(11-20-2014 03:33 PM)Wedge Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 03:24 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  I am highly skeptical of this rumor. I can buy that UConn is exploring joining the Big East, but I find it hard to believe the Big East wouldn't jump at the opportunity. The Big East TV ratings suck and UConn men and women's bball would improve those ratings significantly .

When UC, UConn and USF got left behind a couple years ago I thought those schools could have made it by going Indy if they formed an alliance with other Indy schools like BYU, Army, and Navy. They could have negotiated bowl tie-ins and a TV deal of sort. I am not sure that is even possible now.

I think football independence is possible if there is a critical mass of cooperating teams and if everyone involved realizes that independence is a means to survive and grow their program, and not some clever path to P5-sized revenue.

Not sure what the critical mass number is; I'd guess it's at least 6 or 7 (not including ND), so that each team can fill in the hard-to-fill places on their schedule with other indies without having to rely on the same 3 indies to do that for them every single year.

The biggest obstacle to football independence is the fact that indies get a much smaller cut of the CFP revenue than conference members do. Schools like BYU can overcome that problem with a pretty lucrative TV contract, but schools like UConn without the football pedigree don't command that kind of deal.

(11-20-2014 03:45 PM)Frank the Tank Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 03:24 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  I am highly skeptical of this rumor. I can buy that UConn is exploring joining the Big East, but I find it hard to believe the Big East wouldn't jump at the opportunity. The Big East TV ratings suck and UConn men and women's bball would improve those ratings significantly .

When UC, UConn and USF got left behind a couple years ago I thought those schools could have made it by going Indy if they formed an alliance with other Indy schools like BYU, Army, and Navy. They could have negotiated bowl tie-ins and a TV deal of sort. I am not sure that is even possible now.

I'm opposite - I don't buy that UConn would be exploring to join the Big East because, whether they like it or not, they *have* to make decisions based on FBS football (especially when they were presumed the next in line for that last spot in the ACC, so the P5 isn't a pipe dream for them but a legitimate goal). Going independent would be throwing football under the bus, and UConn simply can't do that right now.

By the same token, I absolutely believe that the Big East would have rebuffed UConn if they did approach them. An underrated word in conference realignment is "stability". The new Big East has created stability in a way that it never did before by cutting all ties to FBS football. If they wanted the best pure basketball league possible, they could have stayed with UConn, Cincinnati and Memphis in the AAC, but that's not the league's M.O. The new Big East is the destination league for every non-FBS Division I basketball school in the country in the way that the Big Ten and SEC are for FBS schools. They have 100% poaching power in their niche. However, if they get back into the hybrid format, they invite back instability. UConn's eyes will always be on the ACC or Big Ten, which was exactly the problem with the football members of the old Big East. The new Big East doesn't need that drama anymore (especially since they're getting paid plenty of more TV money than UConn despite not even having FBS football). UConn is certainly a great team to play (just like Syracuse and other old Big East members), but that doesn't mean that they'd be a good conference-mate for the new Big East.

Except that other Big East members do play football, so having UConn in there for all sports except football will still keep the balance of the Big East as it is. The old Big East had the power struggle with 8 other FBS schools, there wouldn't be such a struggle with only 1 or 2 schools that are Indy in football.
In addition, UConn is one of the few schools that would have a more fianancial benefit from basketball than football....now that UConn is part of a G5 conference it is a different story.

(11-20-2014 03:45 PM)Frank the Tank Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 03:24 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  I am highly skeptical of this rumor. I can buy that UConn is exploring joining the Big East, but I find it hard to believe the Big East wouldn't jump at the opportunity. The Big East TV ratings suck and UConn men and women's bball would improve those ratings significantly .

When UC, UConn and USF got left behind a couple years ago I thought those schools could have made it by going Indy if they formed an alliance with other Indy schools like BYU, Army, and Navy. They could have negotiated bowl tie-ins and a TV deal of sort. I am not sure that is even possible now.

I'm opposite - I don't buy that UConn would be exploring to join the Big East because, whether they like it or not, they *have* to make decisions based on FBS football (especially when they were presumed the next in line for that last spot in the ACC, so the P5 isn't a pipe dream for them but a legitimate goal). Going independent would be throwing football under the bus, and UConn simply can't do that right now.

