A case for football independence

[ConnHuskBask]

UConn07, you're just embarrassing yourself with your sheer ignorance on the situation. It's painfulreally how clueless you are about where things stand. Nelson atleast has an excuse that he's a UConn fan that just likes to rile people up on a message board.

Why we couldn't schedule as an Indy is beyond obvious to anyone with a half functioning brain.

A) None of our regional rivals will schedule UConn.
B) The power conferences are moving towards 9 game conference schedules.
C) We would lose any national exposure for the football program.
D) We would have no bowl tie-ins.
E) We at best would have 4 or 5 home games a season.
F) We would have to whore ourself out for contact games vs. SEC/B1G with no return dates to The Rent.
G) We don't have an invite to the New Catholic Big East. If we did someone gather an invite I guarantee it would include a long term grant of rights.

So, that is 7 good reasons why we have to stay where we are until we hopefully go somewhere what.

 

[The Funster]

I don't see how an independent can schedule 12 games when conferences are looking to schedule more conference games. I happen to like the concept that we can forge a strong rivalry with UMass. However, that is borne out of a desire to stick to BC rather than borne out of any belief that it will actually happen. I'm completely unwilling to fabricate an entire conference realignment scenario out of it.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

Notre Dame is as likely to play 6 acc games a year as UConn is to play in the Big 10. Notre Dame will probably play 4 a year, 2 of which are Pitt and BCU. The other 2 would be opponents of Notre Dame's choice, on a best efforts basis, and in November when it is hardest for ND schedule opponents.

The football program is more likely to be shutdown by joining the A12 than it would be by going independent. Shutting football down is on the table whether we want it to be or not. UConn needs to be in a situation where a) the school is as attractive to other leagues as possible, and b) the damage to the other programs from shutting down the football program is minimized.

 

[UConn07]

UConn07, you're just embarrassing yourself with your sheer ignorance on the situation. It's painfulreally how clueless you are about where things stand. Nelson atleast has an excuse that he's a UConn fan that just likes to rile people up on a message board.

Why we couldn't schedule as an Indy is beyond obvious to anyone with a half functioning brain.

A) None of our regional rivals will schedule UConn.
B) The power conferences are moving towards 9 game conference schedules.
C) We would lose any national exposure for the football program.
D) We would have no bowl tie-ins.
E) We at best would have 4 or 5 home games a season.
F) We would have to whore ourself out for contact games vs. SEC/B1G with no return dates to The Rent.
G) We don't have an invite to the New Catholic Big East. If we did someone gather an invite I guarantee it would include a long term grant of rights.

So, that is 7 good reasons why we have to stay where we are until we hopefully go somewhere what.

Let's touch each of your 7 reasons one at a time:
A. We are working on a deal with BC.
B. The power conferences are moving to a 9 game conference schedule, which means 25% of every schools schedule in college football is open.
C. Not true. Games against Notre Dame, Tennessee, Michigan & BYU will be broadcast nationally. Additional games against BCS level opponents will be on national television. In fact, as a member of the Big East in 2012, I believe only 1 game was televised nationally and that was Syracuse on a Friday night.
D. If we don't win games, we won't be considered either. If we beat up solid opponents and consistently win, bowls will come. If we win in a mediocre conference, we will play in a mediocre bowl. The goal in this day and age is to get to the playoff. Games against Tulane will not do that. Games against Notre Dame and BYU will.
E. So we only have 5 home games and 1 either in Foxboro or the Meadowlands. I'd rather be playing quality opponents more often, than play teams that will draw 20,000 for 6 home games a year.
F. Go schedule a neutral site one and done. Go schedule a pay day at Texas or Florida. These games will prove your C wrong as they would be televised nationally.
G. If the new catholic Big East sees we are trying to fit in to their type of league, I believe an offer would come. It increases the strength of their conference across the board. More positives than negatives in adding UConn, plus they get exit fee rev when UConn inevitably leaves and they can then add another bball only school.

I guess I just embarrassed myself more...

 

[Carl Spackler]

Why? I have not heard 1 reason why putting a schedule together would be impossible. Not one.

I'm going to go ahead and assume naivety here, rather than the alternatives, which arent polite.

Independance, in division 1-A football is the subject here. To maintain independant status is not impossible, I agree. But it is completely unrealistic for UCONN.

