the  Trussville Civic Center located in Trussville Alabama. At the meeting, Clark told those gathered that when he met the UAB football team for the first time he shared with them coaching legend John Wooden's famous pyramid of success. The Tribune wrote the following about that encounter:

"He(Clark) showed them UCLA basketball coaching legend John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success and delivered three rules. One: Always protect the team. Two: No whining, complaining or excuses. Three: Be ready.That first rule is about players representing themselves well on and off the field, because their actions reflect on UAB. The No. 2 rule is self-explanatory. The final rule is about being on time all the time. “We want to be known for great effort,” Clark said.

It is  one thing of course to quote the principles of John Wooden to your team, its another to live by them. If you have been following the drama surrounding the UAB football team the past year you will know that Bill Clark has lived by what he has preached. In an era where coaches are paid a ridiculous amount of money to run a football team and where talented coaches are in high demand, it would have been very easy for Clark to pull out of Birmingham and say thanks but no thanks, I have seen enough.

You know what, he didn't do this. Want to know what else?  Bill Clark stuck by his Blazer players and stayed with them even during the hard bits of the program collapse. Clark also stayed faithful to the UAB fan base by not taking the first coaching job offered to him. A bold move for a dynamic coach with a family to feed and look after. Throughout it all Bill Clark stayed true to his conviction that UAB football deserved a rebirth and a place at the collegiate football table.

Even with the announcement yesterday that UAB football will return in 2017, the Blazer program still faces an uphill battle with its comeback.  The UAB Football Program has been essentially gutted and will need to find new players at virtually every position, including new water boys.  The Blazers will also re-enter Collegiate Football at a time of great upheaval and great uncertainty.

Regardless of the many obstacles facing the rebirth of its football program, UAB fans can take solace knowing that  it will be guided by a man who chose to stay and fight rather than abandon ship.  Clark's willingness to take the road less traveled and stick around for the  heavy lifting is perhaps the best gift he will ever give to UAB and its fans. The gift of never say never.

As Clark told reporters yesterday at the Conference USA Media Day, "This hope that I saw from our community is what I hung around for. They would not let the dream die." Bill Clark has personified that hope and in doing so infused  the world of sports  with the rarest of gifts; a man who actually  lives by his principles. 

I have no idea what type of team Bill Clark will start the 2017 season with. I have no idea if the Blazers will even win a game in 2017 . You know what?  I don't  care and UAB fans shouldn't either. The only thing that really matters is that in  2017  UAB will be lead by a man who stood by the Blazer program when he could have easily walked away from it. The only thing that really matters is that  in 2017   UAB will   be lead by a Head Coach who embodied  the same  3 John Wooden principles he has preached as a coach to his players; Protect the team, no whining complaining or excuses and be ready. Somewhere John Wooden is smiling. Stay tuned.

5 G5 COACHES THAT ARE VITAL TO THEIR SCHOOL'S FOOTBALL SUCCESS

Original G5 blog content

Football, more than any other sport, requires a strong and steady hand at the top. This is especially true in College Football where good coaching is often the difference between winning and losing on the field. Here then are 5 G5 Head Coaches that are vital to their school's success.


1. MARK HUDSPETH ULL:  Before Mark Hudspeth arrived as the Ragin Cajun Head Coach, the ULL football program had been a perennial underachiever.  In only  his first year as Head Coach (2011),Hudspeth lead the ULL program to a 9-4 record giving  the  Cajun football team its first  winning season since 1993.  Hudspeth has been instrumental to the ULL football program turn around and his leadership has brought both money and attention to ULL.  How valuable is Hudspeth to the ULL program? Well  last year ULL officials raised his salary to a little over 1 million dollars a year making him the highest paid coach in the Sun Belt. For Ragin  Cajun fans Hudspeth salary is money well spent. Hudspeth has earned a 36-17 record as Head  Coach of ULL.  Just how much longer they can keep him in Lafayette is another story.