By the same token, I absolutely believe that the Big East would have rebuffed UConn if they did approach them. An underrated word in conference realignment is "stability". The new Big East has created stability in a way that it never did before by cutting all ties to FBS football. If they wanted the best pure basketball league possible, they could have stayed with UConn, Cincinnati and Memphis in the AAC, but that's not the league's M.O. The new Big East is the destination league for every non-FBS Division I basketball school in the country in the way that the Big Ten and SEC are for FBS schools. They have 100% poaching power in their niche. However, if they get back into the hybrid format, they invite back instability. UConn's eyes will always be on the ACC or Big Ten, which was exactly the problem with the football members of the old Big East. The new Big East doesn't need that drama anymore (especially since they're getting paid plenty of more TV money than UConn despite not even having FBS football). UConn is certainly a great team to play (just like Syracuse and other old Big East members), but that doesn't mean that they'd be a good conference-mate for the new Big East.

Unfortunately, the new BE will only gain creditability if it plays the American and beats them. Not sure they can do that.

(11-20-2014 03:54 PM)MWC Tex Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 03:45 PM)Frank the Tank Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 03:24 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  I am highly skeptical of this rumor. I can buy that UConn is exploring joining the Big East, but I find it hard to believe the Big East wouldn't jump at the opportunity. The Big East TV ratings suck and UConn men and women's bball would improve those ratings significantly .

When UC, UConn and USF got left behind a couple years ago I thought those schools could have made it by going Indy if they formed an alliance with other Indy schools like BYU, Army, and Navy. They could have negotiated bowl tie-ins and a TV deal of sort. I am not sure that is even possible now.

I'm opposite - I don't buy that UConn would be exploring to join the Big East because, whether they like it or not, they *have* to make decisions based on FBS football (especially when they were presumed the next in line for that last spot in the ACC, so the P5 isn't a pipe dream for them but a legitimate goal). Going independent would be throwing football under the bus, and UConn simply can't do that right now.

By the same token, I absolutely believe that the Big East would have rebuffed UConn if they did approach them. An underrated word in conference realignment is "stability". The new Big East has created stability in a way that it never did before by cutting all ties to FBS football. If they wanted the best pure basketball league possible, they could have stayed with UConn, Cincinnati and Memphis in the AAC, but that's not the league's M.O. The new Big East is the destination league for every non-FBS Division I basketball school in the country in the way that the Big Ten and SEC are for FBS schools. They have 100% poaching power in their niche. However, if they get back into the hybrid format, they invite back instability. UConn's eyes will always be on the ACC or Big Ten, which was exactly the problem with the football members of the old Big East. The new Big East doesn't need that drama anymore (especially since they're getting paid plenty of more TV money than UConn despite not even having FBS football). UConn is certainly a great team to play (just like Syracuse and other old Big East members), but that doesn't mean that they'd be a good conference-mate for the new Big East.

Except that other Big East members do play football, so having UConn in there for all sports except football will still keep the balance of the Big East as it is. The old Big East had the power struggle with 8 other FBS schools, There wouldn't be such a struggle with only 1 or 2 schools that are Indy in football.
In addition, UConn is one of the few schools that would have a more fianancial benefit from basketball than football....now that UConn is part of a G5 conference it is a different story.

I don't believe any play football at the FBS level, and unless UConn were willing to move down in class I do think that would be a barrier. My question would be whether it would make any sense for UConn to consider going independent in all sports, and try to capitalize on its hoops drawing power without having to split the loot with a conference. If it is true that UConn would thrive in basketball wherever they play (and I'm not yet prepared to accept this is true) that might be an alternative.

(11-20-2014 03:54 PM)MWC Tex Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 03:45 PM)Frank the Tank Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 03:24 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  I am highly skeptical of this rumor. I can buy that UConn is exploring joining the Big East, but I find it hard to believe the Big East wouldn't jump at the opportunity. The Big East TV ratings suck and UConn men and women's bball would improve those ratings significantly .

When UC, UConn and USF got left behind a couple years ago I thought those schools could have made it by going Indy if they formed an alliance with other Indy schools like BYU, Army, and Navy. They could have negotiated bowl tie-ins and a TV deal of sort. I am not sure that is even possible now.

I'm opposite - I don't buy that UConn would be exploring to join the Big East because, whether they like it or not, they *have* to make decisions based on FBS football (especially when they were presumed the next in line for that last spot in the ACC, so the P5 isn't a pipe dream for them but a legitimate goal). Going independent would be throwing football under the bus, and UConn simply can't do that right now.

