FB: American Southwest Conference

[jknezek]

Over the next year+ we are going to be seeing a lot of movement in conferences with the min required for AQ goes to 6.  As associate members leave to play football in their full time conferences, teams should have more spots for OOC games, but also have more options for those OOC games because these teams that were associate members are now available for those OOC games.

The more I think about it, depending on the island size I could see this actually helping. There are (or will be) 13 teams in the Ark-La-Tx areas. If there were two conferences of 6 teams, you're talking what, 5 non-confeeence games and 5 conference games? Each conference would need that as well. This would be an improvement over now where the SAA only needs 1-2 non-confeeence games and the ASC needs 3+.

My fear is that the ASC will be left with only 6 when the affiliate-members bolt for another league. An ASC with only Sul Ross and McMcurry (geographically isolated to the point they have no other option) and then HSU, HPU, UMHB, and ETBU (tied together in several ways because of Baptist faith) would present real scheduling challenges for both HSU and UMHB. Having to fill 5 non-conference games would be brutal, even if there is another 6-team conference primarily based in Texas. Not many schools want to sign up for the type of game that HSU, and to a greater extent UMHB, are likely to play.

For example, this year, HSU is probably going to end up playing 2 non-D3 non-conference games because they cannot get any D3 opponents to play them. I've heard that Coach Burleson has personally called more than 100 D-3 programs, offering a home-and-home where HSU would travel this year, and no school has agreed. To the extent HSU experiences this problem, I imagine it is even harder for UMHB.

I hope I am wrong and that the ASC will be able to bring in some of the new programs to stay a larger league, but I'm not optimistic.

This is when I wish I could be a fly on the wall in multiple places. I don't doubt that Coach Burleson and HSU are actively trying to find opponents but as you said in theory it should be even harder for UMHB and they do get people to say yes.... so what is going on behind the scenes at all these places would be very interesting to know.

There is a cache to playing UMHB that HSU doesn't have. If you lose to UMHB, well, you lost to a proven top team in D3. A multi-time National Champ. If you want to show what it takes to be a top team in D3, playing UMHB can make some sense and show your players and coaches what it's really like.

But, as good as HSU is, neither of those reputation benefits apply. If you lose to HSU, a team that hasn't gone deep in the playoffs, well, that doesn't look or feel as excusable as losing to UMHB. And it's hard to make the same argument for "playing the best" motivation for a team that, despite the real challenges, doesn't have that track record.

So all the downsides of playing a very tough game, and generally an expensive travel game, but none of the benefits. Could make it harder for HSU to fill out their schedule.

[crufootball]

Over the next year+ we are going to be seeing a lot of movement in conferences with the min required for AQ goes to 6.  As associate members leave to play football in their full time conferences, teams should have more spots for OOC games, but also have more options for those OOC games because these teams that were associate members are now available for those OOC games.

The more I think about it, depending on the island size I could see this actually helping. There are (or will be) 13 teams in the Ark-La-Tx areas. If there were two conferences of 6 teams, you're talking what, 5 non-confeeence games and 5 conference games? Each conference would need that as well. This would be an improvement over now where the SAA only needs 1-2 non-confeeence games and the ASC needs 3+.

My fear is that the ASC will be left with only 6 when the affiliate-members bolt for another league. An ASC with only Sul Ross and McMcurry (geographically isolated to the point they have no other option) and then HSU, HPU, UMHB, and ETBU (tied together in several ways because of Baptist faith) would present real scheduling challenges for both HSU and UMHB. Having to fill 5 non-conference games would be brutal, even if there is another 6-team conference primarily based in Texas. Not many schools want to sign up for the type of game that HSU, and to a greater extent UMHB, are likely to play.

For example, this year, HSU is probably going to end up playing 2 non-D3 non-conference games because they cannot get any D3 opponents to play them. I've heard that Coach Burleson has personally called more than 100 D-3 programs, offering a home-and-home where HSU would travel this year, and no school has agreed. To the extent HSU experiences this problem, I imagine it is even harder for UMHB.

I hope I am wrong and that the ASC will be able to bring in some of the new programs to stay a larger league, but I'm not optimistic.

This is when I wish I could be a fly on the wall in multiple places. I don't doubt that Coach Burleson and HSU are actively trying to find opponents but as you said in theory it should be even harder for UMHB and they do get people to say yes.... so what is going on behind the scenes at all these places would be very interesting to know.

