I think the Big East decision makers will look to the future. However, Memphis will have to show that it is truely commited and has the big bucks raised or pledged to make it happen.

(10-10-2010 10:25 PM)UofL07 Wrote:  

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  They were terrific rivals once, with a contempt born from their similarities as cities, fan bases and universities.

Accurate.

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  But Louisville and Memphis operate in different NCAA galaxies these days, one graced by the money and prestige of the Bowl Championship Series and the other on a frustrating quest to get to the opposite side of that line.

Accurate.

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  It's been seven years since Louisville left Memphis behind, accepting an invitation to the Big East but more importantly throwing its support and influence behind South Florida instead of Memphis as the final team to be included in the 2003 realignment.

The fact that Louisville supported the addition of USF, a school that was brand new to D-1 and with whom the Cardinals had essentially no history, over Memphis is very telling to me. It does not appear that Louisville placed much emphasis on or valued all the similarities/ties it had to Memphis (history, proximity, university profile, rivalry, etc) when it came down to it. Rather, they seemed to value the qualities USF had - a better recruiting location, a bigger TV market (more TV dollars), etc. That, to me at least, suggests Louisville is more concerned about maximizing revenues, opening fertile recruiting areas, etc than restoring historic rivalries or promoting universities that have similar focuses.

I thought it was interesting that Wolken mentioned this but then de-emphasized it through most of his article. If anything, this point seems to counter the narrative he presents.

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  Given that history, it would be no surprise if Memphis fans, and maybe even administrators, harbored some bitterness as the Tigers return to Papa John's Cardinal Stadium this afternoon for the first time since Louisville left Conference USA.

No clue how Memphis fans feel about our respective situations. From their board (and I realize that message board posters are only a small sliver of a fanbase), it seems that opinions range from unbridled jealousy to simple acceptance/understanding.

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  Just because the Cardinals shunned Memphis once, however, doesn't mean it has to happen again. Though it may not show in today's result, the Tigers have done a lot of work the past few years to lay the foundation for advancement to the Big East. But without the support of Louisville the next time around -- and particularly its power-broker athletic director, Tom Jurich -- it will probably be a wasted pursuit.

Three points:

1) Football will be an important component of any Big East expansion. Unfortunately, Tiger football has not shown much improvement in terms of on the field performance, facilities, or fan/university support

2) The Tigers aren't the only program working to grab the Big East's attention. Look at ECU's expansion, UCF's facility building crazy, etc.

3) Tom Jurich may have input, but he doesn't get to vote on expansion and he isn't some all-powerful conference dictator. I know Wolken didn't take it that far, I just get tired of seeing other fanbases acting as if Jurich is some mastermind working directly on behalf of their school and whatever he says goes.

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  "If I'm in the Big East and I'm looking at Memphis, I'd probably talk to the guys at Louisville first, no question about it," Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson said. "The fact that we have good relationships certainly is a plus."

The Big East might consult Louisville at some point, but I'm sure others (like TV execs, Big East officials studying expansion) will have the more meaningful input when it comes to expansion. Also, the only C-USA team I've heard UofL possibly supporting is UCF.

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  Despite recent reports that the Big East invited Villanova to move its football program up from the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) and that the league has talked with TCU about membership, Johnson said he does not sense any major moves are imminent.

Johnson also thought brochures and talking up an airport were good ideas. Just sayin'.

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  In a phone interview this week, Jurich echoed the league's long-standing, vague position that it will only pursue expansion that "makes sense."

Generic statement #1

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  "There's been a lot of strategy put in place that people don't have a chance to see behind the scenes," Jurich said. "But you have some great minds in that league to make sure we put together the best (alignment of teams) we can."

Generic statement #2

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  That's certainly not much of a hint about the Big East's direction, but with the constant chatter about its current football struggles, the threat of the Big Ten expanding again and the inconvenient arrangement of having eight football programs and 16 for basketball, Memphis' campaign is ongoing.

If football struggles are a problem, how does adding a horrible Memphis team help? If anything, that weakens the conference even more and would only serve to increase complaints about the conference.