By the same token, I absolutely believe that the Big East would have rebuffed UConn if they did approach them. An underrated word in conference realignment is "stability". The new Big East has created stability in a way that it never did before by cutting all ties to FBS football. If they wanted the best pure basketball league possible, they could have stayed with UConn, Cincinnati and Memphis in the AAC, but that's not the league's M.O. The new Big East is the destination league for every non-FBS Division I basketball school in the country in the way that the Big Ten and SEC are for FBS schools. They have 100% poaching power in their niche. However, if they get back into the hybrid format, they invite back instability. UConn's eyes will always be on the ACC or Big Ten, which was exactly the problem with the football members of the old Big East. The new Big East doesn't need that drama anymore (especially since they're getting paid plenty of more TV money than UConn despite not even having FBS football). UConn is certainly a great team to play (just like Syracuse and other old Big East members), but that doesn't mean that they'd be a good conference-mate for the new Big East.

Except that other Big East members do play football, so having UConn in there for all sports except football will still keep the balance of the Big East as it is. The old Big East had the power struggle with 8 other FBS schools, There wouldn't be such a struggle with only 1 or 2 schools that are Indy in football.
In addition, UConn is one of the few schools that would have a more fianancial benefit from basketball than football....now that UConn is part of a G5 conference it is a different story.

UConn will 100% leave for a P5 conference and they're on the short list of schools where that's somewhat feasible. That inherently makes the league unstable again. None of the Big East FCS schools that you're referring will do that. Believe me - the Big East doesn't want any proverbial fox in the hen house again. It's not even a power struggle - even 1 FBS school that might defect isn't worth it. The Big East currently consists of schools that are in their 100% optimal situation for a conference in today's environment and there's additional power in being in that position. (The only other conferences where that definition might apply are to the Big Ten, SEC, Pac-12 and Ivy League. Not even all of the members of the Big 12 and ACC can say the same.) That would never be the case for UConn (or Cincinnati or any other FBS school).

(11-20-2014 03:56 PM)Dasville Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 03:45 PM)Frank the Tank Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 03:24 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  I am highly skeptical of this rumor. I can buy that UConn is exploring joining the Big East, but I find it hard to believe the Big East wouldn't jump at the opportunity. The Big East TV ratings suck and UConn men and women's bball would improve those ratings significantly .

When UC, UConn and USF got left behind a couple years ago I thought those schools could have made it by going Indy if they formed an alliance with other Indy schools like BYU, Army, and Navy. They could have negotiated bowl tie-ins and a TV deal of sort. I am not sure that is even possible now.

I'm opposite - I don't buy that UConn would be exploring to join the Big East because, whether they like it or not, they *have* to make decisions based on FBS football (especially when they were presumed the next in line for that last spot in the ACC, so the P5 isn't a pipe dream for them but a legitimate goal). Going independent would be throwing football under the bus, and UConn simply can't do that right now.

By the same token, I absolutely believe that the Big East would have rebuffed UConn if they did approach them. An underrated word in conference realignment is "stability". The new Big East has created stability in a way that it never did before by cutting all ties to FBS football. If they wanted the best pure basketball league possible, they could have stayed with UConn, Cincinnati and Memphis in the AAC, but that's not the league's M.O. The new Big East is the destination league for every non-FBS Division I basketball school in the country in the way that the Big Ten and SEC are for FBS schools. They have 100% poaching power in their niche. However, if they get back into the hybrid format, they invite back instability. UConn's eyes will always be on the ACC or Big Ten, which was exactly the problem with the football members of the old Big East. The new Big East doesn't need that drama anymore (especially since they're getting paid plenty of more TV money than UConn despite not even having FBS football). UConn is certainly a great team to play (just like Syracuse and other old Big East members), but that doesn't mean that they'd be a good conference-mate for the new Big East.

Unfortunately, the new BE will only gain creditability if it plays the American and beats them. Not sure they can do that.

um, not really. If BE has games like last night where they beat #18 Oklahoma- they'll get credibility. Folks focus WAY too much on which conference schools are from. Talk about the P5 or whatever. Like next week St John's playing in the NIT. Wed. would be vs Minnesota, Fri vs Gonzaga. The game that matters light years more would be the Gonzaga game and not the Minnesota game. Not even remotely close.