There is a cache to playing UMHB that HSU doesn't have. If you lose to UMHB, well, you lost to a proven top team in D3. A multi-time National Champ. If you want to show what it takes to be a top team in D3, playing UMHB can make some sense and show your players and coaches what it's really like.

But, as good as HSU is, neither of those reputation benefits apply. If you lose to HSU, a team that hasn't gone deep in the playoffs, well, that doesn't look or feel as excusable as losing to UMHB. And it's hard to make the same argument for "playing the best" motivation for a team that, despite the real challenges, doesn't have that track record.

So all the downsides of playing a very tough game, and generally an expensive travel game, but none of the benefits. Could make it harder for HSU to fill out their schedule.

That is a fair and understandable point, I would just be interested to hear the nature of all those phone calls and if this is a change of perspective at HSU or what. In looking at their non conference games, they have not traveled out of state since 2014. They have made the rounds playing Trinity/Southwestern/Austin College but also played numerous non D3 schools which didn't require going out of state. HSU or any other school shouldn't be forced to spend a ton of money to go play a school but the way the playoffs are set up it is the nature of the beast. 

[jknezek]

Over the next year+ we are going to be seeing a lot of movement in conferences with the min required for AQ goes to 6.  As associate members leave to play football in their full time conferences, teams should have more spots for OOC games, but also have more options for those OOC games because these teams that were associate members are now available for those OOC games.

The more I think about it, depending on the island size I could see this actually helping. There are (or will be) 13 teams in the Ark-La-Tx areas. If there were two conferences of 6 teams, you're talking what, 5 non-confeeence games and 5 conference games? Each conference would need that as well. This would be an improvement over now where the SAA only needs 1-2 non-confeeence games and the ASC needs 3+.

My fear is that the ASC will be left with only 6 when the affiliate-members bolt for another league. An ASC with only Sul Ross and McMcurry (geographically isolated to the point they have no other option) and then HSU, HPU, UMHB, and ETBU (tied together in several ways because of Baptist faith) would present real scheduling challenges for both HSU and UMHB. Having to fill 5 non-conference games would be brutal, even if there is another 6-team conference primarily based in Texas. Not many schools want to sign up for the type of game that HSU, and to a greater extent UMHB, are likely to play.

For example, this year, HSU is probably going to end up playing 2 non-D3 non-conference games because they cannot get any D3 opponents to play them. I've heard that Coach Burleson has personally called more than 100 D-3 programs, offering a home-and-home where HSU would travel this year, and no school has agreed. To the extent HSU experiences this problem, I imagine it is even harder for UMHB.

I hope I am wrong and that the ASC will be able to bring in some of the new programs to stay a larger league, but I'm not optimistic.

This is when I wish I could be a fly on the wall in multiple places. I don't doubt that Coach Burleson and HSU are actively trying to find opponents but as you said in theory it should be even harder for UMHB and they do get people to say yes.... so what is going on behind the scenes at all these places would be very interesting to know.

There is a cache to playing UMHB that HSU doesn't have. If you lose to UMHB, well, you lost to a proven top team in D3. A multi-time National Champ. If you want to show what it takes to be a top team in D3, playing UMHB can make some sense and show your players and coaches what it's really like.

But, as good as HSU is, neither of those reputation benefits apply. If you lose to HSU, a team that hasn't gone deep in the playoffs, well, that doesn't look or feel as excusable as losing to UMHB. And it's hard to make the same argument for "playing the best" motivation for a team that, despite the real challenges, doesn't have that track record.

So all the downsides of playing a very tough game, and generally an expensive travel game, but none of the benefits. Could make it harder for HSU to fill out their schedule.

That is a fair and understandable point, I would just be interested to hear the nature of all those phone calls and if this is a change of perspective at HSU or what. In looking at their non conference games, they have not traveled out of state since 2014. They have made the rounds playing Trinity/Southwestern/Austin College but also played numerous non D3 schools which didn't require going out of state. HSU or any other school shouldn't be forced to spend a ton of money to go play a school but the way the playoffs are set up it is the nature of the beast.

I suspect this is also a huge part of the problem. They don't seem willing to travel. Now maybe that's just 7 seasons of no takers, but I somehow doubt it.

[TLU02SA]

TLU is looking for a new head coach:

https://tlubulldogs.com/sports/fball/2021-22/releases/20220216jv14d0

[umhb2001]

UMHB getting some DOGS in their recruiting class this year, especially on the O and D lines. Perhaps it is the situation of more guys putting it out there, but the number of dudes with strength and athletic footwork is amazing!