2. DOC HOLIDAY MARSHALL :To say that Head Coach Doc Holiday  put Marshall football back on the College Football map is an understatement. In the five years before  Holiday arrived in Huntington the Thundering Herd had amassed a record of 22-37. These numbers  failed to live up to  Marshall's proud history or program expectations.  Marshall University, desperate for someone who understood its football culture,  took a risk on Doc Holiday, the long time college assistant coach. Holiday went to work immediately and put  his excellent recruiting skills to good use. He took advantage of  his long time connections to South Florida and began to recruit  gifted athletes to Marshall. Many of the athletes Holiday recruited had been over looked by some of the bigger schools in the region. Perhaps no other player personifies Holiday's bold and savvy recruiting chops more than Rakeem Cato. The Miami Central QB standout was passed over by many P5 schools, but Holiday saw something in Cato and took a chance on him. Holiday's gamble payed off and Cato has helped Doc Holiday earn a 40-25 record in his 5 years as Marshall Head Coach. Holiday has also positioned  Marshall  as one of the top G5 football schools in the country.

3. GEORGE O'LEARY UCF : No one has ever doubted George O'Leary's coaching abilities . After a lapse in judgment cost him the Notre Dame job, UCF reached out to him and has never looked back. Before O'Leary arrived in Orlando the Knights had underachieved given their proximity to the great High School football talent in the region. O'Leary got off to a rocky start in his inaugural year as  Head Coach going 0-11.  Soon however, O'Leary's tough nosed-no nonsense approach to the game took over the UCF football culture. O'Leary also began to upgrade the talent level and take advantage of the excellent players in the Orlando zip code.

In 2014 O'Leary led UCF to its first BCS Bowl game victory beating a heavily favored Baylor team in prime time tv. While O'Leary's tenure at UCF has not been without its blemishes, he has put the UCF program in an excellent position for a potential  Power conference jump in the future. In his 11 seasons O'Leary has earned a 81-60 record as UCF Head Coach.

4. FRANK SOLICH  OHIO BOBCATS: When the Nebraska Cornhuskers relieved Frank Solich of his Head Coaching duties in 2003, little did Ohio Bobcat fans know what a favor the Cornhuskers had done them. Hired by the Bobcats in 2005, Solich and Ohio have become good partners. Since his hiring,  Solich has been the model of consistency as the Bobcat Head Coach,   leading them to 6 Bowl games during his tenure. Just as important as the Bowl games however,  is that Solich understands the football culture at Ohio and has built an extremely clean program. While Bobcat fans might want to see more Conference Championships, there is no denying that Frank Solich has been an asset to the Bobcat program. Under Solich's leadership  Ohio earned its very first top 25 ranking( 2012) and made it to a Bowl game (GMAC Bowl 2007) for the first time since 1968.

5. RUFFIN McNEIL ECU: Immediately after Texas Tech defeated Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl in 2010,  Texas Tech interim  Head Coach Ruffin McNeil began the  difficult task of waiting for the Texas Tech administration to decide on a new Head Coach. McNeil, who was widely loved by both players and fans, was a crowd favorite to take the job. In the end however, Tech passed on McNeil and hired  Tommy Tuberville instead.( Tuberville lasted only 3 years as Head Coach of the Red Raiders) Texas Tech's loss was East Carolina's gain. Known as a father figure to his recruits, McNeil took an already successful ECU football team and has added his own  unique and spirited gifts to Pirate program.  McNeil is also the fist African American Head Coach to ever lead East Carolina. When he was first hired as Head Coach, McNeil took a chance on a young Texas Tech assistant coach, Lincoln Riley, and made him the Pirates OC. Riley, who was only 26 year  old when he came to East Carolina , quickly  transformed the ECU offense into one of the best Air Raid systems in the country.   McNeil, who is also a children's author, has upgraded the ECU talent level while at the same time holding his players to a high standard of ethics and guidelines. McNeil is known for his vibrant leadership and for placing faith in his assistant coaches and players.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

JUSTIN FUENTE MEMPHIS

DAVID BAILIFF RICE

SKIP HOLTZ LA TECH

UAB FOOTBALL WILL RETURN IN 2017

UAB FOOTBALL WILL RETURN  IN 2017

UAB football fans received some much welcomed news today as  it was announced that not only will UAB football return in 2017, but that it will  also return as a FBS school. There has been much speculation about whether the NCAA would require UAB to drop to the FCS ranks for a season or two before rejoining the FBS division in College Football. (UAB FOOTBALL RETURNS IN 2017 LINK)  Conference USA will work the Blazers back into conference play in 2017. CUSA is a stronger league with UAB football in it. Stay tuned.

