UTSA Decides to Go FBS

[TexasTerror]

UTSA may be leaving the Southland Conference in all sports, as they have decided to charter a course for FBS football - whether that means being an independent for a few years or finding a conference...

This all comes courtesy of the San Antonio Express News...

Look for some coverage on CSN a little later today...

Switching gears from a tentative plan to join the Southland Conference in football, UTSA has charted a new course for its fledgling program.

University of Texas at San Antonio athletic director Lynn Hickey said the school, which is slated to begin play in 2011, would attempt to reach the NCAA’s top flight as an independent by its fifth season in 2015.

Should they do so, the Roadrunners would become one of just four independent football teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A). They would remain there indefinitely until an opportunity to move their entire athletic program into an FBS conference presents itself.

“We have worked really hard looking at all our options,” Hickey said. “As a start-up program in a major city, with the aspirations we have, the facility we have, the head coach we have, the best thing we can do is move as quickly as we can to FBS status. And until we’re in a conference that has FBS football, we need to stay independent.”

[CatMom]

I had thought I read that one of the things the NCAA may drop (when the moratorium is lifted) is the ability for anyone moving up to be an Independent. That to move they have to have a conference to go into immediately. Correct me if I'm wrong here.

[TexasTerror]

I had thought I read that one of the things the NCAA may drop (when the moratorium is lifted) is the ability for anyone moving up to be an Independent. That to move they have to have a conference to go into immediately. Correct me if I'm wrong here.

You are correct on the conference thing, but was that for Div II to Div I move-ups? Did not seem like FCS to FBS had been worked out...

I really am under the impression that UTSA did not make this move recklessly...

If anything, it was the first step in their move to an FBS conference that has outreached to them and/or vice-versa. By doing this the way they did, they have just gotten a jump on the other FCS schools looking to move to FBS.

The only drawback is that the SLC could hit the 'eject' button on them, leaving them without an all-sports conference for 2012-13, since I figure the SLC will give them two full years per league by-laws. That date may work fine for UTSA, pending on what, if any arrangements they have discussed with other conferences.

[danefan]

I had thought I read that one of the things the NCAA may drop (when the moratorium is lifted) is the ability for anyone moving up to be an Independent. That to move they have to have a conference to go into immediately. Correct me if I'm wrong here.

You are correct on the conference thing, but was that for Div II to Div I move-ups? Did not seem like FCS to FBS had been worked out...
I really am under the impression that UTSA did not make this move recklessly...

If anything, it was the first step in their move to an FBS conference that has outreached to them and/or vice-versa. By doing this the way they did, they have just gotten a jump on the other FCS schools looking to move to FBS.

The only drawback is that the SLC could hit the 'eject' button on them, leaving them without an all-sports conference for 2012-13, since I figure the SLC will give them two full years per league by-laws. That date may work fine for UTSA, pending on what, if any arrangements they have discussed with other conferences.

Yes that's correct. The FCS-FBS moves haven't been changed as of yet.

Starting up Indy in FBS is a bad bad move, IMO. I have to think this is really a show of commitment to an FBS conference (Sun Belt) that has expressed interest.

[TexasTerror]

Here's a little blog about the curveball thrown by UTSA...

[TexasTerror]

And a link to the UTSA fan forum which probably will have even more information and insight over the next few days, weeks...

[CatMom]

Some comments from the peanut gallery:

You hear that sound?

It's the bomb being dropped, the proverbial straw being placed, and/or whatever commentary you want to insert foreshadowing complete and utter systematic failure.

Commence the collective destruction of the UTSA athletic program as we know it. Comparing the success of current and former Independent schools with historic and storied programs to a school that has never maintained a football program seems pretty logical. Nothing says tradition like playing in front of a crowd of Longhorn t-shirt fans that have no vested interest in the school other than the fact that it offers an outlet for cheap football tickets. I am sure kids will be flocking to the program after the Lone Star school of Texas ends up with fewer televised games than Texas State and a 1-at-the-most win season. Maybe they will get lucky and book a bunch of schools from around the state that can draw at least a half-capacity crowd of alumni that live in the area (and maybe score UTSA some television appearances).

There isn’t some type of secret correlation between city size and school success, nor is there going to be some major allure to a fledgling program because it is centered in an area that has lots of recruits. Good players will still go to the good programs, and right now there is no shortage of those in Texas. Sure some players may be persuaded to choose UTSA over Texas State because of the simple label, but without success that will not last long.

The other thing that strikes me as funny is the article portrays all these supportive voices in the FBS community willing to schedule home-and-homes with UTSA as a positive. Who wouldn’t want to schedule a FBS team that will likely be as competitive as a D-II school instead of playing Northwesteren or SE Louisiana?

Let them go, they will get plenty of offers from FBS conferences after 3 or 4 years of independence and 3 or less win seasons. That’s the sign of commitment, willingness to possibly abandon the conference that supports the competition of their already established programs, for the slight possibility that after a couple years of floating around they will solidify their program and their recruiting by joining the Sun Belt Conference with hopes of winning the conference in a mere 10 years to play the #4 team in the WAC in the Who-Gives-A-$$$ Bowl. I am sure Coker and UTSA will stay just as committed to each other, or at least all of us on the outside hope they will. A National Championship ring tends to loose its luster after consecutive consecutive loosing seasons.

and

Exactly.