I will say it again, conferences should work together to schedule each other for their non-C games. Find a financial agreement that benefits both conferences, let the schools that participate benefit from the joint venture, and finalize schedules.

Seems like a no-brainer.

[BSCpanthers]

The problem seems to be that there is no real penalty for breaking a contract for an OOC game.  As much as DIII teams change conferences, the amount of OOC games available changes.  Last year BSC was left late in the summer needing to fill a hole and we filled it with an NAIA that was in first year transition from JUCO football.  This year we are filling a whole from a team we have played every year of existence that backed out of our series last month, so we are scrambling again to fill our schedule. 

We have added McMurry to our schedule for next season, but also added Point(NAIA), they should be better than the team we played last year. 

[Pat Coleman]

The problem seems to be that there is no real penalty for breaking a contract for an OOC game.  As much as DIII teams change conferences, the amount of OOC games available changes.  Last year BSC was left late in the summer needing to fill a hole and we filled it with an NAIA that was in first year transition from JUCO football.  This year we are filling a whole from a team we have played every year of existence that backed out of our series last month, so we are scrambling again to fill our schedule. 

We have added McMurry to our schedule for next season, but also added Point(NAIA), they should be better than the team we played last year.

Conference alignments change and that changes what schools have available for non-conference games. This is definitely a side effect of teams jumping conferences, looking for better paths to the postseason.

[Ralph Turner]

Another D3 grad in the NFL.

McM DB Karl Scott joining the Seattle Seahawks.


https://www.bigcountryhomepage.com/sports/seattle-seahawks-add-mcmurry-alum-karl-scott-to-staff/

[Ron Boerger]

TLU is looking for a new head coach:

https://tlubulldogs.com/sports/fball/2021-22/releases/20220216jv14d0

TLU has their new head coach, the well-travelled Neal LaHue, once TLU OC under former coach Gustafson:

https://tlubulldogs.com/sports/fball/2021-22/releases/20220223s73mm2

[Toby Taff]

Over the next year+ we are going to be seeing a lot of movement in conferences with the min required for AQ goes to 6.  As associate members leave to play football in their full time conferences, teams should have more spots for OOC games, but also have more options for those OOC games because these teams that were associate members are now available for those OOC games.

The more I think about it, depending on the island size I could see this actually helping. There are (or will be) 13 teams in the Ark-La-Tx areas. If there were two conferences of 6 teams, you're talking what, 5 non-confeeence games and 5 conference games? Each conference would need that as well. This would be an improvement over now where the SAA only needs 1-2 non-confeeence games and the ASC needs 3+.

My fear is that the ASC will be left with only 6 when the affiliate-members bolt for another league. An ASC with only Sul Ross and McMcurry (geographically isolated to the point they have no other option) and then HSU, HPU, UMHB, and ETBU (tied together in several ways because of Baptist faith) would present real scheduling challenges for both HSU and UMHB. Having to fill 5 non-conference games would be brutal, even if there is another 6-team conference primarily based in Texas. Not many schools want to sign up for the type of game that HSU, and to a greater extent UMHB, are likely to play.

For example, this year, HSU is probably going to end up playing 2 non-D3 non-conference games because they cannot get any D3 opponents to play them. I've heard that Coach Burleson has personally called more than 100 D-3 programs, offering a home-and-home where HSU would travel this year, and no school has agreed. To the extent HSU experiences this problem, I imagine it is even harder for UMHB.

I hope I am wrong and that the ASC will be able to bring in some of the new programs to stay a larger league, but I'm not optimistic.

This is when I wish I could be a fly on the wall in multiple places. I don't doubt that Coach Burleson and HSU are actively trying to find opponents but as you said in theory it should be even harder for UMHB and they do get people to say yes.... so what is going on behind the scenes at all these places would be very interesting to know.

There is a cache to playing UMHB that HSU doesn't have. If you lose to UMHB, well, you lost to a proven top team in D3. A multi-time National Champ. If you want to show what it takes to be a top team in D3, playing UMHB can make some sense and show your players and coaches what it's really like.

But, as good as HSU is, neither of those reputation benefits apply. If you lose to HSU, a team that hasn't gone deep in the playoffs, well, that doesn't look or feel as excusable as losing to UMHB. And it's hard to make the same argument for "playing the best" motivation for a team that, despite the real challenges, doesn't have that track record.

