Sure this sucks for us, but imagine how Cinci feels

[buddy]

I just sense that Louisville fans fail to grasp their place in this world.

There's a reason they were the last rats off the sinking ship, not the first.

They should just thank their stars that they had more appeal to the hayseed contingent of the ACC than we did and stop trying to convince the world that they're something other than the last one to leave the island of misfit toys.

Say what you will about Louisville, but the fact is they are in and we are out. Their AD did his job, ours did not. UConn is on the outside looking in. They are not. That is all that matters. UConn is not next in line for anything. The administration has stated that they are embracing the AAC. Board of Trustees is embracing the AAC. That says it all about UConn's future.

 

[NickyNewark]

@Nicky…No problem. I don’t take myself that seriously to be offended. My overall point is that I am not sure if the B1G would have taken only 1 school. They wanted a pair for a range of reasons, thus, I do not believe Rutgers and/or Maryland would have been invited to the B1G at this time without each other or another partner.
Now, back to reading the Globe about BC in the ACC as I am in Boston this week for work. Only problem, I am still looking – lots on the Sox, some on the Yanks (amazed how much press the Globe gives to the Yanks), a bit on the new Brooklyn ‘Celtics,’ a page on Hernandez, some updates on the Pats. Yep, even with college football starting in a month in a half, zip on BC and the ACC. Wait, ah, there is still a page on-line dedicated to BC’s 2011 hockey championship

@As usual Mr Conehead..a reasonable conclusion on CR in the BE!!I guess the truth is probably somewhere in between!?!

 

[jdm00]

I agree Cinn makes more sense for the Big 12 as a WV partner.
But they practically share a market with Louisville
Cinn is a small town. There are more people in Mesa AZ. than Cinn
It is as much a mid-south town as it is mid-west. their airport is in Kentucky.

Cincy's metro is 2.2 million people--about 2x the size of Louisville's metro population. (Population of the city is small, but that is only because it's geographically small and surrounded by tons of suburbs.) There's really no overlap with Louisville market-wise, which is about 100 miles away. Cincy has a slightly smaller market than metro size because they abut so many other TV markets within 75-100 miles (Columbus, Indy, Dayton, Lexington, etc.).

The Bearcats' real problem IMO is fanbase-related. Cincy is very much a pro sports town and in football and basketball, it's questionable whether the Bearcats are more popular than Ohio State or Kentucky.

 

[BCINGYA]

I'm not sure what I'm more shocked to see: a Louisville fan who thinks they saved the ACC, or a BC fan who thinks it would be good for NE football for UConn and BC to play every year.

The difference being I am SANE and not delusional. Bury the past and move forward. What gets accomplished by holding grudges? Our old A.D. is gone and so is Calhoun. Even your governor called for a renewal, two schools 80 miles apart who have a dislike for each other. All the ingredients are there, so lets settle it on the playing field and bb court. Now all we need is a trophy gimmick, like a bucket or an axe, (used in other rivalries) etc...lol.....but something unique to New England.

 

[Nostical]

Now all we need is a trophy gimmick, like a bucket or an axe, (used in other rivalries) etc...lol.....but something unique to New England.

A Pegasus-like sculpture for the winner of the annual "BirdDog Brawl"

 

[FfldCntyFan]

Now all we need is a trophy gimmick, like a bucket or an axe, (used in other rivalries) etc...lol.....but something unique to New England.

I'm thinking a piece of scrimshaw.

 

[CL82]

The difference being I am SANE and not delusional. Bury the past and move forward. What gets accomplished by holding grudges? Our old A.D. is gone and so is Calhoun. Even your governor called for a renewal, two schools 80 miles apart who have a dislike for each other. All the ingredients are there, so lets settle it on the playing field and bb court. Now all we need is a trophy gimmick, like a bucket or an axe, (used in other rivalries) etc...lol.....but something unique to New England.

How about this?

I'm thinking it would look pretty good out in front of the Rent. Sure it would be expensive to move the first game but it's not like we'd incur that cost a second time.

 

[uconndogs]

The difference being I am SANE and not delusional. Bury the past and move forward. What gets accomplished by holding grudges? Our old A.D. is gone and so is Calhoun. Even your governor called for a renewal, two schools 80 miles apart who have a dislike for each other. All the ingredients are there, so lets settle it on the playing field and bb court. Now all we need is a trophy gimmick, like a bucket or an axe, (used in other rivalries) etc...lol.....but something unique to New England.

