UNC Charlotte will have football

[49RFootballNow]

Charlotte's only effect on CAA football is if not invited to join we may be one more piece in a potential A10 football conference revival. If you exclude a Charlotte or Fordham out of hand from playing in a conference with 3 of their conference mates then you shouldn't be surprised if pressure builds on the A10 members currently in the CAA. I think Yeager is far-seeing enough to not want to create future conflicts in CAA football. If it comes to a question of A10 vs CAA for UMass, URI or UR, I'd dare say all would choose to remain in the A10. I don't want Charlotte in an A10 based football conference with northern schools in the majority, but if we need a long term home for our program in FCS we'll do what we must to protect both our revenue programs. Notice I use the word IF. We're a large school in a large market. If we were UNC High Point or something our starting football would not be a big issue for anybody. But we are in a large market and we do have FBS potential. To me, I'd rather play Independent anyway. Most of the CAA schools have already inquired with our AD about home and home series with us, as has several SoCon, MEAC and Big South teams. It's not like we can't put together a schedule for several years as Independent. Would I want to do more than 5 years that way, no. But I also don't want to see my school bullied into doing something not in our long term best interest.

[GannonFan]

Charlotte's only effect on CAA football is if not invited to join we may be one more piece in a potential A10 football conference revival. If you exclude a Charlotte or Fordham out of hand from playing in a conference with 3 of their conference mates then you shouldn't be surprised if pressure builds on the A10 members currently in the CAA. I think Yeager is far-seeing enough to not want to create future conflicts in CAA football. If it comes to a question of A10 vs CAA for UMass, URI or UR, I'd dare say all would choose to remain in the A10. I don't want Charlotte in an A10 based football conference with northern schools in the majority, but if we need a long term home for our program in FCS we'll do what we must to protect both our revenue programs. Notice I use the word IF. We're a large school in a large market. If we were UNC High Point or something our starting football would not be a big issue for anybody. But we are in a large market and we do have FBS potential. To me, I'd rather play Independent anyway. Most of the CAA schools have already inquired with our AD about home and home series with us, as has several SoCon, MEAC and Big South teams. It's not like we can't put together a schedule for several years as Independent. Would I want to do more than 5 years that way, no. But I also don't want to see my school bullied into doing something not in our long term best interest.

Yeah, A-10 football is never coming back - there's a reason it fell apart, and dysfunction is right up there. And now with the NEC getting stronger, there's just no need for another conference.

As for UNC-Charlotte and the CAA, if it's not in the best interest of both parties to join up they won't - simple as that. I don't think there'll be hard feelings either way - it has to work for both or it won't happen. No biggie, like you said, Charlotte can certainly get enough games to make a schedule, and the CAA isn't going to collapse without them.

[henfan]

Charlotte's only effect on CAA football is if not invited to join we may be one more piece in a potential A10 football conference revival... I think Yeager is far-seeing enough to not want to create future conflicts in CAA football. If it comes to a question of A10 vs CAA for UMass, URI or UR, I'd dare say all would choose to remain in the A10... To me, I'd rather play Independent anyway... It's not like we can't put together a schedule for several years as Independent.

Anyone who's followed the A-10 saga long enough knows that an A-10 FB revival is not going to happen, nor has the conference proven adept at handling FCS FB. As mentioned, it's expected within weeks that URI will be officially announcing the reduction of FB scholarships and entrance into the NEC after 2011. That will pretty much kill any hope for an eventual A-10 FB revival into the forseeable future. Is UR really going to walk away from its historic FB rivals in the CAA for a league that included UMass, Fordham, UNCC and what would likely be several northern affiliates? Would UR trade a schedule that features mostly bus trips for one that included flights north? Doubtful.

UNCC wants no part of being an indefinite FCS independent for more than 2 years. The 49ers will have a heck of a time putting together a favorable FB schedule over the long term. While it's fairly easy to get a handfull of sub-D-I programs to fill out the slate in the first couple of years as a start up, it's not something you can do over the long term (unless you don't plan on competing in the FCS playoffs). Once FCS teams get into their conference schedules, Oct. and Nov. noncon dates are very tough to schedule. The indy route is definitely NOT the way to go, if UNCC expects to be in the FCS for longer than 2-3 years.

Of course UNCC won't be bullied into a decision but they may have to decide on an all sport membership in a conference other than the A-10 if they truly expect to field an FCS FB team longer than a couple of years or if they can garner interest from an FBS conference. Unfortunately for UNCC, they are not in a position like conference mates UR & UMass, where they have legacy FB membership in another conference.

[49RFootballNow]

As for UNC-Charlotte and the CAA, if it's not in the best interest of both parties to join up they won't - simple as that. I don't think there'll be hard feelings either way - it has to work for both or it won't happen. No biggie, like you said, Charlotte can certainly get enough games to make a schedule, and the CAA isn't going to collapse without them.

I agree, it could be good for both but probably won't harm either. My only contention is that it also does no harm to the CAA to have us as a football only as well. I have no idea why forcing us in for all sports would be precieved as an advantage for the CAA. We at best are a top 4 team if we joined CAA and have no idea what effect such a move would do to our program. Assuming the program remains unchanged between conferences we don't bring an extra annual turnament bid, just one more game or two to play on your schedules. You have a lot of all-sport members already, it's football that's reducing in numbers.

