Rooting for the AAC

[upstater]

I understand that. What I was saying in the first place is that when a conference is desperate, they will do what they need to do to fortify the strength of the conference. Geography was not important to the Big 12 when they added West Virginia. Academics were no longer important when there was a threat of the conference breaking apart to the ACC. The Big 12 is going to be adding member schools in a defensive manner if they do so, because they are the conference sitting between three power conferences, and are the ones who are likely to be ripped apart. Big 12 realignment is going to be defensive in nature. They will want BYU and can probably get them. However, that will leave one spot left. The realistic options are Cincy, USF, UCF, and UConn. No, the Big 12 schools do not want to travel to the Northeast, but travelling to Florida for most of them is just as inconvenient. The point is that Cincy has the geographic edge. However, if realignment has taught us anything, it is that conferences will value different things at different times. The Big 12 will need to add a member that adds credibility to the conference. Adding a team that was in C-USA and has little success outside of a bowl win against UGA a few years ago is not going to convince a school like Texas that the conference is stronger and want to play in it. Are Texas and Oklahoma really going to be happy to have conference games against C-USA refugees and travel to them?

If I were the B12, I'd be adding the Florida schools first.

 

[Vuder]

Yeah, they don't have value. Every conference has its Baylors and Northwesterns.

Your point is well-taken, but I'm pretty sure Northwestern has a lot of value to B1G as a media magnet for the Chicago-land area as it's much, much closer in proximity to Chitown than Illinois. NU is also a top 15 institution academically and has over a 7 billion dollar endowment.

 

[pj]

The Florida schools have upside. It used to be U Florida was the only school that mattered, then as the state grew Florida State became important. But there is room for four big state schools in a state with 19 million people. (Compare Maryland with 5.8 million and 1 school, or Connecticut with 3.6 million and 1 school, or Georgia 9.9 mn and 2 schools, Virginia 8.2 mn and 2 schools ... roughly 1 school per 4-5 mn population is typical.) And with time USF and UCF which are located in major urban areas (Tampa and Orlando, both top 20 media markets) could surpass Florida State (Tallahassee) in value.

I think Connecticut is worth more but in terms of football value, a presence in Florida for recruiting purposes may be more helpful to the Big 12 than a presence in the northeast.

 

[upstater]

Your point is well-taken, but I'm pretty sure Northwestern has a lot of value to B1G as a media magnet for the Chicago-land area as it's much, much closer in proximity to Chitown than Illinois. NU is also a top 15 institution academically and has over a 7 billion dollar endowment.

But no one watches their sports, even NU students. AND, people all over Chicago sneer at the school, and they call Evanston a drytown! I don't know why, but it's always been the attitude in Chicago.

 

[djct1999]

Loving people love those near them, whoever they are; unloving people are never satisfied. We may be in a kennel with the mangy mongrel pooches, but as long as we're there we can be fond of the mutts, even if we're destined to be a show dog.

by supporting mediocrity, you eventually become mediocre. i don't want that for uconn athletics.

 

[UConnDan97]

by supporting mediocrity, you eventually become mediocre. i don't want that for uconn athletics.

Yes. By rooting for the other teams of the AAC, UConn will become bad at athletics. Indeed. Wait...what???

 

[djct1999]

UConn won't be invited to the big boy table EVER if this conference squanders. Simple as that. UConn depends on the AAC. There it is.

Not true. UConn is much better suited reminding people they are a player rather than embracing their current fate. UConn's invitation is dependent on UConn and the strength of its brand, exclusive of the AAC.

 

[djct1999]

Yes. By rooting for the other teams of the AAC, UConn will become bad at athletics. Indeed. Wait...what???

so keep rooting for smu and east carolina....that will surely get uconn into the big 10. its like that jock in high school who would get all the girls back then, but never left town and settled on a chick no one would think twice of. the longer uconn and its fanbase supports the aac, the more likely we become that jock who used to be on the same level as syracuse or duke or unc, but now is happy to lose in a well played game.

 

[UConnDan97]

Not true. UConn is much better suited reminding people they are a player rather than embracing their current fate. UConn's invitation is dependent on UConn and the strength of its brand, exclusive of the AAC.

The strength of our brand will be measured by the strength of our competition, whether you like it or not. You can be a dominant team in a crap league, and people will believe you to be only slightly better than crap. That's ultimately why UConn needs the AAC to get good fast...

