When asked about how Liberty is viewed by institutions at the FBS level, a Flames Nation source who is a current employee of a Conference USA athletic department had this to say this morning…
“Liberty is sort of seen as nouveau riche (new money) in higher education circles right now. What’s worse for them is that they have made their money in a way that a lot of academic types and higher education officials look down their noses at (referring to online education). That coupled with the political stigma associated with the school is really working against them.”
Now granted, this is one person’s words, and he surely does not speak for everyone. However, if this is at all accurate in how we are seen during our pursuit of an FBS invitation, it is a difficult pill to swallow.
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This comment sounds very accurate to me. My guess is that it voices the feelings of many in secular university circles when it comes to the thought of inviting Liberty to their conference. Obviously, it extends beyond athletics. All things being equal, I think LU would have problems finding acceptance even in Ronald Reagan’s America, much less in the current unfavorable climate toward people of faith today. For example, for secular institutions in which “diversity” is the end all, be all, any anti-LGBT stance is almost a certain deal breaker, in my estimation.
LU will find itself in the FBS one day, but I think it will be after several more seasons of athletic success and institutional growth. At that point, LU won’t be just knocking on the door; it will be kicking it in. There is nothing as impressive as excellence and success and LU will need much of both to help the more open-minded to overcome their biases. For others, I doubt LU could ever win them over.
Jerry, Jr. said that Liberty is prepared to be patient to develop a winning program once it is accepted to a FBS conference. I think the need for patience will be more pre-invitation than post-invitation. God is blessing LU and it just might take some more time for others in the NCAA to recognize this fact and want to link themselves formally with the school.