[henfan]

I have no idea why forcing us in for all sports would be precieved as an advantage for the CAA. We at best are a top 4 team if we joined CAA and have no idea what effect such a move would do to our program.

I sincerely doubt that the CAA is ever going to hold a gun to Judy Rose's head re. all sport membership. OTOH, one could definitely fault Yeager & Co. for NOT using every available advantage to attract all sport members should the conference decide to expand to 16 and split into two 8-team divisions for most sports.

UNCC could potentially be good for the CAA in creating stability, particularly among the southernmost members, UNCW and GSU. Their admission as an all sport member would add a media market in the existing footprint and help UNCW & GSU with travel. I really see no downside in adding them as an all sport member.

OTOH, I see few advantages to adding UNCC for FB only and especially if they plan on short term membership. Adding them simply creates another flight for the majority of CAA FB members.

[State Line Liquors]

Charlotte's only effect on CAA football is if not invited to join we may be one more piece in a potential A10 football conference revival. If you exclude a Charlotte or Fordham out of hand from playing in a conference with 3 of their conference mates then you shouldn't be surprised if pressure builds on the A10 members currently in the CAA. I think Yeager is far-seeing enough to not want to create future conflicts in CAA football. If it comes to a question of A10 vs CAA for UMass, URI or UR, I'd dare say all would choose to remain in the A10. I don't want Charlotte in an A10 based football conference with northern schools in the majority, but if we need a long term home for our program in FCS we'll do what we must to protect both our revenue programs. Notice I use the word IF. We're a large school in a large market. If we were UNC High Point or something our starting football would not be a big issue for anybody. But we are in a large market and we do have FBS potential. To me, I'd rather play Independent anyway. Most of the CAA schools have already inquired with our AD about home and home series with us, as has several SoCon, MEAC and Big South teams. It's not like we can't put together a schedule for several years as Independent. Would I want to do more than 5 years that way, no. But I also don't want to see my school bullied into doing something not in our long term best interest.

As stated, there are more checkpoints and roadblocks on the way to a new A10 football conference, than there are in a rusted out Toyota pickup on the road between outer Anbar Province and Baghdad with an IED strapped to your chest.

Your tone is still something along the lines of 'Charlotte says jump, and others say 'how high''. 'Yeager far-seeing enough' to avoid the conflict UNCC will cause, 'we'll join a northern conference if we have to in order to protect our interests' (who's bending over and letting you in?), 'we are a large market with FBS potential' (so's Boston, NY, Philly, Washington, ATL, et. al.), 'We can put together a schedule of our choosing' (be my guest). Yeager's feet, the CAA's feet, and nobody else's feet outside of possibly UNCC are to the fire here. All this jive about UNCC shaking up some new FCS world order to then jettison it without having any skin in the game is just absurd.

Stay independent, and then join what's left of the Big East or C-USA or something.

[49RFootballNow]

Stay independent, and then join what's left of the Big East or C-USA or something.

OK, like this idea!

[89Hen]

OTOH, I see few advantages to adding UNCC for FB only and especially if they plan on short term membership. Adding them simply creates another flight for the majority of CAA FB members.

This. If Charlotte is clear that they want to move up quickly, I'd certainly write a letter to Yeager with a nay vote on admitting them (not that I have any pull).

[∞∞∞]

Old Dominion and Charlotte have signed a home-and-home starting in 2013 (Charlotte's first season).

September 21, 2013-Norfolk, VA
September 06, 2014-Charlotte, NC

http://gmine.blogspot.com/

[49RFootballNow]

Our AD and staff will also be hosted by ODU this weekend:

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/11/expect- ... alls-futre" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[elcid83]

Gardner-Webb was an associate football only member up until last year. Kallender needs to go, I'm pretty sure he's told SC State that he wouldn't be interested in then as a full member either.

Frankly, I would not be interested in SC State as a BS member. They are loaded with FBS athletes who cannot qualify academically. UNCC on the other hand would provide GW with a rival which we desperately need.

Go Runnin' Bulldogs!

[49RFootballNow]

Gardner-Webb was an associate football only member up until last year. Kallender needs to go, I'm pretty sure he's told SC State that he wouldn't be interested in then as a full member either.

Frankly, I would not be interested in SC State as a BS member. They are loaded with FBS athletes who cannot qualify academically. UNCC on the other hand would provide GW with a rival which we desperately need.

Go Runnin' Bulldogs!

CCU's AD's opinion on Charlotte and the Big South:

http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/11/05/17 ... lotte.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Sly Fox]

Charlotte as a football affiliate in the Big South makes too much sense so I am sure Kyle will find a way to screw it up.

[49RFootballNow]

Charlotte as a football affiliate in the Big South makes too much sense so I am sure Kyle will find a way to screw it up.

Well at the end of the day that decision is totally up to the schools involved.

[49RFootballNow]

Not sure how much credance to give this but rumor is out there that we will be annoucing our Head Coach Friday and that Chuck Amato made a second visit to campus recently. Stay tuned.

