New Article - Boren Speaks

[mavblues]

David Boren says he'll put feelings aside for sake of facts over Big 12's future

“We have another consulting group looking at all these schools — 80, 50, it’s a large number — all the schools that might be available. … How do they rank academically? What’s their research base? Then we want to look at its athletic reputation. What are its strengths, traditions and fan base? Would it add or dilute our athletic strength? Then you add the question of media markets. Are these schools in places that increase the interest in the Big 12 and the viewing audience?”

 

[Dooley]

Sure sounds like he is in the UConn camp.

 

[Tenspro2002]

Sure sounds like he is in the UConn camp.

"academically"
"research base"
"athletic reputation"
"athletic strength"
"media markets"
"viewing audience"

He's basically repeating our own marketing lines. No mention of "football" or "geographic fit".

 

[Dooley]

"academically"
"research base"
"athletic reputation"
"athletic strength"
"media markets"
"viewing audience"

He's basically repeating our own marketing lines. No mention of "football" or "geographic fit".

Exactly. If there is anyone in the Big 12 that you want to see/hear/read is thinking about the big picture, it's this guy and anyone from Texas.

 

[dwalks93]

This is a really positive article. This is exactly the standards UConn wants.

A pure metrics driven approach significantly favors UConn especially when the above metrics are areas UConn excels in. It almost insures either the Big12 expands and includes UConn or there is no Big12 expansion at all. What we really don't want is the AAC getting looted and losing schools like Cincy, UCF or Memphis while we are bypassed for a "better cultural fit", football cache, or based on the personal relationship of the school president.

While it might be a kick in the bean bag if the Big12 doesn't expand now that almost certainly insures the Big12 will implode and likely before the GORs expire. No expansion means Big12 programs will start moving toward the P4 lifeboats when they have an opportunity and there are likely are not enough seats for everyone.

If the Big12 uses the above metrics UConn probably wins either way.

 

[Athlete94]

One thing that's not mentioned is the amount of available car washes per sq mile. UCONN wins hands down.

 

[sportsart]

One thing that's not mentioned is the amount of available car washes per sq mile. UCONN wins hands down.

Time for your act to end. It's gone from entertaining to douchy.

 

[djct1999]

One thing that's not mentioned is the amount of available car washes per sq mile. UCONN wins hands down.

At this point, we need two things to happen. First, you have to be right. Second, we need a selfie at said car wash with said WF booster. You do that, the only thing that remains is Boneyard lore. I am rooting for you Athlete94!

 

[djct1999]

Exactly. If there is anyone in the Big 12 that you want to see/hear/read is thinking about the big picture, it's this guy and anyone from Texas.

Agreed. But, Dooley, are you really surprised? Despite the narrative from ill informed bloggers with imaginary sources, what we know is this:
The Big 12 needs a network to survive long term. For a network, the Big 12 needs to expand. There is only one obvious choice. The expansion/realignment landscape has changed over the course of the past 6 years. Thank Delaney and Rutgers for that. As a result, contrary to some who devalue UConn for being left behind, this new model makes The University of Connecticut not only the most valuable G5 school, but even more valuable than probably half of the existing P5 schools, including some who were picked in front of us when this game of musical chairs even started.

 

[CL82]

“My hunch is a Big 12 network will be advantageous to everybody in the conference,” Boren said. “But my hunch might be wrong. You have to let the facts change your mind.”
...
As Boren sees it, a league-wide media network is the most pressing issue at stake when discussing the Big 12’s viability, short- or long term. Come to an agreement over a network, you can start attacking issues Nos. 2 and 3 — expansion and the reinstatement of a football championship.
...
Would OU be willing to fold its $5 million third-tier deal with FOX into a league-wide network? It depends on the data. “If it’s a lot of money, it’s worth Texas and OU losing their $15 million a year or $5 million a year,” Boren said. “If we did something, you’ve got to make Texas financially whole. You can’t expect them to give up $15 million, or us to even give up $5 million, unless we’re compensated for that. Some way, the conference has to get that $15 million back to them.”
...
“The old saying is, ‘Don’t hold your ticket ’til the show’s over.’ I think we, at times, did that. I want to make sure the Big 12 doesn’t ever do that again.”

Extremely positive, if you are a UConn fan. The primary focus is on a network, which plays to our many strengths. So if seems like $20M comes off the top before equal shares. That makes the numbers challenging. The last quote may be the most important. Boren does want to drag his feet and lose the best properties out there. Based upon metrics, I truly believe that we are the #1 option.