Folks used to say that Memphis would never get into the Big East (I'm not saying it's going to happen now) because Jurich doesn't like RC Johnson.

I said for years that is silly because good businessmen don't let personal feelings trump wise business decisions. On top of that, I thought the feud (if there actually is one) was GREATLY overblown.

I hope the recent announcement puts to bed all the silly comments about Jurich blocking any sort of Memphis move in the future.

I don't care who hates who, I'm just gald we are playing again.

On national tv, just like the old days. ESPN knows rivalries.

How big of a rivalry is it in football, however? I know there is some history in basketball, but football just doesn't seem that exciting.

The football rivalry is certainly smaller, and that is seen nationally by the game this fall being played on a Friday, which I am not thrilled about. The game should be good, just wish it was at least on a Thursday. It is still a rivalry though, just a step below basketball in intensity.

The football rivalry was just beginning to pick up some heat when UL left for the Big East.

In one of the articles RC said that he had a good relationship with Jurich and that they talk regularly. I always believed that. I thought that part was overblown. I even think the Pitino/Calipari thing is overblown, even though there is a little bit of heat there, mostly of a competitive nature.

3601 Wrote:The football rivalry was just beginning to pick up some heat when UL left for the Big East.

I agree. I believe that if Louisville and Memphis were in a BCS conference that it would be a national rivalry. So would the Cincinnati/Memphis game, but the Louisville/Memphis game was more similar to Louisville/Kentucky or Ohio State/Michigan in their hatred of each other.

Yet another reason that Memphis makes so much sense in a split. The rivalries in this league would be great in fb and bb and eventually make for some serious national interest.


WV/Pitt
UL/Memphis/Cincy
Cuse/Rutgers/Uconn

Maybe USF could get something going with ECU if they came in.

When it comes down to rivalries, UCF may make the most sense for USF. It would be a natural rivalry, but I would still prefer ECU, and I am sure that USF fans feel the same way.

cuseroc Wrote:Yet another reason that Memphis makes so much sense in a split. The rivalries in this league would be great in fb and bb and eventually make for some serious national interest.


WV/Pitt
UL/Memphis/Cincy
Cuse/Rutgers/Uconn

Maybe USF could get something going with ECU if they came in.

When it comes down to rivalries, UCF may make the most sense for USF. It would be a natural rivalry, but I would still prefer ECU, and I am sure that USF fans feel the same way.

Anyone who puts aside personal feelings would see that UCF is a slam dunk choice. As a Memphis fan, I'm worried about them getting the 9th Big East spot. They have it all. Facilities, location, media market, football success, school size. They are USF with better facilites.

They are a lot better now in football than USF was when it was in C-USA. The sky is the limit for UCF if they get into a BCS conference. There is no doubt in my mind that they could be a top 5 team like USF was this season.

agreed, i'd like to a split and add memphis and UCF (assuming ND leaves with the Catholic Schools)

CatsClaw Wrote:

3601 Wrote:The football rivalry was just beginning to pick up some heat when UL left for the Big East.

I agree. I believe that if Louisville and Memphis were in a BCS conference that it would be a national rivalry. So would the Cincinnati/Memphis game, but the Louisville/Memphis game was more similar to Louisville/Kentucky or Ohio State/Michigan in their hatred of each other.

Aaaahh, hatred. It warms the bones on a cold winters night.

Louisville, Rutgers and WVU will all vote against UCF ever joining the Big East for the same reason USF got in, location.
The Cardinals, Knights and Mountaineers all recruit Florida heavily. There is no way these Big East programs will assist in building another BCS power in the Sunshine State. Tom Jurich has said as much in expansion interviews.
If it comes down to Memphis and UCF I would look for these 3 programs and UC to push for the Tigers.
CJ

CardinalJim Wrote:Louisville, Rutgers and WVU will all vote against UCF ever joining the Big East for the same reason USF got in, location.
The Cardinals, Knights and Mountaineers all recruit Florida heavily. There is no way these Big East programs will assist in building another BCS power in the Sunshine State. Tom Jurich has said as much in expansion interviews.
If it comes down to Memphis and UCF I would look for these 3 programs and UC to push for the Tigers.
CJ

I've got no problem with that.

3601 Wrote:Anyone who puts aside personal feelings would see that UCF is a slam dunk choice...... They have it all.

Except tradition, strong basketball and bringing a bowl game.

cuseroc Wrote:Yet another reason that Memphis makes so much sense in a split. The rivalries in this league would be great in fb and bb and eventually make for some serious national interest.


WV/Pitt
UL/Memphis/Cincy
Cuse/Rutgers/Uconn

Maybe USF could get something going with ECU if they came in.

When it comes down to rivalries, UCF may make the most sense for USF. It would be a natural rivalry, but I would still prefer ECU, and I am sure that USF fans feel the same way.

It is hard to call someone a "rival" when USF is 4-0 aganist ECU and 3-0 aganist UCiF......

Bring in Memphis and call it 9 schools.

USF V Memphis was great while it lasted....