Key tweets, and it's all gone to Hell.

[UConnJim]

Please defend this statement.

College football is all about tradition. Alums go back to their schools for the Homecoming football game, not a basketball game. And, you have football rivalries that have been around for 50 to 100+ years. Auburn/Alabama, Florida/Florida St., Georgia/Georgia Tech, Texas/Texas A&M, Michigan/Ohio St., USC/UCLA, Cal/Stanford, ... There are football tailgates, fraternities and sororities, Homecoming kings and queens, ... There are no basketball rivalries or traditions, with the exception of Duke/UNC that come close.

Even when you are in high school, alums come back for the Homecoming football game, not a basketball game.

 

[Kolumbo]

History matters less than being good. UCF was good at football. They are kind of atrocious in every other category. Also they were a Big 12 panic buy.

Yes, UCF was pretty good. It had an undefeated season and just 2 years prior it was unvictoried. In the American. It had a 67% winning percentage over 10 years. Imagine going the entire season without a win and then going to the Big XII just 8 years later. Big time panic move. Orlando is a fairly decent destination too. I'm not sure about academics but USF is now in the AAU. They are both very large and very inexpensive in great markets which bodes well for large alumni bases.

 

[Hoophound]

Yes, UCF was pretty good. It had an undefeated season and just 2 years prior it was unvictoried. In the American. It had a 67% winning percentage over 10 years. Imagine going the entire season without a win and then going to the Big XII just 8 years later. Big time panic move. Orlando is a fairly decent destination too. I'm not sure about academics but USF is now in the AAU. They are both very large and very inexpensive in great markets which bodes well for large alumni bases.

All of the major Florida state U’s are very good now. UF, FSU, UCF and USF are very competitive for admission. UF is ridiculously hard to get into and UCF and FSU are at 34-35%. USF is a tad easier to get in, but still tough. It’s actually kind of sad. The B student has no shot at these schools. Fortunately, there are schools like FAU, FIU, North Florida, FGCU etc that will take them.

 

[jostar1]

USF is AAU and is building a new on-campus football stadium. They will be the next one chosen ahead of UConn. Meanwhile, UConn is asleep at the switch.

"Construction on the University of South Florida’s transformational new on-campus stadium will soon ramp up significantly following the latest approval from the university’s Board of Trustees.

The plan presented today by USF leadership includes a project cost of $348.5 million, which has been revised from what was approved by the board in June 2023. Since that time USF has added to the project’s scope, including design and structural upgrades for potential future stadium expansion beyond the current expected seating capacity of approximately 35,000, build-out of academic space in the facility, vertical expansion of the Tampa General Hospital Center for Athletic Excellence, and enhanced locker room amenities, in addition to the general cost of goods increasing over the past two years. The funds added to the project will come from interest earnings on the $200 million in financing previously issued by the USF Financing Corp.

Since the formal groundbreaking ceremony for the stadium in late 2024, site preparation has been ongoing. The project team will now move forward with additional clearing at the site in May with full construction set to pick up shortly after. The construction schedule calls for final inspections to be completed in spring 2027, with USF moving into the facility over the summer in preparation of hosting the first events in fall 2027."

 

[Hoophound]

USF is AAU and is building a new on-campus football stadium. They will be the next one chosen ahead of UConn. Meanwhile, UConn is asleep at the switch.

"Construction on the University of South Florida’s transformational new on-campus stadium will soon ramp up significantly following the latest approval from the university’s Board of Trustees.

The plan presented today by USF leadership includes a project cost of $348.5 million, which has been revised from what was approved by the board in June 2023. Since that time USF has added to the project’s scope, including design and structural upgrades for potential future stadium expansion beyond the current expected seating capacity of approximately 35,000, build-out of academic space in the facility, vertical expansion of the Tampa General Hospital Center for Athletic Excellence, and enhanced locker room amenities, in addition to the general cost of goods increasing over the past two years. The funds added to the project will come from interest earnings on the $200 million in financing previously issued by the USF Financing Corp.

Since the formal groundbreaking ceremony for the stadium in late 2024, site preparation has been ongoing. The project team will now move forward with additional clearing at the site in May with full construction set to pick up shortly after. The construction schedule calls for final inspections to be completed in spring 2027, with USF moving into the facility over the summer in preparation of hosting the first events in fall 2027."

It will need to be the ACC, because the big 12 isn’t going for another Florida school with a mediocre following and AD. In order for the ACC to do that, they’ll need Miami to leave the conference.