(11-20-2014 03:56 PM)Dasville Wrote:  Unfortunately, the new BE will only gain creditability if it plays the American and beats them. Not sure they can do that.

That's the only way to gain credibility? Says who?

I don't think the Big East really cares one way or the other about the American. They have a series with the Big Ten starting next year and Syracuse has shown to be more than willing to schedule the Big East schools.

(11-20-2014 04:03 PM)stever20 Wrote:  um, not really. If BE has games like last night where they beat #18 Oklahoma- they'll get credibility. Folks focus WAY too much on which conference schools are from. Talk about the P5 or whatever. Like next week St John's playing in the NIT. Wed. would be vs Minnesota, Fri vs Gonzaga. The game that matters light years more would be the Gonzaga game and not the Minnesota game. Not even remotely close.

Conference really doesn't matter that much for basketball (although the Big East does have the advantage of great TV revenue compared to any non-P5 league). However, for better or worse, it means almost everything in football.

(11-20-2014 03:33 PM)Wedge Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 03:24 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  I am highly skeptical of this rumor. I can buy that UConn is exploring joining the Big East, but I find it hard to believe the Big East wouldn't jump at the opportunity. The Big East TV ratings suck and UConn men and women's bball would improve those ratings significantly .

When UC, UConn and USF got left behind a couple years ago I thought those schools could have made it by going Indy if they formed an alliance with other Indy schools like BYU, Army, and Navy. They could have negotiated bowl tie-ins and a TV deal of sort. I am not sure that is even possible now.

I think football independence is possible if there is a critical mass of cooperating teams and if everyone involved realizes that independence is a means to survive and grow their program, and not some clever path to P5-sized revenue.

Not sure what the critical mass number is; I'd guess it's at least 6 or 7 (not including ND), so that each team can fill in the hard-to-fill places on their schedule with other indies without having to rely on the same 3 indies to do that for them every single year.

I think we will see growth in the Independent ranks around the full cost of attendance issue. It just does not make sense for Hawaii, NMSU, Idaho, UMass, BYU ect to pay for it if their home conference doesn't want it.

Also with SOS being a mega factor in the new CFP system the best chance a non-CFP program probably has of crashing NY6 is with a stout independent schedule. You can try and roll the dice on a G5 autobid but it seems pretty risky.

A lot of good points being made.

First, the UConn guy who stated unequivocally that UConn approached the Big East- I haven't fallen off the turnip truck. At the same time, this guy has been steadfast with his knowledge that goes deep inside of UConn. I guess he could be lying or something, but I would wonder why he would do that? He seems to be a realist like most of the posters here. UConn is in a tough, tough spot.

Second, Frank the Tank's(in my opinion, another poster with great credibility, that is, he just doesn't throw out a bunch of ever changing rumors.) point is valid. It seems UConn would be walking back a lot of FBS gains, potentially. However, would that be more likely if, eg, a school like Cincy leaves the AAC? As far as stability and the Big East, that too is a fair point.

I am not sure where this will all lead, but the status quo for the majors is a driving force. The mid majors/non P5 schools would be negligent if they didn't explore all options, be the bb brands like G'town, Villanova, the BYU's, Cindy's, etc. The $ clock is ticking and way too much is at stake to sit idly.

(11-20-2014 03:50 PM)ken d Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 03:33 PM)Wedge Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 03:24 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  I am highly skeptical of this rumor. I can buy that UConn is exploring joining the Big East, but I find it hard to believe the Big East wouldn't jump at the opportunity. The Big East TV ratings suck and UConn men and women's bball would improve those ratings significantly .

When UC, UConn and USF got left behind a couple years ago I thought those schools could have made it by going Indy if they formed an alliance with other Indy schools like BYU, Army, and Navy. They could have negotiated bowl tie-ins and a TV deal of sort. I am not sure that is even possible now.

I think football independence is possible if there is a critical mass of cooperating teams and if everyone involved realizes that independence is a means to survive and grow their program, and not some clever path to P5-sized revenue.

Not sure what the critical mass number is; I'd guess it's at least 6 or 7 (not including ND), so that each team can fill in the hard-to-fill places on their schedule with other indies without having to rely on the same 3 indies to do that for them every single year.

