I would think that Cincy is the top target for a couple of conferences (B12 or ACC) should they decide to expand. They are one of the teams making the investments that justify consideration. The odds are the B12 will be the first to move. They have many options #1 Cincy, UCF, BYU, Missouri St., San Diego St, Fresno St., USF, UNI (if they would start investing) and others.

The ACC stuck it back in the eye of the Big10 when they picked up Louisville (borders Ohio & Indiana recruiting territory). The BIG12 could stick it in the eye of the Big10 by taking Cincy. They could enter SEC & ACC territory by going into Florida or the P12 by going into California & Utah.

If anybody extends an invitation I'd bet money it will be the Big12.

(02-06-2014 08:41 PM)BIgCatonProwl Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 07:33 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 07:26 PM)chargeradio Wrote:  Cincinnati just hired someone who took a school away from the Big 12-it seems counter-intuitive given that the Big XII would likely be the Bearcats' destination.

I don't think a Pac-16 East could pay for itself. If Louisville, Syracuse, and Pittsburgh were still on the table, possibly, but it would be hard to build a lucrative enough quad to justify expansion. If the Pac 12 decides it needs into Texas at all cost, I could see SMU, Houston (or Rice), Memphis, and Cincinnati being the four schools. Although if the Pac 12 goes into Texas, my hunch is it would SMU, Houston, Rice, and UTEP (with possibly one of those being swapped out for Tulane or Tulsa), and they'd forget anything further east. Getting the Pac 16 networks on in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and El Paso with 3-4 Texas schools would be easier than trying to get on in former C-USA markets that often straddle state lines (Cincinnati, Memphis, etc.)

As a native Californian who grew up watching UCLA/Pac-10 sports, it would be a dream come true if UTEP is ever considered by the Pac-12. As much as I consider myself an optimistic person, I'm a realist as well and UTEP would never ever be considered by the Pac-12. The only hope UTEP has in ever being in a relevant conference is if the Big XII blows up and it needs to fill schools and even then it won't be guaranteed that UTEP would be even considered. At this point, it's either going to the MWC or help C-USA become stronger.

Now back to the topic.......

So Cincy fans, how do you feel about your new AD and chances of gong to the Big XII? Or is it ACC or bust for you guys?

UTEP would have to really step up their academic game, having a 99% acceptance rate, is not going to cut it, to get into the P12.

I don't want to derail the topic but the only thing I have to say is UTEP serves a different mission than most universities. It's the only accredited 4 year university in that part of the state (yes, NMSU is nearby but it's in a different state with a different mission).....the only other 4 year Texas university "nearby" is in Alpine (Sul Ross State) which is almost 3 hours away.

UTEP is becoming a Tier One university, it was selected by the Legislature for that purpose. Fundraising and research dollars are being increased for that reason alone. But it's main objective is to provide a quality education to a region that's growing and the poverty rate is high. Most UTEP students have either a part or full time job, are married and have families or are returning students that had to quit because of myriad of reasons (got married, went to the military, etc) so they're not the traditional students most universities target. UTEP will never be a Rice or Stanford or even a UCLA or Minnesota nor it pretends to be one because its mission it's different from those universities.

Now back to the topic.

(02-06-2014 09:28 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 08:41 PM)BIgCatonProwl Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 07:33 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 07:26 PM)chargeradio Wrote:  Cincinnati just hired someone who took a school away from the Big 12-it seems counter-intuitive given that the Big XII would likely be the Bearcats' destination.

I don't think a Pac-16 East could pay for itself. If Louisville, Syracuse, and Pittsburgh were still on the table, possibly, but it would be hard to build a lucrative enough quad to justify expansion. If the Pac 12 decides it needs into Texas at all cost, I could see SMU, Houston (or Rice), Memphis, and Cincinnati being the four schools. Although if the Pac 12 goes into Texas, my hunch is it would SMU, Houston, Rice, and UTEP (with possibly one of those being swapped out for Tulane or Tulsa), and they'd forget anything further east. Getting the Pac 16 networks on in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and El Paso with 3-4 Texas schools would be easier than trying to get on in former C-USA markets that often straddle state lines (Cincinnati, Memphis, etc.)

As a native Californian who grew up watching UCLA/Pac-10 sports, it would be a dream come true if UTEP is ever considered by the Pac-12. As much as I consider myself an optimistic person, I'm a realist as well and UTEP would never ever be considered by the Pac-12. The only hope UTEP has in ever being in a relevant conference is if the Big XII blows up and it needs to fill schools and even then it won't be guaranteed that UTEP would be even considered. At this point, it's either going to the MWC or help C-USA become stronger.

