MeanGreen61

IF UNT builds to a 'national level' in football and basketball while acquiring a new stadium, folks will come callin'. NOTHING HAPPENS UNLESS YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Conferences are required to have a minimum of 12 to split into 2 divisions.

Yep.

Excluding Fouts, UNT seems to get excellent marks on facilities. The new AC and Mean Green Village sure can't do anything but help recruiting. Facilities get some discussion in this thread from the TexasFootball board. "UNT has some of the best facilities in the country. I have toured them and many other college's facilities and they were one of the best that I had seen." "Never seen their facilities. I was just assuming by the way Fouts Field looks. It looks like a prison play yard, than a football stadium." THREAD - DODGE FOOTBALL CAMP http://www.5atexasfootball.com/forum/vB/sh...ead.php?t=17598

It's the off season for sure. Froggies are rolling in the aisles, laughing on their board. Post: #1TCU has expressed interest at rejoining CUSA According to an interview on Memphis radio, Memphis AD mentioned that TCU has made "overtures" about returning to Conference USA (lol, guess the grass wasn't greener after all, eh froggies). Arkansas-Little Rock, Fresno State, Boise State, & Middle Tennessee State has put out "feelers" in the event Tulane folded it's division 1 sports programs and an opening opened up. RC said MTSU isn't even going to be considered for admission even if Tulane was no longer a member, but he believes it is a non-subject because Tulane is fast getting their sports programs back on their feet. THREAD http://www.ncaabbs.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=235567

Hummmmm. Muts are tracking Mean Green committments PineapqleWiley grUNTS pick up 2 commits for 2008 Reply And I must say the Tackle looks pretty damn athletic for his size. I'm impressed. Rivals UNT committments. http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/commi...year=2008#page1

Beleive that UAB and USF were originally basketball members of CUSA. As members they were automatic football members when they fielded teams. Similar to FIU in the Belt.