 

[djct1999]

The strength of our brand will be measured by the strength of our competition, whether you like it or not. You can be a dominant team in a crap league, and people will believe you to be only slightly better than crap. That's ultimately why UConn needs the AAC to get good fast...

Really? UConn is currently perceived as one of the two best athletic programs left out of realignment. The strength or weakness of the AAC has little to do with that perception.... It is up to UConn alone to maintain that. I don't think Missouri to the SEC or Rutgers to Big 10 had anything to do with what you mentioned above.

 

[UConnDan97]

Really? UConn is currently perceived as one of the two best athletic programs left out of realignment. The strength or weakness of the AAC has little to do with that perception.... It is up to UConn alone to maintain that. I don't think Missouri to the SEC or Rutgers to Big 10 had anything to do with what you mentioned above.

Do you understand that college rankings, whether they are about football, basketball, baseball, or otherwise, rely on your strength of schedule? Are you too dense to get that?!? That's why people root for their conference mates. Because it makes them look better when they beat them. If you want to look like a quality option, you have to beat quality.

If this isn't clear enough to you at this point, then I'll stop...

 

[Vuder]

But no one watches their sports, even NU students. AND, people all over Chicago sneer at the school, and they call Evanston a drytown! I don't know why, but it's always been the attitude in Chicago.

Haha I suppose it depends on who you talk to. It's true that NU isn't known for sports fanaticism, but they are Illinois as Yale is to UConn, except a more athletically relevant one. They've got their on niche in the market.

 

[djct1999]

Do you understand that college rankings, whether they are about football, basketball, baseball, or otherwise, rely on your strength of schedule? Are you too dense to get that?!? That's why people root for their conference mates. Because it makes them look better when they beat them. If you want to look like a quality option, you have to beat quality.

If this isn't clear enough to you at this point, then I'll stop...

We aren't talking about strength of schedule and yes I understand that. In terms of basketball, Warde is already compensating for the weakness of our conference. So in those terms, fine, I hope the teams in the AAC help UConn's strength of schedule. I doubt they ever will. But do you really think if Tulane gets better, that will help UConn in realignment? If that isnt clear to you at this point, I will stop. If UConn has to rely on anyone but itself in this conference for realignment, then UConn is in as much trouble as this conference will always be. Let me also remind you the numbers in revenue thrown around in other threads vs what UConn is receiving in the AAC.....You root for that, I won't. I want more for this school, this state, and this fanbase.

 

[UConnDan97]

But do you really think if Tulane gets better, that will help UConn in realignment?

Yes. That's the point.

So I guess I'll stop now...

 

[upstater]

You root for that, I won't. I want more for this school, this state, and this fanbase.

You can root for it, but it ain't gonna happen unless UConn continues reeling in recruits, and that will stop to happen soon if the rest of the conference sux.

 

[housekeys]

so keep rooting for smu and east carolina....that will surely get uconn into the big 10. its like that jock in high school who would get all the girls back then, but never left town and settled on a chick no one would think twice of. the longer uconn and its fanbase supports the aac, the more likely we become that jock who used to be on the same level as syracuse or duke or unc, but now is happy to lose in a well played game.

Ultimately it is about UConn. But it certainly helps if SMU can beat TTech, TCU and TA&M and ECU beats VTech (all on 2013 schedule). I mean UConn has to win against its schedule, but it is all about perception. While we all discount the "associativity" nature of sports, it plays a big role in perception - IMO.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

Strength of schedule doesn't mean a damn thing unless you're trying to get into the college football playoffs. As long as our strength of schedule is better than the mountain west and the AAC gets the at large "BCS" bid that's all that matters.

For hoops, if we beat big names out of conference and clean house in the AAC again, we'll be fine.

 

[whaler11]

I want the AAC teams to be decent because I have to watch them. It won't impact UConn getting anywhere, but I imagine few here have actually watched Tulane or Memphis play football lately.... it's impossible to relate how bad they are.

 

[UConnJim]

I want the AAC teams to be decent because I have to watch them. It won't impact UConn getting anywhere, but I imagine few here have actually watched Tulane or Memphis play football lately.... it's impossible to relate how bad they are.

Well, then UConn should be able to have better records in football! In my opinion, winning is most important for UConn right now. Win and fans will come and so will recruits.

One thing to think about. In every conference there are going to be 2 to 4 bad football programs every year and you don't want to become a permanent cellar dweller as that will feed upon itself. Look at BC. They are in the cellar in the ACC and will struggle over the next few years to get out. They need to get out of the cellar soon or risk being in the cellar a long time. Kids want to play for winners and fans want to see winners.

