USF…. (Merged threads)

[champs99and04]

The Big XII was jerking UConn's chain. Yormark loves basketball but the conference members don't care. No one is confused, UConn is not a P program. They may not mention UConn in the G6 because UConn is not in one of those conferences, but they know that is UConn's level. It's not like they thought UMass was at ND's level either. The vast majority of CR articles don't consider UConn a lead candidate so yeah, it certainly is conceivable.

While I largely agree, one thing that gets lost in these discussions is that different conferences assign different values to different schools. There's no standardized rate to guide our outlook for the future, meaning you never know when the Big Ten might pull a Rutgers out of its hat and shock everyone. (Years later, it's hard to say it hasn't paid dividends for the Big Ten even if RU's play has left something to be desired.)

In a vacuum, I think UConn's one of, if not the most valuable commodities in the G6. While it might be a bit ambitious to think that the Big Ten would add us now, I still think it's a conceivable long-term goal provided a bunch of things go right in the meantime. Conversely, I'm pretty sure the Big Ten would bristle at the prospect of adding a Memphis or Louisville.

Unfortunately for us, the Big 12 appears to be the only realistic suitor in the event that a power league decides to add from the G6 - and we don't fit. At all. It's like deciding whether to court the really attractive woman that kind of likes you but clearly isn't attainable or the mildly attractive woman that might be gettable if she wasn't completely repelled by you. You're probably going home with zero women.

 

[bendm]

No kidding, At least 2 schools need to leave the ACC for us to get a backfill invitation. Hoping at least 4 leave just to be safe.

 

[KryHavok]

No kidding, At least 2 schools need to leave the ACC for us to get a backfill invitation. Hoping at least 4 leave just to be safe.

For which any 2 invites would likely go to USF or Tulane or any other school not having "Conn" in their acryonm. There is simply too much animus from that conference towards us to ever extend an invite to us. It would have to totally collapse and rebuild for us to have a chance, then as others have stated, you basically have an AACv2. Better to put energy into wishing for something with a greater likelihood of happening, like Adam Sandler winning the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

 

[bendm]

For which any 2 invites would likely go to USF or Tulane or any other school not having "Conn" in their acryonm. There is simply too much animus from that conference towards us to ever extend an invite to us. It would have to totally collapse and rebuilt for us to have a chance a chance, then as others have stated, you basically have an AACv2. Better to put energy into wishing for something with a greater likelihood of happening, like Adam Sandler winning the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

That’s why I’m hoping for 4 exits (Clemson, F$U, Miami, and UNC). BC can throw a temper tantrum all they want but There’s no other realistic backfill candidates besides us, USF, Tulane and Memphis.

And Sandler is expected to get an Oscar nom for Jay Kelly

 

[UConnJim]

That is such a weird mindset to say UNLV is a "total stretch". Being a large university located in Las Vegas with good brand recognition. Almost every P4 can fly in/out directly and give their fans/alumni a great time for a weekend.

I agree that the concept of UNLV in a power conference makes sense, but here is the problem with UNLV. Their athletic budget in 2025 is ~$67 million which is $30 million+ below the bottom of the P4 and they are already losing ~$20 million plus per year. UNLV would need to massively increase investments in athletics to be a viable P4 expansion candidate. In addition, UNLV's US News college ranking is #244 which is below any of the P4 schools.

 

[Kolumbo]

While I largely agree, one thing that gets lost in these discussions is that different conferences assign different values to different schools. There's no standardized rate to guide our outlook for the future, meaning you never know when the Big Ten might pull a Rutgers out of its hat and shock everyone. (Years later, it's hard to say it hasn't paid dividends for the Big Ten even if RU's play has left something to be desired.)

In a vacuum, I think UConn's one of, if not the most valuable commodities in the G6. While it might be a bit ambitious to think that the Big Ten would add us now, I still think it's a conceivable long-term goal provided a bunch of things go right in the meantime. Conversely, I'm pretty sure the Big Ten would bristle at the prospect of adding a Memphis or Louisville.

Unfortunately for us, the Big 12 appears to be the only realistic suitor in the event that a power league decides to add from the G6 - and we don't fit. At all. It's like deciding whether to court the really attractive woman that kind of likes you but clearly isn't attainable or the mildly attractive woman that might be gettable if she wasn't completely repelled by you. You're probably going home with zero women.

True. I don't need to be fair to rutgers and maryland, screw them, but what exactly were the Big Ten's expectations from these programs anyway. The Big Ten supposedly got the markets they were after. I'm sure no Big Ten program figured either newbie would be winning conference championships anytime soon. They are state flagship universities, AAU members, with big markets. rutgers has actually gone bowling 3 of the last 4 years and beat Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl. When you invite rutgers and maryland you might get a couple of extra wins. When you invite Texas and Oklahoma you might get the horns.

 

[bendm]

I agree that the concept of UNLV in a power conference makes sense, but here is the problem with UNLV. Their athletic budget in 2025 is ~$67 million which is $30 million+ below the bottom of the P4 and they are already losing ~$20 million plus per year. UNLV would need to massively increase investments in athletics to be a viable P4 expansion candidate. In addition, UNLV's US News college ranking is #244 which is below any of the P4 schools.

If academics still matter at all when it comes to realignment then it’s the least important factor the decision makers are considering, with those decision makers being 1) the tv networks followed by 2) the conferences themselves

 

[dvegas]

If academics & endowment matter, Tulane will be at the top of the lists. Bet they rue the day they left the SEC. There's no better road trip (besides UConn at MSG/Final Four) than an away game in the Big Easy.

 

[UConnJim]

USF's new stadium will have the same seating capacity as Northwestern's new stadium, but Northwestern is spending $850 million on their stadium. It will be interesting to see the end result of these two stadiums to see if Northwestern's stadium is over twice as nice as USF's since it cost over two times more.

Sure, costs are higher in Chicago than Tampa, but Northwestern is building probably the "best" college football stadium which costs money. All the seats are padded and protected by a canopy. Comparables will be the most modern NFL stadiums and, due to the limited seating, may be even better. And, the facilities will be used year round.

 

[BigTenFan]

Northwestern is also in Chicago....cost of construction is exponentially higher than Florida

Its in a primo spot on Lake Michigan!

 

[billybud]

The game with Miami knocked off a little of USF's stardust.

Miami is good...USF can win a bunch...but they aren't shining as bright.

The Jimmys and Joes were better than the X's and O's.

 

[ArtTheFan]

If expansion ever gets rolling again….they’re gonna be an issue for us.

USF is going to all out with athletics. They are building a semi 'on campus' stadium. It is behind MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) on city owned property. It will be across the street from the campus.

Jeff Vinik is trying to finance a new arena and sponsoring a hockey team. USF is going to be in a power conference, however not at the expense of us.

 

[HuskyinWRNY]

USF is going to all out with athletics. They are building a semi 'on campus' stadium. It is behind MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) on city owned property. It will be across the street from the campus.

Jeff Vinik is trying to finance a new arena and sponsoring a hockey team. USF is going to be in a power conference, however not at the expense of us.

See rule #1.

 

[BullDawg]

USF is going to all out with athletics. They are building a semi 'on campus' stadium. It is behind MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) on city owned property. It will be across the street from the campus.

Jeff Vinik is trying to finance a new arena and sponsoring a hockey team. USF is going to be in a power conference, however not at the expense of us.

Not anyone here really cares but the new USF on campus stadium is actually going to be built on the campus not “semi on campus”. It’s not behind MOSI, but located behind the tennis courts.

 

[Kolumbo]

Not anyone here really cares but the new USF on campus stadium is actually going to be built on the campus not “semi on campus”. It’s not behind MOSI, but located behind the tennis courts.

I care because I thought USF was a good football rival in the Big East/AAC and is doing everything the right way. USF will be in a P4 conference. I'm not even sure the tennis courts are a good reference point. The stadium is going on campus right next to the football practice fields and the track.

