It looks to me like Nova is very serious about moving up and is doing ther due diligence and getting there ducks in a row. Despite what the Nervous Nellies on the Nova boards think...it sure looks like Nova is gonna move up. I would think April is a time frame for some donors with deep deep pockets to step forward and make this thing happen.... as a UCF fan I see the writing on the wall...and it spells CUSA.


There are two items should trouble Big East fans...

Q: Could Villanova meet the FBS required average home game attendance of 15,000?

A: This is a fair question. We have engaged an external firm to conduct a feasibility study that will assess whether a 15,000 attendance level is a realistic objective.

Father Donahue should have answered this question with a Yes. we can draw over 15k a game. if he wants FBS football this was an opportunity to sell his faculty and board memebrs on the idea that Nova can support it.

Q: What are the top stadium options for home games?

A: Since Villanova’s stadium does not meet FBS requirements, an on-campus facility would not be an option. Therefore, the University would need to explore off-campus venues in the Philadelphia market

This is the Temple model and it does not work in Philly. Father Donahue should have stated that the long term goal is an on campus stadium. Once agian this would send a message to the BOT and Faculty that he is behind the idea of FBS football.

(12-15-2010 07:49 PM)No Bull Wrote:  It looks to me like Nova is very serious about moving up and is doing ther due diligence and getting there ducks in a row. Despite what the Nervous Nellies on the Nova boards think...it sure looks like Nova is gonna move up. I would think April is a time frame for some donors with deep deep pockets to step forward and make this thing happen.... as a UCF fan I see the writing on the wall...and it spells CUSA.


There are two items should trouble Big East fans...

Q: Could Villanova meet the FBS required average home game attendance of 15,000?

A: This is a fair question. We have engaged an external firm to conduct a feasibility study that will assess whether a 15,000 attendance level is a realistic objective.

Q: What are the top stadium options for home games?
A: Since Villanova’s stadium does not meet FBS requirements, an on-campus facility would not be an option. Therefore, the University would need to explore off-campus venues in the Philadelphia market

Nova may decide to move up...but I don't think the BE is going to wait until 2015 for them to be #10. I think they want 10 by 2012. That can't be Nova. Nova's invite is on the table whether or not the BE takes #10 before April or not, imo. I think they will wait and always have the invitation extended. Nova may say yes in April...at that time they can have 5 years to be ready to play in 2015. In the meantime, the Big East will be able to move forward and have 10 teams.

Does this mean the writing on the wall for UCF is "Big East". It could still very much be "CUSA". But somebody will fill that 10th spot whether Nova approves or not, imo.

I just feel like we have our timetable right here...it was laid out by Nova. April is plenty of time to make a decision.

If Nova decides in April NOT to make a move it tells the BE brass what they need to do going forward.

I still think, if they are looking at the BEN in 2012 or somewhat that Houston is at the forefront of the discussion between April and June, the deadline for 2012 addition.

When's the BE meetings? That will provide more insight into what will happen next spring/summer.

Also...Nova will be able to bring at least 15k for Big East opponents. But even if they average 15k...or even 20k...how will that help maximize Nova's revenue...especially if they're renting. And it seems that an on-campus stadium is out of the equation for now.

frick it let's move on...add UCF now

(12-15-2010 08:03 PM)HP-TBDPITL Wrote:  I just feel like we have our timetable right here...it was laid out by Nova. April is plenty of time to make a decision.

If Nova decides in April NOT to make a move it tells the BE brass what they need to do going forward.

I still think, if they are looking at the BEN in 2012 or somewhat that Houston is at the forefront of the discussion between April and June, the deadline for 2012 addition.

When's the BE meetings? That will provide more insight into what will happen next spring/summer.

I think the timetable is up to the Big East, more so than Nova. I haven't heard anything about Houston being on the forefront...but we've all seen some crazy things happen this past year. So who knows.

(12-15-2010 08:03 PM)HP-TBDPITL Wrote:  I just feel like we have our timetable right here...it was laid out by Nova. April is plenty of time to make a decision.

If Nova decides in April NOT to make a move it tells the BE brass what they need to do going forward.

I still think, if they are looking at the BEN in 2012 or somewhat that Houston is at the forefront of the discussion between April and June, the deadline for 2012 addition.

When's the BE meetings? That will provide more insight into what will happen next spring/summer.

I think the timetable is up to the Big East, more so than Nova. I haven't heard anything about Houston being on the forefront...but we've all seen some crazy things happen this past year. So who knows?

i would LOVE UCF to get an invite regardless of what Nova does....

If UMASS had upgraded to 1a 5 years ago they would have just accepted a big east invite along with TCU.

I definitly want to see how their upgrade goes, they are a perfect fit for us if they can have a 1a program like UCONN's. Remember this is still marketed as the Northeastern league. Just because there is presence in Texas, Florida, and Kentucky doesnt mean its not a Northeastern league still.

Im hoping that Villanova, ECU, and UMASS step up and take spots 9-12. I used to like Memphis a lot, but i only consider them an option if we split in order to keep the basketball elite. And even then im not so sure.

umass would be great...one day. not now. let them move up, join the MAC and cut their teeth. we can look at adding them later. Frank is right...our northeast influence and exposure is why we are not in danger of losing the AQ status...we are in some huge markets and umass would only add to this. but for now we need to gain some respect on the field and niether nova or umass will help there. ucf could though they have it going on right now and would also add a great market to boot.

(12-15-2010 08:12 PM)BullsBEAST Wrote:  If UMASS had upgraded to 1a 5 years ago they would have just accepted a big east invite along with TCU.

I definitly want to see how their upgrade goes, they are a perfect fit for us if they can have a 1a program like UCONN's. Remember this is still marketed as the Northeastern league. Just because there is presence in Texas, Florida, and Kentucky doesnt mean its not a Northeastern league still.

Im hoping that Villanova, ECU, and UMASS step up and take spots 9-12. I used to like Memphis a lot, but i only consider them an option if we split in order to keep the basketball elite. And even then im not so sure.

anyone but UCF I suppose....haha

(12-15-2010 07:49 PM)No Bull Wrote:  It looks to me like Nova is very serious about moving up and is doing ther due diligence and getting there ducks in a row. Despite what the Nervous Nellies on the Nova boards think...it sure looks like Nova is gonna move up. I would think April is a time frame for some donors with deep deep pockets to step forward and make this thing happen.... as a UCF fan I see the writing on the wall...and it spells CUSA.


There are two items should trouble Big East fans...

Q: Could Villanova meet the FBS required average home game attendance of 15,000?

A: This is a fair question. We have engaged an external firm to conduct a feasibility study that will assess whether a 15,000 attendance level is a realistic objective.

Father Donahue should have answered this question with a Yes. we can draw over 15k a game. if he wants FBS football this was an opportunity to sell his faculty and board memebrs on the idea that Nova can support it.

Q: What are the top stadium options for home games?

A: Since Villanova’s stadium does not meet FBS requirements, an on-campus facility would not be an option. Therefore, the University would need to explore off-campus venues in the Philadelphia market

This is the Temple model and it does not work in Philly. Father Donahue should have stated that the long term goal is an on campus stadium. Once agian this would send a message to the BOT and Faculty that he is behind the idea of FBS football.

No, it's really not the 'Temple model'. While an on-campus stadium would significantly increase our attendance, the Linc is in South Philly, an 8 minute drive and 15 minute subway ride away. All of the off campus options for Nova are at least 20 minutes away from campus.

(12-15-2010 08:09 PM)Goldenbuc Wrote:  

(12-15-2010 08:03 PM)HP-TBDPITL Wrote:  I just feel like we have our timetable right here...it was laid out by Nova. April is plenty of time to make a decision.

If Nova decides in April NOT to make a move it tells the BE brass what they need to do going forward.

I still think, if they are looking at the BEN in 2012 or somewhat that Houston is at the forefront of the discussion between April and June, the deadline for 2012 addition.

When's the BE meetings? That will provide more insight into what will happen next spring/summer.

I think the timetable is up to the Big East, more so than Nova. I haven't heard anything about Houston being on the forefront...but we've all seen some crazy things happen this past year. So who knows?

Like I said, my opinion....now with the BE in Texas and looking at big markets, Houston is the biggest fish (market wise) out there and has history and competitive programs and is in a great recruiting area. Additionally, Houston's president (former USF president) has indicated that something is on the Horizon.