 

[djct1999]

You can root for it, but it ain't gonna happen unless UConn continues reeling in recruits, and that will stop to happen soon if the rest of the conference sux.

In your opinion, what happens first.........UConn is asked to join a better conference or the AAC strengthens? In theory, you are absolutely right. But that isn't todays reality. UConn has a small 3-5 year window to get out. While that exists, they will still be able to recruit because of tv exposure and an upgrade in facilities. If that window closes, UConn's athletic department will start to resemble UMass and at that point recruits won't come. Until then, the crappiness of the AAC should be off set by other factors.

 

[djct1999]

Yes. That's the point.

So I guess I'll stop now...

Have you been listening to what matters most in conference realignment? UConn was heavily criticized for sending only 6000 fans to the Fiesta Bowl. Did their strength of schedule that year do anything to help them in realignment. The answer, unless you are to dense, is NO. I doubt very much Delaney and the Big 10 presidents place much weight on schedule. Atleast for UConn, its not their schedule even with AAC opponents, that will eventually get them in or leave them out.

 

[upstater]

In your opinion, what happens first.........UConn is asked to join a better conference or the AAC strengthens? In theory, you are absolutely right. But that isn't todays reality. UConn has a small 3-5 year window to get out. While that exists, they will still be able to recruit because of tv exposure and an upgrade in facilities. If that window closes, UConn's athletic department will start to resemble UMass and at that point recruits won't come. Until then, the crappiness of the AAC should be off set by other factors.

The AAC strengthening has to be immediate. 3-5 years is very optimistic at this point.

 

[djct1999]

The AAC strengthening has to be immediate. 3-5 years is very optimistic at this point.

Lol. The AAC strengthening immediately is simply not going to happen. In fact, it wont happen in that 3-5 year window and if the next tv deal isn't significantly better, it will never happen. So this board has come full circle. We are now stating the AAC has to be good immediately, when months ago it was suggested that UConn would be better off joining the Catholic 7 in olympic sports and going independent in football. The boneyard exploded then. Again, if UConn's ultimate fate is determined by the strength of the AAC and not the merits of UConn itself, it simply should never have joined. The AAC has been a sinking ship since its inception and nothing in the near term will help right its course, especially not immediately. Better yet, I am to now believe that the amazing development, growth, and national success of the UConn athletic department of the past 25 years means less then the current strength of East Carolina, Tulane and Tulsa. I get there is not much to talk about, but lets atleast be consistent.

 

[upstater]

Lol. The AAC strengthening immediately is simply not going to happen. In fact, it wont happen in that 3-5 year window and if the next tv deal isn't significantly better, it will never happen. So this board has come full circle. We are now stating the AAC has to be good immediately, when months ago it was suggested that UConn would be better off joining the Catholic 7 in olympic sports and going independent in football. The boneyard exploded then. Again, if UConn's ultimate fate is determined by the strength of the AAC and not the merits of UConn itself, it simply should never have joined. The AAC has been a sinking ship since its inception and nothing in the near term will help right its course, especially not immediately. Better yet, I am to now believe that the amazing development, growth, and national success of the UConn athletic department of the past 25 years means less then the current strength of East Carolina, Tulane and Tulsa. I get there is not much to talk about, but lets atleast be consistent.

Going indie in football is impossible. Might as well say UConn has to be first to Mars. Why are we even discussing this? It's insane.

Be consistent by agreeing with totally crazy positions? Really?

Memphis has a lot of good players, East Carolina is bringing everyone back from a team that won the CBI postseason tourney, Houston and SMU have landed McD. type players the last few years, they better improve. Cincy should be decent. So, yes, in bball, the ramping up needs to be immediate.

 

[uconNYC]

It made me sick to root for Rutgers and Syracuse when they were in the Big East. Now that they are finally gone, I am not going to drive myself nuts rooting for the likes of SMU, UH, Memphis, Tulane, etc.

Besides, Utah, TCU and Boise State dominated pretty weak football leagues and two of them got themselves into Big 5 conferences (BSU got themselves into what was then a decent Big East). I really don't feel the strength of the conference really matters. UConn just needs to dominate.

Our BBall programs seem to be in good shape. Football needs to step it up.