SUN BELT COMMISIONER KARL BENSON WANTS FEWER "MONEY GAMES" FOR SUN BELT TEAMS

Speaking yesterday to reporters at the  Sun Belt Media Day in New Orleans, Commissioner Karl Benson made it clear that he wants the teams in the 11 member Sun Belt Conference to play fewer so called "money games" against Power 5 schools. The term "money game" is used to describe the large payouts Power 5 schools pay for visiting teams from non power leagues. Many schools in the Gang of 5 rely on  the extra income( often in the 1 million range) these games provide their athletic budgets.

Benson wants the games to end because he believes the league's teams should concentrate on each other and the Sun Belt as a whole.   Benson told reporters that ,"As nice as it is and as great as it is to win a game against one of the 'Big Five' — I don't want to minimize that — but right now, in the system that we have, competition with our peer conferences is so important," Benson said. "Those are the games that we really need to focus on."

While a case can be made that supports Commissioner Benson desire to stop playing  "money games" the reality , however, is that many  Gang of 5 schools need the income these games provide. It can also be argued that the risk of playing a good Power 5 school and winning outweighs any inconveniences  of  travel and lack of conference focus. Schools like Southern Miss and ECU for example , have parlayed  their victories over power schools into making names for themselves. It  can also be  argued that Appalachian State's win over Michigan in 2007 not only put the Mountaineers on the College Football map, but that it also most likely helped them to  receive an invite from the Sun Belt Conference.

**In other news from the Sun Belt Media Day yesterday:

 Commissioner Benson said that expansion of the Sun Belt to 12 teams is still on the table, although any new team would have to add strategic value to the league.

Benson also stated the the SUn Belt continues to investigate the possibility of having a league Championship game for Football.

Stay tuned.

NEW CONFERENCE USA COMMISSIONER WILL FACE MULTIPLE CHALLENGES LEADING THE LEAGUE

With Britton Banowksy stepping down as  Conference USA leader in October the league will have to hire a new Commissioner in the coming months. With this in mind, here are 4 agenda items the new CUSA Commissioner should begin to address  from day 1 on the job:

1. TV CONTRACT: With rumors that the Conference USA tv contract is not receiving  the financial numbers it wants, the new Commish will have to convince TV partners that CUSA is worth a monetary  investment that puts it ahead of the Sun Belt and MAC.

2. INCREASE FOOTBALL ATTENDANCE:  While CUSA is not at the bottom of football attendance, it is darn close. Tv partners are increasingly under financial pressure  from changing cable tv habits. This means they are becoming choosier about how and who they spend their money on especially as it concerns  non power leagues. No TV exec wants to see an empty stadium on Saturday afternoon, especially in HD. Schools like FIU FIU Fan Issues, FAU and RICE to name a few, need extra work in getting fans on board with their sports product.

3. MERGE WITH THE SUN BELT: Britton Banowsky was a big proponent of the use of scale to reduce costs and create efficiencies . The new CUSA Commissioner  should start negotiations with the Sun Belt for a full merger and create divisions based on geographic lines and interest. If tv financial numbers prove to be as low as many expect them to be , then there will be little reason for CUSA to set itself apart from the Sun Belt. A combined league would solve many travel problems and help create regional rivalries that fans actually care about seeing.

4. CREATE THE BEST DIGITAL NETWORK IN COLLEGE SPORTS: Cable tv is changing rapidly. No one really knows  how sports will be broadcast in the next two decades. Instead of waiting for the tv networks to sort things out, why not use existing technology and take control away from the unknown. CUSA should endeavor to create the best digital network in all of College Sports.
Use the guaranteed revenue from the College Football Playoff and cut the cord from traditional tv contract providers. At the very least create a combination of the two. Much like what has happened in the airline industry in the last 15 years, there will be few "legacy" conferences left standing in the next 15 years. The Gang of 5 Conferences are going have to evolve into what amounts to no  frills airline companies  and find leaner and meaner ways of functioning.  By creating a world class digital network CUSA can sell and keep its own ad revenue, distribute product on its own terms and keep fans happy with consistent high quality broadcasts. Stay tuned.

BRITTON BANOWSKY STEPPING DOWN IS A BIG LOSS FOR CONFERENCE USA

BANOWSKY STEPS ASIDE


As news began to trickle out yesterday that Conference USA Commissioner  Britton Banowsky was stepping down after 13 years at the helm,  fans of the conference began to speculate what Banowsky's departure might mean for the 20 year old league. If one is reading the signs carefully, Banowsky's departure looks like it is a big loss for Conference USA. Here is why:

1. Banowsky has announced  his departure in the midst of ongoing negotiations  for a new tv contract for the league. Conference USA's current contract with Fox and CBS expires at the end of this season and as we have discussed on this blog, the new  contract will be  the most important in Conference USA history.(Conf USA tv contract link)  Contracts are built around good will, trust and strong relationships. Make no mistake, Britton Banowsky is well respected in the world of sports tv. He is someone that networks want to do business  with. Banowsky's leaving sends a clear message that he will not be around to implement or carry out the contracts details. Lack of stability  makes tv people nervous.

