What do we do now? Will a four team conf be allowed to exist indefinitely

[boyblue]

There are no prospects on the horizon, but as long as we play nice with others, and by that I mean, we do not dominate Conference Carolinas, we should have a solid scheduling partner for the foreseeable future. If that falls away, what do we do? Do we go to home & home games to help fill out our schedules?

[Eagle74]

I really don't think you have to worry about playing nice and not dominating the Conference Carolina’s teams, as I have a feeling that moving forward you will find at least part of the teams as being very competitive foes. From what I know about some of their coaches, they are actually looking forward to these upcoming match-ups.
We shall see.

[Finchwidget]

To answer the question in the title, there's no reason a 4 team conference wouldn't be allowed to exist. The only thing that would happen is now that D2 has started using autobids, you'd lose out on access to that, but I have no doubt the GSC could consistently secure at-large bids if they keep performing at the level they historically have.

Schedule wise, if the GSC goes to a double round robin schedule and you keep up the alliance with Conference Carolinas, that leaves 3 non-conference games left, which wouldn't be so bad. CC is only at 7 teams right now, and I doubt they're relishing the thought of looking for 5 different non-conference games outside of the GSC. If they decide to keep expanding though, that could be trouble.

[baldereagle]

A league must have six members to receive an automatic bid for its champion. I think the GSC got a one or two year moratorium on that.

[boyblue]

I really don't think you have to worry about playing nice and not dominating the Conference Carolina’s teams, as I have a feeling that moving forward you will find at least part of the teams as being very competitive foes. From what I know about some of their coaches, they are actually looking forward to these upcoming match-ups.
We shall see.

That is good news, it's one thing to fill a schedule, have those games be compettitive is a welcome bonus, at least IMHO.

[boyblue]

To answer the question in the title, there's no reason a 4 team conference wouldn't be allowed to exist. The only thing that would happen is now that D2 has started using autobids, you'd lose out on access to that, but I have no doubt the GSC could consistently secure at-large bids if they keep performing at the level they historically have.

Schedule wise, if the GSC goes to a double round robin schedule and you keep up the alliance with Conference Carolinas, that leaves 3 non-conference games left, which wouldn't be so bad. CC is only at 7 teams right now, and I doubt they're relishing the thought of looking for 5 different non-conference games outside of the GSC. If they decide to keep expanding though, that could be trouble.

Unlike the GSC, Conference Carolinas covers an area where there are lot's of potential members, especially because they accept teams outside of the Carolinas, so there will likely come a time where the symbiotic relationship ceases. Good thing is we have time and 6 is not an impossible goal.

I know it's a longshot but I maintain that Albany State and Fort Valley State would be great additions to the GSC.

[Rational Observer]

I know it's a longshot but I maintain that Albany State and Fort Valley State would be great additions to the GSC.

LOL

[FormerCrusader#84]

A league must have six members to receive an automatic bid for its champion. I think the GSC got a one or two year moratorium on that.

I completely agree with this. I think the GSC will have to expand with new football members because getting at-large bids to the playoffs makes competing for championships more difficult. I also don't think it is a good strategy to assume that CC will not expand further. If they do, then the scheduling agreement changes or it may be done away with and being proactive is the smart move. I think UWF will be moving to FCS in the not too distant future and if that happens the GSC is going to be in a tough spot in terms of football. As mentioned above by boyblue, there are not a lot of options for expansion. Might have to look to some NAIA schools that currently have football (i.e., Reinhardt, Faulkner, Keiser, etc.).

[getnastyblazers]

Unlike the GSC, Conference Carolinas covers an area where there are lot's of potential members, especially because they accept teams outside of the Carolinas, so there will likely come a time where the symbiotic relationship ceases. Good thing is we have time and 6 is not an impossible goal.

I know it's a longshot but I maintain that Albany State and Fort Valley State would be great additions to the GSC.

There is a less than zero chance that ASU and FVSU are joining.

[Rational Observer]

There is a less than zero chance that ASU and FVSU are joining.

This. He's clueless.

[Rational Observer]

Might have to look to some NAIA schools that currently have football (i.e., Reinhardt, Faulkner, Keiser, etc.).

Those schools would have to have the desire and the money to make the move to the NCAA.

[Finchwidget]

Even if you put aside that Albany State and Fort Valley State are HBCUs and enjoy being in an HBCU league, consider that the SIAC is not one of the stronger D2 leagues, and that ASU and FVSU tend to finish in the upper half of the standings there year after year. If the goal is to make it to the playoffs, why would they make the move to the GSC when they're far better positioned to do that where they are now?

[Buffalo/Islander Alum]

Might be a long shot on both fronts but for all of this to work would be for the rumor of an all Oklahoma Conference to be created and then the 4 remaining teams in the GSC go to the GAC.

[Rational Observer]

Might be a long shot on both fronts but for all of this to work would be for the rumor of an all Oklahoma Conference to be created and then the 4 remaining teams in the GSC go to the GAC.

The OK legislature called for a study on an all OK conference. It didn't mandate one as some have claimed.

[Rational Observer]

Even if you put aside that Albany State and Fort Valley State are HBCUs and enjoy being in an HBCU league, consider that the SIAC is not one of the stronger D2 leagues, and that ASU and FVSU tend to finish in the upper half of the standings there year after year. If the goal is to make it to the playoffs, why would they make the move to the GSC when they're far better positioned to do that where they are now?

He's posted such nonsense previously. Last season, he posted about ASU and FVSU not being part of the University System of Georgia in 1980s.. They've been USG members since 1931. He also suggested that the state should force ASU and FVSU to leave the SIAC for the GSC. Could you imagine the political fallout of the legislator who introduced such a bill?