Now back to the topic.......

So Cincy fans, how do you feel about your new AD and chances of gong to the Big XII? Or is it ACC or bust for you guys?

UTEP would have to really step up their academic game, having a 99% acceptance rate, is not going to cut it, to get into the P12.

I don't want to derail the topic but the only thing I have to say is UTEP serves a different mission than most universities. It's the only accredited 4 year university in that part of the state (yes, NMSU is nearby but it's in a different state with a different mission).....the only other 4 year Texas university "nearby" is in Alpine (Sul Ross State) which is almost 3 hours away.

UTEP is becoming a Tier One university, it was selected by the Legislature for that purpose. Fundraising and research dollars are being increased for that reason alone. But it's main objective is to provide a quality education to a region that's growing and the poverty rate is high. Most UTEP students have either a part or full time job, are married and have families or are returning students that had to quit because of myriad of reasons (got married, went to the military, etc) so they're not the traditional students most universities target. UTEP will never be a Rice or Stanford or even a UCLA or Minnesota nor it pretends to be one because its mission it's different from those universities.

Now back to the topic.

I like UTEP for that fact and too often it goes unnoticed.

The one thing I bet we all can agree on is that Cincy is easily one of the top 5 most eligible and likely movers.

(02-06-2014 09:32 PM)HeartOfDixie Wrote:  The one thing I bet we all can agree on is that Cincy is easily one of the top 5 most eligible and likely movers.

BYU
UConn
Cincinnati

Those three I think we can all agree with that.

I guess the other two would be Houston and UCF in the east and probably New Mexico and Colorado State in the west depending who you ask.

(02-06-2014 09:31 PM)Pony94 Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:28 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 08:41 PM)BIgCatonProwl Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 07:33 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 07:26 PM)chargeradio Wrote:  Cincinnati just hired someone who took a school away from the Big 12-it seems counter-intuitive given that the Big XII would likely be the Bearcats' destination.

I don't think a Pac-16 East could pay for itself. If Louisville, Syracuse, and Pittsburgh were still on the table, possibly, but it would be hard to build a lucrative enough quad to justify expansion. If the Pac 12 decides it needs into Texas at all cost, I could see SMU, Houston (or Rice), Memphis, and Cincinnati being the four schools. Although if the Pac 12 goes into Texas, my hunch is it would SMU, Houston, Rice, and UTEP (with possibly one of those being swapped out for Tulane or Tulsa), and they'd forget anything further east. Getting the Pac 16 networks on in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and El Paso with 3-4 Texas schools would be easier than trying to get on in former C-USA markets that often straddle state lines (Cincinnati, Memphis, etc.)

As a native Californian who grew up watching UCLA/Pac-10 sports, it would be a dream come true if UTEP is ever considered by the Pac-12. As much as I consider myself an optimistic person, I'm a realist as well and UTEP would never ever be considered by the Pac-12. The only hope UTEP has in ever being in a relevant conference is if the Big XII blows up and it needs to fill schools and even then it won't be guaranteed that UTEP would be even considered. At this point, it's either going to the MWC or help C-USA become stronger.

Now back to the topic.......

So Cincy fans, how do you feel about your new AD and chances of gong to the Big XII? Or is it ACC or bust for you guys?

UTEP would have to really step up their academic game, having a 99% acceptance rate, is not going to cut it, to get into the P12.

I don't want to derail the topic but the only thing I have to say is UTEP serves a different mission than most universities. It's the only accredited 4 year university in that part of the state (yes, NMSU is nearby but it's in a different state with a different mission).....the only other 4 year Texas university "nearby" is in Alpine (Sul Ross State) which is almost 3 hours away.

UTEP is becoming a Tier One university, it was selected by the Legislature for that purpose. Fundraising and research dollars are being increased for that reason alone. But it's main objective is to provide a quality education to a region that's growing and the poverty rate is high. Most UTEP students have either a part or full time job, are married and have families or are returning students that had to quit because of myriad of reasons (got married, went to the military, etc) so they're not the traditional students most universities target. UTEP will never be a Rice or Stanford or even a UCLA or Minnesota nor it pretends to be one because its mission it's different from those universities.

Now back to the topic.

I like UTEP for that fact and too often it goes unnoticed.