DMN/Cotton Bowl makes move to Cowboy Stadium/Push for BCS A change of Cotton Bowl Classic's address 11:52 PM CDT on Monday, May 28, 2007 By CHUCK CARLTON / The Dallas Morning News ccarlton@dallasnews.com Faced with its biggest challenge since its founding by J. Curtis Sanford, the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic made a key choice this spring. Bowl officials could have launched a 21st-century multimedia campaign, complete with high-tech presentations, trumpeting their move to the Cowboys' new stadium for Jan. 2, 2010, and their interest in joining the Bowl Championship Series. Instead, Cotton Bowl president Rick Baker and his staff chose the personal touch. They started crisscrossing the country – conference by conference, even school by school – to spread the news about what the move to their new home in Arlington means. The goal: raise awareness so that if the BCS adds to its lineup after 2010, the Cotton Bowl will be positioned to join the party. When Southern California football coach Pete Carroll started quizzing Baker about the $1 billion stadium earlier this month, Cotton officials realized they had made the right decision. "We want to tell them about our future, how positive it looks," Baker said. "We're a whole new entity that they really haven't considered yet." Within weeks of announcing the game's move to Arlington, Baker attended the NCAA Final Four for the first time in 12 years, shaking hands and renewing acquaintances in Atlanta. He also briefed Notre Dame officials who came to Dallas for the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame ceremonies in April. And in early May, the Cotton Bowl got a plum opportunity to tell its story to Pacific-10 football coaches and athletic directors. In some ways, it previewed what the Big 12 heard last week in Colorado Springs, Colo., and what the Southeastern Conference and the Big Ten will hear later. TOM FOX / DMN The first Cotton Bowl Classic in the new stadium in Arlington will be Jan. 2, 2010. The Pac-10's spring meeting is normally reserved for bowls that have conference tie-ins. But commissioner Tom Hansen and Baker are longtime friends, and the Cotton Bowl had hosted the Pac-10 runner-up in the 1990s. Some in the room, like Arizona coach Mike Stoops and Oregon coach Mike Bellotti, already had first-hand knowledge of the Cotton Bowl. Others wanted to know more. Carroll, no stranger to big games or big stadiums, quizzed Baker about the capacity and the suites. A question followed about the enormous replay board. Forecast: warm and dry For some, it was nice knowing that the game would no longer be at the mercy of the Texas weather. When Bellotti brought Oregon to the 1996 Cotton Bowl, the temperature was a balmy 70 on New Year's Eve. Then on game day, the temperature plunged 40 degrees and the rain came down sideways. "With that type of a facility, their stadium will match the hospitality and just the great time people have there. In my opinion, it would be in line to host all of the major games that would occur," Bellotti said in a phone interview. "The Cotton Bowl made my coaches and my players feel the most special of any bowl we've been to. I'll say that on record. It did a tremendous job of making the experience one that we'll remember forever." When it comes to the game and weather, Cotton Bowl and Notre Dame officials have a memory of their own: the school's stirring 1979 win over Houston. Every time Joe Montana's comeback victory got mentioned over the years, people thought of the icy weather that gripped Dallas that day. Now, no apologies are needed. Like Carroll, Notre Dame is used to big venues. And the Irish have a vote in the BCS process, just like the six BCS conferences. "Not being privy to the details, but certainly judging by the scope of the project, it's not your average stadium," said John Heisler, a Notre Dame senior associate athletic director. It's hard to overestimate the lure of the stadium or the excitement it has created. Last week, the NFL chose the Cowboys' stadium to host Super Bowl XLV in 2011. Two days later, the Big 12 awarded its championship game to Arlington for 2009 and 2010. Momentum is already building. "I think everybody recognizes it will be a very outstanding facility, so that's an added plus," said Hansen, who remembers the stadium questions that dogged the Cotton and other bowls during the BCS bowl selection process eight years ago. "The Cotton, I think no doubt, was hurt by the stadium it was using," Hansen said. "I think everybody in college football will be aware of the stadium move, and that will add a certain cachet." BCS competition Conventional wisdom has the Cotton Bowl at the top of the list of BCS contenders, along with Atlanta's Chick-Fil-A Bowl and Orlando's Capital One Bowl. The positioning and quiet lobbying and relationship-building might not mean anything if the BCS doesn't change its lineup or add a bowl, possibly by ending the double-hosting format. The championship site now hosts a second game a week earlier, straining city and bowl personnel. Current BCS coordinator Mike Slive, the SEC commissioner, told his fellow commissioners to consider the future at their meetings this spring. All the Cotton Bowl can do is tout its biggest asset, which just a few months ago was its biggest liability. "I do sense that there is a lot of interest, there's a lot of curiosity, there definitely is a buzz about the new facility," Baker said. "Whether that translates into changes, I don't think anyone can predict that." The lack of a concrete timetable was one reason Cotton Bowl officials decided on the slow-and-steady approach. They didn't want to be too early or too late with an advertising blitz. "We understand we have no control over the process," Baker said. "We can do all this and the system can remain exactly the same. We're OK with that. We understand the system, and that may happen." SPREADING THE WORD Some of the key dates for AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic officials this spring and summer. They also plan to meet with the commissioners of the Big East, the Atlantic Coast Conference and several non-BCS conferences. April 17 –Briefed Notre Dame officials in Dallas May 2 –Spoke to Pac-10 athletic directors and football coaches in Phoenix May 21-22 –Addressed Big 12 meetings in Colorado Springs, Colo. May 29-30 –SEC meetings in Destin, Fla. July 23-25 –Big 12 football media days in San Antonio July 25-27 –SEC football media days in Hoover, Ala. July 29-Aug. 2 –Big Ten football media days in Chicago THE MOVE In February, the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic board voted unanimously to move the game from Fair Park – its home since the game's inception in 1937 – to the Cowboys' new stadium in Arlington, starting in 2010. THE GOAL The Cotton Bowl sees the new stadium's retractable roof as a key asset as the game seeks entry into the prestigious Bowl Championship Series. The current BCS contract expires after the 2010 season. As part of the BCS rotation, Arlington would be in line to host a college football national championship game. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/...9c005.html

Reality is that FOOTBALL is the primary force in 1A conference changes with Men's basketball being a secondary consideration. Read the CUSA commissioners reply to Todd Malone's e-mail. He acknowledged your Bubas Cups but replied "to get back in touch when you consistantly put 25,000 butts in seats for FOOTBALL The other sports really fall under "who cares" when it comes to conference realignments.