The regular season scheduling is difficult, building a balanced schedule from september to late november of home and road games, with good competition level, giving you a chance to win games. High degree of difficulty to get a decent schedule. BYU, Notre Dame, Army and Navy, and for now I think Idaho and New Mexico or something are the ONLY independants. You can look at their schedules to get an idea of what it would like to be associated with them.

It was difficult in the past two decades to regular season schedule as an independant, and is only getting more difficult with conference expansion and conference schedules going tonine conference games, leaving only 3 OOC slots open. You can't play 12 games in september. 25 years ago,though, it wasn't that difficult to be independant. Outside the Big 10, and Pac 10, and the SWC - independance, was the norm among large 1-A football programs. There were at least 30 independants in 1-A football in 1989, I think there were actually 34 or 35 if memory serves.

So what changed? THe college football POST season is what changed. Scheduling for the POST season is what makes independance an unrealistic option for UCONN. That's where the college football money is really locked up, in the bowl season. We had acccess to it with the BIg East - got the golden ticket 15 years ago. That was taken away this spring. We are now on the low end of the revenue sharing in the post season. Get it? The difficulty with independance is maintaining access to the college football post season. While regular season scheduling is a pain in the ass, it's nothing compared to getting shut out of the post season. Army and Navy have their bowl tie ins, that aren't going anywhere, and Notre Dame, the post season leech, has changed hosts from the Big East, to the ACC. BYU, has an entire religion following them, and that helps them get their ticket to post season. The others are in trouble, if you are not conference affiliated.

 

[BHusky]

UConn will never shut down the football program or go independent. Some of these ideas are just crazy.

Only a small amount of FBS football teams are profitable (UConn is one with just under $2M of profit) and nearly all FCS teams are unprofitable. Most schools look at this as an advertising expense and if they break even or lose money on football the possible exposure they get is worth while. If schools like Ohio, Buffalo and Akron can maintain a FBS football program, then we can too. Our athletic department dwarfs theirs even if we take a hit in status based on the new conference.

Look at the schools who are independent. Army, Navy, ND and BYU. Add in UConn and "one of those things it's not like the other". Every team likes to schedule a military school because they are a huge draw nationally. ND is ND and BYU has a pretty rich football tradition, their own syndicated broadcasting network they thought about leveraging for football and a religious niche. None of which we can compete. And even with that it was a big deal for them to make this move 2 years ago.

 

[Jarhead_1775]

G. If the new catholic Big East sees we are trying to fit in to their type of league, I believe an offer would come. It increases the strength of their conference across the board. More positives than negatives in adding UConn, plus they get exit fee rev when UConn inevitably leaves and they can then add another bball only school.

Great so now were "hoping" for an invite from the c()nty 7? FML.

 

[Carl Spackler]

I look forward to the first time, that Florida State, or North Carolina, or Clemson, are faced with the issue of losing a desireable, and deserved bowl appearance, to a 6-6 Notre Dame team.

This is not a change of subject, that sentence I just wrote, is 100% entirely, about what it means to be independant in 1-A football, and why it's completely unrealistic for UConn to pursue football independance.

If the structure of the post season changes dramatically, and it might, who knows - then the discussion, while still quite a long shot, could possibly have some merit. For now - this entire course of thinking needs to be "poofed". IMNSHO.

 

[Excalibur]

Notre Dame is as likely to play 6 acc games a year as UConn is to play in the Big 10. Notre Dame will probably play 4 a year, 2 of which are Pitt and BCU. The other 2 would be opponents of Notre Dame's choice, on a best efforts basis, and in November when it is hardest for ND schedule opponents.

The football program is more likely to be shutdown by joining the A12 than it would be by going independent. Shutting football down is on the table whether we want it to be or not. UConn needs to be in a situation where a) the school is as attractive to other leagues as possible, and b) the damage to the other programs from shutting down the football program is minimized.

Question: Do you believe that the C7 (1) will take us now and (2) would refuse to take us in 2-3 years?

 

[ZooCougar]

LOL - it's an awful date why exactly? We open up the year against a solid team, on national television. AT HOME. What is wrong with you people? The return game is in November. Why is that a big deal? Because it will hurt a conference coming along at some point? Ridiculous. In case you weren't aware, we are currently IN a conference and this conference will schedule around our game at BYU.

You obviously don't know much about college football.

 

[Adios]

Charlotte is leaving the A-10 for the C-USA. OH NOES!!! Seriously, some of you need to get a grip of reality. If the emos here were leading the school, we'd be headed for the NEC.