Yea, I understand, UH original mission was to educate the working class children of Houston, but it has changed, now it's become a Princeton review National Top Research University, acceptance rate is 60% now. Some people aren't happy about it, but things change. Hell, my own son couldn't get in, he had to go to Texas Tech. We had some good spirited football games when we played UTEP, all the best.

He probably also wants to top this:

Yale Gets Largest Donation Ever: $250 Million


Good Luck.

(02-06-2014 09:52 PM)BIgCatonProwl Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:31 PM)Pony94 Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:28 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 08:41 PM)BIgCatonProwl Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 07:33 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  As a native Californian who grew up watching UCLA/Pac-10 sports, it would be a dream come true if UTEP is ever considered by the Pac-12. As much as I consider myself an optimistic person, I'm a realist as well and UTEP would never ever be considered by the Pac-12. The only hope UTEP has in ever being in a relevant conference is if the Big XII blows up and it needs to fill schools and even then it won't be guaranteed that UTEP would be even considered. At this point, it's either going to the MWC or help C-USA become stronger.

Now back to the topic.......

So Cincy fans, how do you feel about your new AD and chances of gong to the Big XII? Or is it ACC or bust for you guys?

UTEP would have to really step up their academic game, having a 99% acceptance rate, is not going to cut it, to get into the P12.

I don't want to derail the topic but the only thing I have to say is UTEP serves a different mission than most universities. It's the only accredited 4 year university in that part of the state (yes, NMSU is nearby but it's in a different state with a different mission).....the only other 4 year Texas university "nearby" is in Alpine (Sul Ross State) which is almost 3 hours away.

UTEP is becoming a Tier One university, it was selected by the Legislature for that purpose. Fundraising and research dollars are being increased for that reason alone. But it's main objective is to provide a quality education to a region that's growing and the poverty rate is high. Most UTEP students have either a part or full time job, are married and have families or are returning students that had to quit because of myriad of reasons (got married, went to the military, etc) so they're not the traditional students most universities target. UTEP will never be a Rice or Stanford or even a UCLA or Minnesota nor it pretends to be one because its mission it's different from those universities.

Now back to the topic.

I like UTEP for that fact and too often it goes unnoticed.

Yea, I understand, UH original mission was to educate the working class children of Houston, but it has changed, now it's become a Princeton review National Top Research University, acceptance rate is 60% now. Some people aren't happy about it, but things change. Hell, my own son couldn't get in, he had to go to Texas Tech. We had some good spirited football games when we played UTEP, all the best.

Be careful man, there are some posters here who would string you up for such a statement.

Houston has a strong presence in the legal and engineering fields in Houston. It's a recipe for success given how important the city of Houston is, and is becoming.

Cincinnati is going nowhere. They are basically a regional non academic community school that's once proud basketball program has gone to hell. The football program is worst. Remember the Bob Huggins days when they recruited allegedly thugs and that could not read or write to win games!

(02-06-2014 10:03 PM)Savacool Wrote:  Cincinnati is going nowhere. They are basically a regional non academic community school that's once proud basketball program has gone to hell. The football program is worst. Remember the Bob Huggins days when they recruited allegedly thugs and that could not read or write to win games!

There are perhaps only one or two other schools that meet the criteria for being considered for an upward invite more than Cincy. The rest of the G5 are the ones who are as you so eloquently put it, "going nowhere."

(02-06-2014 09:52 PM)BIgCatonProwl Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:31 PM)Pony94 Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:28 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 08:41 PM)BIgCatonProwl Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 07:33 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  As a native Californian who grew up watching UCLA/Pac-10 sports, it would be a dream come true if UTEP is ever considered by the Pac-12. As much as I consider myself an optimistic person, I'm a realist as well and UTEP would never ever be considered by the Pac-12. The only hope UTEP has in ever being in a relevant conference is if the Big XII blows up and it needs to fill schools and even then it won't be guaranteed that UTEP would be even considered. At this point, it's either going to the MWC or help C-USA become stronger.

Now back to the topic.......

So Cincy fans, how do you feel about your new AD and chances of gong to the Big XII? Or is it ACC or bust for you guys?

UTEP would have to really step up their academic game, having a 99% acceptance rate, is not going to cut it, to get into the P12.

I don't want to derail the topic but the only thing I have to say is UTEP serves a different mission than most universities. It's the only accredited 4 year university in that part of the state (yes, NMSU is nearby but it's in a different state with a different mission).....the only other 4 year Texas university "nearby" is in Alpine (Sul Ross State) which is almost 3 hours away.