The biggest obstacle to football independence is the fact that indies get a much smaller cut of the CFP revenue than conference members do. Schools like BYU can overcome that problem with a pretty lucrative TV contract, but schools like UConn without the football pedigree don't command that kind of deal.

That's a fair point. For all of the rhetoric about "solidarity" versus the P5, the G5 conferences hosed BYU, Army, and any other potential indies when they had the chance to do it.

(11-20-2014 04:18 PM)BE4evah Wrote:  A lot of good points being made.

First, the UConn guy who stated unequivocally that UConn approached the Big East- I haven't fallen off the turnip truck. At the same time, this guy has been steadfast with his knowledge that goes deep inside of UConn. I guess he could be lying or something, but I would wonder why he would do that? He seems to be a realist like most of the posters here. UConn is in a tough, tough spot.

Second, Frank the Tank's(in my opinion, another poster with great credibility, that is, he just doesn't throw out a bunch of ever changing rumors.) point is valid. It seems UConn would be walking back a lot of FBS gains, potentially. However, would that be more likely if, eg, a school like Cincy leaves the AAC? As far as stability and the Big East, that too is a fair point.

I am not sure where this will all lead, but the status quo for the majors is a driving force. The mid majors/non P5 schools would be negligent if they didn't explore all options, be the bb brands like G'town, Villanova, the BYU's, Cindy's, etc. The $ clock is ticking and way too much is at stake to sit idly.

Your obsession with UConn is fascinating. Have you sought clinical help lately and if so, with whom. I'd love to sit in the sessions.

This rumor is only credible if the powers that be @ UCONN believe all their pathways to the P5 have now been shut down. That would surprise me; a quality institution, big brand and solid TV footprint all suggest it could be in the hunt with the ACC, B10 or the B12.

Most observers were surprised when they were passed over for Louisville. The Huskies have the most successful men's and women's basketball in the nation this past decade so maybe that reaffirms the fact that it's really just all about football. Or maybe the ACC didn't want to further duplicate an existing TV market area. Or maybe the bad blood with BC is still an issue.

I'm not sold on the new Big East and would question whether that incremental TV money for UCONN would offset the lack of television exposure when trading ESPN in the American for Fox Sports One. If (and only if) there is any truth to this rumor it's likely UCONN is preparing a contingency plan for a nuclear scenario touched off by the B12 that robs the American of respected basketball opponents such as Cincy and Memphis.

It seems as though this is the op's favorite obsession on any board that will listen to his uconn begging. Uconn is never ever going back to the big east. Now there is an actual article claiming that Nova has applied to the Acc and that's not a rumor! I think eventually the aac may reclaim nova and Gtown ifthere is no big12 raid and it can get to their next contract with a western wing of byu csu sdsu Boise. 16 fball 18 bball 14 million per team per year.

(11-20-2014 04:45 PM)indycat Wrote:  This rumor is only credible if the powers that be @ UCONN believe all their pathways to the P5 have now been shut down. That would surprise me; a quality institution, big brand and solid TV footprint all suggest it could be in the hunt with the ACC, B10 or the B12.

Most observers were surprised when they were passed over for Louisville. The Huskies have the most successful men's and women's basketball in the nation this past decade so maybe that reaffirms the fact that it's really just all about football. Or maybe the ACC didn't want to further duplicate an existing TV market area. Or maybe the bad blood with BC is still an issue.

I'm not sold on the new Big East and would question whether that incremental TV money for UCONN would offset the lack of television exposure when trading ESPN in the American for Fox Sports One. If (and only if) there is any truth to this rumor it's likely UCONN is preparing a contingency plan for a nuclear scenario touched off by the B12 that robs the American of respected basketball opponents such as Cincy and Memphis.

I think that will really do it for UConn if that happened. Some people say that they wouldn't give up the FBS in-roads they have made. The invite to the P5 has passed them and now are down a level from a P6 to G5. Football hasn't done anything really compared to the basketball superpower they are and I don't see UConn becoming a football power being in a G5 conference crowded with the ACC and Big 10. UConn can get $4 million just for being in a basketball conference which is twice the AAC get for being a football conference.
Also, doesn't the NE has more of a basketball following than football in regards to college sports? What it boils down to is there isn't just one issue but several issues that are unique to UConn that makes it more complex.

Edit: I'm sure if Kansas was in UConn spot they be looking at the Big East also. But being they are in P5 conference they don't have the worry.

