(01-15-2016 09:31 AM)FrancisDrake Wrote: Whether it happens or not, dissecting this statement: “We’ll look at the fan base, we’ll look at the size of their programs, we’ll look at the academics of the institutions. We’ll look at them comprehensively as to which is the best fit. And also we’ll consider geography to a certain degree.”
I think Houston and Cincy are the two that on all criteria. Houston's only hitch possibly being the fan base, but in the Big12 I think that is a non issue. UCONN is Houston's competition IMO, with geography being the biggest hurdle. Also, I'm going to assume that if BYU were in the mix, their coach would not have ditched them for UVA... Also do not think BSU is in the mix either as they'll look east and to the AAC...
USF misses on program size and fan base
UCF misses on program size and academics
ECU see UCF
Memphis misses on academics
Temple misses on fan base
Tulane missed on fan base and program size
You can't assume anything based on Mendenhall's decision. The big donors in the BYU Coaches Circle wanted him out, so he took the first opportunity available. Win-win situation.
BYU's recruiting has already seen the benefits: Sitake and Detmer have already landed two 4-star recruits in the last month - one a poly DL, who had offers from USC, Texas, Oklahoma, Baylor, and the Ewetes; the other a speedy CB/WR, who chose BYU over Oregon and USC. Both enrolled early - already on campus (I talked with both on Wednesday).
I don't think Mendenhall's staff would have landed either.
So, put BYU back into the mix of the 6 or 7 schools from which the Big 12 would pick the right two.
I'm not saying that BYU is a shoe-in; there are too many voices and variables; but, BYU ticks off every box mentioned by Boren but geography - which the Big 12 will consider "to a certain degree." I believe that means that one of the two candidates will make sense for WVU's geography - at least in the Eastern Timezone.
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FAN BASE: averages 60K attendance for 30 years; usually in the top-30 for all of college football - would be top-3 in Big 12; strong TV ratings the last 3-5 years.
Also, averages 15K attendance at men's basketball (usually top-10) and regularly finishes in the top-3 in attendance for women's soccer and men's and women's volleyball.
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SIZE OF PROGRAM: #68 in AD Revenue at $59M in 2014-15, just ahead of Wake Forest and a step behind the Ewetes, Georgia Tech, Rutgers, and Iowa St. - without a P5-level media contract. (UConn is the #1 candidate here - #53 with $72M).
The BYU AD consistently brings in a PROFIT and is mandated to be self-sufficient, without ANY subsidy from the University General Fund or LDS Church tithing monies.
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ACADEMICS: #62 - just behind UConn (#58) and well ahead of any other expansion candidate and most of the Big 12.
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GEOGRAPHY: obviously a poor match to partner with WVU; however, closer to most of the rest of the Big 12 than UConn, UCF, USF. Behind Houston, Memphis, and Cincinnati in terms of proximity. Offers the Big 12 Network the late Saturday inventory spot.
Again, I'm not saying that BYU is in - but don't count them out. And, don't overlook the fact that WVU's current university president is LDS and a former BYU law professor and associate dean.