CUSA 2006 attendance 42, 444 UTEP 37, 168 East Carolina 32, 440 Memphis 31, 569 UCF 28, 994 Southern Miss 26, 031 Marshall 23, 139 UAB 21, 910 Houston 21, 364 Tulsa 18, 942 Tulane 15, 428 SMU 14, 760 Rice

MUTS poster Todd Malone sent this article to the CUSA commish. I emailed this article to C-USA Britton Banowsky this morning. Here's the reply I got: Dear, Todd, you're desire to see your alma mater join our conference is flattering. I have to admit, your apparent dominance of the Bubba Cup is impressive...but come talk to me when MT is consistently putting 25,000 butts in seats for football. Regards, Britton

Don't know what this guy is smokin' Stewart: MTSU should make conference switch By DUNCAN STEWART DNJ Columnist For the fourth time in seven years, MTSU has won the Sun Belt Conference's all-sports trophy, this time with a record 141 points. Such consistent excellence brings me back to a long held premise: It's time for a concerted effort to move the Blue Raiders to Conference USA. If MTSU competed in Conference USA, immediate natural rivalries would be set up with Alabama-Birmingham, Southern Miss as well as a potential archrival in Memphis. The MTSU-Memphis rivalry would be special. A move to Conference USA could result more sensible alignments in three conferences if what follows would come to pass: To make room for the Blue Raiders in Conference USA, Texas-El Paso would move to a revamped Mountain West Conference that would afford UTEP closer natural rivalries than Conference USA members East Carolina, Central Florida, Marshall and UAB. The new Mountain West would include current members Air Force, BYU, Colorado State, New Mexico, TCU, Utah and Wyoming. New Mexico State would move from the Western Athletic Conference and enjoy geographical rivalries with New Mexico and UTEP. The new WAC would feature current members Boise State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Utah State and San Jose State. UNLV would move from the Mountain West to enjoy an in-state conference rivalry with Nevada. San Diego State would make a similar move and enjoy rivalries that make more sense than in the Mountain West. Louisiana Tech would have the option to remain a member of the WAC or move into MTSU's spot in the Sun Belt where Tech would enjoy in state rivalries with Louisiana Lafayette and Louisiana Monroe. MTSU didn't go through all the effort to move Division I-A to remain mired in a minor conference like the Sun Belt. Of course, there would be many obstacles, but after the journey to the big division, nothing should appear insurmountable. There's no time like the present to get the ball rolling.

You missed: Dallas Baptist 11-0 Thorp Springs Christian College 1-0 Wesley College 1-0

Switch out Louisiana Tech and one other for UL-Monroe and UL-Lafayette so we won't have to continue to put up with their tiring name fight. Or better yet just substitute Memphis & Southern Miss for the UL's North Texas Memphis Southern Miss Houston Tulsa Arkansas State Rice SMU New Mexico State Mew Mexico UTEP TCU If TCU would be a stretch put Louisiana Tech in for the Froggies !

Come on 80. You know he's talking "mid-majors".