It's not only sanity it's common sense.

GDF, and by extension Fr. Leahy, did more to set back college athletics in New England than their predecessors who allowed a major gambling scandal (well, two actually) to take place on the Heights. They were so fixated on keeping UCONN down and their vengeance for the lawsuit that they lost site of what would be in the long-term best interest of BC. And what would have been in the long-term best interest for BC was heightened interest throughout New England in major college football. A viable UCONN goes a long way in that effort and a budding rivalry on the grid iron would have been huge and I think it would have quickly been in a packed Foxboro. Use your competition as an opportunity and grow the market.

I don't know anything about GDF other than what I saw and read of him in the press. But, he is obviously not a business person and appeared to be an emotional and reactionary person with a large and very fragile ego. His comments to the press regarding ESPN and UCONN were borderline grossly negligent to BC, the ACC and ESPN. In no other major institution than BC does that idiocy allow someone to retain their job. It will take BC years to overcome the damage he did to their athletic programs.

UCONN and BC should play. My only hope is that with the current conference issues UCONN can remain competitive until the next major bout of realignment.

 

[UC990411]

The difference being I am SANE and not delusional. Bury the past and move forward. What gets accomplished by holding grudges? Our old A.D. is gone and so is Calhoun. Even your governor called for a renewal, two schools 80 miles apart who have a dislike for each other. All the ingredients are there, so lets settle it on the playing field and bb court. Now all we need is a trophy gimmick, like a bucket or an axe, (used in other rivalries) etc...lol.....but something unique to New England.

There is nothing to settle on the bball court until BC is relevant again, until then we'll continue to play Harvard because they offer better competition. Football would be fun

 

[Waquoit]

For the love of all that is good and holy do I have any ability as OP to delete this thread?

No, but you can try to learn from your mistakes.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

@As usual Mr Conehead..a reasonable conclusion on CR in the BE!!I guess the truth is probably somewhere in between!?!

Unless one of us Rutgers’s or UConn’s President or AD or one of the P5 conference presidents, I agree. Looking at my payslip, I know I am not.

 

[BCINGYA]

It's not only sanity it's common sense.

GDF, and by extension Fr. Leahy, did more to set back college athletics in New England than their predecessors who allowed a major gambling scandal (well, two actually) to take place on the Heights. They were so fixated on keeping UCONN down and their vengeance for the lawsuit that they lost site of what would be in the long-term best interest of BC. And what would have been in the long-term best interest for BC was heightened interest throughout New England in major college football. A viable UCONN goes a long way in that effort and a budding rivalry on the grid iron would have been huge and I think it would have quickly been in a packed Foxboro. Use your competition as an opportunity and grow the market.

I don't know anything about GDF other than what I saw and read of him in the press. But, he is obviously not a business person and appeared to be an emotional and reactionary person with a large and very fragile ego. His comments to the press regarding ESPN and UCONN were borderline grossly negligent to BC, the ACC and ESPN. In no other major institution than BC does that idiocy allow someone to retain their job. It will take BC years to overcome the damage he did to their athletic programs.

UCONN and BC should play. My only hope is that with the current conference issues UCONN can remain competitive until the next major bout of realignment.

I am a member of the B.Y. because I enjoy exchanging points of view and try to adhere to being a considerate guest of sorts. Her is my point of view.

1. The gambling scandal has nothing to do with whats happening today. Nothing is ever allowed and baby sitting students 24-7 is impossible, hence the post season ban for U Conn for its recent infractions. I don't care, nor have ever used it as a negative when discussing U Conn on any site or blog. My thinking...! happens all over the country at all types of schools. Im not entertaining any discussion on that subject its irrelevant to B.C. and U Conn playing.

2. Gene is gone and yes he had a pretty big ego. In my opinion his one most important contribution was guiding B.C. into the A.C.C. His worst move...HIRING SPAZ AND LEAVING THE FB PROGRAM IN A SHAMBLES. He was very unpopular for his aloof attitude with the fan base and alums. His retirement was most welcomed, even celebrated in some circles. You get the picture. His leaking privy information with regards to ESPN, the A.C.C. and B.C. was getting caught with his pants down so to speak. You cant defend that and he had to own it. The fact is that he had scheduled his retirement a year prior to that incident. I feel the President and higher powers took that into consideration knowing full well his days were numbered anyways, and the new A.D. search had not even begun. If he was fired he still gets paid, and B.C. now has an empty A.D. position. Perhaps the decision not to fire him was based on money. Who knows for certain.