2. As the new Director of the College Football Playoff Foundation he will never have to worry about tv contracts and sports realignment again. Nor will he have to worry about University Presidents begging for more money, or fans publicly calling him out for things that he has not control over.

3. Conference Commissioners are the miner birds of sports.  They see and understand trends before the average sports fan does. Was Banowsky seeing a trend that he did not like?  Banowsky  for example has guided Conference USA for the majority of his 13 years with schools that although not flashy, were known commodities. ECU, Houston, UCF, SMU and Memphis provided Conference USA with some clout in the world of tv and tv money. It is unclear if the new schools that have joined Conference USA in the last two years carry this same cache. It seems entirely possible that the current market will not be as friendly to the new configuration of Conference USA as the old one.

FINALLY

Britton Banowsky has been the face of Conference USA for the past 13 years. He is highly regarded in the sports world and has fought for and won respect for  Conference USA, something he should be commended for.  Banowsky's exit is going to be a big loss for Conference USA.  In many ways Britton Banowsky has become the most recognizable and important brand marker  Conference USA has left .

It is unclear what his loss will mean to the current contract negotiations. One thing is certain however, it will not be easy to replace his experience and the many relationships he has cultivated during his tenure as leader of the conference.  At the very least his leaving raises more questions than it provides answers. The conference must now find someone who understands current market trends ,can lead the geographically diverse league into an unknown and uncertain future and can help provide stability to a group of schools who have seen their  fair share of change during the the last 3 years.  Conference USA must now  add a search for a new commissioner to its growing list of important things to do. Stay tuned

UTAH STATE WILL WIN THE MWC IN 2015

1 UTAH STATE

Yes this pick goes against popular wisdom and yes Boise State( who most are picking to win the MWC) has exceptionally good  talent returning this year. Utah State however, has something Boise State does not, Chuckie Keeton. Keeton,  a gifted athlete as well as a versatile signal caller ,  is back after recovering from an injury that cut his season short last year. Keeton is the X factor for Utah State and if he can stay healthy this season look for him to lead Utah State to a MWC title.

In front of Keeton is an experienced line that returns 4 of 5 starters. The Oline struggled some last season, but I expect that with  an extra year under their belts  the line will give Keeton the time he needs to make a plethora of  big plays with his feet and arm.

Keeton will have a talented group of skill players to work with this season including the ubber talented  Jo Jo Natson. Natson's  return to the Aggies this year creates serious match  up problems for opposing defenses whenever he is in the game.

Combine all of this with a solid Aggie Defense lead by 6'2, 230 OLB Nick Vigil and you have a Utah State team that is ready to capture the MWC title this year. As long as Chuckie Keeton can stay healthy, Utah State is the team to beat in the Mountain West this year.

2. BOISE STATE

Boise State returns the majority of its best players from last years excellent squad.  Something that in most seasons would place them at the top of the MWC food chain.  The main issue for the Bronco's this year and one that I believe will keep them from claiming the MWC title,  is the need to replace  Grant Hedrick at  QB.  Hedrick( now playing in the CFL) ably lead last season's Bronco team to both a MWC title and Access Bowl win over Arizona State.

 This year's likely starting QB,  Ryan Finely, looked very average when he was brought in to relieve Hedrick last season ,something that should be concerning to the Boise State faithful.  (In April,  it was also reported that Ryan Finely was arrested for a misdemeanor charge stemming from alcohol related issues:   Finely arrested link

If Boise did not have to break in a new QB, they would easily be my pick to win the MWC and repeat as Access Bowl Champs.  With a very good defense , especially with a healthy  6'0 300 NT  Justin Taimatuia  returning, the Broncos have as much defensive  talent as any top Power 5 team in College Football. Oh, and don't forget Boise sports a Secondary that has talent at both the Strong Safety and Boundary corner position. Simply put, Boise has a bread basket full of ballers this year. Yet...