UNT lands Arizona State transfer 09:03 AM CDT on Friday, May 25, 2007 By Brett Vito / Staff Writer A little more than a year ago, North Texas head coach Johnny Jones was sitting in the stands for a showdown between two of the top teams in the Dallas area when George Odufuwa showed why he was considered one of the top players in the state. The 6-8 power forward from Dallas Kimball dominated inside and out while scoring 41 points and pulling down 17 rebounds against perennial state power Dallas Carter. The moment came to Jones’ mind on Thursday when the former Class 4A first-team all-state selection transferred to UNT after one season at Arizona State. “I realized what kind of impact George could have here when I watched him play against Carter,” Jones said. “He is the kind of player who will help us continue to compete for championships.” Texashoops.com rated Odufuwa No. 19 on its list of the top recruits in the state after the 2005-06 season. Colorado, Georgia, Miami, Texas A&M, Gonzaga and SMU were among the schools that offered Odufuwa a scholarship. Odufuwa chose to sign with Arizona State and played in 13 games as a freshman before deciding to transfer. “I will be a lot closer to home at North Texas and will get a chance to be a big part of what they do in the future,” Odufuwa said. “The program is coming around, and with two of their post players graduating after next season I will get a chance to start right away.” UNT’s starting frontcourt consists of seniors Keith Wooden and Quincy Williams, each of who will complete his career next season. Jones said Odufuwa would fit perfectly into UNT’s system because he is a versatile player. The assessment is one Royce Johnson, a former UNT player who coached Odufuwa at Kimball, agreed with. “George will be an excellent fit for North Texas with their style of play and who they have coming back when he will be eligible,” Johnson said. “He will have a chance to play closer to home and sitting out a year will give him a chance to heal.” Johnson said Odufuwa has had some minor injury problems with his feet and Achilles’ tendon since high school that would not affect him at UNT. Odufuwa played for former UNT assistant Erven Davis on the AAU summer circuit. Davis said he believes Odufuwa could develop into an All-Sun Belt Conference player. Odufuwa can score with his back to the basket, but can also step away and shoot from the perimeter. “My strength is my versatility and my face-up game,” Odufuwa said. “I can shoot the ball.” Wooden displayed similar skills while playing for the Mean Green last season after transferring from ASU. Odufuwa didn’t know Wooden before speaking with him on his recruiting visit to Denton a few days ago. The prospect of following in Wooden’s footsteps became an attractive option for Odufuwa after the Mean Green made a surprise run to Sun Belt tournament title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament last season. UNT had not made the NCAA Tournament since 1988. “When they made the tournament, I became more interested,” Odufuwa said. Odufuwa is the fifth player to commit to the Mean Green since its NCAA Tournament appearance. UNT has signed shooting guard/small forward Tristan Thompson of Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, point guard Ryan McCoy of Midland College, point guard Josh White of Baton Rouge (La.) Christian Life Academy and shooting guard Adam McCoy of Mesa (Ariz.) Community College for its latest recruiting class. Jones said there is a possibility he could use the one remaining scholarship he has open on a player for his 2007 class, but is happy with what he has at this point. “This is right up there with the best classes we have had if not the best,” Jones said. “This will be as good a class as anyone in our league [the Sun Belt] is bringing in or any other league like it.” BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com

I don't follow American Idol so I've never heard of Rogers. Sorry, but TV show contestants don't strike me as qualifying as famous alumni.

Sun Belt Conference Agrees to Raise Academic and Athletic Expectations Courtesy: Sun Belt Conference Release: 05/24/2007 The Sun Belt Conference announced today that comprehensive performance standards will be implemented immediately for all sports with emphasis on men’s and women’s basketball, football, baseball, softball, volleyball and women’s soccer. The standards were unanimously approved by the conference’s member institutions today, and the document will be released in its entirety later this summer once minor technical additions are finalized. The primary goal is to help conference schools compete at the highest level in NCAA play while also increasing retention and graduation rates. The intent is also to ensure the continuing improvement of both academic and athletic successes for Sun Belt Conference student-athletes and teams along with enhancing the overall experience for each school’s fans and alumni. All Sun Belt schools will be expected within a three-year period to achieve minimum expectations in the areas of athletic performance, APR, scheduling, recruiting, attendance, staffing and ticket sales. The increased standards result from a year-long study conducted by a committee appointed by Dr. Sidney McPhee, Sun Belt Conference president (see background below). “This is a tremendous advancement for the Sun Belt Conference,” Commissioner Wright Waters said. “We are proud of what we have accomplished thus far as a conference, but we are not satisfied. The implementation of these academic and athletic standards will enable us to compete at the highest level in the increasingly highly competitive landscape of collegiate athletics. It also indicates the leadership at our schools has tremendous vision.” “These standards are the result of extensive, exhaustive and thorough analysis and dialogue,” McPhee said. “The Chief Executive Officers of the conference approved this by a 13-0 vote. This is an indication that we all recognize what we have accomplished thus far but also understand the future steps that must be taken by all of us as we move forward in order to achieve and maintain a high level of athletic and academic success.”