There's such a thing as trying too hard (compared to our don't try at all approach)... and UTSA is going to become a shining of example of what not to do in that regard. Look at how many PhD programs they have pushed on the school. Their school of engineering or architecture (can't remember which) was at the point of collapse and losing accreditation because they were emptying the coffers trying to prop up programs that they couldn't reasonably afford and make worthy of the effort relative to what other schools already offered.

I was worried about these guys about 5-6 years ago. I'm not any more. There's a reason why San Antonio has never attracted an NFL team and it has nothing to do with facilities and everything to do with the kind of people that live and work there.

Also, it would be foolish to think that the UT system would support having another I-A program to compete with in their system. Rather, if anything, they will use UTSA in Austin as a freebie win every year for the next 50 years like they have been doing to Rice for who knows how long and did to UTEP recently.

[slycat]

Interesting move. Big gamble by UTSA. They are taking the FAU/FIU approach.

They better hope football catches on is SA. Of course being in SA makes it somewhat easy for a conference to want to pick them up.

WHat worries me about all this is it makes it wound like there aren't any FBS conferences looking for teams. Texas St may not be moving up as soon as they think.

[CatMom]

Texas St may not be moving up as soon as they think.

I can live with that. I really don't think TXST is ready by a long shot...and it's not just the football program. Several of the sports are consistently successful but there is basketball (both) which has just been horrendous for years with no relief in sight. As for football, progress has been made but it's not where I'd like to see it be (yet) before a bid to move.

[bobbythekidd]

I don't want to sound mean, but there is hardly anything TXST can offer a BCS conference. Well, outside of a decent enrollment and being in Texas, your resume is not very impressive.

[CatMom]

I don't want to sound mean, but there is hardly anything TXST can offer a BCS conference. Well, outside of a decent enrollment and being in Texas, your resume is not very impressive.

and UTSA has what? A non-existent football program, lousy academic standards, commuter school, no support, a less than stellar overall sports program. It has an iffy TV market and a big empty Alamodome.

If and when TXST decides to actually do this I don't think they are expecting BCS anyway...not that stupid.
Personally, I'm opposed anyway.

[bobbythekidd]

I don't want to sound mean, but there is hardly anything TXST can offer a BCS conference. Well, outside of a decent enrollment and being in Texas, your resume is not very impressive.

and UTSA has what? A non-existent football program, lousy academic standards, commuter school, no support, a less than stellar overall sports program. It has an iffy TV market and a big empty Alamodome.

If and when TXST decides to actually do this I don't think they are expecting BCS anyway...not that stupid.
Personally, I'm opposed anyway.

Easy catmilf. I wasn't defending UTSA. I was responding to you saying TXST athletics were not where you wanted them and a bit of what slycat said. I should have quoted you guys.

[slycat]

Texas St may not be moving up as soon as they think.

I can live with that. I really don't think TXST is ready by a long shot...and it's not just the football program. Several of the sports are consistently successful but there is basketball (both) which has just been horrendous for years with no relief in sight. As for football, progress has been made but it's not where I'd like to see it be (yet) before a bid to move.

Problem is those programs (bball) aren't getting better anytime soon. The school is already pouring millions into the move up. The students, alums, and players have all but been promised of the transition. If it doesn't happen then there could be backlash.

[CatMom]

bobby,

yes, you should have!

I'm just pointing out that UTSA is setting themselves up to fail and agree that TXST is in no way ready to move.

[bobbythekidd]

bobby,

yes, you should have!

I'm just pointing out that UTSA is setting themselves up to fail and agree that TXST is in no way ready to move.

It's Bob, dammit!

[CatMom]

I can live with that. I really don't think TXST is ready by a long shot...and it's not just the football program. Several of the sports are consistently successful but there is basketball (both) which has just been horrendous for years with no relief in sight. As for football, progress has been made but it's not where I'd like to see it be (yet) before a bid to move.

Problem is those programs (bball) aren't getting better anytime soon. The school is already pouring millions into the move up. The students, alums, and players have all but been promised of the transition. If it doesn't happen then there could be backlash.

That's the problem, we may not. They have declared as much but the NCAA has the final say and that is what it a hinges on. If the NCAA says no...it's no.

I recently, mistakenly, found the NCAA study/recommendations for (TXST) consideration to move up and I don't see them meeting most of what was recommended.

Don't ask how I got to that particular site. I was looking for NCAA football rules at the time

[slycat]

Problem is those programs (bball) aren't getting better anytime soon. The school is already pouring millions into the move up. The students, alums, and players have all but been promised of the transition. If it doesn't happen then there could be backlash.

That's the problem, we may not. Thye have declared as much but the NCAA has the final say and that is what it a hinges on. If the NCAA says no...it's no.

Of course. Heck they may put a hold on the move up and no one will be able to go for the foreseeable future. If that happens then its easy to explain to the recruits.

