RUTGERS MICHIGAN

[Hoophound]

During Rutgers/MD, Delaney talked about going south and east but it was only in the context of the reason Rutty and Maryland were added. He didn't say they weren't done expanding but he said the population is south and east about 20 times. I definitely felt that he was selling the fan base on why they needed to be south and east.

The only hint I gleaned that they aren't done expanding was when he continued to beat south and east to death when he'd already done it more than enough. I'm pretty sure he was prepping the fan base for more change. Any likely edition other than UConn would be very south (VA, NC, GA, FL) and southern in culture. So hopefully, we are the "east" he is referring to.

 

[JaYnYcE]

they've been chopping that wood.

 

[Dooley]

They did an interview with Delany. I think, from what I heard, that they are not done expanding east. He mentioned going east many times during that short segment.

I would love to hear that.

Link?

I just looked it up and watched Delany's first half interview to try to get a sense of whether or not he sounds like, to me, that expansion is still on the table. To me, it sounds like he is not finished. But I suppose everyone can interpret his between-the-lines in any way that they see fit.

Delany's interview begins around the 1:12 mark of the ESPN3 telecast: http://espn.go.com/watchespn/player/_/id/2071173/

I just listened. He mentions moving east several times. Among the highlights (I'm paraphrasing):

1:14 mark - "We've had 3 games out east and all sellouts. When you bring in Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State out here to Rutgers and Maryland, the people will respond."

Dooley interpretation: bring a B1G schedule to the Rent and it will sell out. Programs who have had the same attendance issues as UCONN in the past few years (RU and MD) have sold out their games thanks to scheduling upgrade. Saturday's game against OSU was Maryland's first sell out since 2008.

1:18:30 - "We have to be as much of a national conference as we can be. We have good population but it's not a population that is growing at 4-5% per year. So we have to come east...we have ex-patriots who live out here who want to come out to see B1G football."

Dooley interpretation: consistent with what Delany has ALWAYS said - the B1G is interested in expanding east because of 1) larger population growth and 2) B1G alums who live out east.

Patience. CR is certainly not finished. It might not happen today or tomorrow, but it will happen again.

 

[Excalibur]

This was a perfect year for RU and MD to enter the B1G. The conference is a complete dumpster fire from a quality of play standpoint right now, at least compared to the other members of the P5. It gives the new teams the impression of competitiveness, which will in turn drive recruiting gains.

 

[UConn9604]

Delany's interview begins around the 1:12 mark of the ESPN3 telecast: http://espn.go.com/watchespn/player/_/id/2071173/

Just listened to it all. Delany sounded remarkably clear, sharp and charming -- amazingly, he's a year older than Paul Pasqualoni, who rarely sounded clear, sharp or charming.

 

[Confident Carl]

What are you disagreeing with?

The primary motivation for adding Rutgers and Maryland to the Big Ten was TV $$ and the Big Ten Network expansion. Got it! However what they are getting as a bonus at least at Rutgers and I assume Maryland will be the same, is a pretty darn good crowd and a great atmosphere. I know we are not talking 100,000+ crowds like the Big House or Beaver stadium. However Rutgers had advance sellouts for Penn State and Michigan. So far Rutgers is a good move for the B1G. Obviously the B1G saw what Rutgers drew for Cincy, Ville and WVA so they probably weren't surprised by Penn State and Michigan.

RankAttendanceDateGame result
1-53,774 (sell-out)[19]Sept. 13, 2014Penn State 13, Rutgers 10
2-53,737 (sell-out)[20]Sept. 7, 2009Cincinnati 47, Rutgers 15
3-53,327 (sell-out)[21]Oct. 5, 2014Rutgers 26, Michigan 24
4-52,798 (sell-out)[22]Nov. 29, 2012Louisville 20, Rutgers 17
5-52,534 (sell-out)[23]Dec. 5, 2009West Virginia 24, Rutgers 21

http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/i...ounces_game_versus_michigan_is_a_sellout.html

 

[minidarren]

The primary motivation for adding Rutgers and Maryland to the Big Ten was TV and the Big Ten Network expansion. Got it! However what they are getting as a bonus at least at Rutgers and I assume Maryland will be the same, is a pretty darn good crowd and a great atmosphere. I know we are not talking 100,000+ crowds like the Big House or Beaver stadium. However Rutgers had advance sellouts for Penn State and Michigan. So far Rutgers is a good move for the B1G. Obviously the B1G saw what Rutgers drew for Cincy, Ville and WVA so they probably weren't surprised by Penn State and Michigan.

