(01-27-2009 04:56 PM)CardinalJim Wrote:  Selection Sunday may push this conference toward a split. Syracuse got the shaft the last two seasons. Who will it be this year? If another football school gets left out of the Big Dance the drumbeats for a split could get louder. Right now the Big East has 10 teams that deserve a bid. The committee has NEVER awarded that many bids to a conference. Lets just sit back and watch what happens.
CJ

This my friends is what will eventually run the current set up to the ground. Have thought this all along.

We shall see what happens you hear a lot about the strength of the league. The teams will beat each other up. If we get only 8 slots in tourney there will be alot of questions about how the size of this league affects selection process.

(01-28-2009 09:57 PM)Cubanbull Wrote:  We shall see what happens you hear a lot about the strength of the league. The teams will beat each other up. If we get only 8 slots in tourney there will be alot of questions about how the size of this league affects selection process.

I agree. With UC playing better basketball as of late, winning of Georgetown tonight, this could really affec the number of teams who make it from the conference. If only 8 teams make it, and a football school gets left out, some more eye brows will certainly be raised.

That being said, I don't expect the conference to split even if they do get screwed.

The real question is, if there was a split, would 5/6(or more) teams from each or either side make the tourney?

(01-28-2009 05:25 PM)Gray Avenger Wrote:  

(01-28-2009 05:08 PM)TexanMark Wrote:  Yes--BTW, if I were king...I'd tell Memphis your offer to join is conditional and revokeable if within 5 years you don't do this: either the Liberty Bowl is renovated or you have a new on campus stadium of at least 40,000.

That wouldn't be a problem at all:

(1) Liberty Bowl renovations are ALREADY underway (as of the first of this month)

(2) Last Summer's on-campus stadium feasibility study concluded that an on-campus stadium SHOULD be built and UofM's president ruled that only a $20 million funding gap stood in the way. With the additional revenue and hype associated with BCS membership in hand, a new stadium would probably be built unless the national economy completely tanks.

Regarding Jackson's insult to Tiger football, I think we have done reasonably well during our 97 year history considering the fact that we have always had one hand tied behind the back. 5 bowl games in the last 6 years despite the "non-BCS" label and a pole of scalps including the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Florida, FSU, Miami, Virginia Tech and Southern Cal isn't exactly chopped liver. Give us a level recruiting field and remove the second-rate image and see what happens.

I would 'nt take what Jackson said as an insult. And Memphis certainly hasnt beaten any of those great teams in the last 6 years, as your comment seems to try to imply. Memphis has beaten a bunch of Cusa teams and the likes of Tennessee Chatanooga and Arkansas St, etc... over the last 6 years. There just are not any signiture wins there.

Now I would be all for Memphis to the BE, not just because of bb, but because of the potential of fb and its SEC recruiting area, which would probably be akin to what Cincy has been able to take advantage of with the bcs label. But to talk about kicking any present BE members out to bring in Memphis is total hogwash and just isnt going to happen.

According to the article: "Standing at 15-3 (5-0 Conf. USA), Memphis is poised to win their conference and receive a No. 1-3 seed in this year’s tournament. Come tournament time, the Tigers will have played against five NCAA tournament worthy teams (Xavier, Georgetown, Syracuse, Tennessee and Gonzaga)."

What the writer didn't say is that Memphis lost to Xavier, Georgetown and Syracuse and has not yet played Gonzaga. Their three losses come from the big teams they played. They may want to stay in ConfUSA.

you can not look just at this year.. but the last few.. Memphis is in somewhat of a rebuild year.. they are not the team they have been the last 3. That being said the BE isnt gonna do anything in the next 3 years. the very soonest a change would happen is 2013.. and that isn't very likely.

(01-29-2009 08:13 AM)goodknightfl Wrote:  you can not look just at this year.. but the last few.. Memphis is in somewhat of a rebuild year.. they are not the team they have been the last 3. That being said the BE isnt gonna do anything in the next 3 years. the very soonest a change would happen is 2013.. and that isn't very likely.

I agree. This years Memphis is only a shell of the last couple of years Memphis teams, because of rebuilding. The last couple of years, Memphis would have been in contention to win the BE and the acc. Next season, I think this Memphis team is going to be much better, as will Syracuse. Its going to be a great game up at the Dome.

(01-28-2009 09:45 PM)mlb Wrote:  

(01-28-2009 07:34 PM)firmbizzle Wrote:  Cmon MLB it's good ol fashion fun. Not like we're seriously trashing each other.

Except I've had requests from the same people you are arguing with requesting you be removed.

Talk sports, fine. Start flaming and you hit the road.

They are just haters, check my ratings.

(01-28-2009 10:43 PM)gosports1 Wrote:  The real question is, if there was a split, would 5/6(or more) teams from each or either side make the tourney?

I do think that is more likely to have 5-6 teams chosen from a 9 team conference as the old ACC was than adding 10 or more from a mega conference.
The reality is that wether they admit it or not, it has to make a difference when you are seeding teams and start seeing the problem of putting 3 teams from same conference in one of the brackets.