 

[ZooCougar]

Agreed, Nelson. Most people on this board are in denial. The America 12 is unsustainable for many different reasons. If UConn has the misfortune of being affiliated with this cesspool for more than 3 years, one of three things absolutley will have to occur. A) the football program will have to go independent B) the football program will have to shut down and basketball programs can realign C) UConn can die an ugly death
Repeat, the America 12 is unsustainable long term for an elite and/or profitable athletic program in ANY sport.

If America 12 is unsustainable, then independence is a total death sentence.

Here is the decision tree regarding independence. 1. Are we Notre Dame?, If no check and see if we are a Service Academy. If that answer is also no, then don't go independent. It's really that simple.

If you guys think our new bowl affiliations will suck, get ready for no bowl affiliations.

No bowl out there is going to sign us up in alliance, we would have to create our own like Boise did with the Humanitarian Bowl, AND THEY WERE IN A CONFERENCE.

 

[zls44]

ND is not going to schedule UConn in football while an associate member of the ACC.

Ever.

That ship has permanently sailed.

 

[noeynox]

The exit fee money is probably the best thing to happen to our athletics Since the national championship, and some want to walk away from that for the honor of playing bball with the c7.

 

[ZooCougar]

The exit fee money is probably the best thing to happen to our athletics Since the national championship, and some want to walk away from that for the honor of playing bball with the c7.

A conference that we aren't even welcome in.

nuke this thread please. The premise is ridiculous. It's not even fun in an absurd way like the SEC threads were last week.

 

[Jarhead_1775]

The bottom line is that going with the C7 would lock us in terminally to mid major status. GOR is a guarantee if we would even be thought of to prevent us from leaving, which we would totally bail on them for anything else. Staying in A12 gives us the not even probability, but eventuality that things are going to continue to change and I do believe we will be better off in the long run. Your proposal isn't even a short run gain! While we sit tight, we are collecting 20 something million for being patient in a league that is no worse than the c7. Will I miss playing Georgetown? Sure. Marquette and Nova? Maybe. The rest of it? Not so much.

 

[HuskyHawk]

We cannot go independent. The reasons given by others are clear and compelling. The league not to be named the A12 is mediocre, but not atrocious in all respects. Had we been given the opportunity to play football, perhaps with Cinci, in either the league we are in now or the MWC, while taking Hoops and everything else to the soon to be Big East, that would be preferable. I assume it was not an option.

Now can we please resume reality? Namely: (1) this is our conference, let's at least try to dominate it in every way we can, and in every sport; (2) we fans need to stick with the team(s) and support them regardless of conference affiliation; and (3) let's get the hell out of this confernce as soon as possible.

 

[noeynox]

A conference that we aren't even welcome in.

nuke this thread please. The premise is ridiculous. It's not even fun in an absurd way like the SEC threads were last week.

Here is the thing, I like Nelson, but he was one of the most outspoken anti Big East splitting proponents there was. Now that the c7 has left us, he proposes we beg them for inclusion even though their comments when leaving clearly indicate were not welcome. The only conclusion I can come to is that he REALLY likes those games against c7 opposition.

 

[ZooCougar]

We cannot go independent. The reasons given by others are clear and compelling. The league not to be named the A12 is mediocre, but not atrocious in all respects. Had we been given the opportunity to play football, perhaps with Cinci, in either the league we are in now or the MWC, while taking Hoops and everything else to the soon to be Big East, that would be preferable. I assume it was not an option.

Now can we please resume reality? Namely: (1) this is our conference, let's at least try to dominate it in every way we can, and in every sport; (2) we fans need to stick with the team(s) and support them regardless of conference affiliation; and (3) let's get the hell out of this confernce as soon as possible.

There are only two people who appear to be out of touch with reality. The rest of us are on the same (correct) wavelength.

 

[The Funster]

FWIW, nelson doesn't make a case in the OP as much as he gives us a bunch of opinions.

 

[UCFBfan]

We're not invited. That's the only valid statement you need.

THIS!! Has anyone read ANYTHING about the C7 break and it's reason? They want to be a bball first conference and don't want to deal with FBS football. The SI article (sorry no link) that was in the recent magazine was clear as day about that. The Big East does not want a school that would even remotely have the chance to leave. They want the main focus to be on basketball and if you have a FBS program you know where the money is and bball is not it. Why would the Big East take UConn when they know that we'd bail if the ACC called (and we would, no matter what schools remained if they were raided)

The premise of this whole thread is based on a faulty hope. The Big East has said their goal and we don't fit that. So knock this crap off, accept our current situation, and move on. Jeez!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[ZooCougar]

Hey guys, maybe UConn can join the League of Nations and the USFL too.