 

[ZooCougar]

USF is AAU and is building a new on-campus football stadium. They will be the next one chosen ahead of UConn. Meanwhile, UConn is asleep at the switch.

"Construction on the University of South Florida’s transformational new on-campus stadium will soon ramp up significantly following the latest approval from the university’s Board of Trustees.

The plan presented today by USF leadership includes a project cost of $348.5 million, which has been revised from what was approved by the board in June 2023. Since that time USF has added to the project’s scope, including design and structural upgrades for potential future stadium expansion beyond the current expected seating capacity of approximately 35,000, build-out of academic space in the facility, vertical expansion of the Tampa General Hospital Center for Athletic Excellence, and enhanced locker room amenities, in addition to the general cost of goods increasing over the past two years. The funds added to the project will come from interest earnings on the $200 million in financing previously issued by the USF Financing Corp.

Since the formal groundbreaking ceremony for the stadium in late 2024, site preparation has been ongoing. The project team will now move forward with additional clearing at the site in May with full construction set to pick up shortly after. The construction schedule calls for final inspections to be completed in spring 2027, with USF moving into the facility over the summer in preparation of hosting the first events in fall 2027."

I think they have been building it for 10 years.

 

[Eavesdrop]

All of the major Florida state U’s are very good now. UF, FSU, UCF and USF are very competitive for admission. UF is ridiculously hard to get into and UCF and FSU are at 34-35%. USF is a tad easier to get in, but still tough. It’s actually kind of sad. The B student has no shot at these schools. Fortunately, there are schools like FAU, FIU, North Florida, FGCU etc that will take them.

Your point absolutely stands. Though I believe UF has an acceptance rate of around 24%, FSU is close at 25%, USF sits at about 40%, and UCF is around 45%.

Demographics have played a huge role here. Florida has a population of about 24 million, which has naturally generated a high level of demand for in-state universities. On top of that, the Florida Legislature established the Bright Futures program a few decades ago. It offers free tuition to in-state students with a GPA of around 3.5 or higher, and significantly reduced tuition for those with GPAs between 3.0 and 3.49.

Parents have been known to sweeten the deal to keep their kids in-state. Some have even gone as far as offering a car in exchange for skipping out on schools like Stanford or Duke.

 

[Kolumbo]

Your point absolutely stands. Though I believe UF has an acceptance rate of around 24%, FSU is close at 25%, USF sits at about 40%, and UCF is around 45%.

Demographics have played a huge role here. Florida has a population of about 24 million, which has naturally generated a high level of demand for in-state universities. On top of that, the Florida Legislature established the Bright Futures program a few decades ago. It offers free tuition to in-state students with a GPA of around 3.5 or higher, and significantly reduced tuition for those with GPAs between 3.0 and 3.49.

Parents have been known to sweeten the deal to keep their kids in-state. Some have even gone as far as offering a car in exchange for skipping out on schools like Stanford or Duke.

It seems to me it would follow that more and more Florida residents would follow schools like UCF and USF more so than the old guard UF and FSU.

What I found out earlier while looking up USF is that the campus was built over an old airfield, Hillsborough Army Air Field. Plus you got Bush Gardens. Going to school in Florida is like going to Disney. Literally.

"The University of South Florida campus began construction in 1957 on a site adjacent to the north side of Henderson Airport, and the Busch Gardens theme park was opened in 1959 just south of the airport. The surviving runways are used as a driver training area by Busch Gardens to instruct new drivers on some of their vehicles.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

It seems to me it would follow that more and more Florida residents would follow schools like UCF and USF more so than the old guard UF and FSU.

It will likely take a couple generations One problem UCF and USF face is that the bulk of their students are from families who have been UF or FSU fans for generations.

If for example, you had a kid who for whatever reason attends URI or UMass and they played UConn in a basketball game, who would your kid be rooting for?

 

[KryHavok]

If for example, you had a kid who for whatever reason attends URI or UMass and they played UConn in a basketball game, who would your kid be rooting for?

Unless they're getting a full ride from whatever school they're attending, I told my kids they're rooting for UConn, cuz that's the school that got me my post-doctorate employement, which in turn enabled me to pay for their food, school, and shelter. Fealty to the Husky, or get a job and pay yer own way.

 

[Kolumbo]

It will likely take a couple generations One problem UCF and USF face is that the bulk of their students are from families who have been UF or FSU fans for generations.

If for example, you had a kid who for whatever reason attends URI or UMass and they played UConn in a basketball game, who would your kid be rooting for?

