The GSC Football in 2025 / Changes Coming

[Rational Observer]

State schools are not autonomous. If the move would save the state, what is the problem? Holding on to vestiges of the reconstruction era is asinine.

Imagining that a politician is going to sponsor a bill to force HBCUs out of an HBCU conference is completely tone-deaf.

[boyblue]

As a long time fan of the GSC, I would really hate to see it's demize. If a potential long term Football merger or true Alliance is made, I believe it would be the best option, especially for those who have no desire to move up, non-financial means to move up, or dealing with enrollment situations are concerned.

No matter what happens in terms of scheduling the GSC as we know it is gone. As a VSU fan the gauntlet of UNA, UWG, UWF/FT, DSU, UWA prepared us for the playoffs. We're going to need some tough OOC games if we're going to make NC runs. Hopefully we'll be able to make one long trip every other year to the LSC or up north/northwest.

[ctrabs74]

I think Delta State joining the GAC as a full member, if invited, is the school's best bet. If I were the AD, I would be contacting the GAC to gauge interest.
Leave the drowning GSC. I would hate to see Delta drop football.
Unfortunately, I wouldn't be surprised if Delta State University closes sometime this decade.

In theory, Delta State to GAC would seem somewhat logical, but given the on-field disparity between the Arkansas and Oklahoma schools, you can expect a lot of pushback from the Oklahoma side (unless they pick up Northeastern State from the dustbin of independents to balance out the numbers).

[boyblue]

Imagining that a politician is going to sponsor a bill to force HBCUs out of an HBCU conference is completely tone-deaf.

Have you ever visited an HBCU? I have (the three I mentioned) back in the eighties, had a blast, it was so much fun but... Back then, before they became a part of the Georgia State University System the conditions were really bad, I'd say deplorable. I'm sure if you were to visit today they would be properly maintained and a pleasure to visit. All I'm saying is that if you're going to pour millions of dollars into an institution, you should have some say; like let's have the equally funded schools compete in one conference. Let's not let ASU, SSU & FVSU beat up on the little guys. If we can do it in high school, why is college a non starter/asinine?

Afterall he who has the gold makes the rules. As a black man I would be uncomfortable with my benefactor (The people of Georgia) bring uncomfortable and unable to tell me something that would likely benefit me in the long run anyway. If those schools played with equal competition, eventually one will break through but as it stands they're a none and done every year in the PO. Besides, Imagine the positive impact of a southern conference with that mix, the impact socially would be immense.

[Rational Observer]

Have you ever visited an HBCU? I have (the three I mentioned) back in the eighties, had a blast, it was so much fun but... Back then, before they became a part of the Georgia State University System the conditions were really bad, I'd say deplorable. I'm sure if you were to visit today they would be properly maintained and a pleasure to visit. All I'm saying is that if you're going to pour millions of dollars into an institution, you should have some say; like let's have the equally funded schools compete in one conference. Let's not let ASU, SSU & FVSU beat up on the little guys. If we can do it in high school, why is college a non starter/asinine?

Afterall he who has the gold makes the rules. As a black man I would be uncomfortable with my benefactor (The people of Georgia) bring uncomfortable and unable to tell me something that would likely benefit me in the long run anyway. If those schools played with equal competition, eventually one will break through but as it stands they're a none and done every year in the PO. Besides, Imagine the positive impact of a southern conference with that mix, the impact socially would be immense.

There is no such entity of "Georgia State University System". The University System of Georgia (USG) was founded in 1931. In 1931, the USG took control of 26 public institutions in the state including Albany State, Fort Valley State, and Savannah State.

Yes, I have been on the campuses of several HBCUs in GA.

[BisonBones]

In theory, Delta State to GAC would seem somewhat logical, but given the on-field disparity between the Arkansas and Oklahoma schools, you can expect a lot of pushback from the Oklahoma side (unless they pick up Northeastern State from the dustbin of independents to balance out the numbers).

Creating divisions in the GAC could benefit the Oklahoma schools. It would let the HU, HSU, OuBU, and SAU (and Delta State) beat up on each other while one Oklahoma school is guaranteed a division championship.

[codeblack]

Creating divisions in the GAC could benefit the Oklahoma schools. It would let the HU, HSU, OuBU, and SAU (and Delta State) beat up on each other while one Oklahoma school is guaranteed a division championship.

Why would any of the Arkansas schools be interested in that?

[BisonBones]

Why would any of the Arkansas schools be interested in that?

The Arkansas division champion would get a conference championship game against an opponent with a quality record to boost standings in the playoffs.

That would be in addition to the benefits of breaking up the silo in terms of freeing teams up to pursue out of conference opponents that could help them with playoff seeding.

However, I doubt any of the GAC schools would see those benefits to be worthwhile enough to get rid of the benefits of the silo. (Ease of scheduling and low travel cost)

[codeblack]

The Arkansas division champion would get a conference championship game against an opponent with a quality record to boost standings in the playoffs.

That would be in addition to the benefits of breaking up the silo in terms of freeing teams up to pursue out of conference opponents that could help them with playoff seeding.

However, I doubt any of the GAC schools would see those benefits to be worthwhile enough to get rid of the benefits of the silo. (Ease of scheduling and low travel cost)

That’s what I was getting at. It wouldn’t help them at all. Harding doesn’t need the boost and OBU gets in as the second GAC team with 1 loss most years anyway. I get wanting to see new matchups but the only programs that are competitive on the national level in the GAC wouldn’t benefit 9 years out of 10.

[boyblue]

There is no such entity of "Georgia State University System". The University System of Georgia (USG) was founded in 1931. In 1931, the USG took control of 26 public institutions in the state including Albany State, Fort Valley State, and Savannah State.

Yes, I have been on the campuses of several HBCUs in GA.

Then you can imagine the impact of proper funding. I've come up with what I believe is a better alternative. The 5 remaining GSC schools should seek to join the SIAC as Associate members (football only). The GSC continues as a non-football conference until there are enough D2 football schools in the region. The GSC schools get a full schedule with some decent competition and the SIAC becomes one of the better D2 football conferences.

[Rational Observer]

Then you can imagine the impact of proper funding. I've come up with what I believe is a better alternative. The 5 remaining GSC schools should seek to join the SIAC as Associate members (football only). The GSC continues as a non-football conference until there are enough D2 football schools in the region. The GSC schools get a full schedule with some decent competition and the SIAC becomes one of the better D2 football conferences.

Those schools already won't agree to play VSU on an annual basis. What makes you think they would allow VSU/UWF/UWA/DSU into their conference and make things harder?

[boyblue]

Those schools already won't agree to play VSU on an annual basis. What makes you think they would allow VSU/UWF/UWA/DSU into their conference and make things harder?

I believe you're right in terms of all of the other schools in the conference, I'm certain they'd want no part of us; but are you sure their big 3 schools try to avoid us? They only have two open dates now but both ASU and FVSU routeniely each play a couple of GSC teams every year. SSU played a few GSC teams when they came back to D2 but haven't done so in recent years, so I'm not sure what their attitude is toward GSC Teams. For now each team will have to fill their schedules as best they can unless the GSC goes to home and away games.

Crazy idea (blame Battle for Atlantis) What if, for the next few years each GSC school opens the year with a game against a team from a different conference? There are at least 10 conferences that have week 1 & 2 as open weeks. Another option would be to negotiate 20 games over two years. Each year, for the first two weeks, GSC teams would get a home game and an away game, all against teams from a single conference - taking on a Different conference every year?

[getnastyblazers]

I don’t see a great option; I hate the idea of playing each other twice but I’m not sure there is another option for the immediate future. I miss the days when we had the Arkansas schools.

[Eagle74]

I don’t see a great option; I hate the idea of playing each other twice but I’m not sure there is another option for the immediate future.

I haven't seen that since playing in Middle School.

Not really good at all for winning recruiting battles again programs with legit full Division 2 College Football schedules.

It may come down to setting up a long term scheduling alliance with another conference, or be prepared for some long distance games to be able to play enough games to qualify for the playoffs.

[canadarican]

I haven't seen that since playing in Middle School.

Not really good at all for winning recruiting battles again programs with legit full Division 2 College Football schedules.

It may come down to setting up a long term scheduling alliance with another conference, or be prepared for some long distance games to be able to play enough games to qualify for the playoffs.

Throw in the SAC will be at 11 next year, and everyone plays everyone. Meaning just 1 non conference game if some even schedule one (or can get one)