Yet picking Boise State to win the MWC with a new QB   is not something I am going to do. Plus the Broncos play at Utah State this year, something that Aggie QB Chuckie Keeton probably already has circled on his calendar.

3. COLORADO STATE

Here is what I wrote about Colorado State earlier in the summer:

"Colorado State begins life without their former Head Coach Jim McElwain this year. Fortunately, McElwain, who took the Florida Gator job shortly after the season ended, did not leave the Ram cupboard  bare, stocking it with exceptional athletes like All American WR Rashard Higgens.

New Head Coach Mike Bobo( formerly the OC for the Georgia Bulldogs) has an excellent football mind and should have plenty to work with when he prepares the Ram's for their season opener against Savannah State in Sept at Hughes Stadium. The biggest questions for the Rams will be finding a replacement for Qb Garrett Grayson and learning to co exist with their new head coach. Don't be surprised however, if the Rams make a nice run at and are in the mix for the Access Bowl in January."

I like Colorado State and think they are a G5 program that is worth emulating. Don't be surprised if Colorado State finds a way to claw its way to the MWC title this year.  I also have Colorado State as one my Access Bowl Dark Horse picks: Access Bowl Dark Horse Picks


4. San Diego State
5. Air Force
6. New Mexico
7. San Jose
8. Nevada
9. Fresno State
10. Hawaii
11. Wyoming
12. UNLV

TEXAS STATE AD LARRY TEIS FEARTURED IN UNDERDOG DYNASTY STORY

ON ATHLETIC DIRECTOR LARRY TEIS

This is normally the time of year when  the sports world is gearing up to cover College Football. In most cases the College teams, not their administrators, garner the attention from the press.  This is not the case however, for Texas State Athletic Director Larry Teis, whose sometimes controversial  leadership is being discussed in a Will Butler piece for the web site.Underdog Dynasty Story(link)

In brief, some Texas State fans and donors believe that Teis missed the mark during the last round of realignment. That he should have lobbied Conference USA and the MWC harder for an invite. Some blame Teis for not selling the Bobcat program well enough to these two conferences.

Let's be honest, if Conference USA or the MWC had wanted Texas State in their conference, the Bobcats would not be in the Sun Belt right now. Realignment continues to be what it is has always been, a business decision based on financials and potential vs slick advertising and the sending of fruit baskets to league Commissioners.   Butler's article is a worth a read as he lays out both sides of the argument.

WHY ESPN'S FINANCIAL ISSUES ARE BAD NEWS FOR THE GANG OF 5

G5 Original content

THE PARTY IS OVER(PROBABLY)

Greed is good or so says fictional character Gordon Gekko from the  popular 80's film, Wall Street. In the end , Gekko's character was undone by hubris and  his belief that he could create a world based on his own  boundary less image. An image that came with an insatiable appetitie for money, control and power.

ESPN is the Gordon Gekko of the sports world. For the past  two decades ESPN has played a ruthless game of divide and conquer. No where  has ESPN's unfettered and powerful influence been as menacing and evident than in the world of College Football.  

Like powerful kings of old, ESPN has cultivated its kingdom with great skill  and  at times raw power. If there is anything ,however that history has taught us its  that every kingdom eventually transforms itself into something new.  And that every king , no matter how powerful, is vulnerable to the will and anger of its subjects.

In the past when Kings did encounter  revolt, they  usually faced it in the form of angry peasants  wielding pitchforks and torches . Today's subjects however, have  traded in these rudimentary tools of war for something less physically menacing but  far more dangerous and powerful: their wallets and modern technology. 

In short, ESPN's subjects are revolting with  good old  fashioned American technology.  Technology that is allowing them to cut the expensive traditional cable cords for cheaper hybrid cable alternatives . To quote another famous movie character, Howard Beale from the 1970's movie,  "Network", ESPN's once placid subjects are beginning to shout "we are mad as hell and we're not gonna take it anymore,".

PANIC IN THE STREETS OF DISNEY

Wall Street Journal reporters Shalini Ramachandran and Joe Flint  in their recent excellent  article entitled,"ESPN Tightens its Belt"(ESPN Tightens Belt(link) )have shared new and potentially game altering information about ESPN.  In the article Ramachandran and Flint, report that ESPN is losing both subscribers and money and that Disney, ESPN's parent company, is worried about its powerful sports network property.

Here's the most important  bit of news you need to know from WSJ article:  3.2 million. That's the number of former cable subscribers  the ESPN  has lost in the last year.  3.2 million former cable subscribers have migrated to cheaper  and more flexible ways of watching television.  The loss of  3.2 million in 1 year no less , is jaw dropping .