It would definitely take time but I think alumns of CCSU would root for CCSU. If a kid grows up in the Tampa or Orlando area that's a lot different than living in CT. Plus those are huge schools.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

It would definitely take time but I think alumns of CCSU would root for CCSU. If a kid grows up in the Tampa or Orlando area that's a lot different than living in CT. Plus those are huge schools.

Yes, it's a lot different in Tampa and Orlando than in Connecticut, but I remember a story from a bit more than three decades ago where a serious brawl broke out at some large family function (reunion?) thet was set off by someone (either Gator or 'Noles fan) being upset that a relative he barely knew was a fan of the other school. It runs pretty deep.

 

[CL82]

Yes - and he had the temerity to show up at the women's Natty Parade a few weeks ago. (But, I understand he'll show up at a garage door opening if he hears about it...)

I noticed that everyone, including the Connecticut politicians, seemed to be studiously ignoring him.

 

[Eavesdrop]

It seems to me it would follow that more and more Florida residents would follow schools like UCF and USF more so than the old guard UF and FSU.

What I found out earlier while looking up USF is that the campus was built over an old airfield, Hillsborough Army Air Field. Plus you got Bush Gardens. Going to school in Florida is like going to Disney. Literally.

"The University of South Florida campus began construction in 1957 on a site adjacent to the north side of Henderson Airport, and the Busch Gardens theme park was opened in 1959 just south of the airport. The surviving runways are used as a driver training area by Busch Gardens to instruct new drivers on some of their vehicles.

I grew up in Cocoa Beach - about 50 miles east of UCF and 130 miles east of USF - so I’m very familiar with both campuses. They used to be unremarkable-looking commuter schools, but they’ve come a long way over the years. On a lot of fronts.

Florida, followed by Florida State, definitely have the largest in-state followings. And when Miami was winning big, the bandwagon effect in South Florida was palpable. T-shirt fans were everywhere.

As for your point about UCF and USF building their fanbases, I tend to agree. As you seem to allude to, one potential opportunity they have is Florida’s large transplant population. Many newer residents don’t have existing ties to UF or FSU. I don’t see either school ever surpassing the Gators or Seminoles, but I do think they can continue to grow their followings.

 

[Ha Who]

I grew up in Cocoa Beach - about 50 miles east of UCF and 130 miles east of USF - so I’m very familiar with both campuses. They used to be unremarkable-looking commuter schools, but they’ve come a long way over the years. On a lot of fronts.

Florida, followed by Florida State, definitely have the largest in-state followings. And when Miami was winning big, the bandwagon effect in South Florida was palpable. T-shirt fans were everywhere.

As for your point about UCF and USF building their fanbases, I tend to agree. As you seem to allude to, one potential opportunity they have is Florida’s large transplant population. Many newer residents don’t have existing ties to UF or FSU. I don’t see either school ever surpassing the Gators or Seminoles, but I do think they can continue to grow their followings.

 

[Kolumbo]

I think Kaley Cuoco would make a splended Jeannie

 

[Hoophound]

Your point absolutely stands. Though I believe UF has an acceptance rate of around 24%, FSU is close at 25%, USF sits at about 40%, and UCF is around 45%.

Demographics have played a huge role here. Florida has a population of about 24 million, which has naturally generated a high level of demand for in-state universities. On top of that, the Florida Legislature established the Bright Futures program a few decades ago. It offers free tuition to in-state students with a GPA of around 3.5 or higher, and significantly reduced tuition for those with GPAs between 3.0 and 3.49.

Parents have been known to sweeten the deal to keep their kids in-state. Some have even gone as far as offering a car in exchange for skipping out on schools like Stanford or Duke.

Actually, as of Fall 2024 UF was 24%, FSU was at 22%, UCF 39% and USF 41%. I went and looked for current data because I know that UCF has become harder to get into than USF in recent years. I listened to a whole rundown from a panel of guidance counselors a couple of months ago. All these schools are pretty hard to get into for many students. AP classes etc are pretty much a must.

UF is only admitting elite students at this point. Their applicant pool is top notch.

I know a few people offering their kids new cars in exchange for going to state schools. It makes sense for both sides.

 

[Hoophound]

I grew up in Cocoa Beach - about 50 miles east of UCF and 130 miles east of USF - so I’m very familiar with both campuses. They used to be unremarkable-looking commuter schools, but they’ve come a long way over the years. On a lot of fronts.

Florida, followed by Florida State, definitely have the largest in-state followings. And when Miami was winning big, the bandwagon effect in South Florida was palpable. T-shirt fans were everywhere.

