Much of the interview is on womens basketballs relationship with the new digital network---but about half of the interview deals with how the conference is developing as a whole and what some of the AAC near term goals are. There is also some discussion of the upcoming D4/NCAA talks. The interview was done prior to UCF's win, so keep that in mind.

http://theamerican.org/watch/?Archive=348

Hadn't even thought of the D4 talks.

Do you think the perception of the AAC after the Fiesta Bowl win would be enough to be included in the D4, definitively?

(01-02-2014 07:20 PM)Kruciff Wrote:  Hadn't even thought of the D4 talks.

Do you think the perception of the AAC after the Fiesta Bowl win would be enough to be included in the D4, definitively?

Aresco seems to think so in the interview---and that was before the UCF win.

I know it's easier to say with my favored school moving to the ACC, but I would not be too worried about AAC schools being "left behind". A 64 or 66 school division will have roughly half the schools at or below .500 unless they are allowed to continue playing multiple games against outside schools. That along with multiple other reasons that are even more important make it pretty unlikely.

The AAC just needs to keep performing on the field and delivering the ratings. I think in 2-3 years, assuming no further expansion, we're going to see a conference that does in fact establish the "challenger brand" Aresco spoke of. Our programs are investing in facilities and getting terrific exposure from the ESPN contract. Football exposure will be even greater next season. The future is bright.

Interesting interview. At least Aresco has a vision. The American is basically a new organization and it needs time to develop its culture, but UCF's great season coupled with the success of most of the incoming schools, a digital platform for Olympic sports, etc. has laid the foundation for the American to continue at the highest levels of college football. Hopefully the success from 2013 carries over into 2014 and just as Aresco said in the interview, the conference starts getting that respect / credit which it is so rightfully deserves.

(01-03-2014 10:24 AM)jlbphila Wrote:  The AAC just needs to keep performing on the field and delivering the ratings.

There are sound reasons to believe that performance will improve: increased exposure and commitment being chief among them. Ratings should also improve due to growing recognition of the AAC brand and better perceptions.