UTEP is becoming a Tier One university, it was selected by the Legislature for that purpose. Fundraising and research dollars are being increased for that reason alone. But it's main objective is to provide a quality education to a region that's growing and the poverty rate is high. Most UTEP students have either a part or full time job, are married and have families or are returning students that had to quit because of myriad of reasons (got married, went to the military, etc) so they're not the traditional students most universities target. UTEP will never be a Rice or Stanford or even a UCLA or Minnesota nor it pretends to be one because its mission it's different from those universities.

Now back to the topic.

I like UTEP for that fact and too often it goes unnoticed.

Yea, I understand, UH original mission was to educate the working class children of Houston, but it has changed, now it's become a Princeton review National Top Research University, acceptance rate is 60% now. Some people aren't happy about it, but things change. Hell, my own son couldn't get in, he had to go to Texas Tech. We had some good spirited football games when we played UTEP, all the best.

It was only last year that UH finally raised its admission standards above North Texas so you should be pleased that your son is much smarter and more accomplished than you to be accepted to Texas Tech. UH's acceptance rate reflects the nature of its applicants. Community college is the backup plan for UH applicants. UH is the backup plan for Houston high school students not admitted to Texas Tech, Texas, A&M, Baylor, SMU, etc.

Cincinnati prefers an ACC invite. Most of our Big East peers are there, and the school fits better with them. If the Big XII came calling UC has to leave the AAC. Once the Maryland lawsuit is settle. I think UC will be on the move.

(02-06-2014 10:13 PM)True Bearcat Wrote:  Cincinnati prefers an ACC invite. Most of our Big East peers are there, and the school fits better with them. If the Big XII came calling UC has to leave the AAC. Once the Maryland lawsuit is settle. I think UC will be on the move.

Do you think Cincy would jump at a Big12 invite if it came?

I do.

(02-06-2014 10:07 PM)FreshPrinceOfDarkness Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:52 PM)BIgCatonProwl Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:31 PM)Pony94 Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:28 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 08:41 PM)BIgCatonProwl Wrote:  UTEP would have to really step up their academic game, having a 99% acceptance rate, is not going to cut it, to get into the P12.

I don't want to derail the topic but the only thing I have to say is UTEP serves a different mission than most universities. It's the only accredited 4 year university in that part of the state (yes, NMSU is nearby but it's in a different state with a different mission).....the only other 4 year Texas university "nearby" is in Alpine (Sul Ross State) which is almost 3 hours away.

UTEP is becoming a Tier One university, it was selected by the Legislature for that purpose. Fundraising and research dollars are being increased for that reason alone. But it's main objective is to provide a quality education to a region that's growing and the poverty rate is high. Most UTEP students have either a part or full time job, are married and have families or are returning students that had to quit because of myriad of reasons (got married, went to the military, etc) so they're not the traditional students most universities target. UTEP will never be a Rice or Stanford or even a UCLA or Minnesota nor it pretends to be one because its mission it's different from those universities.

Now back to the topic.

I like UTEP for that fact and too often it goes unnoticed.

Yea, I understand, UH original mission was to educate the working class children of Houston, but it has changed, now it's become a Princeton review National Top Research University, acceptance rate is 60% now. Some people aren't happy about it, but things change. Hell, my own son couldn't get in, he had to go to Texas Tech. We had some good spirited football games when we played UTEP, all the best.

It was only last year that UH finally raised its admission standards above North Texas so you should be pleased that your son is much smarter and more accomplished than you to be accepted to Texas Tech. UH's acceptance rate reflects the nature of its applicants. Community college is the backup plan for UH applicants. UH is the backup plan for Houston high school students not admitted to Texas Tech, Texas, A&M, Baylor, SMU, etc.

Blah Blah Blah....bottom line, its better than Texas Tech and so is UH's acceptance rate which is lower than Texas Tech's as well. I love how you portray Tech to be some kind of destination school, when I can easily argue about Texas and A&M rejects using Tech as a backup plan. Texas Tech and Baylor should not be bragging about academics. Also please speak for yourself and not for all Houston high school students and UH applicants.

(02-06-2014 10:15 PM)AirRaid Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 10:07 PM)FreshPrinceOfDarkness Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:52 PM)BIgCatonProwl Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:31 PM)Pony94 Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:28 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  I don't want to derail the topic but the only thing I have to say is UTEP serves a different mission than most universities. It's the only accredited 4 year university in that part of the state (yes, NMSU is nearby but it's in a different state with a different mission).....the only other 4 year Texas university "nearby" is in Alpine (Sul Ross State) which is almost 3 hours away.