As for your point about UCF and USF building their fanbases, I tend to agree. As you seem to allude to, one potential opportunity they have is Florida’s large transplant population. Many newer residents don’t have existing ties to UF or FSU. I don’t see either school ever surpassing the Gators or Seminoles, but I do think they can continue to grow their followings.

The B12 is really helping UCF. Their games across the board are well attended. Their so so baseball team draws nice crowds.

 

[Kolumbo]

The B12 is really helping UCF. Their games across the board are well attended. Their so so baseball team draws nice crowds.

Knights Plaza includes dorms, retail, dining, the basketball arena, all located next to the athletic fields. This is how to do it. Why not catch a few innings before dinner.

 

[Hoophound]

Knights Plaza includes dorms, retail, dining, the basketball arena, all located next to the athletic fields. This is how to do it. Why not catch a few innings before dinner.


View attachment 109255

It really is nicely done. UCF is on the rise. Aside from the nice campus, booming city and B12 invite, it is killer for stem students. The areas bordering campus are full of state of the art Fortune 1000 R&D facilities and offices. I was absolutely shocked by the wealth of opportunity there and was happy when my daughter chose it over “better” schools. She loves being in Orlando and wanted to go there all along. It is working out very well for her. I even enjoyed the baseball game. Nice little stadium, good beer selection, great DJ and plenty to do/eat/drink just outside the stadium.

 

[Chin Diesel]

It really is nicely done. UCF is on the rise. Aside from the nice campus, booming city and B12 invite, it is killer for stem students. The areas bordering campus are full of state of the art Fortune 1000 R&D facilities and offices. I was absolutely shocked by the wealth of opportunity there and was happy when my daughter chose it over “better” schools. She loves being in Orlando and wanted to go there all along. It is working out very well for her. I even enjoyed the baseball game. Nice little stadium, good beer selection, great DJ and plenty to do/eat/drink just outside the stadium.

The aerospace and aeronautics in that area is top notch. Southeast Orlando metro, Titusville, Patrick Air Force Base, Melbourne, etc.

 

[RitzLuce1]

Well I am glad the aeronautics and retail are nice in Orlando.

But UCF stinks in the main sports and is a deadweight addition to the Big 12. They are everything wrong with inviting a school over 1 football season. They are good at nothing. But at least they are a flagship in their state with a huge fanbase. Well maybe not. I have lived in Florida since 2022 and see more Michigan and Ohio State license plates.

 

[uconnbaseball]

Well I am glad the aeronautics and retail are nice in Orlando.

But UCF stinks in the main sports and is a deadweight addition to the Big 12. They are everything wrong with inviting a school over 1 football season. They are good at nothing. But at least they are a flagship in their state with a huge fanbase. Well maybe not. I have lived in Florida since 2022 and see more Michigan and Ohio State license plates.

UCF is not a football powerhouse, but they certainly don’t “stink” as a program. They have had a number of good years, including 2 BCS bowl victories.

They are sometimes good at baseball and WBB, too. Mind you, their MBB is atrocious…

 

[Hoophound]

UCF is not a football powerhouse, but they certainly don’t “stink” as a program. They have had a number of good years, including 2 BCS bowl victories.

They are sometimes good at baseball and WBB, too. Mind you, their MBB is atrocious…

This. The big thing is they’ve invested and are trying to be good at everything. They aren’t faking it. I hated them because their fans were pompous after 2 good football seasons, but the school and AD are legit. They are doing the right things to win and increase the profile of the school. With a daughter there, I’ve come around and I like what I see. It’s a good college experience. I particularly like that they let the kids have fun on campus. Tailgates are no issue for anyone, including the under age. Just don’t do anything stupid or start a fight. Everyone is free to have fun. It’s college the way it used to be in a lot of ways.

 

[Patman]

This. The big thing is they’ve invested and are trying to be good at everything. They aren’t faking it. I hated them because their fans were pompous after 2 good football seasons, but the school and AD are legit. They are doing the right things to win and increase the profile of the school. With a daughter there, I’ve come around and I like what I see. It’s a good college experience. I particularly like that they let the kids have fun on campus. Tailgates are no issue for anyone, including the under age. Just don’t do anything stupid or start a fight. Everyone is free to have fun. It’s college the way it used to be in a lot of ways.

People forget where we are on the pecking order all the time. Yes, ucf is ahead of uconn on all serious metrics. This is on the state government at this point for not investing