Visions of Sugarplums-Is UConn Back on the Table for Big 12?

[Husky92]

The worst thing that can happen to B1Gs East expansion push is losing UConn to the Big12. UConn is the only large scale viable football program available in the Northeast, and they cannot solidify their market position in the lucrative Northeast markets with only Rutgers. If the ACC had any sense they would preempt the B1G and lock up UConn and Temple and they would have a dominant hold on the Northeast markets with Cuse, Pitt, BC, UConn and Temple.

This.
But apparently none of the powers that be see that logic.

 

[mikedog10]

From the non-key tweets thread to the back page of the Journal Inquirer

I go to my parents' house this morning and the old man is talking like it's a done deal because of the JI article, and some sportswriter mentioning UConn on the radio...

 

[BoatShow]

I go to my parents' house this morning and the old man is talking like it's a done deal because of the JI article, and some sportswriter mentioning UConn on the radio...

Same guy who probably bought Hartford Patriots gear...

 

[weyuo]

The worst thing that can happen to B1Gs East expansion push is losing UConn to the Big12. UConn is the only large scale viable football program available in the Northeast, and they cannot solidify their market position in the lucrative Northeast markets with only Rutgers. If the ACC had any sense they would preempt the B1G and lock up UConn and Temple and they would have a dominant hold on the Northeast markets with Cuse, Pitt, BC, UConn and Temple.

It would be a done deal if the SEC decided to expand inviting two of either Fla St, Clemson or Texas. I feel whoever is the next one out of the ACC will open the door for UConn's invite. The Big 12?? I don't see that happening. Houston and Memphis or one of the Florida schools will end up in the Big 12 before UConn does. And...if Houston gets the invite expect UMass to be invited into the AAC or a MAC team to give Cincy a regional rival. The question will be...who has the best TV market and can compete nationally both in basketball and football, the two money sports.

 

[uconnfan68]

No directional school hits P5 jackpot

We won't count USC. The real one. ;^)

 

[uconnbill]

They the Big 12 are not taking Houston and not sure why some continue to think that. If they expand they will move east to larger markets with viewers. UConn fits the mold but so doesn't Cincinnati, USF, UCF and Temple.

 

[tduconn]

Bringing in Houston would be about the dumbest thing the B12 could do. They already have full penetration in that market. It would serve to further regionalize an already geographically challenged conference. I'm not saying that UConn is a good fit, but Houston, Rice or SMU should be non-starters for the B12.

Disagree. Putting Houston and SMU in the BIG 12 makes perfect sense. They were very competitive with some of the Texas schools now in the BIG 12 but used to be part of a solid SWC. SMU and Houston football & fan base will certainly catch fire and grow as they return to historical roots. Don't see the Texan schools objecting as old rivalries will be renewed.

 

[pj]

No directional school hits P5 jackpot

If the state is big enough, it can make sense. UC Berkeley and UCLA are effectively the universities of northern and southern California, respectively. San Diego State would be the equivalent of a directional school and would bring a major market. Texas has UTexas, A&M, Texas Tech in P5 and Tech is basically the equivalent of a directional school, as would be Houston. Florida is or is about to be the #3 state by population after California and Texas, and is a football recruiting hotbed. It may be able to support a 3rd state school, especially since Florida and Florida State are located well to the north of the major media markets.

 

[pj]

UConn makes the most sense for any conference that hopes to build a conference network. Cincy, UCF or USF, Houston, and BYU all bring something to the table but no other school has exclusive statewide allegiance plus reach into huge out of state markets.

If the B12 is serious about a cable network and preserving the conference, they will seek UConn. More likely, though, they are just maximizing the next 10 year's revenue and minimizing costs in preparation for a breakup. In that case Houston and Cincy make more sense.

 

[UConn66]

Is that a spring semester class offered at UNC? What time does it meet?

Yes, as an honors, six credit course which meets on the third Monday of the month from 10:00-10:20 in the UNC AD's office. Registration at the football office.

 

[CTBasketball]

We wouldn't really fit into the Big 12 at all...

 

[pj]

We wouldn't really fit into the Big 12 at all...

Doesn't matter. We improve the B12 and the B12 improves us. There would be a further re-arrangement/rationalization at some point in the future, and we'd end up in the B1G or ACC.

 

[CTBasketball]

Doesn't matter. We improve the B12 and the B12 improves us. There would be a further re-arrangement/rationalization at some point in the future, and we'd end up in the B1G or ACC.

Oh I agree. The biggest thing the Big12 could do for us is improve our stock for the ACC or B1G. Have to play the hands you're dealt - sort of like TCU back in 2011.

 

[bc puckett]

Disagree. Putting Houston and SMU in the BIG 12 makes perfect sense. They were very competitive with some of the Texas schools now in the BIG 12 but used to be part of a solid SWC. SMU and Houston football & fan base will certainly catch fire and grow as they return to historical roots. Don't see the Texan schools objecting as old rivalries will be renewed.