[BlueBandit]

Question is, who will they name the coach in March

[CAA Flagship]

The CAA will push hard for Charlotte to be a full member. And there are a lot of positive points for Charlotte to make the move. Yes, A-10 basketball has been historically better overall, but not that much better (right now they are one spot ahead of the CAA and the CAA holds a 9-7 record against A-10 teams this year). And Charlotte basketball is not one of the elite A-10 programs. I'll bet, if Charlotte had it's choice, they would be A-10 basketball, and CAA in all other sports. But the CAA will play hardball for all sports. It will be interesting to see who blinks first.

[49RFootballNow]

The CAA will push hard for Charlotte to be a full member. And there are a lot of positive points for Charlotte to make the move. Yes, A-10 basketball has been historically better overall, but not that much better (right now they are one spot ahead of the CAA and the CAA holds a 9-7 record against A-10 teams this year). And Charlotte basketball is not one of the elite A-10 programs. I'll bet, if Charlotte had it's choice, they would be A-10 basketball, and CAA in all other sports. But the CAA will play hardball for all sports. It will be interesting to see who blinks first.

I don't see Richmond and UMass (assuming both are still there) voting to add Charlotte to their football conference while making them leave their basketball conference. True, they are just 2 votes and you need 75% of football schools and 75% of other sports schools to get added just for football; but I'm pretty sure we can rely on Georgia St. to vote for us as FB only as well. I think ODU is also predisposed to adding us even as FB only too. It will be interesting. Judy has publiclly stated we will not leave the A-10, and the average fan would see it as another epic failure after getting booted from CUSA (ironically because we didn't have football). Judy would probably have to take "early retirement" after such a move.

[mainejeff]

I don't see Maine or UNH voting for Charlotte either unless a Northern program is added as well.

[49RFootballNow]

I don't see Maine or UNH voting for Charlotte either unless a Northern program is added as well.

I can see UMass voting for us and asking Maine and NH behind closed doors to vote against us, politics and all.

[Ursus A. Horribilis]

I thought UMass was going to the MAC or something like that? Am I way behind on something?

[kdinva]

The CAA will push hard for Charlotte to be a full member. And there are a lot of positive points for Charlotte to make the move. Yes, A-10 basketball has been historically better overall, but not that much better (right now they are one spot ahead of the CAA and the CAA holds a 9-7 record against A-10 teams this year). And Charlotte basketball is not one of the elite A-10 programs. I'll bet, if Charlotte had it's choice, they would be A-10 basketball, and CAA in all other sports. But the CAA will play hardball for all sports. It will be interesting to see who blinks first.

I've heard 2nd hand UNCC will ask the Big South for an associate FB membership, for 5 or 6 seasons, before moving to 1-A........

[LastMinuteman]

I don't see Maine or UNH voting for Charlotte either unless a Northern program is added as well.

There's one circumstance under which it would make perfect sense for Maine and UNH to support adding Charlotte, and that's if it gets the CAA back to 12 members and North-South divisions. If the CAA is already at 11, it makes no difference whether you add Charlotte or Albany, because if you take Albany they're just going to stick you with the "Georgia State in the North" plan. If Charlotte's there, they're not going to separate Charlotte and Georgia State, and it makes more sense to group them with the 4 Virginians.

[LastMinuteman]

I thought UMass was going to the MAC or something like that? Am I way behind on something?

No official invitation yet.

[huthuthut]

I wasn't going to stick my nose into the UNC-C dogpile but now I'm pissed so I shall.

First off you have to realize that the city of Charlotte NC has a huge ego. They envision themselves as being far "ahead of" Hotlanta in the race to be the center of the New South. Professional sports in Charlotte is hit or miss. If the team is doing well the turnstiles turn and the team makes money. Conversely, if the team is doing poorly tickets don't sell, seats stay empty and the owner talks in the media about moving the team.

College sports fans are extremely diverse and loyal to teams all over the country. Few people in Charlotte, other than UNC-C alums, have an affinity for the university and/or it's athletic programs. The only time UNC-C basketball drew big crowds and excited the population was during the "Cornbread" Maxwell run into the final four in 1977. Since that time attendance at UNC-C basketball has been only fair to poor. UNC-C built a fine arena for basketball whose seats, other than the student section, are nearly empty.

UNC-C is having a hard time selling football. Their season ticket PSL program so far has come far short of half of it's projection and has pretty well petered out. This despite the fact that UNC-C's Judy Rose and her lobbyists managed to "obtain" NC tax money for the construction of a "teaching facility" (i.e. stadium). Under state law, state supported institutions are forbidden from using tax money for stadium construction as well as athletic programs. So, like UNC, Appy, ECU and the others, they disguise appropriations as "educational facilities". NC state government is as crooked as Jersey's!

Like the city of Charlotte, UNC-C, and especially the 49er athletic supporters, have a huge overinflated ego. They will tell you of being a dominating team in FCS in just a few short years and of glorious plans to be playing in the ACC someday. Some of that ego is evident in the posts by 49er fans here. They simply don't believe that 49er football will have to learn to crawl before learning to walk!