RankAttendanceDateGame result
1-53,774 (sell-out)[19]Sept. 13, 2014Penn State 13, Rutgers 10
2-53,737 (sell-out)[20]Sept. 7, 2009Cincinnati 47, Rutgers 15
3-53,327 (sell-out)[21]Oct. 5, 2014Rutgers 26, Michigan 24
4-52,798 (sell-out)[22]Nov. 29, 2012Louisville 20, Rutgers 17
5-52,534 (sell-out)[23]Dec. 5, 2009West Virginia 24, Rutgers 21

http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/i...ounces_game_versus_michigan_is_a_sellout.html

So you are trying to say that Rutgers loses 80% of the time that they sell out?

 

[Excalibur]

The primary motivation for adding Rutgers and Maryland to the Big Ten was TV and the Big Ten Network expansion. Got it! However what they are getting as a bonus at least at Rutgers and I assume Maryland will be the same, is a pretty darn good crowd and a great atmosphere. I know we are not talking 100,000+ crowds like the Big House or Beaver stadium. However Rutgers had advance sellouts for Penn State and Michigan. So far Rutgers is a good move for the B1G. Obviously the B1G saw what Rutgers drew for Cincy, Ville and WVA so they probably weren't surprised by Penn State and Michigan.

RankAttendanceDateGame result
1-53,774 (sell-out)[19]Sept. 13, 2014Penn State 13, Rutgers 10
2-53,737 (sell-out)[20]Sept. 7, 2009Cincinnati 47, Rutgers 15
3-53,327 (sell-out)[21]Oct. 5, 2014Rutgers 26, Michigan 24
4-52,798 (sell-out)[22]Nov. 29, 2012Louisville 20, Rutgers 17
5-52,534 (sell-out)[23]Dec. 5, 2009West Virginia 24, Rutgers 21

http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/i...ounces_game_versus_michigan_is_a_sellout.html

That would be the case at just about every team in the country, particularly if the team is competitive. RU had plenty of empty seats when they were terrible and playing the dregs of D1.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

The primary motivation for adding Rutgers and Maryland to the Big Ten was TV and the Big Ten Network expansion. Got it! However what they are getting as a bonus at least at Rutgers and I assume Maryland will be the same, is a pretty darn good crowd and a great atmosphere. I know we are not talking 100,000+ crowds like the Big House or Beaver stadium. However Rutgers had advance sellouts for Penn State and Michigan. So far Rutgers is a good move for the B1G. Obviously the B1G saw what Rutgers drew for Cincy, Ville and WVA so they probably weren't surprised by Penn State and Michigan.

RankAttendanceDateGame result
1-53,774 (sell-out)[19]Sept. 13, 2014Penn State 13, Rutgers 10
2-53,737 (sell-out)[20]Sept. 7, 2009Cincinnati 47, Rutgers 15
3-53,327 (sell-out)[21]Oct. 5, 2014Rutgers 26, Michigan 24
4-52,798 (sell-out)[22]Nov. 29, 2012Louisville 20, Rutgers 17
5-52,534 (sell-out)[23]Dec. 5, 2009West Virginia 24, Rutgers 21

http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/i...ounces_game_versus_michigan_is_a_sellout.html

Gotcha. So you really don't differ on anything that I said.

 

[CL82]

It's hard to tell Rutgers fans to act like you've been there, when you know damn well they have never actually been there.

Yep RU gets a pass on storming the field after any win. Probably after a few close losses as well.