 

[UConnDan97]

Have you been listening to what matters most in conference realignment? UConn was heavily criticized for sending only 6000 fans to the Fiesta Bowl. Did their strength of schedule that year do anything to help them in realignment. The answer, unless you are to dense, is NO. I doubt very much Delaney and the Big 10 presidents place much weight on schedule. Atleast for UConn, its not their schedule even with AAC opponents, that will eventually get them in or leave them out.

Yes, I've paid attention to what matters most in realignment, but I'm not sure you have. Can you explain to us all why Louisville was chosen for the ACC instead of UConn?

The question was rhetorical, because I'm about to answer it for you. It was because Louisville's football team was perceived to be stronger. They were a Top25 ranked team. Do you know how teams become ranked?

Again, rhetorical. You become ranked when you have good records against good teams. If you are Northern Illinois and you are playing against the MAC, then you have to literally go 11-1, whereas if you are playing against Big East competition, you can have 3 losses. If you are playing against SEC competition, you can have 5 losses.

That's how it works. You are measured by your competition, in large part. Although I hate the concept, the polls factor in "good losses." Now that I've spent a little time to explain this to you, I'll go back to my regular day and prepare for UConn to kick some Sooner in baseball later today...

 

[djct1999]

Going indie in football is impossible. Might as well say UConn has to be first to Mars. Why are we even discussing this? It's insane.

Be consistent by agreeing with totally crazy positions? Really?

Memphis has a lot of good players, East Carolina is bringing everyone back from a team that won the CBI postseason tourney, Houston and SMU have landed McD. type players the last few years, they better improve. Cincy should be decent. So, yes, in bball, the ramping up needs to be immediate.

Actually, its football I am way more concerned with. It has already been proven that with a good staff, good facilities, an NBA pedigree, decent non-conference schedule, tv exposure, AAU contacts, etc. etc, basketball can succeed far longer than football can. Besides, its football the will play a major financial drain on the entire athletic department.

Just ask Rodney Purvis or Daniel Hamilton.

 

[djct1999]

Yes, I've paid attention to what matters most in realignment, but I'm not sure you have. Can you explain to us all why Louisville was chosen for the ACC instead of UConn?

The question was rhetorical, because I'm about to answer it for you. It was because Louisville's football team was perceived to be stronger. They were a Top25 ranked team. Do you know how teams become ranked?

Again, rhetorical. You become ranked when you have good records against good teams. If you are Northern Illinois and you are playing against the MAC, then you have to literally go 11-1, whereas if you are playing against Big East competition, you can have 3 losses. If you are playing against SEC competition, you can have 5 losses.

That's how it works. You are measured by your competition, in large part. Although I hate the concept, the polls factor in "good losses." Now that I've spent a little time to explain this to you, I'll go back to my regular day and prepare for UConn to kick some Sooner in baseball later today...

I am pretty sure Louisville won games and UConn didn't. If UConn went 9-3 last year and beat quality teams they would be perceived as being better as well.....Atleast we can agree on one thing, go UCONN baseball. Great win last night!

 

[upstater]

Actually, its football I am way more concerned with. It has already been proven that with a good staff, good facilities, an NBA pedigree, decent non-conference schedule, tv exposure, AAU contacts, etc. etc, basketball can succeed far longer than football can. Besides, its football the will play a major financial drain on the entire athletic department.

Just ask Rodney Purvis or Daniel Hamilton.

I'm much more concerned with basketball.

UConn has been recruiting at the bottom of the BCS for awhile now, and surviving. There is enough talent out there for a coach to develop. It does need to beat Syracuse for local talent now--so that gets harder. Otherwise, I don't expect much to change. If anything, they may look harder down south. That Lagow kid, for instance, might get to play in Texas a lot. The level of competition is about the same (and if Houston, SMU and Tulsa ramp up, it will be BETTER than the old BE).

Basketball has a competition problem, and that could hurt recruiting.

 

[UConnJim]

Actually, its football I am way more concerned with. It has already been proven that with a good staff, good facilities, an NBA pedigree, decent non-conference schedule, tv exposure, AAU contacts, etc. etc, basketball can succeed far longer than football can. Besides, its football the will play a major financial drain on the entire athletic department.

Just ask Rodney Purvis or Daniel Hamilton.

Football will not be a drain on the athletic department. It's the other sports like field hockey, soccer (although at UConn it's not a non-revenue sport), baseball, softball, swimming, volleyball, track, cross country, golf,.... that are drains on an athletic budget.