I would counter that point by saying it opens us up to a tremendous risk of getting left out of a P4-only basketball tournament if we drop football...but we're already on the outside looking in so who cares at this point
The issue with this is if the P4 form a new Division 1 and the Big East gets culled, it’s over. Having a football program gives us a chance to remain on the right side of the fence.
True but I see that as such a tiny almost nonexistent chance. I see the Big 10 and SEC breaking off as a pretty significant chance of happening.
Sadly, this is not an if but a when scenario. And UConn is on the wrong side of the fence.
The other issue is that unlike UMass or URI, people do actually care about UConn football: we average 25-27k a game.
I care about UConn football but if it meant getting rid of it to save UConn basketball and keeping UConn basketball at the top I would cut it in the next 5 minutes.
Maybe now we'll reclaim our dignity. Fool me once....
Not delayed, its dead (at least for UConn) Mora had one shot at glory and it ended 50-7. As unrealistic as a win was, that was the shot to change minds. Instead, it hardened positions and turned those Big 12 schools that were on the fence into opponents. To me this move is a stall by the Big 12 until more attractive schools (in their minds) shake loose. I never liked adding non-football playing Gonzaga.
No, we cannot. We need to be invited and that hasn't happened.
The Big 12 presidents are basing it on football, it would be nice if we could show a pulse in that sport instead of getting slaughtered.
Why would they want to dilute their share? They’d rather destroy competition than foster it.
I agree, but do you think a 42-20 loss suddenly gets us an invite? I agree they'll want to see a pulse, but I think that's gonna have to be a couple of bowl games, not a close loss in a single game
Other than possibly getting some potatoes that the dairy bar can turn into a unique-flavored ice cream, none. ^_^
Why?
Which is what should have already happened. Unfortunately, the ACC decision makers seem to be even less astute than the Big XII decision makers.
95% of UConn fans do not care about football. The fact we average 25,000 a game is proof of that, not proof a lot of the fanbase cares. For half the people that show up to the games, it’s a fun way to kill a Saturday afternoon in the fall with family and friends. It’s not to watch the product.
The subtext is screaming “best get comfy, we’re not going anywhere”
That expansion by the ACC last year was a pure panic move by all parties.
AI written?Dave Benedict just sent an email advising the Big 12 is pausing expansion.
Dear UConn Nation,
As you know, it’s been both an exciting and turbulent time in college athletics over the past few years. With the emergence of NIL and the transfer portal, the landscape has changed dramatically. Further, conference realignment has significantly blurred the national panorama.
Undoubtedly, many of you have followed recent media reports about the Big 12’s renewed interest in UConn as a conference member. It is always our objective to put UConn in the very best position for future success, so we did engage in exploratory dialogue with the Big 12. Ultimately, the Big 12 determined that it will pause on conversations about membership expansion.
I encourage all who care deeply about the Huskies to pause and reflect. Certainly, it is flattering to be courted; it says a lot about UConn and what others think of us. Further, we have enjoyed tremendous success since our return to the BIG EAST in 2020, which has included 36 conference championships (across all conferences in which we are affiliated) and, of course, our back-to-back NCAA men’s basketball titles.
No matter our conference home, our mission has been, and will always be, to provide an exceptional academic and athletic experience to the outstanding young men and women who proudly wear the UConn uniform. It is our North Star, and we must never forget the shining principle which guides our everyday work.
Let’s celebrate who we are and be proud of our greatness. We will push forward, stay grounded in what drives us, and demonstrate our ability to be highly successful in every one of our 21 varsity sports. We will stay focused on achievement in everything we do. And we will continue to position UConn as one of the nation’s premier brands. Your ongoing support, both emotionally and financially, remains critical to ensuring a bright future and maintaining the championship tradition which defines UConn Athletics.
Thank you for your dedication to our nearly 600 student-athletes. Go Huskies!
Sincerely,
David Benedict
Director of Athletics
Seems like AD DB is working hard to put us in a better position, but the fans are fighting it all the way.
I agree but the football program hasn't exactly been trending in the right direction for awhile. If they were highly competitive - albeit at the FCS level - I wonder if that would be better than what we have now. Not suggesting that's the answer, just spit balling and curious what others think about it. They're gonna do what they're gonna do regardless, but it's interesting to think of alternatives.