 

[UConn9604]

The primary motivation for adding Rutgers and Maryland to the Big Ten was TV and the Big Ten Network expansion. Got it! However what they are getting as a bonus at least at Rutgers and I assume Maryland will be the same, is a pretty darn good crowd and a great atmosphere. I know we are not talking 100,000+ crowds like the Big House or Beaver stadium. However Rutgers had advance sellouts for Penn State and Michigan. So far Rutgers is a good move for the B1G. Obviously the B1G saw what Rutgers drew for Cincy, Ville and WVA so they probably weren't surprised by Penn State and Michigan.

RankAttendanceDateGame result
1-53,774 (sell-out)[19]Sept. 13, 2014Penn State 13, Rutgers 10
2-53,737 (sell-out)[20]Sept. 7, 2009Cincinnati 47, Rutgers 15
3-53,327 (sell-out)[21]Oct. 5, 2014Rutgers 26, Michigan 24
4-52,798 (sell-out)[22]Nov. 29, 2012Louisville 20, Rutgers 17
5-52,534 (sell-out)[23]Dec. 5, 2009West Virginia 24, Rutgers 21

http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/i...ounces_game_versus_michigan_is_a_sellout.html

You're not wrong, and I think that Rutgers fans' attraction to Big Ten teams will last a lot longer than the brief novelty of ACC teams lasted with BC fans. With fannies in the seats and a decent product on the field, this relationship can certainly last and grow.

But, there's every reason to think that the same thing would have happened here if we had been asked to join.

 

[Pudge]

You're not wrong, and I think that Rutgers fans' attraction to Big Ten teams will last a lot longer than the brief novelty of ACC teams lasted with BC fans. With fannies in the seats and a decent product on the field, this relationship can certainly last and grow.

But, there's every reason to think that the same thing would have happened here if we had been asked to join.

I think this gets to what is a really KEY point ...

Have you built a fanbase that is going to grow and excite a regional University ... that endures and develops into a real good conference addition; or have you just grabbed a bunch of knuckleheads that are thrilled that they are elevated to this higher level (but there is no residual wave nor capacity to monetize the product) ... and that ends after a little honeymoon.

What is going to happen in Central New York? Are you really buying that the Cuse had potential in Manhattan after a few billboards and spots on the WFAN?
Boston College set to conquer the southeastern Catholics? Really?
Pitt ... the NON - Penn State ... is like COKE (without Caffeine). A really good football market; but how much expansiveness could you possibily expect in Western PA?

My theme continues to be that Delaney/B1G really will solidly build with Rutgers & Maryland; whereas, the ACC bought Branding from 20-35 years ago. Rutgers experience of last weekend SHOULD reflect what UConn can do because we are "growing" a Program into a bigger market. We can expand and go into every corner of our state and near states ... plus more NYC & Boston.

 

[UConn9604]

What is going to happen in Central New York? Are you really buying that the Cuse had potential in Manhattan after a few billboards and spots on the WFAN?

Apparently "New York's College Team" is not New Jersey's College Team:

http://www.syracuse.com/orangefootb..._any_met_life_games_after_2016_according.html

 

[Dooley]

Apparently "New York's College Team" is not New Jersey's College Team:

http://www.syracuse.com/orangefootb..._any_met_life_games_after_2016_according.html

I guess a bunch of billboards can't hide 50-60K Penn State and Notre Dame fans when the Fruit can't draw more than 10K for a so-called "home game". Not to mention, USCw was p1ssed off that they travelled across the country to play in front of 30K, most of them USCw fans!

 

[Dooley]

Rutgers attendance will be very good for years in the B1G. If Rutgers is competitive, then their own fans will buy tickets. In years that Rutgers is not competitive, then alumni from Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, Nebraska, Wisconsin, etc will buy their tickets. It would be the same thing here at UCONN. The Michigan game at the Rent last year had a rocking atmosphere even though there were about 6-7K Michigan fans in attendance. If they ever came back in a year that we didn't have Mr Burns as head coach and were competitive, then UCONN could sell 50+K tickets too. No question about that as we've done it before.

 

[Pudge]

And ... for a few years, the Clemsons & UNCs would love to come to Boston (but NOT Syracuse ... and maybe NOT Pittsburgh). But, that will wear off given alternatives.

I suspect that the environment & the interest-level of B1G playing Rutgers & Maryland will sustain through a long time. And that is also true on the TV eyeballs.