So all the downsides of playing a very tough game, and generally an expensive travel game, but none of the benefits. Could make it harder for HSU to fill out their schedule.

That is a fair and understandable point, I would just be interested to hear the nature of all those phone calls and if this is a change of perspective at HSU or what. In looking at their non conference games, they have not traveled out of state since 2014. They have made the rounds playing Trinity/Southwestern/Austin College but also played numerous non D3 schools which didn't require going out of state. HSU or any other school shouldn't be forced to spend a ton of money to go play a school but the way the playoffs are set up it is the nature of the beast.

I suspect this is also a huge part of the problem. They don't seem willing to travel. Now maybe that's just 7 seasons of no takers, but I somehow doubt it.

The reality is money issues. Very real problem at the d3 level any time, but HSU has been trying to get things reorganized and there likely isn't enough room in the budget.

[Etchglow]

Over the next year+ we are going to be seeing a lot of movement in conferences with the min required for AQ goes to 6.  As associate members leave to play football in their full time conferences, teams should have more spots for OOC games, but also have more options for those OOC games because these teams that were associate members are now available for those OOC games.

The more I think about it, depending on the island size I could see this actually helping. There are (or will be) 13 teams in the Ark-La-Tx areas. If there were two conferences of 6 teams, you're talking what, 5 non-confeeence games and 5 conference games? Each conference would need that as well. This would be an improvement over now where the SAA only needs 1-2 non-confeeence games and the ASC needs 3+.

My fear is that the ASC will be left with only 6 when the affiliate-members bolt for another league. An ASC with only Sul Ross and McMcurry (geographically isolated to the point they have no other option) and then HSU, HPU, UMHB, and ETBU (tied together in several ways because of Baptist faith) would present real scheduling challenges for both HSU and UMHB. Having to fill 5 non-conference games would be brutal, even if there is another 6-team conference primarily based in Texas. Not many schools want to sign up for the type of game that HSU, and to a greater extent UMHB, are likely to play.

For example, this year, HSU is probably going to end up playing 2 non-D3 non-conference games because they cannot get any D3 opponents to play them. I've heard that Coach Burleson has personally called more than 100 D-3 programs, offering a home-and-home where HSU would travel this year, and no school has agreed. To the extent HSU experiences this problem, I imagine it is even harder for UMHB.

I hope I am wrong and that the ASC will be able to bring in some of the new programs to stay a larger league, but I'm not optimistic.

This is when I wish I could be a fly on the wall in multiple places. I don't doubt that Coach Burleson and HSU are actively trying to find opponents but as you said in theory it should be even harder for UMHB and they do get people to say yes.... so what is going on behind the scenes at all these places would be very interesting to know.

There is a cache to playing UMHB that HSU doesn't have. If you lose to UMHB, well, you lost to a proven top team in D3. A multi-time National Champ. If you want to show what it takes to be a top team in D3, playing UMHB can make some sense and show your players and coaches what it's really like.

But, as good as HSU is, neither of those reputation benefits apply. If you lose to HSU, a team that hasn't gone deep in the playoffs, well, that doesn't look or feel as excusable as losing to UMHB. And it's hard to make the same argument for "playing the best" motivation for a team that, despite the real challenges, doesn't have that track record.

So all the downsides of playing a very tough game, and generally an expensive travel game, but none of the benefits. Could make it harder for HSU to fill out their schedule.

That is a fair and understandable point, I would just be interested to hear the nature of all those phone calls and if this is a change of perspective at HSU or what. In looking at their non conference games, they have not traveled out of state since 2014. They have made the rounds playing Trinity/Southwestern/Austin College but also played numerous non D3 schools which didn't require going out of state. HSU or any other school shouldn't be forced to spend a ton of money to go play a school but the way the playoffs are set up it is the nature of the beast.

I suspect this is also a huge part of the problem. They don't seem willing to travel. Now maybe that's just 7 seasons of no takers, but I somehow doubt it.

The reality is money issues. Very real problem at the d3 level any time, but HSU has been trying to get things reorganized and there likely isn't enough room in the budget.

Wasn't HSU slashing a bunch of departments a few years back?

[Toby Taff]

Over the next year+ we are going to be seeing a lot of movement in conferences with the min required for AQ goes to 6.  As associate members leave to play football in their full time conferences, teams should have more spots for OOC games, but also have more options for those OOC games because these teams that were associate members are now available for those OOC games.