The Big Ten possibly expanding is a non-point. If they do, there is nothing that the Big East can do to stop them. If they don't, then there isn't a reason for the Big East to expand unless the move makes the conference more money. In either case, expansion can wait until it either a) makes financial sense or b) is absolutely necessary..

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  Obviously, the Tigers have never been closer than they were in June, when it appeared a significant conference shuffle was about to take place. Though those leading Memphis' push (including FedEx founder Fred Smith) closed ranks at that time, some on the periphery believed that Memphis was working closely with Jurich to land in the Big East or perhaps a new conference had the former been pillaged beyond repair.

Some believe the queen is an alien, that the center of the Earth is inhabited by mole people, that fossils are tools of the devil, and that the universe sits on the back of a giant celestial tortoise. Just because some one believes something (e.g. Cult of 32 claiming that "Memphis to the Big East is a done deal") does not mean it is even close to being reality.

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  Jurich wasn't forthcoming about the nature of his dialogue with Memphis officials, but he didn't exactly deny it, either.

Jurich has never denied being a murderous alien from the planet Xeron. Nor has he denied freezing millions of aliens, flying a 747 shaped spacecraft to Earth, throwing the aliens in volcanoes to kill them, and then laughing as the souls of the dead aliens invaded primitive humans to cause all the negative emotions in life.

No offense to Wolken, but speculating based off what people don't say is at best a stretch and at worst poor journalism.

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  "Those would be conversations I'd keep in private," he said. "They've got a great administration down there, they know what they're doing, and I know they're talking with all the right people. If it's meant to be, it will happen."

Jurich is for the most part an apt politician. He isn't going to burn bridges or insult people/programs in a public forum, regardless of whether they are immediately valuable to him or not. Louisville may want to schedule Memphis or need them to fill a last minute opening and insulting them on the BE issues would probably nix that possibility.

Bu aside from that, the quote really doesn't saying anything. As Jurich says "if it's meant to be, it will happen."

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  If the Big East expands, Jurich's endorsement of Memphis may not be enough to get the Tigers in ahead of Central Florida, East Carolina or any of the other usual suspects. But they surely won't be able to do it without his help.

Sure they can. If they garner the support of the Big East presidents, it really doesn't matter what Jurich thinks.

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  It was Jurich's vision to invest in facilities and coaches that helped lift Louisville football in the late 1990s and put the school in position to be first on the Big East's list in 2003. Since joining the league, Louisville has been one of its most successful programs, winning championships in football, men's basketball and baseball. Jurich is widely considered one of the country's best athletic directors, and his viewpoint is important in all matters regarding the Big East.

Tom Jurich may have input, but he doesn't get to vote on expansion and he isn't some all-powerful conference dictator. I'm sure the other big East presidents will listen to their own ADs before bowing to Jurich.

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  It will be especially crucial if the conversation shifts to Memphis. Though Jurich said it would be "unfair" to characterize any programs as potential candidates, it's important to remember how much these two institutions have in common. If Louisville can't support the inclusion of another urban university in the South with a similar academic mission, student body size and an athletic history going back decades, then Syracuse and Connecticut certainly won't.

It really doesn't matter if Louisville supports Memphis if the other universities don't support them. Plus, as I pointed out above, it does not appear that Louisville placed much emphasis on or valued all the similarities/ties it had to Memphis (history, proximity, university profile, rivalry, etc). Why would they now?

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  "I think that would be accurate," Johnson said. "They've done such a good job in the time they've been in there, and I think they'd have some say in it. It's always better to have them supporting you."

Louisville's road to success in the Big East started long before BE membership. It start with facility upgrades, coaching hires, and the university making the commitment to field a competitive athletic department (not just basketball). All of those things paid off in a BE invite and are now paying off in terms of conference success. .

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  The last time Memphis played in Louisville was 2003, shortly after it learned it would remain in C-USA while many of its traditional rivals would be moving on. The Tigers won 37-7, and on that day, nobody would have blamed them for feeling like the Big East took the wrong team.

Okay.

(10-10-2010 03:51 PM)Dan Wolken Wrote:  For rebuilding Memphis, things probably won't go quite as well this afternoon. But this is one game where the handshakes will be more important than the final score.

Again, how does adding a horrendous Memphis team help Big East football.

