xbear83 wrote:
TAW22 wrote:
Crazy to me how much our conference gets devalued and decried by folks from other conferences. Middle of the road CAA team is being argued to be on the same level as an SLC champion UCA team from what I’ve seen posted on different forums. Granted, all playoff games are tough and UNH is obviously a good team and has consistently really strong program over the years. But it does kinda piss me off how devalued we are as a conference.
In my opinion, A strong Missouri Valley Confernce and East Coast bias leads to much of the devaluation, however SHSU getting pounded in recent playoff appearances (it seems they get no credit for deep runs) plus a 9 team league means the Southland doesn't play many out of conference games to compare against. Finally, UIW, Houston Baptist, Northwestern, Lamar and ACU's won loss records have added little to our perception across the country. Hard to say those teams aren't weak. I do believe that UCA and McNeese are building models that will compete on a national level. Strong, hard nosed physical offenses and defenses, good coaching plus depth and balance. I also have a belief that ACU will soon be a force again due to good coaching, strong financial support and a rich tradition, plus Nicholls is improving. Hopefully, both the Bears and Bearkats will make a deep run this year. That would help the Southland's strength perception more than anything.
I agree totally...I'm still confused as to why HBU and UIW were invited to join
the Southland Conference. They are obviously in large markets, Houston and
San Antonio but they are private institutions who started football programs from
scratch and seem to get very little fan support to say the least.
Lamar has no excuse...located in Beaumont Tx...a good Frisbee toss from
Houston, should be able to recruit and have a stable program.
Northwestern State and SFA seem to be up and down like a rollercoaster...
always have very good athletes but can't quite seem to find consistency.
McNeese, SELA, Sam and UCA have performed at a high level for a long time
and Nicholls is not far behind.
McNeese got the ROYAL SHAFT this year by being excluded from the playoffs...
very good team...especially on defense.
I have little doubt that the MVC is the best conf. from top to bottom...but the
gap is closing in my opinion.