Big East Says It's Going to 12(!!) football schools

[ConnHuskBask]

False.

We were negotiating a killer TV contract and Pitt and Cuse left anyway. There aren't 4 schools out there that could have kept Pitt/Cuse in the Big East. There's one, but they aren't an option.

+1

 

[upstater]

I think you all are setting yourselves up for disappointment. Given the fact that the B12 is still unsettled, it's a lot more likely that the BE will proceed cautiously and invite 2 teams, a max of 3, for now. They'll wait at least until the dust is settled to move beyond that. The last thing the BE wants right now is to take a western team that then jumps to the Big12 after Missouri leaving.

 

[HarryAGampel]

I wish we could add the 3 Academies (Army, Navy, Air Force) and BYU as football only members. Basketball won't get out of hand and we can have an opt out clause if the Big East does dissolve (aka UConn gets an invite to the ACC). That gives 10 football teams and the new four come in with a definite following. Additionally traveling partners would be UC-Rut, Cinci-L-ville, WVU-USF, Army-Navy, -BYU. This seems ideal but i know it won't happen.

 

[uconNYC]

I wish we could add the 3 Academies (Army, Navy, Air Force) and BYU as football only members. Basketball won't get out of hand and we can have an opt out clause if the Big East does dissolve (aka UConn gets an invite to the ACC). That gives 10 football teams and the new four come in with a definite following. Additionally traveling partners would be UC-Rut, Cinci-L-ville, WVU-USF, Army-Navy, -BYU. This seems ideal but i know it won't happen.

Temple and ECU would easily agree to Basketball only as well. UCF might be the only school adamant about all sports.

 

[BlueMAB]

I think you all are setting yourselves up for disappointment. Given the fact that the B12 is still unsettled, it's a lot more likely that the BE will proceed cautiously and invite 2 teams, a max of 3, for now. They'll wait at least until the dust is settled to move beyond that. The last thing the BE wants right now is to take a western team that then jumps to the Big12 after Missouri leaving.

I haven't said we are going to 12, and didn't mean to imply I'm excited about the likelihood. I do think if the schools are right, it is probably our best move. Better to behave in a position of strength through aggressive growth than continue to use band-aids.

 

[HarryAGampel]

I know this is all pointless to argue since I don't believe any of this will happen. But what the service academies and BYU have that Temple and ECU don't is a large following. They get national attention (I agree Air Force much less than the other 3). This is important with bowl games and ultimately TV contracts. Bringing in Temple or ECU won't do anything for that.

 

[BlueMAB]

Temple and ECU would easily agree to Basketball only as well. UCF might be the only school adamant about all sports.

I disagree about ECU, what makes you think they would agree to basketball only? They have a bigger football stadium, and better season ticket sales than UConn.

They have no reasons to agree to basketball only, they're in for all sports or football only.

I don't think Temple would accept anything less than full inclusion or football only either, I don't see how they gain anything as a basketball only.

 

[BlueMAB]

I know this is all pointless to argue since I don't believe any of this will happen. But what the service academies and BYU have that Temple and ECU don't is a large following. They get national attention (I agree Air Force much less than the other 3). This is important with bowl games and ultimately TV contracts. Bringing in Temple or ECU won't do anything for that.

You're wrong about ECU.

ECU and Temple don't belong in the same conversation if you're discussing fan support and football.

In 2010 ECU averaged 49,000. Temple averaged 20,000. UConn averaged 38,000 Army 31,000, Navy 32,000, and Air Force 40,000.

http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect...ERES&CACHEID=d47a560045aad7aab88ffc9080650d5b

ECU should be in the conversation if we go to 10 or 12, they have a strong fanbase in football and have been competitive. ECU doesn't get the exposure the other schools do and I'm not arguing they are a better choice the acadamies and BYU, but they are a better choice than Temple and deserve serious consideration.

 

[sportsart]

http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2011/10/big_east_says_it_is_officially.html

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7084162/big-east-consider-adding-6-football-schools

Seems like conflicting info. NJ.com has the BE "officially looking to get to 12" while ESPN says it's just under consideration.

ESPN says it's only under consideration because they are advising the ACC to go to 19 teams with us the only remaining team.

