What is the Future of GSC Football?

[Eagle74]

If (or when) UWF makes a move, it will leave 3 Independent D2 Football Programs, which isn't all bad other than not playing for a conference championship and no longer having guaranteed scheduling opponents.

[ctrabs74]

[QUOTE=Predatory Primates;n936654]

The Gac could bring in Delta and NSU to balance it out. Then do East and West Divisions.

That would make the most sense. The problem is that the GAC seems way to stubborn to change at this point, but if the rumors of non-conference games being required for playoff consideration are true, then the GAC may have to bite the bullet and add Delta State and Northeastern State to the league (I don't think the MIAA would shed tears if NSU took all of their remaining sports to the GAC).

So, what's left? Valdosta and UWA to Conference Carolinas or the SAC as associate members in football? (Remember, the GSC has eight full members which don't sponsor football; presuming both the West Florida to FCS and Delta State to GAC moves play out, the GSC would still have those eight schools plus Valdosta and West Alabama to give them 10 full-time members in non-football sports.)

[UNALions]

For the immediate future, the three can technically be independents, still name a conference champion, maybe play each other twice? Scheduling is the most important factor. You need 8 D2 games and 9 overall to be eligible for the playoffs. And that’s all that matters.

Regardless of me wanting UWF to play in the ASUN/UAC, I’m a GSC die hard and I’m mad. I’m also disappointed. D2 has seen something similar before, however. The NCC with the Dakotas was once a dominant conference in D2 and then slowly died as members reclassified leaving the last few to seek an alternate conference.

This situation is a bit different because the GSC is a stable conference in all other sports. I think the remaining three can float a bit but that is obviously not ideal.

[Eagle74]

Hey, it's all going to work out one way or another, even if UWF makes a move and Delta State is picked up by the GAC. If it comes down to it, VSU and West Alabama could potentially play each other 3 times (or even 4) to fill their Independent schedules, with the winner of the two claiming the GSC championship 🏆.

[ctrabs74]

Hey, it's all going to work out one way or another, even if UWF makes a move and Delta State is picked up by the GAC. If it comes down to it, VSU and West Alabama could potentially play each other 3 times (or even 4) to fill their Independent schedules, with the winner of the two claiming the GSC championship 🏆.

Or, they can become affiliates in Conference Carolinas (to an extent, they already are with their scheduling agreement).

[Eagle74]

Or, they can become affiliates in Conference Carolinas (to an extent, they already are with their scheduling agreement).

I understand that is coming to an end after this season.

[UNALions]

Or, they can become affiliates in Conference Carolinas (to an extent, they already are with their scheduling agreement).

Other than the top two teams, their other five schools are pretty non-competitive. I doubt they want to keep playing GSC teams each season.

North Greenville	6-0	7-5
UNC Pembroke	5-1	8-3
Ferrum	3-3	4-7
Barton	3-3	3-8
Chowan	2-4	4-7
Shorter	1-5	2-9
Erskine	1-5	1-10

https://conferencecarolinas.com/stan...?standings=157

[Eagle74]

Conference Carolina finished their very first season (Football) this past year, and featured some fairly new football programs as it applies to Division 2. They have a number of coaches with winning traditions and I'm sure they're in the process of building what will be much stronger teams through recruitment and transfers.

If I recall UNA had and still is going through a transition phase. With that being said. I'm confident (and I hope) that the Lions will become stronger as time goes on.

[UNALions]

I’m sure your UNCP team and North Greenville are thrilled to be in that conference with the startups and Shorter! Other than the new conference autobid system kind of screwing them out of a playoff bid.

But, the point is that the GSC teams are not in transition and I just don’t see why those young CC programs would want to keep playing them. But, even CC has a lot of non conference games to schedule with only six guaranteed games. Maybe they will continue for scheduling purposes and it will benefit both.

UNA will either improve or not renew their coach after this season. So, either way, I am excited for whatever happens this next season especially in the brand new stadium. Change will come one way or another. It always does.

[Eagle74]

Talking about UNC Pembroke, I talked with my friend over there and he said back in the early days (10 to 14 years ago) when the Braves were an Independent and trying to fill their schedules, UNA and Valdosta State were the only GSC teams who would put them on their football schedules. He said he (and others) would never forget them stepping up and helping. 👍

[Rational Observer]

Talking about UNC Pembroke, I talked with my friend over there and he said back in the early days (10 to 14 years ago) when the Braves were an Independent and trying to fill their schedules, UNA and Valdosta State were the only GSC teams who would put them on their football schedules. He said he (and others) would never forget them stepping up and helping. 👍

Let's take a moment to marvel at how good Pete Shinnick has been at starting programs.

[Eagle74]

Let's take a moment to marvel at how good Pete Shinnick has been at starting programs.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Coach Shinnick's name show up in future conversations.

[Mule]

Official Statement from the Gulf South Conference regarding UWF’s move to D1 (on the GSCsports.org website):


BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Gulf South Conference supports the institutional goals of all its members. The GSC continues to be one of the premier conferences in Division II and is an aspirational home for many institutions within our region. With support from the Gulf South Conference Board of Directors, the Conference continues to evaluate potential membership opportunities.

The Conference acknowledges the challenges this latest Division I reclassification creates for GSC football-playing members. The conference has explored and continues to actively pursue traditional membership solutions and non-traditional partnerships to support GSC Football opportunities. Securing these opportunities has become more challenging in recent years as institutional aspirations and goals continue to evolve as part of a rapidly changing NCAA landscape and increasing financial pressures within higher education.

We appreciate the transparency that the University of West Florida has shown during this process. The institution has been a valued member of the Gulf South Conference for 32 years and leaves a lasting mark on the conference.


Translation: “We don’t have a clue as to what we can do at this point.”

[the Northeasterner]

[QUOTE=Predatory Primates;n936654]

The Gac could bring in Delta and NSU to balance it out. Then do East and West Divisions.

That would make sense but I don't think nsu adding qall the sports they are togo to gac. Unless they do a football affiliate. And I bet they would rather go do that in glvc