The more I think about it, depending on the island size I could see this actually helping. There are (or will be) 13 teams in the Ark-La-Tx areas. If there were two conferences of 6 teams, you're talking what, 5 non-confeeence games and 5 conference games? Each conference would need that as well. This would be an improvement over now where the SAA only needs 1-2 non-confeeence games and the ASC needs 3+.

My fear is that the ASC will be left with only 6 when the affiliate-members bolt for another league. An ASC with only Sul Ross and McMcurry (geographically isolated to the point they have no other option) and then HSU, HPU, UMHB, and ETBU (tied together in several ways because of Baptist faith) would present real scheduling challenges for both HSU and UMHB. Having to fill 5 non-conference games would be brutal, even if there is another 6-team conference primarily based in Texas. Not many schools want to sign up for the type of game that HSU, and to a greater extent UMHB, are likely to play.

For example, this year, HSU is probably going to end up playing 2 non-D3 non-conference games because they cannot get any D3 opponents to play them. I've heard that Coach Burleson has personally called more than 100 D-3 programs, offering a home-and-home where HSU would travel this year, and no school has agreed. To the extent HSU experiences this problem, I imagine it is even harder for UMHB.

I hope I am wrong and that the ASC will be able to bring in some of the new programs to stay a larger league, but I'm not optimistic.

This is when I wish I could be a fly on the wall in multiple places. I don't doubt that Coach Burleson and HSU are actively trying to find opponents but as you said in theory it should be even harder for UMHB and they do get people to say yes.... so what is going on behind the scenes at all these places would be very interesting to know.

There is a cache to playing UMHB that HSU doesn't have. If you lose to UMHB, well, you lost to a proven top team in D3. A multi-time National Champ. If you want to show what it takes to be a top team in D3, playing UMHB can make some sense and show your players and coaches what it's really like.

But, as good as HSU is, neither of those reputation benefits apply. If you lose to HSU, a team that hasn't gone deep in the playoffs, well, that doesn't look or feel as excusable as losing to UMHB. And it's hard to make the same argument for "playing the best" motivation for a team that, despite the real challenges, doesn't have that track record.

So all the downsides of playing a very tough game, and generally an expensive travel game, but none of the benefits. Could make it harder for HSU to fill out their schedule.

That is a fair and understandable point, I would just be interested to hear the nature of all those phone calls and if this is a change of perspective at HSU or what. In looking at their non conference games, they have not traveled out of state since 2014. They have made the rounds playing Trinity/Southwestern/Austin College but also played numerous non D3 schools which didn't require going out of state. HSU or any other school shouldn't be forced to spend a ton of money to go play a school but the way the playoffs are set up it is the nature of the beast.

I suspect this is also a huge part of the problem. They don't seem willing to travel. Now maybe that's just 7 seasons of no takers, but I somehow doubt it.

The reality is money issues. Very real problem at the d3 level any time, but HSU has been trying to get things reorganized and there likely isn't enough room in the budget.

Wasn't HSU slashing a bunch of departments a few years back?

yes.

[Crubacker]

Anyone have any idea what the Cru's football schedule is going to look like next season?  I saw they had 2 open dates.  Also, how many conference games are they going to have now with the departure of 2 schools I believe?

[Etchglow]

Anyone have any idea what the Cru's football schedule is going to look like next season?  I saw they had 2 open dates.  Also, how many conference games are they going to have now with the departure of 2 schools I believe?

If I had to guess, I'd say we are traveling to Simpson week one.  Two open dates are probably do give more flexibility for one additional non-conference game.  Southwestern isn't leaving until the 2023 season so we're just replacing Belhaven this year. 

Away Games:
Simpson
ETBU
HSU
TLU
HPU

Home Games:
Southwestern
Austin College
Sul Ross
McMurry

[UMHB03]

Anyone have any idea what the Cru's football schedule is going to look like next season?  I saw they had 2 open dates.  Also, how many conference games are they going to have now with the departure of 2 schools I believe?

I've been anxiously awaiting the schedule as well (I like to plan way ahead  ). I've seen UMHB schedules released as early as February and as late as June, so I have no idea when it will be out. My guess would be later than usual since they are trying to find non-conference games to replace Belhaven, which is always a challenge for Texas schools. Some of the posters with connections in the program might have a better idea.