Pretty decent synopsis of....Wolken's commentary. The only issue I would contest is that of the 'Cult of 32' and their alleged assertion that BE invites and the such were a "done deal". None of the 31 made any such public statement. The "mole" of the group leaked private communications to Danny boy, and thus, the accompanying embellishment. Other than that, nice touch. And yes, present tense and tenseness included, we have a horrific and pathetic football program with an AD who is rightfully suspect as clueless. Other than that, our BB team may kick arse again this season. And yes, we still miss playing Louisville on a regular basis......in basketball.

(10-11-2010 05:58 PM)TigerLogic Wrote:  

(10-11-2010 05:22 PM)LadyTiger Wrote:  Unfortunately we evidently prefer denial. http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=457002
I truly hope those in charge at Memphis will open their eyes and see how others view us. If not, there is no hope. Memphis friends at both Louisville and Cinci have told us numerous times what they had to do to make the jump from CUSA to the Big East and a BCS conference. I have put this information on our board more than once to only be condemned. Our actions should give the BEast insight concerning Memphis.

LT, if you were truly worried about our perception, you wouldn't post on this board.

Nobody needs a heads up on how bad we are right now in football and how bad the timing is. Everyone knows how we look.

If it comes down entirely to the stature of our football team as it is today, then we're lucky to be in CUSA. Hopefully, most folks see a little more into the big picture. If they don't, well then we've made our bed...

We cannot expect the Big East or any other conference to invest in us if we do not do the necessary work and invest in ourselves. RC is a joke and we have no leadership addressing the real issues to make ourselves attractive to the Presidents of other schools, decision makers, who would decide if they want to associate with us. We have cults and rumors but no genuine commitment to improve ourselves as a candidate for expansion.

(10-10-2010 10:25 PM)UofL07 Wrote:  Again, how does adding a horrendous Memphis team help Big East football.

How does adding a horrendous Notre Dame help BE football???

Thats the problem with the way most peopple are viewing this. It's not about current win-loss records. It's abouit how much money a team can bring into the league.

You guys think TCU will bring in more money than Memphis in the long term? They wont. They will help your BCS status in the short term, although I should point out that if the BE as a whole needs its BCS status helped, then the current members are under-performing. (And they are this year.)


It's very easy to point a finger at Memphis' win loss record last year and say that they dont add value, although you would not be acknowledging the number of bowls Memphis was in just preceding last year.

You think Tennessee adds value. Check their win-loss. Hell, they almost lost to UAB. They SHOULD haver lost to UAB.

Name another expanion team that brings with it a bowl and a corporate sponsorship? But thats ok BE members, you can go ahead and take ECU if that makes you feel any better.

Memphis IS putting money into football. What you're seeing right now is the unfortunate situation of a new regime expecting hard work and discipline out of a program. The holdovers from a 2-10 team are basically revolting. It will take Porter a few years to weed out the problems and get his players in here. It's worth noting that ECU and USF were also pretty bad not too long ago, while Memphis was pretty darned good. Programs can get turned around.

There is a new weightroom being constructed right now. The new Indoor Practice Facility and player lounge is next. Memphis has also built new baseball and softball stadiums recently (within the last five years) as well as a new golf facility. IMHO the biggest advance in the Memphis program is that the money is finally being made available to keep decent assistant coaches in football. Memphis actually has the best football staff in it's history right now. When you have someone like Mike Dubose as a position coach, you're doing alright for yourself.

The Fedex involvement here cannot be understated. They are one of the biggest advertising entities in college athletics.

Why doesn't Fred have RC removed? It's likely because RC is retiring in 2012 anyway and there are a few big money boosters who still like him.

(10-10-2010 10:25 PM)UofL07 Wrote:  Again, how does adding a horrendous Memphis team help Big East football.

I'm not sure what your point it quoting wolken's column but I can tell you he has an axe to grind against the Memphis football program.

(10-11-2010 05:19 PM)lenetzach Wrote:  don't have the time to go into it, probably ever, but it ranges from the cult of 32 to our historical records, and more. I'll just say don't claim things as truth if you don't know, and a lot of you don't.

All of the historical information in my post came from the 2010 Official Memphis Tigers Football Media Guide. I will provide direct citation of the information below

(10-11-2010 05:19 PM)UofL07 Wrote:  1. Memphis was 2-10 last year. They are 1-5 this year and are on track for another very bad year this year (e.g. outscored 104-7 in the last two games).

2009 season results found on pg 146 of media guide.

This years record as well as scores can be found here.

(10-11-2010 05:19 PM)UofL07 Wrote:  2. Memphis football has not finished a season ranked in the top 25 since 1963.

pg 150 of media guide. Memphis finished 14th in the 1963 UPI poll. That is the last time the media guide mentions the tigers finishing a season ranked in the top 25.

(10-11-2010 05:19 PM)UofL07 Wrote:  3. Memphis has had 19 losing seasons since 1980, two .500 seasons, and 9 winning seasons. Nine of those losing seasons the Tigers recorded only 1 or 2 wins.

pg 144-146 of the media guide. Here are the results:

1980: 2-9
1981: 1-10
1982: 1-10
1983: 6-4-1
1984: 5-5-1
1985: 2-7-2
1986: 1-10
1987: 5-5-1
1988: 6-5
1989: 2-9
1990: 4-6-1
1991: 5-6
1992: 6-5
1993: 6-5
1994: 6-5
1995: 3-8
1996: 4-7
1997: 4-7
1998: 2-9
1999: 5-6
2000: 4-7
2001: 5-6
2002: 3-9
2003: 9-4
2004: 8-4
2005: 7-5
2006: 2-10
2007: 7-6
2008: 6-7
2009: 2-10
2010: 1-5

That totals to:
- 19 losing season (most likely 20 after this season)
- two .500 seasons
- 9 winning seasons

(10-11-2010 05:19 PM)UofL07 Wrote:  4. Memphis has never recorded a 10 win season

pg 140-146 in the media guide. I stand corrected on this point because I didn't go back far enough. Memphis had a 10 win season in 1938.

(10-11-2010 05:19 PM)UofL07 Wrote:  5. Memphis is 19-23 all-time against Louisville but 4-16 in the last 20 games. Also, that year Memphis spanked Louisville, the Cards went on to have a 9-4 season.

pg 138 in media guide states UL leads 22-19-0 (adding in this year's game, the record becomes 23-19-0). Here are the results from the last 20 games:


1986 UL, 34-8 at Louisville
1987 UM, 43-8 at Memphis
1988 UL, 29-18 at Louisville
1989 UL, 40-10 at Memphis
1990 UL, 19-17 at Louisville
1991 UM, 35-7 at Memphis
1992 UL, 16-15 at Louisville
1993 UL, 54-28 at Memphis
1994 UL, 10-6 at Louisville
1995 UL, 17-7 at Memphis
1996 UL, 13-10 at Louisville
1997 UM, 21-20 at Memphis
1998 UL, 35-32 at Louisville
1999 UL, 32-31 at Memphis
2001 UL, 38-21 at Louisville
2002 UL, 38-32 at Memphis
2003 UM, 37-7 at Louisville
2004 UL, 56-49 at Memphis
2008 UL, 35-28 at Memphis
2010 UL, 56-0 at Louisville

In the last 20 games, Memphis has won 4 games while Louisville has won 16.

From my vantage point, it looks like I only made a single mistake when discussing Memphis' historical records (because I didn't go back far enough in the records).

(10-11-2010 06:14 PM)QuitoTiger Wrote:  Pretty decent synopsis of....Wolken's commentary. The only issue I would contest is that of the 'Cult of 32' and their alleged assertion that BE invites and the such were a "done deal". None of the 31 made any such public statement. The "mole" of the group leaked private communications to Danny boy, and thus, the accompanying embellishment.

I understand the "cult of 32" thing was never meant to be public and I don't fault the individuals involved for passing on rumors they were hearing. For the record, I think the radio host that read the messages on air blew the entire situation way out of proportion as I don't see private messages really hurting anyone other than maybe disappointing the individuals involved when the rumors don't come true (but that is their own business).

My main point in criticizing Wolken's article; however, was more about the whole "We need Jurich/Jurich is working behind the scenes" angle he presented. Jurich is a great AD and he has accomplished a lot for Louisville. He has completely transformed Louisville's athletic department and he has cemented his legacy here. There isn't a single other AD I'd rather have running UofL's athletic department.

However, what baffles me is how powerful some people (including Wolekn) try to make him out to be. The BE presidents may ask for his input on conference matters (just like they may ask any AD/TV exec/university board members, etc), but that doesn't mean they'll defer to his opinion or place his ideas above other sources (e.g. TV execs). Jurich is a great AD and he may hold some influence with president Ramsey, but he isn't some god-like power broker that is secretly engineering conference realignment. He doesn't have that type of pull in the conference (BE presidents are more likely to listen to their own ADs and boards) and because he has a ton of projects he is overseeing in Louisville (all the construction/fund raising/etc). Wolken is right that having the support of Jurich may net Memphis Louisville's support in expansion, but it isn't nearly as necessary as he makes it out to be. The presidents and TV execs are who Memphis has to win over. Without their support, Jurich's opinion doesn't mean crap.

(10-11-2010 06:14 PM)QuitoTiger Wrote:  Other than that, nice touch. And yes, present tense and tenseness included, we have a horrific and pathetic football program with an AD who is rightfully suspect as clueless.

I think RC has done a good job with fund raising (donations at Memphis are at an all-time high according to my understanding), resurrecting and maintaining the basketball program, and with a few of the minor sports (e.g. soccer is doing excellent). In those areas, he has done a good job and I'll give credit where credit is due.

My main criticism of his performance mainly lies in minor sports and football. I don't think he has focus enough attention on building an attractive athletic program (e.g. UCF, UC, UofL facility upgrades) and I don't think he has done a very good job of getting donors on board with Memphis football (Jurich made getting donors on board for Louisville football a top priority).

(10-11-2010 06:14 PM)QuitoTiger Wrote:  Other than that, our BB team may kick arse again this season. And yes, we still miss playing Louisville on a regular basis......in basketball.

Memphis has an outstanding class and a solid basketball program. Should be a fun year for the Tigers. I also miss playing Memphis in hoops, though I doubt it will happen as long as Rick is here. He is firmly entrenched in the mindset that 1-2 big name match ups in OOC is good enough due to the in conference slate (much to the disappointment of many Cardinal fans).

Louisville is the least of Memphis' problems if they want to get into this conference.

This really doesn't have anything to do with UofL, UC, etc. Memphis needs to bring a plan to the table with money to show they are going to seriously upgrade sports (ala UC and the Varsity Village) to get looked at.

(10-11-2010 05:22 PM)LadyTiger Wrote:  Unfortunately we evidently prefer denial. http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=457002
I truly hope those in charge at Memphis will open their eyes and see how others view us. If not, there is no hope. Memphis friends at both Louisville and Cinci have told us numerous times what they had to do to make the jump from CUSA to the Big East and a BCS conference. I have put this information on our board more than once to only be condemned. Our actions should give the BEast insight concerning Memphis.

Did you ever give thought to them just not liking you. You posts on here can be collectively summed up as "we suck...please have mercy on us as I hope my poor old school sees the light...and I wish we could be more like you". You're a self-loathing fan, and nobody likes that.

Me make pee pee.

Interesting comments on this thread. My take:

1. Memphis is putting more of an emphasis on football (facilities, coaching salaries, etc.) in no small part b/c the admin has been told that it is necessary to eventual BCS status.
2. Having said this, the Tigers stink to high heaven right now, and improvement will take a bit b/c we have quite the hole to dig out of. We need to improve this year and really get to 7-9 wins next year (damn tall order).
3. The BE will expand for reasons of (a) TV Markets, points to Memphis/UCF, (b) FB improvement, points to ECU, © revenue and/or (d) region, points to Temple in a non-Nova D1 future.
4. If the BE had to expand due to raid, TCU, Memphis, UCF, ECU, Temple would all be viable options.
5. If the BE expands via choice, it will be a long process where a team from above works hard to 'earn' it, with the exception of TCU none have yet, but all are strong POTENTIAL candidates as their programs strive forward. Any of the above could be strong BE teams, few would be right this minute. All are trying desperately to get there.

And finally....