3. B.C athletics are in the recovery period under new leadership. BB is a smart outgoing guy who communicates with alums and fans in person (town hall mtgs) and via social media. I feel confident that he would be a great partner to deal with, in regards to reconnecting U Conn and B.C. on the field and across athletics in general.

4. I am a vocal supporter of the Big 3, U Conn, U mass, and B.C. playing in all sports as often as possible. These three programs play a national schedule and represent New England college athletics to the rest of the country on a regular basis. U Mass is where U Conn used to be more than a decade ago and they are investing heavily right now in new facilities for FB and BB. In short I hope to see B.C. and U Conn playing football and bb every year. Perhaps new leadership and a willingness to do whats best for the student athletes (easy travel). The fans will get to see more local games, that are affordable as in day trips versus traveling outside the region. Not to mention supporting our local economies. The biggest prize would be packing Gillette, the Rent, or Alum Stad. on a crisp fall afternoon and slugging it out for the annual trophy/prize and bragging rights.

 

[UConn9604]

I am a member of the B.Y. because I enjoy exchanging points of view and try to adhere to being a considerate guest of sorts. Her is my point of view.

I agree with much of what you've said and I appreciate your candor and respect as a visitor. I'm biased, but I don't share your confidence that BC's basketball and football are on a rebound (I think the former was built based on local rivalries with Providence, Connecticut et al. in the Big East and the latter was built on a lack of competition in the northeast). Simply put, I think you guys are in real trouble, sans hockey, because the BC brand has been changed, diluted and/or phased out.

Also, I agree with your last sentiments in principle, but it will be a long time before UMass matches what we've accomplished in 10-15 short years in terms of football. UMass is facing all of the same problems we've faced in Connecticut (in terms of increasing our exposure to our own citizens and legislature, and getting greater support for expansion and new facilities) but with none of the results. They're pretty similar institutions (strong research institutions away from the capital cities, located in states with world-class private institutions) but the general trends are that we're climbing and UMass is falling.

Fun fact: in 1993, UMass and BC were equally ranked in U.S. News & World Report. True story.

As for UConn and BC playing again soon, I'd love to see an end-of-season regional game in football (think Clemson-USC) in the afternoon, followed by an evening early-season basketball game in the same region (The Rent/XL Center, Alumni/Conte Forum) on the same day so that fans could attend each one. I think that once we get our long-term conference future stabilized, whether it's in the ACC or somewhere else, that afternoon could be an all-day affair on ESPN or ESPN2.

 

[BCINGYA]

I agree with much of what you've said and I appreciate your candor and respect as a visitor. I'm biased, but I don't share your confidence that BC's basketball and football are on a rebound (I think the former was built based on local rivalries with Providence, Connecticut et al. in the Big East and the latter was built on a lack of competition in the northeast). Simply put, I think you guys are in real trouble, sans hockey, because the BC brand has been changed, diluted and/or phased out.

Also, I agree with your last sentiments in principle, but it will be a long time before UMass matches what we've accomplished in 10-15 short years in terms of football. UMass is facing all of the same problems we've faced in Connecticut (in terms of increasing our exposure to our own citizens and legislature, and getting greater support for expansion and new facilities) but with none of the results. They're pretty similar institutions (strong research institutions away from the capital cities, located in states with world-class private institutions) but the general trends are that we're climbing and UMass is falling.

Fun fact: in 1993, UMass and BC were equally ranked in U.S. News & World Report. True story.

As for UConn and BC playing again soon, I'd love to see an end-of-season regional game in football (think Clemson-USC) in the afternoon, followed by an evening early-season basketball game in the same region (The Rent/XL Center, Alumni/Conte Forum) on the same day so that fans could attend each one. I think that once we get our long-term conference future stabilized, whether it's in the ACC or somewhere else, that afternoon could be an all-day affair on ESPN or ESPN2.

Sorry but i don't agree and I am well aware of whats going on within the B.C. circles. The rebirth has begun at all levels including the new master plan that is being unveiled in early fall. New facilities and updating others etc. The money being garnered from the A.C.C as well as a huge established endowment will be more than enough to carry out their vision. B.C. has along history as and is very well respected in the academic circles and continues to be a top ranked school. The name for athletics is somewhat tarnished but not broken. Certainly not vanishing or whatever phased out means. I think your speaking from a more wishful point of view. The results will speak for themselves's in the near future.

