I don't post often, and I can't imagine that this particular comment is going to be popular, given what I'm reading.
I'm amazed reading how some are so optimistic/hopeful that North Texas is going to be picked up by C-USA or some big conference. I have a hard time figuring out why a big conference would want North Texas to begin with. I also have a hard time figuring out why some on this forum look down on schools like UTSA or Texas State. What's so wrong with creating a regional conference with up-and-coming programs like those?
I attended, and graduated from, North Texas at a time when it was in I-AA... and there were some good, well-attended rivalry (yes, rivalry) games when NT was in the Southland Conference. I remember in Matt Simon's first-year, a Southland Conference championship and playoff year, bringing in Montana (I think it was)... which was a highly-ranked team in I-AA that year, a game North Texas lost at the very end. I seem to remember a big and boisterous crowd at that game, too. That was a fun game that meant something in terms of national rankings.
The new stadium's great, I'm sure... we won't be traveling to Denton until the December 3 game against MTSU... I'm sure it's first class. But the program needs to take baby-steps and set realistic goals. Jumping from the Sun Belt to a big conference after nearly a decade of poor seasons ain't gonna' happen.
Why not set up a Texas-style version of the Mid-America Conference, which has away games that can be made by a relatively short car drive? Who wouldn't mind going to San Antonio every other year?
I wouldn't be surprised, either, if UT-Arlington brings football back in the not-too-distant future. That could be a natural rival.
I love North Texas football... but guys, we're not going to be competing for a national championship anytime soon. I hope the powers that be would create a regional conference that makes sense. This spread out Sun Belt thing is a drag... and so would us joining any one of the others some are wishing for.
Just one man's thoughts.