See ... one had the right formula.

 

[BoatShow]

They stormed the field? After beating an unranked opponent with a losing record?

 

[Confident Carl]

They stormed the field? After beating an unranked opponent with a losing record?

If I were a Rutgers fan, I would have stormed the field too! If that game were UCONN - Michigan and UCONN didn't storm the field, it would be disappointing.
Excitement and youthful enthusiasm is a hallmark of college football. That's why so many are concerned about keeping it an amateur sport. That's what differentiates it from the Pro game.

Once again Boat, like it or not Rutgers beat Michigan. Ranked or unranked, Rutgers beat Michigan their first year in the B1G. Don't think they won't be playing that tune for incoming Rutgers recruits!

 

[Dooley]

I don't think WVU was ranked when we beat them and stormed the field.

 

[Confident Carl]

You're not wrong, and I think that Rutgers fans' attraction to Big Ten teams will last a lot longer than the brief novelty of ACC teams lasted with BC fans. With fannies in the seats and a decent product on the field, this relationship can certainly last and grow.

But, there's every reason to think that the same thing would have happened here if we had been asked to join.

I believe it would but Rutgers environment is a bit more hostile with the canons and the fireworks. UCONN's crowd against Michigan was great but I might give a slight edge to Rutgers if I am being 100% objective. 10K more in attendance doesn't hurt them either.

 

[huskymedic]

If I were a Rutgers fan... QUOTE]

Beginning to wonder...

 

[Confident Carl]

Beginning to wonder...

View attachment 7080

Perhaps this will help ease your curiosity. For openers, I was at the Rutgers game doing some independent research work for UCONN, secondly do you know many Rutgers fans who are flying to New Orleans to see a 1-4 UCONN team take on a 1-4 Tulane team? I will also be driving to see UCONN unload on East Carolina in Greenville and later in the house that Ruth built to see UCONN take on Army. I have been a season ticket holder since 2002.
Yeah, your right, I am such a Scarlet Knight fan! LOL

Just because I bleed Husky blue doesn't mean I can't be objective about the business of college sports and calling things as I see them.

I would love it for UCONN to be in the B1G or ACC but that's not the case. I accept the reality that UCONN is in the American and at present the bottom dweller in football. I have high hopes for Diaco and the team he is forming. As I have stated on multiple occasions, The American is not too far off talent wise from the Power 5 as evidenced by UCF's Fiesta bowl performance against Baylor and #10 ranking last year along with East Carolina's current #18 ranking this year. UCONN won both mens and women's Bball championships while members of the American last year. So as much as I would like to join Rutgers in the B1G or Duke in the ACC, I have always been intrigued by the possibilities of the American. If some how Diaco can negotiate a better financial arrangement with ESPN and CBS, the American could be better than most critics think. Like Diaco, we have to give the conference some time to grow.

 

[huskymedic]

Perhaps this will help ease your curiosity. For openers, I was at the Rutgers game doing some independent research work for UCONN, secondly do you know many Rutgers fans who are flying to New Orleans to see a 1-4 UCONN team take on a 1-4 Tulane team? I will also be driving to see UCONN unload on East Carolina in Greenville and later in the house that Ruth built to see UCONN take on Army. I have been a season ticket holder since 2002.
Yeah, your right, I am such a Scarlet Knight fan! LOL.

Lighten up Francis...

 

[J187Money]

It's hard to tell Rutgers fans to act like you've been there, when you know damn well they have never actually been there.

We stormed the field after USF.

 

[BoatShow]

I don't think WVU was ranked when we beat them and stormed the field.

Fair enough, they were not. They were also not 2-3. I wouldn't be surprised if RU was favored going in. I suppose any time you beat a team like Michigan it's a big deal. I don't remember storming the court after beating a horrible UNC team by 30 in hoops though in 2002.

I can also admit I will talk smack about Rutgers any chance I get and may even invent chances.

 

[Confident Carl]

I don't think WVU was ranked when we beat them and stormed the field.

They were 5-3 and UCONN 4-4. Let's go to the Video tape!

 

[minidarren]

We stormed the field after USF.

What is your point?