6. OP 'Jurich hates RC Johnson...?!?!": So do I. He is a useless helmet.
7. The cult of 32 thing is kind of crap. I have spoken to the gentleman who took the brunt of the abuse (not online, but actual human communication) and he is a capital chap. This private email had issues, but reading it on the air was incredibly unprofessional and should have cost Dan Wolken his damn job. That is tough too, b/c Wolken is a top flight writer, but that was classless...

(10-11-2010 11:47 PM)jamammy Wrote:  Me make pee pee.

Our own Jam-man ladies and germs

Be advised that the OP is part of a group on the Memphis board that blames RC Johnson for everything from the fall of the Roman Empire to the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby. They whined all year last year till we fired the football coach and replaced him with their personal pick. Overlooking a much more qualified candidate, for a former player who has no head coaching experience and who only positives was that he could recruit at LSU. If you noticed LSU's recruiting hasn't fell off a bit since he left. When presented with the results of this season they blamed the former coach claiming he left the cupboard bare. While ignoring the fact that the former coach's final recruiting class and the current super recruiter's first class both has the same Rivals average star rating of 2.48 stars.

I will be the first to admit that currently we are rebuilding our football program. We just fired a coach. I remember ECU and Louisville both going through this. Heck Michigan went 2-10 last year. However, analyzing programs and potential programs should not be done on what your current record is or even last years record.

People have mentioned SMU as potential candidate. No doubt June Jones has it going but look at their records the last 10 years. Does this short term success make them a great candidate? NO. Until last year our conference would have given them away.

2002, 3-9 (3-5) WAC
2003, 0-12 (0-8) WAC
2004, 3-8 (3-5) WAC
2005, 5-6 (4-4) CUSA
2006, 6-6 (4-4) CUSA
2007, 1-11 (0-8) CUSA
**Enter June Jones**
2008, 1-11 (0-8) CUSA.....Only win is over Texas State.
2009, 8-5 (6-2) CUSA.....beats Nevada in the Hawaii Bowl
2010, 4-2 (3-0) CUSA

What has Syracuse done lately in football the last 10 years? (yes I know they are 4-1 this year) Should you guys kick them out?

My point is this....most all programs have highs and some lows. Memphis football has been a average program over the years. So was South Carolina until Spurrier got there. But there is no doubt there is potential much like Cincy with a better conference affiliation and continued focus from the athletic administration (building facilities, etc.).

I do know this. We own this market and we deliver a top 10-15 basketball program. We play in the nicest basketball arena in the country. We remodeled our baseball stadium last year. We will support and this town would subscrible like heck to a Big East channel. Many things are progressing and we have a brand name in Memphis basketball that is known across the country. Take Georgetown, Marquette, and others out of the league after a split and you may be very happy you have a Memphis basketball program standing there.

The thing SMU has going for them is that they were a national championship caliber team when the NCAA axed their program. BCS affiliation could be just the thing to revive the program back to previous heights - and they sit in prime recruiting grounds...

(10-12-2010 02:35 PM)TigerPete Wrote:  I will be the first to admit that currently we are rebuilding our football program. We just fired a coach. I remember ECU and Louisville both going through this. Heck Michigan went 2-10 last year. However, analyzing programs and potential programs should not be done on what your current record is or even last years record.

People have mentioned SMU as potential candidate. No doubt June Jones has it going but look at their records the last 10 years. Does this short term success make them a great candidate? NO. Until last year our conference would have given them away.

2002, 3-9 (3-5) WAC
2003, 0-12 (0-8) WAC
2004, 3-8 (3-5) WAC
2005, 5-6 (4-4) CUSA
2006, 6-6 (4-4) CUSA
2007, 1-11 (0-8) CUSA
**Enter June Jones**
2008, 1-11 (0-8) CUSA.....Only win is over Texas State.
2009, 8-5 (6-2) CUSA.....beats Nevada in the Hawaii Bowl
2010, 4-2 (3-0) CUSA

What has Syracuse done lately in football the last 10 years? (yes I know they are 4-1 this year) Should you guys kick them out?

My point is this....most all programs have highs and some lows. Memphis football has been a average program over the years. So was South Carolina until Spurrier got there. But there is no doubt there is potential much like Cincy with a better conference affiliation and continued focus from the athletic administration (building facilities, etc.).

