Oliver Luck of West Virginia

[Pudge]

I know the OFFICIAL history of what happened late summer/early fall. But, the more I read about the preparation WVU is doing for this coming season the more I think Luck had this move as his strategic plan.

Here he is, former WV quarterback who then spent years in the Euro NFL in Germany then landing in Houston. Spends a decade in the Houston area: first as the CEO of the Houston Sports Authority and then CEO/Pres of the MLS Houston Dynamo. He goes back to WV ... a place he has hovered about for 30+ years (even ran for Congress) ... with a Plan.

Holgorsen? Other staff members & assistant coaches. I think he saw the BE is someplace he had to get his beloved U. out of. Pitt & SU, frankly, had their eyes always on opportunities; not ever (IMO) committed to strengthen the BE conference (WHERE THEY WERE FOUNDING MEMBERS). A large part of SU fanbase/alums have wanted to be ACC (and felt they deserved ACC) since 2003; and someone/some group duck____ in CNY not getting them there.

My view is that Luck's wanderlust impacted the whole daisy chain. When Pitt & SU realized Luck's wandering eyes, they were proactive ... with ADs that aren't nearly as good.

What did all 3 gain? I think part of the answer is what we see at BC today. More $$$$ ... but also problems. The simple rule of thumb shows that the dissipation of regional ties & failure to be rooted to the tradition of your Program eats your core. Playing Texas Tech regularly may not be good nutrition.

 

[huskypantz]

WVU going to the B12 is more like BC going to the ACC than Pitt/Cuse. There is more of a northern flair to the ACC now than when BC arrived. WVU is an outcast, per se. However, they have a huge advantage in their dedicated fanbase. Their fans and the state love their Eers and will be salivating over a schedule of B12 teams heading to Morgantown. They will embrace the new conference. BC? The only attendance bump they got from the ACC was when Clemson or FSU fans traveled to Boston. Luck was the other advantage WVU had over BC - as you stated, an AD with vision.

 

[whaler11]

I wish UConn had an AD that wanted to get his beloved U out of the Big East.

 

[huskypantz]

I wish UConn had an AD that wanted to get his beloved U out of the Big East.

Because you know that the current AD has no interest in UConn being in any other conference other than the Big East.

Don't you get tired of this crap? Meh, obviously not.

 

[upstater]

What the hell did Swofford think he was getting with BC??

 

[CL82]

What the hell did Swofford think he was getting with BC??

BC was the ugly girl in the bar that your friend wants you pay attention to so that he can hit on her hot friend. As soon as he seals the deal, you walk away from her. Sometimes she hangs around the rest of your friends, unwanted but with no where else to go.

 

[MTHusky]

What the hell did Swofford think he was getting with BC??

He promised Duke that he was going to bring in a school that Duke can beat in football

 

[junglehusky]

Speaking of the Houston Dynamo... their new stadium is opening next week. Was Luck a part of that planning? Looks pretty spiffy (still too small for Pitt to play away games in though).