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Message: [QUOTE="Rufus, post: 5316979, member: 7277"] [HEADING=1] Why UConn Was Not Included[/HEADING] [HEADING=2]1️⃣ [B]On-Field Performance[/B][/HEADING] [LIST] [*]UConn football has struggled significantly in the last decade: [LIST] [*]Multiple losing seasons. [*]Minimal bowl appearances. [*]Low SP+ and FPI rankings compared to teams like James Madison, Liberty, or even MAC powers like Toledo. [/LIST] [/LIST] [HR][/HR] [HEADING=2]2️⃣ [B]Basketball vs. Football Identity[/B][/HEADING] [LIST] [*]UConn is a [B]basketball school first[/B], dominating men’s and women’s hoops. [*]Football has not been a priority at the same level as other G‑5 schools pushing for CFP access. [/LIST] [HR][/HR] [HEADING=2]3️⃣ [B]Market Value vs. Football Value[/B][/HEADING] [LIST] [*]While UConn provides a [B]Northeast market[/B], its football TV draw is limited because of poor performance. [*]Teams like [B]Marshall, Appalachian State, and Liberty[/B] have smaller markets but much stronger football brands. [/LIST] [HR][/HR] [HEADING=2]4️⃣ [B]If They Improved[/B][/HEADING] If UConn invested heavily in football (new coach, facilities, recruiting), they could be an [B]East Division candidate[/B] in future expansions because: [LIST] [*]Geographic fit with Army, Navy, Ohio schools, and USF. [*]Potential TV market boost from the Northeast. [/LIST] [HR][/HR] [B]Verdict:[/B] For now, UConn would be in the [B]"Tier 3 expansion pool"[/B] (teams 31–35) alongside programs like Buffalo, Georgia State, and Coastal Carolina. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach