http://www.thedailystampede.com/2016/5/9...-expansion
So with all of the talk of the musical chairs of conference expansion starting again, you might be asking what exactly is USF leadership doing here?
Nothing that you'll see. And that's by design.
Besides this letter from Mark Harlan to donors and season ticket holders last week, there's been absolutely zero public comment from the Bulls about any of this. But sources that we've talked to both inside USF Athletics and those close to Big XII current members say Fowler Avenue is placing more faith in being a trusted partner than in shilling themselves through the media.
It seems to be out of the same playbook used by USF during the 2002-03 round of conference realignment, which ended up with USF in the Big East. Lee Roy Selmon & Judy Genshaft kept things very close to the vest, worked their relationships with Presidents and other athletics personnel, and stayed below the radar through much of the process. It seems that's the game plan once again.
It's likely USF will look much more attractive to any conference a year from now. Attendance at football should be up significantly if early ticket sales are to be believed, and the team on the field should easily be the best of this decade. If the Big XII decides to delay expansion by a year, it seems USF's candidacy would be in a significantly stronger position.
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Academically USF stands head and shoulders above all other candidates except UConn, with both schools hoping to be on a path to eventual AAU membership. However no one we've talked to thinks that academic prestige will be a major factor in any Big XII decision.
Despite the lack of buzz around the Bulls in the media, USF is in constant contact with Big XII administrators. Those that would be decision makers are quite aware of the case for Tampa, with USF being informed and aware about current discussions. We can also confirm that some other schools, particularly Memphis, haven't been as tactful during this process, and it has rubbed some from the conference the wrong way.
So don't fret when you see USF far down the lists of potential schools. To the tiny sliver of folks that would make any expansion decision, they are well aware of the sunshine, massive market, and pile of potential upon which the Bulls exist.
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/colleges/...id/2276345
TAMPA — With the idea of Big 12 expansion seemingly gaining more traction, USF athletic director Mark Harlan indicated to boosters Friday that the school is being "proactive" regarding the Bulls' future.
In a seven-paragraph letter sent to Bulls Club members and season-ticket holders, Harlan acknowledged national reports of "possible conference expansion and other potential realignments." He then noted a number of USF athletic accomplishments before trying to reassure supporters of the Bulls, who are in the American Athletic Conference, thirsting for Power Five status.
"Like many of our peers, we are also an aspirational institution and closely monitor any opportunities that would benefit USF athletics in the long term," Harlan wrote. "Rest assured, we have been proactive in exploring any and all opportunities that would support this program's singular focus on sustained excellence."
Harlan's letter comes in the wake of reports indicating presidents from Cincinnati and Memphis have made extensive efforts to promote their respective universities to Big 12 administrators. USF's efforts to curry favor with the Big 12 are believed to have been done more covertly to this point.
no one cares what anyone on this boards thinks about who should get into Big12