They figure they can handle lawsuit from just 1 team.

 

[HarryAGampel]

I guess when I mean following, this includes fan support and their television market. UMiami doesn't sell out their games but who would are people watching on TV? They have a national following. ECU is the 5th team in town and only represents Greensboro, NC. Granted they do a great job capturing that market, ECU does not get any respect on a national level. Ultimately this is more about exposure and perception than anything else.

 

[uc1974]

That's Greenville, not Greensboro.

 

[HartbeatHusky]

I'm sure it is going to be Navy, Air Force, Temple, UCF, Houston, and SMU. ECU won't make the cut due to it being in a small market. The Big East will basically be the urban school conference. I think it would be a big mistake to take ECU over either SMU or Houston. Texas is just much better for recruiting and the markets are much bigger and wealthier.

I could see Nova and Army joining later since they wouldn't add numbers to the basketball side but neither is ready now and Nova would have to wait until 2014 per NCAA rules anyway.

 

[FDNY99]

Unless Nova commits to an upgrade that has them playing in a stadium at least the size of Nippert in Cinncinati, I think they should be last on the list...if even on the list at all.

 

[sportsart]

Army has already said they're not interested in getting their ass kicked all year long which is what will happen if they come on board.

Not looking forward to playing Navy....argh....

 

[HartbeatHusky]

Unless Nova commits to an upgrade that has them playing in a stadium at least the size of Nippert in Cinncinati, I think they should be last on the list...if even on the list at all.

They would probably share the Linc with Temple for at least their big games is what I've read. PPL is probably going to expand to 30k. It really doesn't matter though because Nova is a few years off at best. I'm guessing the BE will have 12 teams for the 2012 season.

 

[BlueMAB]

I guess when I mean following, this includes fan support and their television market. UMiami doesn't sell out their games but who would are people watching on TV? They have a national following. ECU is the 5th team in town and only represents Greensboro, NC. Granted they do a great job capturing that market, ECU does not get any respect on a national level. Ultimately this is more about exposure and perception than anything else.

Other than WVU, nobody in the conference has respect/support/exposure on a national level in football. And while the acadamies do have some support nationally, let's not overstate their value. The PAC 10 or Big 12 aren't hard after Air Force even though they are better fit. The ACC isn't interested in Navy as far as we know. Nobody is looking to add Army.

BYU would obviously be attractive, but we can't land them. Boise is a longshot, and BYU is in a stronger position than Boise.

I believe ECU has been almost or as good as Navy in the computers, which we need for our BCS status.

 

[BlueMAB]

I'm sure it is going to be Navy, Air Force, Temple, UCF, Houston, and SMU. ECU won't make the cut due to it being in a small market. The Big East will basically be the urban school conference. I think it would be a big mistake to take ECU over either SMU or Houston. Texas is just much better for recruiting and the markets are much bigger and wealthier.

I could see Nova and Army joining later since they wouldn't add numbers to the basketball side but neither is ready now and Nova would have to wait until 2014 per NCAA rules anyway.

What good is Temple? They are a college sell in a pro town. BCU isn't bringing Boston to the ACC, and Temple isn't bringing Philly to the Big East.

I'll give you SMU and Houston, but would rather ECU over Temple.

 

[FDNY99]

They would probably share the Linc with Temple for at least their big games is what I've read. PPL is probably going to expand to 30k. It really doesn't matter though because Nova is a few years off at best. I'm guessing the BE will have 12 teams for the 2012 season.

I just can't see the Linc's main tenant allowing 2 BCS level teams to chew up that field on Saturdays leaving it a mess for them on Sundays. As for expanding PPL...same old plan that they presented before. No way any of the 6 remaining football schools approve that mess with schools that have been listed above in the thread would join. I think Nova missed the boat unless the BE gets desperate trying to get to 12.

 

[HartbeatHusky]

What good is Temple? They are a college sell in a pro town. BCU isn't bringing Boston to the ACC, and Temple isn't bringing Philly to the Big East.

I'll give you SMU and Houston, but would rather ECU over Temple.