 

[specialisthusky]

Sorry but i don't agree and I am well aware of whats going on within the B.C. circles. The rebirth has begun at all levels including the new master plan that is being unveiled in early fall. New facilities and updating others etc. The money being garnered from the A.C.C as well as a huge established endowment will be more than enough to carry out their vision. B.C. has along history as and is very well respected in the academic circles and continues to be a top ranked school. The name for athletics is somewhat tarnished but not broken. Certainly not vanishing or whatever phased out means. I think your speaking from a more wishful point of view. The results will speak for themselves's in the near future.

Nothing debunks our wishful thinking like relying on future results.

 

[UConn9604]

The name for athletics is somewhat tarnished but not broken. Certainly not vanishing or whatever phased out means. I think your speaking from a more wishful point of view. The results will speak for themselves's in the near future.

That's the thing about sports predictions -- one of us will be right, and we'll find out soon enough. I just think that BC no longer stands out, that's all.

Let's put it this way: I think BC will have more in common with Wake Forest than any other school in the ACC, but time will tell.

 

[BoatShow]

No, but you can try to learn from your mistakes.

Got it. Never start any thread for the chance BCU, Ville, and RU fans will stumble into and start bickering for whatever reason.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

@ BCINGYA
Thanks. I agree with most of what you said, except 3 items.
First, BC’s basketball team is a mess, too. Scoring tickets at Chestnut Hill for an UConn/BC basketball game when I was in Storrs in the mid 90’s was a lot of fun because the games were always hard fought and visiting Boston was great. Today, BC can’t beat Harvard and can barely beat Holy Cross.
Second, BC is going to face certain challenges that UConn will not have to in terms of expanding and updating facilities. Those challenges are named Boston and Newton. I still remember Councilors from both cities screaming for BC to build more on-campus housing to keep BC students off of their streets. The moment BD tried to build more housing, the same folks scream that such a move will bankrupt the landlords in both towns who need that revenue. Good luck.
Third, from a football standpoint, UMass (Amherst) is screwed. Their attendance at Gillette during their first year in I-A was a disaster, which has killed interest in expanding their on-campus stadium. UMass also continues to be seen as a ‘back-up’ school by most families in metro Boston, which is reflected in the funding that they receive from Beacon Hill. That funding pie is also going to get smaller for the Amherst campus with UMass Boston looking to add dorms and now a very politically savvy President at UMass Lowell who is moving their programs up to I-A.
Overall, I agree that a strong BC/UConn rivalry would greatly benefit New England college sports. Unfortunately, UConn’s gut reaction during the first ACC raid hurt us (though, every school has sued each other at one point in the old Big E) early on BC’s and others’ continued anger/jealously/fear towards UConn since has only hurt that rivalry even more. I am not sure if it ever happen, now.

 

[larryredbull]

That's the thing about sports predictions -- one of us will be right, and we'll find out soon enough. I just think that BC no longer stands out, that's all.

Let's put it this way: I think BC will have more in common with Wake Forest than any other school in the ACC, but time will tell.

I agree with you. Boston doesn't carry the Boston market which is a big problem for them. The ACC gets tougher this year making it even harder for them to stand out.

 

[BCINGYA]

Nothing debunks our wishful thinking like relying on future results.

Lets drink to the future, lol. Thanks for an interesting and thoughtful exchange of opinions.

 

[BCINGYA]

That's the thing about sports predictions -- one of us will be right, and we'll find out soon enough. I just think that BC no longer stands out, that's all.

Let's put it this way: I think BC will have more in common with Wake Forest than any other school in the ACC, but time will tell.

I know a veiled insult when I read one lol, hey thats cool .....you know the old saying...opinions are like a**!** everybody has one. Its all good. Yes we will soon enough. Applicants are at an all time high, plenty of money in the piggy bank, new facilities coming, new leadership within the athletic department and a stable secure conference. We shall prosper my friend. Thanks for chatting I like to hear other folks perspectives even if i don't agree.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

I know a veiled insult when I read one lol, hey thats cool .....you know the old saying...opinions are like a* ! everybody has one. Its all good. Yes we will soon enough. Applicants are at an all time high, plenty of money in the piggy bank, new facilities coming, new leadership within the athletic department and a stable secure conference. We shall prosper my friend. Thanks for chatting I like to hear other folks perspectives even if i don't agree.

