A heartening argument for UConn fans

[asuwish]

Today Matt Norlander (LINK) wrote a piece on UConn as it related to the Louisville invitation to the ACC, and made a good point on why the ACC choose Louisville over UConn. First he argued that the SEC, B1G, and PAC12 were the power conferences, in that they pretty much get what they want when it comes to expanding their conferences. Thus the ACC is competing with the Big 12 for members, with the Big East obviously losing out to both the ACC and Big 12. So if you're the ACC and you're worried about the Big 12, it makes sense that you snag Louisville first, as they would probably seem more desirable to the Big 12 than UConn. Now that the ACC has Louisville (and that big exit fee to keep from jumping to the Big 12 if/when that offer comes), you can invite UConn later, as the Big 12 probably is not as high on UConn for geographic or football reasons.

Anyway, there is another reason to check out the article, as the picture accompanying the article shows UConn women's basketball. I thought that was pretty cool! Anyway, I hope the Huskies get invited soon, as it would clearly make the ACC the PREMIERE WCBB conference. Improve that football team and your hand will be strengthened. It's not like the ACC is very special in football anyway.

Uconn could be very attractive to the Big 10 because along with Rutgers, it puts a strangle hold the new york market. I read Rutgers (which has never won anything in any major sport and who is basically ignored in New York got the call to the Big 10 because it would help force the new york cable market to take on the big 10 network, and bring it more dollars. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE CASH. The Big 10 network has helped the schools gain about a 50 million dollar payout, where the ACC is in the twenty's, and the big east is less. Uconn becomes attractive because of fairfield county and our TV market htfd, new haven Springfield, is in the 40's. Since very few sports actually generate money Uconn woman's bball can raise the profile of a money generating sport with it's SNY contract, ESPN games, and large crowds that see them play. Many Big East schools improved in WCBB because of Uconn, the Big 10 would rise as well. You may love the Big East but Uconn, like everyone else either follows the money or falls by the wayside. Look at the former WCBB powers: Old Dominion, and La Tech and where they are now. Uconn jumps at the Big 10 and like Indiana is willing to be a football doormat in order to maintain basketball, and the big paycheck.