There is definitely some validity to that statement but I still think the larger market of Philly is going to Trump whatever concerns there are of whether Temple actually delivers it. I don't think we leave Philly, Dallas, Houston, or Orlando on the board. Even if people don't go to the games there is the potential for a large TV audience in Philly by adding Temple. ECU is in a small market where they will not be able to compete against the established ACC teams for TV eyes.

 

[HartbeatHusky]

I just can't see the Linc's main tenant allowing 2 BCS level teams to chew up that field on Saturdays leaving it a mess for them on Sundays. As for expanding PPL...same old plan that they presented before. No way any of the 6 remaining football schools approve that mess with schools that have been listed above in the thread would join. I think Nova missed the boat unless the BE gets desperate trying to get to 12.

I agree that they will not be in this round of musical chairs to get to 12.

 

[NutmegState]

Other than WVU, nobody in the conference has respect/support/exposure on a national level in football. And while the acadamies do have some support nationally, let's not overstate their value. The PAC 10 or Big 12 aren't hard after Air Force even though they are better fit. The ACC isn't interested in Navy as far as we know. Nobody is looking to add Army.

BYU would obviously be attractive, but we can't land them. Boise is a longshot, and BYU is in a stronger position than Boise.

I believe ECU has been almost or as good as Navy in the computers, which we need for our BCS status.

Actually Air Force's AD said they had a B12 invite in hand, and turned it down, because they didn't feel they could recruit and compete against Texas, Oklahoma and OK State.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

This really is a blank slate, and there are a lot of different ways to play this. Should keep the boards busy.

Nothing will happen without the Big East 6 agreeing to hold tight.

 

[FriarJ]

My guess is you will see 16 schools for all sports up from the current 14 8 FB schools and 8 bb schools

So you would add 2 out of Temple, UCF, Memphis, Houston to get to 16

then add 4 schools for FB only, AFA, Navy, Army, Boise State, etc...

 

[FriarJ]

Actually Air Force's AD said they had a B12 invite in hand, and turned it down, because they didn't feel they could recruit and compete against Texas, Oklahoma and OK State.

The B12 invite was for all sports, they can't compete outside of FB, the same is true for us but we are only requiring FB. The WAC and The WCC are key here because they will take schools other sports.

 

[BlueMAB]

There is definitely some validity to that statement but I still think the larger market of Philly is going to Trump whatever concerns there are of whether Temple actually delivers it. I don't think we leave Philly, Dallas, Houston, or Orlando on the board. Even if people don't go to the games there is the potential for a large TV audience in Philly by adding Temple. ECU is in a small market where they will not be able to compete against the established ACC teams for TV eyes.

I don't think it's fair to assume ECU can't compete. Where as Temple has already had a record of not being able to compete. Both on the field and in the market.

I'd rather go for a product with potential in a competitive environment that loves college football, than a product with potential where there is virtually no market for college football despite how many people live there.

 

[HartbeatHusky]

My guess is you will see 16 schools for all sports up from the current 14 8 FB schools and 8 bb schools

So you would add 2 out of Temple, UCF, Memphis, Houston to get to 16

then add 4 schools for FB only, AFA, Navy, Army, Boise State, etc...

I honestly would like Boise State but kind of doubt it will happen. I think it's more likely we end up with 18 all sports members with only Navy and Air Force for football only. Also I don't think Memphis is really in the mix right now but who knows. Some coaches have mentioned them.

 

[BlueMAB]

Actually Air Force's AD said they had a B12 invite in hand, and turned it down, because they didn't feel they could recruit and compete against Texas, Oklahoma and OK State.

I stand corrected. Bad decision by them. Vanderbilt can't recruit and compete against most of the SEC but it's still a better home than the Sun Belt.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

Navy said no thanks. You think adding Memphis, SMU or someone along those lines with save the NBE a BCS bid ??!?!

SMU and Houston would go a long way towards this.

 

[HartbeatHusky]

SMU and Houston would go a long way towards this.

They are both clearly playing at a BCS level so far this season. They are in Dallas and Houston. They have football history. If they don't get the invite it will truly be a missed opportunity.

 

[NutmegState]

I'd love to get BYU. If the AFA is in, we need to be on the horn with them...