The "O Man"

Breaking down the Sun Belt By Adam Rittenberg Special to ESPN.com Updated: May 23, 2007 Can Omar Haugabook lead Troy to a Sun Belt title? Will FIU turn around its losing ways? Can Todd Dodge spark North Texas? Will Louisiana-Monroe find the linebackers it needs? Take a look at what Sun Belt questions were answered this spring and what problems linger heading into the fall. North Texas Mean Green Returning starters Offense: 5, Defense: 10, Kicker/punter: 1 Spring answers: 1. Meager takes the lead: North Texas' convoluted quarterback picture began to clear up a bit at the end of spring practice. Junior quarterback Daniel Meager threw for 233 yards and three touchdowns in the spring game, outshining Nathan Tune, Matt Phillips and Woody Wilson. Meager started five straight games last season before being benched. Though the starting job remains open, Meager could be closing to claiming it. "It's very obvious that Daniel has had the most consistent spring," coach Todd Dodge told the Denton Record-Chronicle. "The other three had some times when they have really shown, but [the competition] will definitely go into the fall." 2. Quite a catch: Walk-on Casey Fitzgerald made a strong case to join the wide receiver rotation this spring. Fitzgerald had four receptions for 166 yards in the spring game, hauling in touchdowns of 85 and 72 yards. His performance could earn him a scholarship, not to mention increased playing time this fall. "He has been very consistent," Dodge told the Record-Chronicle. "He made plays on Day 1 and plays on Day 15." 3. Line steps up: What looked like a major concern for North Texas at the start of the spring blossomed as practice progressed. The Mean Green offensive line stepped up in the spring game, allowing only one sack. Chad Rose, the only lineman with starting experience, moved from center to guard, but newcomers like Kelvin Drake and Esteban Santiago stepped up. Santiago moved from defensive tackle to guard during spring ball. "I am really happy with their toughness," Dodge told the Record-Chronicle. "It showed that they are a lot more experienced than they were at the beginning of spring just 15 practices ago." Fall questions: 1. Cornerback production: North Texas is solid at safety, boasting two-time leading tackler Aaron Weathers, but the secondary could hinge on the cornerback play this fall. Returning starters Antoine Bush and Dominique Green will compete with Desmon Chatman this summer. Baylor transfer Latif Nurudeen had a superb spring and will challenge for a starting spot. Dodge also hinted that he might try to add a junior-college cornerback. 2. Receiver rotation: Wide receiver remains the most intriguing position entering camp, as North Texas tries to replace superstar Johnny Quinn. Several players stepped up in spring practice, including Fitzgerald, and six highly touted freshmen will join the mix this fall. Quinn caught 40 more passes than any other Mean Green receiver last year. 3. Running man: Jamario Thomas turned in a strong spring, the result of improved conditioning and no injuries. But after gaining only one yard in the spring game, the senior running back needs to see continued progress this summer. SUN BELT http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2879478

PLEASE, give me strength !

Success in football & then men's basketball are what really gains a conference recognition.

Thanks. Didn't recall that you'd made 4 women's NCAA appearance since being in the Belt. My bad.

Just some food for thought. UNT has played only ONE game in Texas Stadium that had a HIGHER attendance than our two Baylor games at Fouts. Baylor games attendance (2003) 29,437 (2000) 28,325. A&M drew 45,923 at Texas Stadium. The next highest draw was SMU 27,183. The highest Texas Stadium attendance for a Tech game was 21,496. Fouts could have handled all but one of our Texas Stadium games.

He might sight and dine on a revered albino squirrel !