Peeling back athletics for a moment, Wake Forest and BC are comparable in many ways. Both are religious based (Jesuit, Baptist), national liberal arts universities (US News ranking BC #31, WF #27), with similar endowments (BC $1.6B, WF $1.5B), BC is bigger (BC 9,000 undergrads, WF 4,800 undergrads); but, WF has a medical school while BC does not (both have law schools).
With respect to athletics, both are negatively impacted by their location. BC is challenged by being in a very pro-centric sports city while Wake Forest is the poor little sister to Duke and also has to deal with UNC and NC State.
Of course, I would live in Boston, even during a blizzard, any day of the week over Winston-Salem.

 

[BCINGYA]

Peeling back athletics for a moment, Wake Forest and BC are comparable in many ways. Both are religious based (Jesuit, Baptist), national liberal arts universities (US News ranking BC #31, WF #27), with similar endowments (BC $1.6B, WF $1.5B), BC is bigger (BC 9,000 undergrads, WF 4,800 undergrads); but, WF has a medical school while BC does not (both have law schools).
With respect to athletics, both are negatively impacted by their location. BC is challenged by being in a very pro-centric sports city while Wake Forest is the poor little sister to Duke and also has to deal with UNC and NC State.
Of course, I would live in Boston, even during a blizzard, any day of the week over Winston-Salem.

Hi, very well said stated and I appreciate your knowledge! Challenges can be met and overcome. Look at what U Conn built in such a short time. Thats why I try to remain focused on the future, every school has areas that need improvement including athletics. Your a breath of fresh air presenting some hard data and making your point without being hostile. I have met many people like yourself, and some people who are not so polite. Im pro U Conn to the p5 and support B.C.. I don't feel they have to be mutually exclusive.

 

[uconndogs]

Im pro U Conn to the p5 and support B.C.. I don't feel they have to be mutually exclusive.

Unfortunately you former AD and current President had the exact opposite view and acted accordingly. Very insular, very narrow view of the world and goodness knows they are not business people.

 

[Sea Goat]

Unfortunately you former AD and current President had the exact opposite view and acted accordingly. Very insular, very narrow view of the world and goodness knows they are not business people.

I suppose some proof of the rapprochement between B.C. and UConn is the invite to the HE for hockey. B.C. has as much clout as any HE member and they could have nixed our chances there. So did B.C. support us for HE and not for the ACC in the most recent go-around? I doubt they were adamant one way or the other re: the ACC, but did support us for HE. Re: the addition of Louisville to the ACC, even B.C. would want to avoid the inclusion of such a clearly inferior academic institution. It sounds more like FSU and Clemson, 2 ACC football powerhouses, would depart if they didn't get their way. They wanted Louisville so they could have some easy wins in the ACC version of "As schools match wits".

 

[BCINGYA]

I suppose some proof of the rapprochement between B.C. and UConn is the invite to the HE for hockey. B.C. has as much clout as any HE member and they could have nixed our chances there. So did B.C. support us for HE and not for the ACC in the most recent go-around? I doubt they were adamant one way or the other re: the ACC, but did support us for HE. Re: the addition of Louisville to the ACC, even B.C. would want to avoid the inclusion of such a clearly inferior academic institution. It sounds more like FSU and Clemson, 2 ACC football powerhouses, would depart if they didn't get their way. They wanted Louisville so they could have some easy wins in the ACC version of "As schools match wits".

I think U Conn to H.E. was a slam dunk, never heard of any opposition from B.C. in the circles I travel. It was rather quiet. Now all of New England is represented in H.E. which is very cool. I feel that the football powers had their minds made up it was L.V. all the way. Once they were placated the G.O.R. was much easier to swallow. I was hoping for U Conn, I mean come on....80 miles apart, playing in all sports, how much fun would that have been. I don't feel B.C. or the other members had a real choice in the matter this time around. This vote was more about securing A.C.C. membership and stability and less about U Conn not being a good fit. This was pure appeasement for FSU, Clemson, and perhaps Miami and V.T. to a degree. It's a bitter pill to swallow accepting L.V. and it's horrible academic profile. Keeping the football powers happy and securing a stable future ($$) for the conference super ceded any L.V. negatives.

 

[Sea Goat]

I think U Conn to H.E. was a slam dunk, never heard of any opposition from B.C. in the circles I travel. It was rather quiet. Now all of New England is represented in H.E. which is very cool. I feel that the football powers had their minds made up it was L.V. all the way. Once they were placated the G.O.R. was much easier to swallow. I was hoping for U Conn, I mean come on....80 miles apart, playing in all sports, how much fun would that have been. I don't feel B.C. or the other members had a real choice in the matter this time around. This vote was more about securing A.C.C. membership and stability and less about U Conn not being a good fit. This was pure appeasement for FSU, Clemson, and perhaps Miami and V.T. to a degree. It's a bitter pill to swallow accepting L.V. and it's horrible academic profile. Keeping the football powers happy and securing a stable future ( ) for the conference super ceded any L.V. negatives.

