UMass AD Bamford: UMass Working On “Robust Scheduling Package” With UConn

[Drew]

 

[Dooooooomed]

Interesting how their AD responds to comments...

 

[storrsroars]

Unless something changes, doesn't appear UConn/UMass will play in 2022, as UMass already has 12 games booked.

They've done a pretty nice job of scheduling through 2025.

 

[Dooooooomed]

Unless something changes, doesn't appear UConn/UMass will play in 2022, as UMass already has 12 games booked.

They've done a pretty nice job of scheduling through 2025.

They could easily delay one of their 2022 opponents a year or 2. IMO, if it's a robust deal, it will be every year.

 

[storrsroars]

They could easily delay one of their 2022 opponents a year or 2. IMO, if it's a robust deal, it will be every year.

I like how UMass has scheduled Army the weekend before Thanksgiving almost every year. Something like that that's an annual tradition would be kinda cool.

 

[Exit 4]

Hmmm, you knew this was coming, but for some reason the term “robust” scares me.

We probably just made a deal to play each other multiple times a year if ever screwed over by a late cancelation.

 

[Purple Stein]

It feels good to be needed.

 

[BugsyCT]

Not multiple times a year, but definitely sounds like this will be an annual meeting as long as we're an FBS indy. We'll see.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

The word robust is so funny

 

[Husky92]

Hmmm, you knew this was coming, but for some reason the term “robust” scares me.

We probably just made a deal to play each other multiple times a year if ever screwed over by a late cancelation.

I think you're overreacting here. I'm guessing just a multi-year deal that's consistent if not every year. Good for both programs at this point.

 

[TRest]

I really don’t want to be in the position where we need favors from umass

 

[Exit 4]

I think you're overreacting here. I'm guessing just a multi-year deal that's consistent if not every year. Good for both programs at this point.

You don’t get my humor .... just being light here

 

[History Geek]

I really don’t want to be in the position where we need favors from umass

That boat has sailed. We need favors from UMass. And I think its mutually beneficial.

 

[metsfan2323]

Nobody will be complaining when we play Providence, St Johns, and Seton Hall two times a year in basketball, why complain about playing UMASS twice a year in football? Yes it is unique, but being independent is unique, we are already through the looking glass, to hell with conformity.

The move to the Big East was about playing local rivals and saving money, UMASS football checks off both boxes. As long as both games count towards bowl eligibility then do it. Personally i'd rather see both teams try to lobby their way into the MAC for football and try to build that conference up.

 

[Steve1981]

Same here metsfan2323, even open to CUSA FB only. The MAC seems cold to the idea, but who knows, except they will not share much CFP or media money. Needs to be financial beneficial to the MAC is a line from MAC commissioner Joh Steinbrecher, who is a very good comish and noting a Ohio U. grad.

 

[Excalibur]

I really don’t want to be in the position where we need favors from umass

Yet, here we are . . .

 

[TRest]

Yet, here we are . . .

Yeah, I'm not saying it isn't happening, but if their AD isn't pressing us for basketball games as part of a deal he is asleep at the wheel. FWIW I doubt Hurley would have any strong objections to playing once in a while, just don't lock up a ten game series again. Geno has never scheduled umass as far as I know.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

The idea any of this is or isn't "big time" should be clear to most by now.

If it's an FCS buy-game or flying the team to Old Dominion, or Coastal Carolina, I'd much rather the home/home with UMass.

It's not like we're going to have a lot of the teams on the schedule that people care about. May as well make one familiar at least.

 

[Palatine]

Yuck.

But we must play the hand we have been dealt. If it is more profitable to play a neutral site game at Fenway or Foxboro it should be considered.

 

[Steve1981]

Got it, you will be fine from the scheduling thread.

 

[AndOne]

If this was announced five years ago, everyone here would've puked. Now it's seen as a positive.

 

[CL82]

If this was announced five years ago, everyone here would've puked. Now it's seen as a positive.

Series with UMass versus an empty spot in the schedule? Mmmm, yeah, I see it as positive.

Who knows it could end up being good for both of us if the fan bases embrace it. I'd hope that it would be lopsided in our favor... eventually.

 

[Redding Husky]

I remember when 90% of the posts on this board said we were too good for AAC football.

Now we’re happy to be linked with UMass.

Very sad.

 

[weyuo]

You leave the AAC to "lobby" for an invite to the MAC and play basketball in a watered down, dieing conference?? Come on, leaving the AAC was a mistake but begging for inclusion in maybe the third best G-5 league is just an embarrassing slap in the face. The AAC is moving up. The Big East is sliding down(just wait for the next TV negotiation if you don't believe me). The MAC is what it is, a third rate league for a group of small schools willing to take whatever scraps ESPN will throw them. UConn, take your chances with independence. You control more of your revenue and you can possibly parlay your basketball for a few decent paydays for both basketball and football. Football independence could be fun for the fans but if it can't at least pay for itself then leaving the AAC was the worst mistake UConn could have made. Time will tell.

 

[The Funster]

Would like nothing than to see UConn/UMass become "New England's rivalry" and stick it to BC.

Friggin' chumps.