 

[CTMike]

I love how the same people that look at the A-12 (or even having a passing thought at the B1G or ACC) as "unrealistic" suddenly think it's entirely reasonable to schedule an independent football slate just because you say it's doable. Saying that ND would schedule a long term series with us does not make it so, any more than a thread about the B1G makes us a member. It's just different types of delusion.

Until the MD exit fee is settled (at which time hopefully there is more expansion, possibly further ACC departures) our best position is to: continue to pretty our resume, and wait and see. The problem with insane threads like this one and the last one is that you are content to fold before all the cards are dealt.

 

[HuskyHawk]

THIS!! Has anyone read ANYTHING about the C7 break and it's reason? They want to be a bball first conference and don't want to deal with FBS football. The SI article (sorry no link) that was in the recent magazine was clear as day about that. The Big East does not want a school that would even remotely have the chance to leave. They want the main focus to be on basketball and if you have a FBS program you know where the money is and bball is not it. Why would the Big East take UConn when they know that we'd bail if the ACC called (and we would, no matter what schools remained if they were raided)

The premise of this whole thread is based on a faulty hope. The Big East has said their goal and we don't fit that. So knock this crap off, accept our current situation, and move on. Jeez!

Exactly. And before we bemoan the permanence of our fate, consider that the Metro conference one contained, U South Carolina, FSU, GT, VT, and Louisville along with some other of our current conference mates in Cinci, USF (briefly) Tulane and Memphis. This new league is a step backward, but not the kiss of death. Empty seats and losing records while playing in this league...that will be the kiss of death.

I understand the attraction of independence...it screams "we're too good to be in a league with those unworthy savages". We all feel that. Well there is a better way to make that point. Kick the ever loving snot of them, every day. Out recruit, out work, out play, out attend and out spend them. It won't go unoticed. Apathy is our enemy at the moment; we cannot let it drag us down or this is the league we will deserve.

 

[uc1974]

Any of you rolling with Nelson on this have no patience. I'm not surprised since it is not something many people exhibit these days. I might suggest we go with what we have for a couple of years and see what develops rather that the run about scream and shout message. Conference changes are still to come. Money is fine for now and the major sports scheduling is OK. This all reminds me of Whaler games back when--the home team would be trailing and the screams of "do something" or "hit him" would rise from some in the crowd. Sometimes you just gotta cool it--like now. When I served in VN guys like Nelson were always pushing to do something after a bad event. Sometimes, you just shouldn't else you just make it worse.

 

[RS9999X]

The Atlantis-12 is a risk adverse decision allowing UConn more time to assess alternatives. Ruling out Independence without performing due diligence over the next couple years and watching the landscape? The media consultants need to earn some money too!

 

[uconn_jack]

Ugh! Stop engaging Nelson on this asinine topic and maybe it will go away!

There's no reasoning with crazy......

 

[Matt (Chicago)]

Charlotte is leaving the A-10 for the C-USA. OH NOES!!! Seriously, some of you need to get a grip of reality. If the emos here were leading the school, we'd be headed for the NEC.

what do you mean the emos?

 

[Waquoit]

The Atlantis-12 is a risk adverse decision allowing UConn more time to assess alternatives. Ruling out Independence without performing due diligence over the next couple years and watching the landscape?

I agree. Going indy would be like jumping out of the lifeboat because it doesn't have a bar. Staying in the boat is a death sentence true, but it gives you more time for a rescue.

 

[freescooter]

there is no case for independence that can be made. Unless you want to play a schedule loaded down with MAC and other independents. Maybe we could get 3 BCS games, 2 away and 1 home. Assume we can do that. Plus assume we do a long term deal with BYU. Aside from Notre Dame, the other independents leave just a bit to be desired. Army, Idaho, New Mexico State. Assuming the Cadets don't take our spot in the A-12 with Navy. Lots of potential for long term deals with Buffalo, Western Michigan, Kent State, Akron...So our 2018 schedule looks something like:
Fordham, @ACC, @B-12, Buffalo, ACC @Temple, @Army, New Mexico State, Kent State, @East Carolina, Idaho, @BYU. And that assumes you could get games with 2 ACCs and a B-12 team. I'm not sure you could. And it assumes you are looking to travel way west for a late season game with another indy and that they would travel east for one. That is when they have trouble scheduling, too.