(01-29-2009 08:43 AM)firmbizzle Wrote:  

(01-28-2009 09:45 PM)mlb Wrote:  

(01-28-2009 07:34 PM)firmbizzle Wrote:  Cmon MLB it's good ol fashion fun. Not like we're seriously trashing each other.

Except I've had requests from the same people you are arguing with requesting you be removed.

Talk sports, fine. Start flaming and you hit the road.

They are just haters, check my ratings.

Ratings are overrated. I honestly don't have a problem with you. Some of the things you say are out there but its an opinion just like my opinions. And we all know what opinions are. They are like asses everyone got 1 and they stink. Catch my drift. Keep on posting relevant stuff and even if someone starts with you try not to get into arguements. Have a nice day.

(01-29-2009 09:28 AM)Cubanbull Wrote:  

(01-28-2009 10:43 PM)gosports1 Wrote:  The real question is, if there was a split, would 5/6(or more) teams from each or either side make the tourney?

I do think that is more likely to have 5-6 teams chosen from a 9 team conference as the old ACC was than adding 10 or more from a mega conference.
The reality is that wether they admit it or not, it has to make a difference when you are seeding teams and start seeing the problem of putting 3 teams from same conference in one of the brackets.

It's the schedule.
That 10th or 11th team is being held out because the lack of marquee victories, not because of the technical details of bracketology. In a smaller league, the 5th or 6th team not only have more opportunities at upsetting the top ranks, but also an overall better RPI (if the conference schedules and performs well in OOC).

(01-29-2009 08:04 AM)frogman Wrote:  What the writer didn't say is that Memphis lost to Xavier, Georgetown and Syracuse and has not yet played Gonzaga. Their three losses come from the big teams they played. They may want to stay in ConfUSA.

The Tigers are 8-2 against the Big East the past four seasons. The only two losses were this year before we moved Tyreke Evans to PG. The Georgetown loss was an OT loss on the road. The Syracuse loss was a close loss to a top 10 team.

I'm not saying that we would have won either game if Evans had been playing PG, but we are a MUCH different team since Evans moved to the PG position.

The "they can't beat the good teams" argument is so old that only ignorant people use it. Over the past four seasons we've beaten Cincinnati FOUR TIMES, Georgetown, Oklahoma, Gonzaga, Tennessee, UCLA TWICE, Arizona, UConn, USC, Texas, Michigan State, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Purdue, etc.

(01-30-2009 05:47 PM)3601 Wrote:  

(01-29-2009 08:04 AM)frogman Wrote:  What the writer didn't say is that Memphis lost to Xavier, Georgetown and Syracuse and has not yet played Gonzaga. Their three losses come from the big teams they played. They may want to stay in ConfUSA.

The Tigers are 8-2 against the Big East the past four seasons. The only two losses were this year before we moved Tyreke Evans to PG. The Georgetown loss was an OT loss on the road. The Syracuse loss was a close loss to a top 10 team.

I'm not saying that we would have won either game if Evans had been playing PG, but we are a MUCH different team since Evans moved to the PG position.

The "they can't beat the good teams" argument is so old that only ignorant people use it. Over the past four seasons we've beaten Cincinnati FOUR TIMES, Georgetown, Oklahoma, Gonzaga, Tennessee, UCLA TWICE, Arizona, UConn, USC, Texas, Michigan State, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Purdue, etc.

Wow. The "they can't beat the good teams" statement should have died last season when Memphis made it to the title game. I'm not knocking Memphis' history- who could do that. Not knocking your coach, who would do that? Everybody respects Memphis but this years team did lose all of their big OOC games. And even if you say they are a different team with Evans at PG- you have to also consider that they are in conference play and the competition is a less so they would be better.
Still, my "stay in CONUSA" was out of line. reading it over I can't believe I wrote that. JUst plain silly and directed at this team this year. This same team at Memphis will probably be elite eight next year.
Actually, I think the BE should split and add Memphis. I think Memphis will be an outstanding addition and keep the BE tops in BB. But this years team is not as good a last year's even with only three losses.
I was just pointing out that the writer Threw in who Memphis has played and didn't mention who they beat. I hate when writers twist details in order to make some point. Dis to the writer. No dis to Memphis.
Calipari will keep any team he coaches in the top tier of any conference he's in. This years team will rack up the wins and get a good seed but this years team did not win the big games. last years Memphis team dominated Georgetown in the second half. Made it look like a joke. And that was a Georgetown with Hibbert that beat North Carolina in the NCAAs and made it to the final four the year before. Hibbert's stock dropped in Memphis last year. I know who Memphis is.

I cant hardly wait until next year in Syracuse. I get to go to the dome. I am so excited thinking about next year. My first game ever at Syracuse. Will it hurry up and get here.

(01-28-2009 05:08 PM)TexanMark Wrote:  

(01-28-2009 03:27 PM)Jackson1011 Wrote:  

(01-28-2009 12:41 PM)TexanMark Wrote:  

(01-28-2009 11:03 AM)Topcard91 Wrote:  What is the advantage of adding another big time basketball program?