The Texas schools led by Texas, the only one that truly matters when it comes to these things, hate Houston and SMU going back to the SWC days. In a conference full of outlaw teams who seemed to compete each year to see who could break more rules those two were the absolute worst obviously culminating in the SMU "death penalty" People have long memories.

They also add absolutely nothing to the conference in the two most important areas when considering expansion: 1) additional TV markets and 2) additional recruiting areas. If they are to expand, and with OU in playoff that has quieted down for the moment, I would say Cincinnati would be the front runner with UCF, if they get back on track, as the likely second choice

 

[Padutch5]

The Texas schools led by Texas, the only one that truly matters when it comes to these things, hate Houston and SMU going back to the SWC days. In a conference full of outlaw teams who seemed to compete each year to see who could break more rules those two were the absolute worst obviously culminating in the SMU "death penalty" People have long memories.

They also add absolutely nothing to the conference in the two most important areas when considering expansion: 1) additional TV markets and 2) additional recruiting areas. If they are to expand, and with OU in playoff that has quieted down for the moment, I would say Cincinnati would be the front runner with UCF, if they get back on track, as the likely second choice

Let's hope that none of these leagues are watching us against Marshall today.

 

[MarkT]

14 out of the 15 schools in the Big10 are in the AAU, when looking to add a school they are gonna look for a school that is in the AAU-and Nebraska was in the AAU until they got kicked out for not meeting a requirement.

 

[Da_Aisijimo_Gou]

14 out of the 15 schools in the Big10 are in the AAU

Fact

when looking to add a school they are gonna look for a school that is in the AAU

Likely a solid consideration, but the only consideration?

AAU until they got kicked out for not meeting a requirement.

Perspective, but truly supported by factual knowledge? People with direct insights and related reporting has consistently suggested other factors were in play prior to and subsequent to Nebraska receiving a B1G invitation. As the linked article highlights, NU's AAU status was impacted by the lack of a med school, limited engineering and other STEM graduate programs, heavy Land Grant focus with many faculty members providing ag sector outreach versus focused on research, different calculation of Land Grant research , etc.

From the same NY Times' article, it was interesting to learn more about Syracuse dropping out of the AAU. Sometimes, it's best to quit prior to getting booted.

 

[SAMCRO]

Thamel wrote a piece for SI today regarding the B12 and CR
LINK
Not much we haven't heard before. Here's what he had to say about UConn:
Connecticut: UConn came up in a surprising number of conversations considering its geography, lack of relevant football history and void of local recruiting. UConn would be attractive in a scenario in which the league adds a cable network, as it theoretically could bring a lot of eyeballs in the Northeast. The strong academics and basketball program would also be assets, as would the notion of the Big 12 adding a flagship state school. But if the conversation inevitably turns back to football, UConn wouldn't cut it.

 

[noeynox]

Disagree. Putting Houston and SMU in the BIG 12 makes perfect sense. They were very competitive with some of the Texas schools now in the BIG 12 but used to be part of a solid SWC. SMU and Houston football & fan base will certainly catch fire and grow as they return to historical roots. Don't see the Texan schools objecting as old rivalries will be renewed.

If this was true, the SWC would not have disbanded in the 1st place.

 

[noeynox]

Thamel wrote a piece for SI today regarding the B12 and CR
LINK
Not much we haven't heard before. Here's what he had to say about UConn:
Connecticut: UConn came up in a surprising number of conversations considering its geography, lack of relevant football history and void of local recruiting. UConn would be attractive in a scenario in which the league adds a cable network, as it theoretically could bring a lot of eyeballs in the Northeast. The strong academics and basketball program would also be assets, as would the notion of the Big 12 adding a flagship state school. But if the conversation inevitably turns back to football, UConn wouldn't cut it.

Uconn football, in terms of results really isn't much different than BC, SU, Rutgers and Pitt in since our FBS ascension. SU and BC have old traditions and RU has a fertile recruiting ground and nice market. Pitt comes closest to hitting all the boxes.

Bottom line in terms of on field results, none blow uconn away.

 

[Waquoit]

"But if the conversation inevitably turns back to football, UConn wouldn't cut it."

Actually, UConn would be better in football the second they joined the Big 12. The capacity would be immediately expanded. Can you imagine The Rent with another deck? During the opening Big 12 home game (vs. Oklahoma,we owe them) the first third down for them would break the town's noise ordinance. The Big 12 suits will look at each other in horror.

 

[cttxus]

Matt Schonvisky ‏@MattSchonvisky

Media Spotlight: @BerryTramel w/more positive news on @Big12Conference expansion & where the @UConnHuskies fit in http://thisisuconncountry.com/2015/12/huskies-big-12/…

 

[uconnphil2016]

Getting my hopes up. That usually doesn't go well.

 

[CTBasketball]

We use the Big 12 to get to the ACC / Big 10. How do people see UConn football being successful in the Big 12, honestly?

 

[cttxus]

Matt Schonvisky ‏@MattSchonvisky

Media Spotlight: @BerryTramel w/more positive news on @Big12Conference expansion & where the @UConnHuskies fit in http://thisisuconncountry.com/2015/12/huskies-big-12/…

In case the above link doesn't work . . .
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