But if the school decides we aren't ready or we don't get a conference offer, then the majority of people will see it as a failure.

At least we will get a nice stadium out of it.

[TexasTerror]

Interesting move. Big gamble by UTSA. They are taking the FAU/FIU approach.

Differences...

FAU and FIU had all-sports conferences during their time as I-A Independents. FAU was in the Atlantic Sun prior to moving to the Sun Belt. Florida International had already been in the Sun Belt since 1998, after having been in the TAAC (which became the A-Sun).

I think UTSA gets the boot on July 1, 2013. They could be independents in all sports for two years prior to a move into the XXXXX conference on July 1, 2015.

WHat worries me about all this is it makes it wound like there aren't any FBS conferences looking for teams. Texas St may not be moving up as soon as they think.

TXST will not be moving up as quickly as they think. We've known this for some time.

UTSA will actually be better suited for a move-up since they will already be full FBS in 2015 and a conference could bring them in '15. I really think they have helped their cause as far as positioning for FBS, especially if San Antonio responds.

TXST is playing the 'wait and see' game and this could stunt their opportunities...

[MrTitleist]

Honestly, what conference is going to take these guys? Not every new team can jump into the Sun Belt, CUSA is full, as is the Big 12. Regionally, where could they go besides staying independent? Foolish move on UTSA's part, their program(s) will suffer.

[TexasTerror]

Honestly, what conference is going to take these guys? Not every new team can jump into the Sun Belt, CUSA is full, as is the Big 12. Regionally, where could they go besides staying independent? Foolish move on UTSA's part, their program(s) will suffer.

If you have followed Division I athletics, some dominoes are getting ready to fall. UTSA will be a full FBS in '15, which should be well-positioned for these dominoes to fall.

The general thought in the region is that the Big East may take Memphis or another C-USA school. The C-USA will have to look to the Sun Belt, WAC (particularly La Tech) and maybe the MAC. In turn, the Sun Belt and/or WAC could be looking to a school like UTSA.

[Fresno St. Alum]

What do UTSA and Texas St. offer to the FBS? A warm body for a conference that needs them. UTSA has a good market. Its better than the Moscow, Idaho market, even Fresno, hell most of the WAC. They'd also have the biggest stadium in the WAC and the Sun Belt too. S.Alabama might be the same size. If Boise St. leaves the WAC for the MWC like has been rumored for a year we will need 1 or 2 warm bodies. Even if BSU doesn't leave the WAC might want to grow to protect itself if the MWC eventually wants to expand. Same for the Sun Belt. Big 10 is gonna add a BE member (probably) then the BE will take C-USA then C-USA will take a Sun Belt and the SBC is also losing UNO. They can find a home.

[TexasTerror]

If Boise St. leaves the WAC for the MWC like has been rumored for a year we will need 1 or 2 warm bodies. Even if BSU doesn't leave the WAC might want to grow to protect itself if the MWC eventually wants to expand. Same for the Sun Belt. Big 10 is gonna add a BE member (probably) then the BE will take C-USA then C-USA will take a Sun Belt and the SBC is also losing UNO. They can find a home.

The Sun Belt is not on the market for expansion.

UNO is leaving and perhaps Denver is too, but I think the league is absolutely fine with a 10/12 situation. I have a hard time believing they will kick UALR out and quite frankly, if Denver can not find a home, I am sure they will be safe too for the time being - REGARDLESS of the league ultimatum directed their way.

Now, if C-USA or someone else takes away teams like South Alabama, Middle Tennessee, North Texas or Western Kentucky - the Sun Belt will look to the UTSA, Texas State-San Marcos, Georgia State, Jacksonville State, etc...

[Fresno St. Alum]

If Denver goes to the Summit that would put the Belt at 11. That's without them getting robbed by CUSA. Also if they had 11 fb schools by adding UTSA to get to 12 total 11 for fb. I think they'd go for a 12th to get a title game.

[MrTitleist]

I think UTSA is going to miss the domino effect by about 3 years. The dominoes are going to roll in 2012, I think by then UTSA would be left behind and still be searching for a conference to join. The domino effect is mostly going to affect the WAC/MWC/Big 12 (very little), CUSA, and Big East. The Big Sky, Great West, and Southland would be the FCS conferences mostly affected, IMO, maybe the CAA and SoCon. But I just can't envision UTSA being successful jumping right into the fire.

[TexasTerror]

If Denver goes to the Summit that would put the Belt at 11. That's without them getting robbed by CUSA. Also if they had 11 fb schools. I think they'd go for a 12th to get a title game.

I have a hard time believing Denver would go to the Summit League.

It would be a step down for their programs, who perform very exceptionally in the Sun Belt, in the ones they compete. Their basketball programs are finally turning the corner and I really think DU would put it to most of the Summit in every sport for which they compete...

Do you really think the SBC would do a title game? I just do not think it makes sense financially for the league or the schools. It is not the MAC where every one in the league can bus to the title game site (and yes - they do - even Buffalo!). If the Sun Belt did a title game at even home sites, quite a few schools would have to charter. And the game could potentially threaten the league's chance at a BCS buster if such a chance exists...