Make no mistake,  Mickey and Mini are losing sleep over these numbers.  And what  the ESPN and Disney execs  are probably most worried about is this question: Do these numbers represent  some random statistical deviation  or do they spell revolution? Note to Disney and ESPN, this is far more likely revolution than it is a statistical blip on the radar. 

In the WSJ article Flint and Ramachandranreport also tell us  that to curb the financial bleeding  from the loss of these 3.2 million subscribers, ESPN has begun clamping down on the salaries of its on air personalities.  

Cutting salaries of its on air personalities? Really?  This is ESPN's plan to cover the loss of millions of subscribers? This it seems to me is  like using a single stitch to sew a  gaping wound  from a shark bite to ones torso. It is probably not going to work.

Cutting salaries is probably not going to to cut it for Disney either . ESPN represents 25% of Disney's yearly profits. That is a lot of mouse ears. Disney's CEO, Bob Iger, understands how important ESPN is to Disney and  that the loss of these 3.2 million subscribers is probably just the beginning  of a larger and more devastating phase for ESPN. The Disney Company has proven year after year that they know how to operate as  a savvy and smart business. This is why the loss of these subscribers and their money is so intriguing and such a potentially game altering event  for ESPN and the properties ESPN pays to broadcast.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE GANG OF 5

I am going to spare us the financial details of ESPN's current  tv contracts with the Power 5 leagues . ESPN of course pays large sums of money each year to earn the right to broadcast 100's of Power 5 football games( Forbes estimates that the  SEC for example,  makes over 300 Million a year from ESPN.  This equates to about 3 billion in profit for SEC over the course of its contract with ESPN, ESPN Signs Riches Deal with SEC link)

At present ESPN has contracts with all 5 Gang of 5 Conferences in one form or another.(ESPN has its most limited Gang of 5 investment with Conference USA, broadcasting only the Championship game for the conference ) While ESPN has money on the table with the MAC, SUN BELT and the MWC, it is most heavily involved with the AAC both in terms of broadcast content and money. ESPN signed a 7 year, 126 Million dollar contract with the AAC in the summer of 2014. It also agreed to broadcast 90% of the AAC's football and basketball games on National platforms.

Regardless of what type of  involvement  ESPN has with the Gang of 5 , the likely outcome of a cash strapped ESPN is not going to be good news for this group of schools. Like all companies that are forced to trim down, ESPN will review its vast array of assets and decide if they are worth keeping at their  current price or commitment.

This is bad news for the Gang of 5, especially for the AAC and the MWC( ESPN's second most important Gang of 5 property) precisely because ESPN seemed to favor the split between the power conferences and the non power conferences even before this new round of new financial news.  One has to wonder what value ESPN execs will place  in the AAC especially if they are forced to reduce  contract costs. Simply put, if ESPN saw   limited value in the Gang of 5 schools  before this most recent slate of  financial news , what value will they see in them if they have to operate with less money going forward.

If  ESPN does cut  contract payments and reduces the broadcast coverage of the AAC after its current contract expires, then this will also likely spell bad news for everyone else in the Gang of 5, even  for those not under contract with ESPN. If for example, the AAC struggles to make  a financial go of it, with arguably more national brands than anyone else in the Gang of 5, then it seems likely  less well known schools and conferences will as well.

ONE SILVER LINING

There is however, a  silver lining to a leaner meaner ESPN for the Gang of 5. Since the Gang of 5 are already paid far less for their content than the Power 5 schools are, it could very well mean that ESPN holds these properties up as models of wise and fiscally sound investing. After all, the Gang of 5 have learned to do more with less for years and have proven that they have excellent football and basketball products to show case.

Although it is to early to provide a definitive analysis on what a cash strapped ESPN will mean to the sports world, one does not have to be an economist to know that the  sports money bubble that ESPN has helped  create seems likely to burst. While the Power 5 conferences in football would most likely take the biggest hit from a financially weaker ESPN, the Gang of 5 would also take a hit. 

As the old saying goes however, it is easier to learn how to survive when half a loaf of bread is cut into quarters than it is when a whole loaf is cut in half. I suspect that that the Gang of 5 will learn to survive in any new financial climate more easily than their financially bloated  Power  conference  counter parts will or can. 