It will come back to haunt the better schools in the ACC, however. Academically, there is an enormous gulf between the better ACC schools and the Louisville's of the world. Consider this scenario - Blue chip recruit wants B.C. (or any of the better ACC schools) specifically and the ACC generally. Can't spell "cat", however. The padres at Chestnut Hill say "no"; so where does he go? Now, this can happen in other P-5 conferences, but the academic gulf seems greatest in the ACC.

 

[amory]

Every time I read this thread title I get pissed off, and it's always right at the top of the list.

The idea that we should care about how Cincinnati feels is so absurd I can't even.

It will come back to haunt the better schools in the ACC, however. Academically, there is an enormous gulf between the better ACC schools and the Louisville's of the world. Consider this scenario - Blue chip recruit wants B.C. (or any of the better ACC schools) specifically and the ACC generally. Can't spell "cat", however. The padres at Chestnut Hill say "no"; so where does he go? Now, this can happen in other P-5 conferences, but the academic gulf seems greatest in the ACC.

I once heard something about a rising tide raising all boats... I have a feeling in a few years Louisville will be a much, much better school academically than they are now.

 

[junglehusky]

This vote was more about securing A.C.C. membership and stability and less about U Conn not being a good fit. This was pure appeasement for FSU, Clemson, and perhaps Miami and V.T. to a degree.

Definitely FSU was leading the way for UL, we have heard Coach K and the tobacco road schools were in UConn's corner. There have been reports that Cuse, who didn't have a vote yet, were advising against UConn. Presumably they think they'll divide and conquer the northeast with BC, they took the position that Flipper had, if that stays the case it makes it harder for UConn to get in the ACC if a spot opens, depending whether who's leaving (if anybody).

 

[upstater]

Why so much hate for Cincy? I do feel bad for Cincy. I think they got screwed just as much as Uconn in conference realignment. But Cincy may be in an even tougher position with the OSU factor. Your argument that Cincy made out during the last round of expansion applies to Uconn, USF, and Ville as well. Cincy, USF, and Ville all benefitted from an upgrade in football and basketball. Uconn may not have benefitted from a basketball upgrade but benefitted more than anyone from with the football upgrade to 1A. Of the 2002 Big East football teams, only Temple has not been invited to join a P5 conference. Louisville has taken advantage of the upgrade to the Big East and benefitted further by receiving an invite to the ACC. I see Uconn as being the "next in line" program to receive an invite to the P5, with Cincy also in position to make the jump as well. I think it is only fair that you recognize that Uconn also benefitted from the eary 2000 football expansions. If not for the Big East looking to expand in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Uconn may be in the NBE instead of vying for a spot in a P5 conference. I think Uconn has a much better overall athletic program today than it had prior to 1A football.

Fishy, I agree that Uconn needs to make it clear that they are "next in line" by winning on the field and filling seats at FB/BB games. But the argument that Cincy "made out during expansion and is back where they started" could be applied to Uconn by saying "Uconn made out during expansion and is further along than they started". Please don't take the previous statement as a negative but more as a positive. I think Uconn took full advantage of its opportunity to upgrade football, and has shown that Uconn football has a high upside with its growth in the past 10-15 years. I think before criticizing Cincy and USF for taking advantage of expansion in the early 2000s, you should recognize the growth and expansion that Uconn enjoyed during this same time of expansion. Expansion has benefitted some teams more than others, but I would not trade where Uconn (or Cincy) is today (AAC with likely invite to P5 in the future) for where Uconn (or Cincy) would be today (NBE or CUSA or MAC) without football expansion.

I don't think people realize how integral UConn was to what transpired in the BE in the 1990s. You say UConn benefited from the expansions like Cincy did (if not more) but it's not so simple as that. First off, as a BE charter member, from the very beginning, UConn had the option to jump. Secondly, UConn had been pegged for BE football long before the expansions. UConn joining the BE for football was not a consequence of the expansions, not at all, as it was for Cincy. Third, the conference almost split in the early 1990s, but it was UConn that held it together by convincing some Catholics to admit Miami and the like.

Simply, I just don't buy this argument.