UTEP is becoming a Tier One university, it was selected by the Legislature for that purpose. Fundraising and research dollars are being increased for that reason alone. But it's main objective is to provide a quality education to a region that's growing and the poverty rate is high. Most UTEP students have either a part or full time job, are married and have families or are returning students that had to quit because of myriad of reasons (got married, went to the military, etc) so they're not the traditional students most universities target. UTEP will never be a Rice or Stanford or even a UCLA or Minnesota nor it pretends to be one because its mission it's different from those universities.

Now back to the topic.

I like UTEP for that fact and too often it goes unnoticed.

Yea, I understand, UH original mission was to educate the working class children of Houston, but it has changed, now it's become a Princeton review National Top Research University, acceptance rate is 60% now. Some people aren't happy about it, but things change. Hell, my own son couldn't get in, he had to go to Texas Tech. We had some good spirited football games when we played UTEP, all the best.

It was only last year that UH finally raised its admission standards above North Texas so you should be pleased that your son is much smarter and more accomplished than you to be accepted to Texas Tech. UH's acceptance rate reflects the nature of its applicants. Community college is the backup plan for UH applicants. UH is the backup plan for Houston high school students not admitted to Texas Tech, Texas, A&M, Baylor, SMU, etc.

Blah Blah Blah....bottom line, its better than Texas Tech. Texas Tech and Baylor should not be bragging about academics. Also please speak for yourself and not for all Houston high school students and UH applicants.

You're not helping BIgCatonProwl's case for UH's academic supremacy.

(02-06-2014 10:03 PM)Savacool Wrote:  Cincinnati is going nowhere. They are basically a regional non academic community school that's once proud basketball program has gone to hell. The football program is worst. Remember the Bob Huggins days when they recruited allegedly thugs and that could not read or write to win games!

There's a saying about people who live in glass houses.

(02-06-2014 10:21 PM)FreshPrinceOfDarkness Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 10:15 PM)AirRaid Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 10:07 PM)FreshPrinceOfDarkness Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:52 PM)BIgCatonProwl Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:31 PM)Pony94 Wrote:  I like UTEP for that fact and too often it goes unnoticed.

Yea, I understand, UH original mission was to educate the working class children of Houston, but it has changed, now it's become a Princeton review National Top Research University, acceptance rate is 60% now. Some people aren't happy about it, but things change. Hell, my own son couldn't get in, he had to go to Texas Tech. We had some good spirited football games when we played UTEP, all the best.

It was only last year that UH finally raised its admission standards above North Texas so you should be pleased that your son is much smarter and more accomplished than you to be accepted to Texas Tech. UH's acceptance rate reflects the nature of its applicants. Community college is the backup plan for UH applicants. UH is the backup plan for Houston high school students not admitted to Texas Tech, Texas, A&M, Baylor, SMU, etc.

Blah Blah Blah....bottom line, its better than Texas Tech. Texas Tech and Baylor should not be bragging about academics. Also please speak for yourself and not for all Houston high school students and UH applicants.

You're not helping BIgCatonProwl's case for UH's academic supremacy.

I am just replying to the bull**** you are spewing, even though I know better.

(02-06-2014 10:07 PM)FreshPrinceOfDarkness Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:52 PM)BIgCatonProwl Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:31 PM)Pony94 Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:28 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 08:41 PM)BIgCatonProwl Wrote:  UTEP would have to really step up their academic game, having a 99% acceptance rate, is not going to cut it, to get into the P12.

I don't want to derail the topic but the only thing I have to say is UTEP serves a different mission than most universities. It's the only accredited 4 year university in that part of the state (yes, NMSU is nearby but it's in a different state with a different mission).....the only other 4 year Texas university "nearby" is in Alpine (Sul Ross State) which is almost 3 hours away.

UTEP is becoming a Tier One university, it was selected by the Legislature for that purpose. Fundraising and research dollars are being increased for that reason alone. But it's main objective is to provide a quality education to a region that's growing and the poverty rate is high. Most UTEP students have either a part or full time job, are married and have families or are returning students that had to quit because of myriad of reasons (got married, went to the military, etc) so they're not the traditional students most universities target. UTEP will never be a Rice or Stanford or even a UCLA or Minnesota nor it pretends to be one because its mission it's different from those universities.

Now back to the topic.

I like UTEP for that fact and too often it goes unnoticed.

