Football wise, Syracuse, BC, and Pitt got gifts being picked up by the ACC. UConn will have to earn its way into college football success. I think we'd all like an invite to the ACC; if the ACC falls apart like Dan fears then we could put together a new conference at that time, if that was the best approach. Boise / Houston / SMU / USF / UCF will still be around. UConn is a big enough brand that every second-tier conference will want us, and Rutgers is in the same boat, so there would be a local partner/rival.
If we have to work our way up from a less respected conference, that's what we'll do. The more obstacles to overcome, the more glory in the achievement.
I think the Big Ten makes more sense than most think, UConn/Rutgers would provide access to major northeast TV markets for the Big Ten brands and wouldn't water down the football product much since the Big Ten has plenty of weaker programs already (Purdue, Indiana, Minnesota, need I go on?). The more this becomes about TV money and less about tradition, the better our chance of getting an invite.
The key for now is to play competitive football despite the recruiting disadvantages.