I do know this. We own this market and we deliver a top 10-15 basketball program. We play in the nicest basketball arena in the country. We remodeled our baseball stadium last year. We will support and this town would subscrible like heck to a Big East channel. Many things are progressing and we have a brand name in Memphis basketball that is known across the country. Take Georgetown, Marquette, and others out of the league after a split and you may be very happy you have a Memphis basketball program standing there.

June Jones was a PROVEN coach and SMU had tradition behind it along with recruiting the most talent rich pool in the US. Where HM all state players would be first team all state in most of the other states. Porter has NO experience as a head coach and looks it on the side line. He hasn't produced the recruiting coups that people claimed he would. The SEC school are still coming to town and getting who they want leaving left overs for the Tigers. Just in the past few days UT signed a top player with in a 2 minute drive from the Memphis campus.

(10-12-2010 02:35 PM)TigerPete Wrote:  I will be the first to admit that currently we are rebuilding our football program. We just fired a coach. I remember ECU and Louisville both going through this. Heck Michigan went 2-10 last year. However, analyzing programs and potential programs should not be done on what your current record is or even last years record.

People have mentioned SMU as potential candidate. No doubt June Jones has it going but look at their records the last 10 years. Does this short term success make them a great candidate? NO. Until last year our conference would have given them away.

2002, 3-9 (3-5) WAC
2003, 0-12 (0-8) WAC
2004, 3-8 (3-5) WAC
2005, 5-6 (4-4) CUSA
2006, 6-6 (4-4) CUSA
2007, 1-11 (0-8) CUSA
**Enter June Jones**
2008, 1-11 (0-8) CUSA.....Only win is over Texas State.
2009, 8-5 (6-2) CUSA.....beats Nevada in the Hawaii Bowl
2010, 4-2 (3-0) CUSA

What has Syracuse done lately in football the last 10 years? (yes I know they are 4-1 this year) Should you guys kick them out?

My point is this....most all programs have highs and some lows. Memphis football has been a average program over the years. So was South Carolina until Spurrier got there. But there is no doubt there is potential much like Cincy with a better conference affiliation and continued focus from the athletic administration (building facilities, tc.).

From 1999-2009 Syracuse was bowl eligible 5 times playing a bcs schedule, during the worst 10 year period in its history, by far. Regarding highs and lows, Syracuse has been high a whole lot more than its been low, which is just the opposite of Memphis.

(10-12-2010 03:07 PM)cuseroc Wrote:  

(10-12-2010 02:35 PM)TigerPete Wrote:  I will be the first to admit that currently we are rebuilding our football program. We just fired a coach. I remember ECU and Louisville both going through this. Heck Michigan went 2-10 last year. However, analyzing programs and potential programs should not be done on what your current record is or even last years record.

People have mentioned SMU as potential candidate. No doubt June Jones has it going but look at their records the last 10 years. Does this short term success make them a great candidate? NO. Until last year our conference would have given them away.

2002, 3-9 (3-5) WAC
2003, 0-12 (0-8) WAC
2004, 3-8 (3-5) WAC
2005, 5-6 (4-4) CUSA
2006, 6-6 (4-4) CUSA
2007, 1-11 (0-8) CUSA
**Enter June Jones**
2008, 1-11 (0-8) CUSA.....Only win is over Texas State.
2009, 8-5 (6-2) CUSA.....beats Nevada in the Hawaii Bowl
2010, 4-2 (3-0) CUSA

What has Syracuse done lately in football the last 10 years? (yes I know they are 4-1 this year) Should you guys kick them out?

My point is this....most all programs have highs and some lows. Memphis football has been a average program over the years. So was South Carolina until Spurrier got there. But there is no doubt there is potential much like Cincy with a better conference affiliation and continued focus from the athletic administration (building facilities, tc.).

From 1999-2009 Syracuse was bowl eligible 5 times playing a bcs schedule, during the worst 10 year period in its history, by far. Regarding highs and lows, Syracuse has been high a whole lot more than its been low, which is just the opposite of Memphis.

I know...my point was not to try and compare Memphis vs the cuse football program but just to say syracuse went through a rough patch in the mid 2000's and that it happens for most programs. I don't know many programs that don't have to rebuild every 7-10 years.