Why is the Big East terrible for UConn and where should UConn go instead?

[FightOnCT]

I honestly can't read through all of this, so I don't know if this was already addressed. Assuming that something happens in the next couple years that realistically closes the door to UConn getting into a P4 conference, what does UConn do next?

I personally don't see UConn doing a UMass and joining a crummy league for all sports. So, what do we do with football. Stay independent? Try to join a league for football only (which would require buy-in and termination fees)? Go FCS? UConn is spending a lot of money right now trying to look like a P4 team with no other end game (terrible bowl access, no conference titles or big games). We're the only real independent team considering ND has a scheduling agreement and bowl access through the ACC (and they're ND). That doesn't seem like a responsible way to spend in the long run.

They’re taking a calculated risk, in which the potential reward is significantly huge relative to our current situation. If that fails, UConn probably stays independent or tries to make a deal with a G5 for football-only and some basketball scheduling agreement.

 

[uconnyankee]

It has been 24 years since conference realignment really picked up, which means 24 years of not being picked by anyone but the Big East. Look at the last few additions from the Pac 12. The ones that joined the Big 10 and ACC joined as partial members.

The only way we are getting invited is if the macro circumstances change, and when that happens, we need to be well positioned. Praying for a miracle is not a strategy.

Again, nobody is praying for a miracle. It’s getting FB on the right trajectory. Mora made huge strides, and now it’s on Candle to continue that upward climb.
You can clearly see the change since Mora arrived.

BB is at its peak. And both programs again are challenging for a Natty.

Also, the metrics over past 24 years have changed, as you point out frequently. Used to be cable boxes. Now it’s brands.

I also think that if ACC could go back in time and get a do over, they might choose UConn.

Regardless, UConn is getting things right at the right time. They certainly aren’t waiting for a miracle

 

[temery]

Should I wipe the snow off my car after tomorrow’s storm? Seeking advice. Please and thank you.

Not if you know who is behind you.

 

[freescooter]

ESPN's Joe Lunardi says the new Pac-12 will rival BIG EAST Conference | Zagsblog

BY ALEJANDRO LOPEZ The new Pac-12 is […]

www.zagsblog.com

Uh-oh! The NBE needs to take action. Quick add Dayton!

 

[freescooter]

I hate this thread for multiple reasons, but I have to put my hat in the ring too.

Yes, the Big East saved us from death in the AAC. The AAC was not really all that good for our football team, and you could make the argument that the existence of the AAC is why Houston and UCF are in the Big12 and we aren't. And it was horrible for our basketball programs.

But good God almighty, if anyone on this thread is arguing that the Big East is great for us and that we wouldn't accept a Big12 invite in a New York minute, I would recommend that person to seek serious medical help...

You must be in favor of re-joining the American. 😉

 

[freescooter]

The AAC was a catastrophically stupid decision that was dragged out way longer than it should have been because UConn wanted to cash the exit fee checks. If UConn had joined the Big East for hoops and gone independent in football in 2013 when Pitt and Syracuse left, UConn would be a full member of the Big 12 now. The AAC killed both the football and men's basketball programs, and while Geno won 3 championships out of the AAC, he hated that league too.

Everyone that ever supported being in the AAC owes the rest of us an apology.

Or maybe if UConn had taken football seriously instead of hiring and funding it on the cheap, sort of the polar opposite of what Houston, Cincinnati and Central Florida did, it would be in the B12 now. I don’t guarantee that but I think it is very likely.

Here is the reality. UConn killed UConn football and basketball. Poor coaching moves almost ruined both programs. Pasqualoni, Diaco and Edsall 2 were unmitigated disasters. Kevin Ollie, once Calhoun’s players left, was Kyle Neptune.

Playing in the NBE with Ollie would have been just as disasterous as playing in the American. He was a bad coach. Unless you think finishing 7th in the NBE would have drawn huge crowds. As here’s a dirty little secret. UConn basketball attendance was declining on a pretty consistent basis from 2006 when it peaked.It actually started to come back in 2020 not because we were joining the NBE but because we were winning again and likely would have gotten a bid if the NCAA tournament hadn’t been cancelled.

 

[uconnyankee]

Or maybe if UConn had taken football seriously instead of hiring and funding it on the cheap, sort of the polar opposite of what Houston, Cincinnati and Central Florida did, it would be in the B12 now. I don’t guarantee that but I think it is very likely.

Here is the reality. UConn killed UConn football and basketball. Poor coaching moves almost ruined both programs. Pasqualoni, Diaco and Edsall 2 were unmitigated disasters. Kevin Ollie, once Calhoun’s players left, was Kyle Neptune.

Playing in the NBE with Ollie would have been just as disasterous as playing in the American. He was a bad coach. Unless you think finishing 7th in the NBE would have drawn huge crowds. As here’s a dirty little secret. UConn basketball attendance was declining on a pretty consistent basis from 2006 when it peaked.It actually started to come back in 2020 not because we were joining the NBE but because we were winning again and likely would have gotten a bid if the NCAA tournament hadn’t been cancelled.

Pretty spot on.
UConn fans, even BB, aren’t immune to apathy if the team isn’t winning.

That’s why getting football to win is so important. Change the narrative, get fans in the seats, and start making some noise.