If the financial party is not over with the latest news from ESPN, it certainly is a warning bell that the  beer and chips are about to run out sooner rather than later. Stay tuned.

APPALACHIAN STATE WILL WIN SUN BELT TITLE IN 2015

I am going to start the Gang of 5 predictions  this year with the Sun Belt. The Sun Belt had a disappointing year last year and will  need to bounce back this season in order to stay even with CUSA. Next Up the MAC.





SUN BELT 2015 PREDICTIONS

1. APPALACHIAN STATE:  9-3 

With 20 returning starters, an up and coming  QB(Taylor Lamb) with experience under his belt, a very good offensive line and  talent at the RB position( Junior Marcus Cox had 19 TD's last year) Appalachian State looks to be a force in the Sun Belt this year. Coach Scott Satterfield( APP STATE FINDS ITS SWAGGER LINK) is finding his voice and the App State players are responding very well to his winning philosophy.
Appalachian also has a very favorable home schedule this year playing their 3 toughest opponents( Ark State, Georgia Southern and ULL ) in Boone.  Look for this home field advantage to make the difference for the Mountaineers as Kidd Brewer stadium can be a hard place for opponents to play and win.

2. ARK STATE 9-3 

Here is what I wrote about Arkansas State a few months ago: Head Coach Blake Anderson has a terrific reputation among College football coaches. Now that Coach Anderson is in his 2nd year as head coach of the Arkansas State Wolves look for him to continue to create a culture of winning at Ark State.  Red Wolves QB Fred Knighten returns for Senior year. While not the greatest QB in College Football, he is steady and could prove to have a very nice Senior campaign. The Red Wolves have some nice talent in RB Michael Gordon and last years leader in yards at WR 6'2 Tre Houston.  If the Oline can continue to give solid play and the Defense improve from last years very average effort, the Arkansas Red Wolves could be making headlines in January 2016. 

Since I wrote this I have become more bullish on Ark State because I believe their OLine will be the difference maker for them this year. Their game against App State on Nov 5( ESPN U) will likely determine the winner of the Sun Belt this year.

3.  GEORGIA SOUTHERN 8-4  

I like Georgia Southern.(Georgia Southern School of the Year link )Their  DNA is similar to the DNA of ECU (ECU Fan Base link) and that is a good thing. Georgia Southern is  growing one of the best fan bases in the Sun Belt Conference.  They are also learning to win in big game settings( beating Florida in 2013)
This year however, they simply lose to much beef up front( 4 OL starters) to make the Option click. Yes top WR BJ Johnson returns as does  hard charging RB Matt Breida( 1400 yards last year). The key to the OPTION, however are the big guys up front operating in a tight unified fashion. To many new guys up front equals uncertainty for the Eagles this year.  Look for Georgia Southern  to struggle early and often as they work out the kinks of the new guys up front. Still, Georgia Southern will be headed to their first Bowl Game this year. Not bad for a program that is only in the  infancy phase  of FBS competition.

4. ULL 8-4 

I think Head Coach Mark Hudspeth is a huge asset   for ULL. He has built an excellent program and made the Ragin Cajuns a team that most schools in the Sun Belt dread playing. In fact, Hudspeth teams are loaded with the best athletes , pound for pound, in the Sun Belt and are among some of the best of the Gang of 5.
The problem for ULL however, is that the program has  failed to win the big games needed to capture   head lines in the world of College Football.  Last year for example, I picked ULL to easily win the Sun Belt and to be a dark horse Access Bowl candidate(ULL Access Bowl Candidate link). Instead of the Access Bowl , they were treated to losses ( Boise State , Ole Miss, and La Tech) to teams that on paper they had solid chances of winning.
This year ULL once again is loaded on both sides of the ball with very good athletes and talented skill players. They also return 3 Oline players from last years 9 win team. Elijah McGuire, last years Sun Belt Player of the Year is also back for the Ragin Cajuns. McGuire is a legit NFL talent and has the skill set to create match up problems for every school ULL plays this year, including P5 School Kentucky. If ULL can get on a run and play to their potential they are capable of winning every game this year. Until , however,  ULL can prove they are capable winning the big and important games,  I am going to underestimate them vs over estimate them.( I stand ready to apologize to ULL fans if they prove me wrong this year)



THE REST

5. TEXAS STATE
6. SOUTH ALABAMA
7. IDAHO
8. UL-MONROE
9. TROY
10. GEORGIA STATE
11. NEW MEXICO STATE