In terms of timetable, we saw last year that nothing happened until the late Spring, so Nova and the BE are going to get through bball season and figure things out.

(12-15-2010 08:42 PM)HP-TBDPITL Wrote:  Like I said, my opinion....now with the BE in Texas and looking at big markets, Houston is the biggest fish (market wise) out there and has history and competitive programs and is in a great recruiting area. Additionally, Houston's president (former USF president) has indicated that something is on the Horizon.

In terms of timetable, we saw last year that nothing happened until the late Spring, so Nova and the BE are going to get through bball season and figure things out.

Houston would be a possible #12 team. I think there a few ahead of them. I would say Memphis would be ahead of them. Their football team isn't helping the cause.

(12-15-2010 05:15 PM)frattycuse Wrote:  The big question is when exactly is the deadline to invite a 10th member if Villanova declines?

I am assuming somewhere around June 1st 2011 to ensure (for example UCF has 1 year to notify C-USA of their departure and adjust scheduling)

Conference changes are effective on July 1 (start of fiscal year). So any invite would have to be official by June 30, 2011 to leave the requisite notice time for play starting in 2012.

(12-15-2010 08:46 PM)KNIGHTTIME Wrote:  

(12-15-2010 08:42 PM)HP-TBDPITL Wrote:  Like I said, my opinion....now with the BE in Texas and looking at big markets, Houston is the biggest fish (market wise) out there and has history and competitive programs and is in a great recruiting area. Additionally, Houston's president (former USF president) has indicated that something is on the Horizon.

In terms of timetable, we saw last year that nothing happened until the late Spring, so Nova and the BE are going to get through bball season and figure things out.

Houston would be a possible #12 team. I think there a few ahead of them. I would say Memphis would be ahead of them. Their football team isn't helping the cause.

I disagree...they have had consistent success over the last five years, winning one CUSA champ and playing in one other. They were down to their 3rd string QB this year after their Heisman contender went down in week 3 and still remained competitive, even though they are primarily an offensive team. They played Texas Tech, Miss State and UCLA OOC, so the schedule is unforgiving.

Plus they have $160 million is expansions they are working on...

http://www.chron.com/sports/photogallery...#loopbegin

If its all about market and Texas brings more D1 recruits then any State in the country, this seems like a no brainer.

I think we are waiting on Kansas or Missouri or maybe both to say yes or no.

(12-15-2010 08:03 PM)HP-TBDPITL Wrote:  I just feel like we have our timetable right here...it was laid out by Nova. April is plenty of time to make a decision.

If Nova decides in April NOT to make a move it tells the BE brass what they need to do going forward.

From recent comments from the Big East Commish...looks like he will NOT wait till April before he makes a decision.

From the recent article:

Marinatto said the league was serious about expanding to 10 football teams when it made the Texas Christian announcement in November. The 10th team remains undecided.

"We've told the people from Villanova that we hope they make the decision to move forward but we're certainly not going to wait for it to make that decision," Marinatto said."It's been a long time since they initially had that discussion. I think they have to do what's best for them. In the Big East, you have to do what's right for the conference overall. If those two intersect from a timing standpoint that's great. If they don't that's OK, too, because we're moving forward.

"You hope they come to a decision sooner rather than later."

(12-15-2010 08:46 PM)KNIGHTTIME Wrote:  

(12-15-2010 08:42 PM)HP-TBDPITL Wrote:  Like I said, my opinion....now with the BE in Texas and looking at big markets, Houston is the biggest fish (market wise) out there and has history and competitive programs and is in a great recruiting area. Additionally, Houston's president (former USF president) has indicated that something is on the Horizon.

In terms of timetable, we saw last year that nothing happened until the late Spring, so Nova and the BE are going to get through bball season and figure things out.

Houston would be a possible #12 team. I think there a few ahead of them. I would say Memphis would be ahead of them. Their football team isn't helping the cause.

Not only is Houston ahead of Memphis they're a lot closer to UCF as far as getting an invite then people think, I believe.

I think UCF is going to get their invite within a week of their championship game with SMU. The Big East and UCF's athletic department didn't want to take away from that game or distract their players.