 

[BullDawg]

I care because I thought USF was a good football rival in the Big East/AAC and is doing everything the right way. USF will be in a P4 conference. I'm not even sure the tennis courts are a good reference point. The stadium is going on campus right next to the football practice fields and the track.

View attachment 111816

Parking is going to be interesting.

 

[billybud]

On Saturdays, USF will have a seven story parking garage and 17 surface lots available...They could run buses as a shuttle service from the more distant lots (FSU does this).

 

[NowInStorrs]

On Saturdays, USF will have a seven story parking garage and 17 surface lots available...They could run buses as a shuttle service from the more distant lots (FSU does this).

UF does the same thing. They even do it for basketball games.

 

[BullDawg]

On Saturdays, USF will have a seven story parking garage and 17 surface lots available...They could run buses as a shuttle service from the more distant lots (FSU does this).

The lot next to Yuengling Center is a big one, but no grass for easy tailgating. Guess this old dog will have to learn a new trick.

 

[billybud]

The lot next to Yuengling Center is a big one, but no grass for easy tailgating. Guess this old dog will have to learn a new trick.

LOL...the first time we tail gated in a parking garage, we were very skeptical...not our favorite, but it was a great party...cooking was limited but folks were handing out drinks, had TV's up, music on...even some old folks got up and danced...Over the last 50 years, tailgating at campus stadiums has changed as former lots become developed for facilities. Not as much green space, more distant lots with shuttles. Back in the mid 70's through the early 90's, I could tail gate a couple of blocks from the stadium.

 

[Kolumbo]

Tailgating. problem solv-ed

 

[BullDawg]

Tailgating. problem solv-ed

View attachment 111825

They are making that area into Fletcher District. Not sure what will happen to the surrounding areas. You are great with the maps, @Kolumbo! Thanks.

 

[billybud]

Isn't that Lettuce Lake Park? Owned by Hillsborough County ?

 

[Kolumbo]

They are making that area into Fletcher District. Not sure what will happen to the surrounding areas. You are great with the maps, @Kolumbo! Thanks.

I knew they were getting rid of the golf course. Looks like an amazing project. I am sure there will be some space for typical tailgating activities while creating new traditions. See post #96

 

[BullDawg]

Isn't that Lettuce Lake Park? Owned by Hillsborough County ?

Lettuce Lake Park is a little further east on Fletcher. This land is adjacent to USF Riverfront Park, it’s part of USF Forest Preserve.

 

[ArtTheFan]

I knew they were getting rid of the golf course. Looks like an amazing project. I am sure there will be some space for typical tailgating activities while creating new traditions. See post #96

Didn't know the golf course is going to be redeveloped. The BullRunner (USF bus system) is for the students. HART (the regional bus system) has 2 buses that goes through the campus. Besides going to Yuengling Center, for basketball, I visit the library. The campus is beautiful and bike friendly.

 

[BullDawg]

Didn't know the golf course is going to be redeveloped. The BullRunner (USF bus system) is for the students. HART (the regional bus system) has 2 buses that goes through the campus. Besides going to Yuengling Center, for basketball, I visit the library. The campus is beautiful and bike friendly.

Do you attend MBB or WBB? I have tickets for both and occasionally miss a game and need to find someone who would like to attend.

 

[ArtTheFan]

Do you attend MBB or WBB? I have tickets for both and occasionally miss a game and need to find someone who would like to attend.

Either...I live about 7 miles from USF and I try to hit a few games. Depends on what I'm doing, I try to hit MBB and WBB at few times a year.

 

[ZooCougar]

Either...I live about 7 miles from USF and I try to hit a few games. Depends on what I'm doing, I try to hit MBB and WBB at few times a year.

Interesting. I didn't know they played.

 

[BullDawg]

Interesting. I didn't know they played.

Ha! USF didn’t end basketball when UCONN left the AAC.