It is not like the Big East needs basketball help. In fact it has already been mentioned there is a limit to how many teams will be picked from one conference. Why add another team that may take a spot away from a current member. Plus you have to look at the conference season and see additional potential loses if you add a Memphis.

What would the advantage be for Memphis? They make tons of money, get huge recruits and crowds and are guaranteed a spot in the NCAA's every year. Plus they get to host the C-USA tournament most years.

I do not think the Big East will make any future possible changes based on basketball. It may be a consideration but basketball is kicking butt as it stands now.

I went to the Syracuse-Memphis game in December. Memphis has a BCS level facility, BCS level fan base and BCS Level players. Several fans came up to me and told me they really enjoyed playing a Big East team and wished they were out of CUSA. Most Memphis fans obviously would like to be in the SEC but the most sane ones realize it is a pipe dream. They know the Big East (warts and all) is their logical place to be. CUSA just isn't a good BB conference.

I would add Memphis and someone like St. Louis or Charlotte to go to 18 teams. UCF and ECU should be considered, also. 18 teams is huge but it can be handled.

- I'm assuming you mean BCS fan base and BCS facility in terms of basketball. I've heard a lot of negatives concerning the condiditon of the Liberty Bowl, and if I remember correctly UM football attendance has been dropping

IMO, the major hole in the Memphis argument is the BE and or the proposed all sports league doesn't need bball strenght, it needs football help. And frankly, Memphis's football history does not enspire a lot of confidence. Its hard not to look at UCF with its brand new football field, brand new bball areana, huge enrollment and rivalry with USF and not think that is the way to go. Through in Temple too and you have a Pac 10 type set up with old rivalries and everyone gets a trip to Fla every year.

But with all that being said, I think the 16 team league is here to stay...its been far more successful then most would have thought

Jackson

Yes--BTW, if I were king...I'd tell Memphis your offer to join is conditional and revokeable if within 5 years you don't do this: either the Liberty Bowl is renovated or you have a new on campus stadium of at least 40,000.

I know Memphis politics is goofy and the Big East would need to protect themselves with a conditional offer.

Memphis in the Big East and a strong University commitment should get their FB team up to at least middle of the road in the Big East within 5 years. There is so much talent within 5 hours of Memphis that only Greg Robinson could screw it up.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. The Big East is definitely the fan favorite if we had our choice of conference affiliations (i.e., past history with Louisville & Cincinatti) at this time.

Significant renovations to the Liberty Bowl Stadium are already slated to go online for the 2009 Football Season. There are a host of other area improvements slated for the future.

Regarding Football, we averaged a 40,000+ for the three seasons that D'Angelo Williams was our starting running back. I would imagine that being in a conference with an opportunity to play for a national championship would probably push average attendance to capacity (62,000+) during good years.

Recruiting ... I hate being a whiner, but the SEC raids us (i.e., Memphis metro) practically every year for players that often times turn out to be All SEC Conference Players (Ole Miss's Michael Oher & Greg Hardy are several recent examples). Believe me, there are many more examples ...

That being said, it is what it is ... !!! We've just gotta do a better job of recruiting in football inspite of our present situation.

Regarding the Liberty Bowl...the field, seating area, concessions stands, restrooms and concourses are just as nice or nicer than the Cotton Bowl, Neyland Stadium, War Memorial in Little Rock, Notre Dame Stadium (pre-renovation...I haven't been back since), Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, and most college football stadiums. Legion Field in Birmingham makes the Liberty Bowl look like Jerry Jones' new billion dollar stadium. What I'm saying is that what the fans see is perfectly fine.

Where the Liberty Bowl need DRASTIC improvement is the locker rooms and press facilities. The good news is that renovation construction started this month on those areas.

(01-31-2009 10:33 AM)TonyTiger Wrote:  That being said, it is what it is ... !!! We've just gotta do a better job of recruiting in football inspite of our present situation.

It's no secret that the fact that we aren't in a BCS conference is used against us in recruiting. I think the folks at UC, UL and USF will all tell you that BCS inclusion will help improve recruiting overnight.

(01-31-2009 10:59 AM)3601 Wrote:  Regarding the Liberty Bowl...the field, seating area, concessions stands, restrooms and concourses are just as nice or nicer than the Cotton Bowl, Neyland Stadium, War Memorial in Little Rock, Notre Dame Stadium (pre-renovation...I haven't been back since), Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, and most college football stadiums. Legion Field in Birmingham makes the Liberty Bowl look like Jerry Jones' new billion dollar stadium. What I'm saying is that what the fans see is perfectly fine.

Where the Liberty Bowl need DRASTIC improvement is the locker rooms and press facilities. The good news is that renovation construction started this month on those areas.

Outstanding
I'll have my people call your people about doing lunch home and away

(01-31-2009 09:43 AM)gdayre Wrote:  I cant hardly wait until next year in Syracuse. I get to go to the dome. I am so excited thinking about next year. My first game ever at Syracuse. Will it hurry up and get here.

Hopefully the game will be in Jan or Feb and on CBS. Are you driving or flying?