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Post by Aggie2039 on Dec 26, 2023 18:29:33 GMT -5
With the OVC adding teams to get to 11 members has the anxiety regarding a conference collapse subsided within the fanbase?
Appears as if the path to post season play is easier now.
I do wonder if AP and Eastern Kentucky regret leaving the conference
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Post by bluetigga on Dec 26, 2023 19:17:46 GMT -5
I don't think AP or EKU regrets it yet. But I would understand if anxiety is starting to set in, seeing JxSU and Kennesaw move up without the conference. I think they still have an outside shot at getting invites with more conference realignment coming.
As far as TSU, the OVC is definitely in a better place than it was a year and a half ago. Still not super excited about the leadership. I don't think the conference improved, but it did stabilize. The leadership deserves credit for stabilizing it.
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Post by tsucrat on Dec 26, 2023 23:05:08 GMT -5
For a nice portion of the fan base the anxiety would never subside unless we have an all hbcu schedule or playing for the FBS championship. No in between.
But for the time being, they can't scream "The sky is falling. "
APSU and EKU probably not regretting anything. The OVC needed them to leave to stop being so complacent. But as said, I don't think anyone is confident in the current leadership. I think the partnership and new teams are just a fortunate convenience. Not forward thinking from the OVC leadership.
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Post by tsundenver on Dec 27, 2023 13:39:03 GMT -5
One thing that is a consensus among TSU fans is wanting out of the OVC. Not many seem to care the conference is stable. That is the only anxiety that is obvious. The only thing I can add is my wish for NCA&T and TSU to enter into some form of partnership since we appear to want the same thing. Joining a FBS conference together will at least give us a HBCU rival at the next level. (if it ever happens)
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Post by tsu120 on Dec 28, 2023 8:38:41 GMT -5
One thing that is a consensus among TSU fans is wanting out of the OVC. Not many seem to care the conference is stable. That is the only anxiety that is obvious. The only thing I can add is my wish for NCA&T and TSU to enter into some form of partnership since we appear to want the same thing. Joining a FBS conference together will at least give us a HBCU rival at the next level. (if it ever happens) It's interesting! Unless a majority has passed away. They were not of the same opinion when L. C, Reese or Davis was the Coach. With only a few under Reed. Fact: TSU has not played that many HBCU's since becoming part of the OVC - with a note - The OVC allowed, TSU to play some of their traditional rivals for several years, meaning not a full OVC Schedule. At the same time, some of the same "Fans" were complaining about playing BCU, Valley, Lane and a few had issues playing against NSU. In fact, "a lot" stop showing up at the JSU game, not many attended the SHC.
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tsumadness
TSU Alum
NCAA (D1): 93, 94 (D2): 63, 67, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 | CIT: 12, 13, 16 | NAIA Champs: 57, 58, 59
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Post by tsumadness on Dec 28, 2023 22:41:21 GMT -5
I’ve been 💯% FBS for a while now. But until the Power 5 stops eating itself from within and decide on their new conference format, I say we stay at the FCS level for the time being.
I commend the OVC for stabilizing itself, however once this Big South alliance folds, the OVC is only one school away from being in jeopardy again. Without Gardner Webb and Charleston Southern, it’s just…the OVC.
At this point, the MEAC sounds better to me. Our program and fans need a shot in the arm. Winning, of course, can fix it, but moving conferences at the FCS level is starting to grow on me. I’ve seen the resurgence of the FAMU fan base because of the move, maybe it can be the same for us.
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Post by tsucrat on Dec 29, 2023 8:57:55 GMT -5
If the OVC leadership had a spine, it would go ahead and assimilate the rest of the Big South
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Post by TSUTigerFanInDC on Dec 29, 2023 11:23:55 GMT -5
If the OVC leadership had a spine, it would go ahead and assimilate the rest of the Big South Why? What good would it do for the OVC and the BS to fully merge? More importantly, how would that have benefitted TSU? That has to be our number one priority. If a full merger was on the table with the BS, I would have preferred we workout a merger with the MEAC. I am of the opinion that TSU has to strongly consider just how much longer it will stay in the OVC. If we are not in a position to move up to an FBS G5 conference, we seriously need to consider the MEAC or SWAC. The MEAC is probably easier to join right now given their low number of schools they currently have as members. The SWAC hasn't indicated it is planning any additions and adding TSU would give them an odd number of member schools which is workable but not ideal. Obviously, our fans would lean towards the SWAC because of AAMU, Bama State, FAMU, JSU and Southern. TSU fans generally have no connection with the MEAC, but I think the affiliation with other HBCU's would increase their support over the OVC. It may not be substantial but I can see it being better as our fans learn more about the MEAC schools. And, if we are finishing at or near the top of the MEAC consistently, that will help as well. If we can get into the Celebration Bowl that will boost our support. And before any of you misquote me, I'm not saying the Celebration Bowl is the answer to our issues. Our issues run far deeper than a Celebration Bowl appearance. I am saying that HBCU fans have embraced the Celebration Bowl. Many of our fans have as well. An appearance in the Celebration Bowl gives our fans something they want to connect with directly and take pride in. Whereas, an appearance in the FCS playoffs or even the FCS Championship game would still be somewhat of a disconnect for too many of our fans. That is just a simple reality that we have to accept. I hate that our fans are like that, but this is the era we now live in. We do not have a fan base that will follow us no matter who we're playing like we once did. Those days are long gone. So, putting a competitive product on the fields/courts along with a change to an HBCU conference in my opinion is what TSU needs to do along with better marketing and community connectivity.
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tsumadness
TSU Alum
NCAA (D1): 93, 94 (D2): 63, 67, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 | CIT: 12, 13, 16 | NAIA Champs: 57, 58, 59
Posts: 5,648
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Post by tsumadness on Dec 29, 2023 12:00:32 GMT -5
DC, you and I are along the same thought, however I think making an appearance in the FCS championship would do wonders for our fan base. It still won’t stop the HBCU conference discussion, but winning at that level will bring in many of the fareweather fans…especially if an on-campus stadium is “tangibly” in the works.
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Post by tsucrat on Dec 29, 2023 15:35:25 GMT -5
You are correct that TSU needs to do what's best for TSU regardless of OVC. However, this conversation is my opinion on the OVC. The remaining BS football are decent and present more stability for the "OVC" I haven't looked at the other sports, but I imagine what's left would bolster the OVC sports profile. That, in term might slow down the next hemorrhaging of schools. Including TSU.
Personally, I don't think TSU needs to worry about trying move conferences until we first making better choices for our programs. And I'm directing that towards, funding, coaching selection, and program resources.
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