Yea, I understand, UH original mission was to educate the working class children of Houston, but it has changed, now it's become a Princeton review National Top Research University, acceptance rate is 60% now. Some people aren't happy about it, but things change. Hell, my own son couldn't get in, he had to go to Texas Tech. We had some good spirited football games when we played UTEP, all the best.

It was only last year that UH finally raised its admission standards above North Texas so you should be pleased that your son is much smarter and more accomplished than you to be accepted to Texas Tech. UH's acceptance rate reflects the nature of its applicants. Community college is the backup plan for UH applicants. UH is the backup plan for Houston high school students not admitted to Texas Tech, Texas, A&M, Baylor, SMU, etc.

IDK man, UH is actually at about 57% acceptance rate. And as far as that last statement goes, i'm pretty sure that the record high enrollment of National Merit Scholars the past few years could've definitely gotten into Tech, Baylor, likely even A&M or UT. You can brag about football attendance, basketball attendance, all you'd like, but one thing you cannot say is that Tech is above UH academically.

(02-06-2014 09:52 PM)BIgCatonProwl Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:31 PM)Pony94 Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 09:28 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 08:41 PM)BIgCatonProwl Wrote:  

(02-06-2014 07:33 PM)UTEPDallas Wrote:  As a native Californian who grew up watching UCLA/Pac-10 sports, it would be a dream come true if UTEP is ever considered by the Pac-12. As much as I consider myself an optimistic person, I'm a realist as well and UTEP would never ever be considered by the Pac-12. The only hope UTEP has in ever being in a relevant conference is if the Big XII blows up and it needs to fill schools and even then it won't be guaranteed that UTEP would be even considered. At this point, it's either going to the MWC or help C-USA become stronger.

Now back to the topic.......

So Cincy fans, how do you feel about your new AD and chances of gong to the Big XII? Or is it ACC or bust for you guys?

UTEP would have to really step up their academic game, having a 99% acceptance rate, is not going to cut it, to get into the P12.

I don't want to derail the topic but the only thing I have to say is UTEP serves a different mission than most universities. It's the only accredited 4 year university in that part of the state (yes, NMSU is nearby but it's in a different state with a different mission).....the only other 4 year Texas university "nearby" is in Alpine (Sul Ross State) which is almost 3 hours away.

UTEP is becoming a Tier One university, it was selected by the Legislature for that purpose. Fundraising and research dollars are being increased for that reason alone. But it's main objective is to provide a quality education to a region that's growing and the poverty rate is high. Most UTEP students have either a part or full time job, are married and have families or are returning students that had to quit because of myriad of reasons (got married, went to the military, etc) so they're not the traditional students most universities target. UTEP will never be a Rice or Stanford or even a UCLA or Minnesota nor it pretends to be one because its mission it's different from those universities.

Now back to the topic.

I like UTEP for that fact and too often it goes unnoticed.

Yea, I understand, UH original mission was to educate the working class children of Houston, but it has changed, now it's become a Princeton review National Top Research University, acceptance rate is 60% now. Some people aren't happy about it, but things change. Hell, my own son couldn't get in, he had to go to Texas Tech. We had some good spirited football games when we played UTEP, all the best.

Houston and El Paso might be in the same state but they're two worlds apart. How many 4 year universities are within a 250 mile radius of Houston? I can think of University of Houston, Rice, Texas Southern, Prairie View A&M, Sam Houston State, Texas State, Texas A&M-College Station, A&M-Galveston, A&M-Kingsville, A&M-Corpus Christi, Lamar, UT-Austin, UT-San Antonio, Incarnate Word, etc. How many 4 year universities where El Paso residents can pay in state tuition are located 250 miles within El Paso? One. Sul Russ State University in Alpine which is 220 miles away. Texas Tech is five hours away and UT-Permian Basin in Odessa is 4 hours away. Yes, there's NMSU, UNM, New Mexico Tech, Eastern New Mexico and Western New Mexico not too far away but except for NMSU (45 miles), you have to pay out of state tuition or live in NM for one year to qualify for residency. Comparing UH and UTEP's situations are apples to oranges.

The only way UTEP can become selective or even very selective is if suddenly the Texas A&M System or the Texas State University System decides to open a campus in El Paso. UTEP would send the rejected applicants to the new school and would encourage El Paso Community College students to transfer to the new school . But until that happens, UTEP's mission as the only four year university in a county of 850k people is to provide a quality and affordable education to its students. It is what it is.