(08-19-2011 01:52 PM)Ottoman Wrote:  

(08-19-2011 01:42 PM)bitcruncher Wrote:  

(08-19-2011 01:17 PM)Ottoman Wrote:  

(08-19-2011 01:08 PM)bitcruncher Wrote:  We have as much of an audience in Philly as we're going to get, Ottoman. Temple won't increase our viewing public, and neither will 'nova. Their fans already watch our games - if they're football fans...

You can say the same thing about Boston and New York City as well. I simply don't believe it. I think these markets have tremdous growth potential. I think most of the southern markets are as developed as they are going to get but the northeast has a lot of room for growth for college football.

I realize you don't believe it. A lot of other fans of northeastern schools feel the same way, which is a big reason for a lot of the uncertainty surrounding The BEast. Some schools want to break away from Mickey Mouse interests, and actually build something special. But there are too many interests opposed, who want to take the quick and easy route, by grabbing schools who want to do things on the cheap, or expect BCS status to help them improve their lot in life. That's a recipe for a major failure, and a good way to lose the BCS status we all now enjoy...

I actually believe the strength of the BE is the northeast region and the future of the conference depends on developing that base (pinstripe bowl, MSG, championship game in NYC someday). The ACC is dead because of the SEC dominating its region. The B12 failed to maintain as a power in its region. At least the BE is still the top dog in its region and survival for the ACC meant moving into the BE 's region.

I think the conference understands this when they talk about BC and Maryland. A nationwide, spread out conference didn't make CUSA a power, why would it work for the BE?

When the BCS was the big money maker, winning was key to success. Now that television is the big money maker, markets play as important a role as winning. Philly is the #4 market in the nation- no northeastern conference can ignore it. So the only real queston is Temple or Nova. I vote Temple.

To think that we can have no footprint and no identity and still be strong is a formula for failure.

Think about this, if the raiding went down the ACC would come after northeastern teams before they went after B12 teams-- why? Because they know the northeast is the one market has the potential for a solid base.


As far as BCS status goes, the BCS pays $18 million to the conference-- we're talking about a TV deal that pays $18 million to each team. Nice to keep the autobid but the BCS don't cover the rent in the penthouse.

I agree with what you are saying. NE should be the focus for the BE conference. FLA and TX are important too, but if there is a choice I rather take a NE school.

Temple is in a position to prove to the BE that they can deliver that market. If they can get more fans to care about their program and get some nice TV ratings in their market, BE should consider them.

Schools like UMASS and others in the region have a chance to grow as well. BE will not wait forever, but I rather see those programs grow up and be a candidate for future expansion.

(08-19-2011 01:25 PM)Ottoman Wrote:  Maimi had an issue with Temple or used them as an excuse to bolt to the ACC. IMHO Temple was always a step-child in the BE because Nova was there to block them from becoming full members. They had no vote and no say, so how much effort do you expect. College BB was still big in Philly and Temple was kept out of the northeast's most glamorous BB league. So things fell apart.

Much like today. Nova will say they will bring their 9,000 fans into an 18,000 seat soccer stadium before they give the BE any thought of inviting Temple for FB.

I say Temple gets from 20,000 to 40,000 faster than Nova gets from 9,000 to 18,000.

Temple was approached by the BE back in 1979 to be an original member, and they turned it down. Nova was "Plan B".

Miami's decision to bolt to the ACC had nothing to do with Temple, since plans were already in the works to replace Temple with UConn. It had everything to do with $$$ and geography.

Temple has never drawn an average of 25,000 in the past 30 years, and you think they'll get to 40,000? They would have to sell out the Linc for Penn State, and then average over 35,000 for their remaining home games. Never happen.

Philadelphia is an Eagles / Phillies town. Not a college town.