(11-20-2014 05:02 PM)MWC Tex Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 04:45 PM)indycat Wrote:  This rumor is only credible if the powers that be @ UCONN believe all their pathways to the P5 have now been shut down. That would surprise me; a quality institution, big brand and solid TV footprint all suggest it could be in the hunt with the ACC, B10 or the B12.

Most observers were surprised when they were passed over for Louisville. The Huskies have the most successful men's and women's basketball in the nation this past decade so maybe that reaffirms the fact that it's really just all about football. Or maybe the ACC didn't want to further duplicate an existing TV market area. Or maybe the bad blood with BC is still an issue.

I'm not sold on the new Big East and would question whether that incremental TV money for UCONN would offset the lack of television exposure when trading ESPN in the American for Fox Sports One. If (and only if) there is any truth to this rumor it's likely UCONN is preparing a contingency plan for a nuclear scenario touched off by the B12 that robs the American of respected basketball opponents such as Cincy and Memphis.

I think that will really do it for UConn if that happened. Some people say that they wouldn't give up the FBS in-roads they have made. The invite to the P5 has passed them and now are down a level from a P6 to G5. Football hasn't done anything really compared to the basketball superpower they are and I don't see UConn becoming a football power being in a G5 conference crowded with the ACC and Big 10. UConn can get $4 million just for being in a basketball conference which is twice the AAC get for being a football conference.
Also, doesn't the NE has more of a basketball following than football in regards to college sports? What it boils down to is there isn't just one issue but several issues that are unique to UConn that makes it more complex.

Edit: I'm sure if Kansas was in UConn spot they be looing at the Big East also. But being they are in P5 conference they don't have the worry.

This is a good analysis. If there's any truth to this (which I highly doubt given the OP's past UCONN-centric posts) then it's only as a worst case nuclear disaster scenario. If the AAC were to get raided, UCONN basketball needs a safety net.

To that point, it's one reason why the aac might want to consider adding some of Temne non-football wfhools like VCU and Wichita state to the mix.

(11-20-2014 04:45 PM)indycat Wrote:  This rumor is only credible if the powers that be @ UCONN believe all their pathways to the P5 have now been shut down. That would surprise me; a quality institution, big brand and solid TV footprint all suggest it could be in the hunt with the ACC, B10 or the B12.

Most observers were surprised when they were passed over for Louisville. The Huskies have the most successful men's and women's basketball in the nation this past decade so maybe that reaffirms the fact that it's really just all about football. Or maybe the ACC didn't want to further duplicate an existing TV market area. Or maybe the bad blood with BC is still an issue.

I'm not sold on the new Big East and would question whether that incremental TV money for UCONN would offset the lack of television exposure when trading ESPN in the American for Fox Sports One. If (and only if) there is any truth to this rumor it's likely UCONN is preparing a contingency plan for a nuclear scenario touched off by the B12 that robs the American of respected basketball opponents such as Cincy and Memphis.

What people forget, and which makes BE4Evah (and the person he is citing) look foolish, is that UConn, Cinci & USF are actually getting about 6m per year for five years from Big East exit money, plus the paltry TV money. So a move to the Big East would be an annual net loss - not factoring in exit fees - and signal the elimination of the football program.

That is why he, and Nelson, are idiots on this topic.

(11-20-2014 05:43 PM)uconnwhaler Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 04:45 PM)indycat Wrote:  This rumor is only credible if the powers that be @ UCONN believe all their pathways to the P5 have now been shut down. That would surprise me; a quality institution, big brand and solid TV footprint all suggest it could be in the hunt with the ACC, B10 or the B12.

Most observers were surprised when they were passed over for Louisville. The Huskies have the most successful men's and women's basketball in the nation this past decade so maybe that reaffirms the fact that it's really just all about football. Or maybe the ACC didn't want to further duplicate an existing TV market area. Or maybe the bad blood with BC is still an issue.

I'm not sold on the new Big East and would question whether that incremental TV money for UCONN would offset the lack of television exposure when trading ESPN in the American for Fox Sports One. If (and only if) there is any truth to this rumor it's likely UCONN is preparing a contingency plan for a nuclear scenario touched off by the B12 that robs the American of respected basketball opponents such as Cincy and Memphis.

What people forget, and which makes BE4Evah (and the person he is citing) look foolish, is that UConn, Cinci & USF are actually getting about 6m per year for five years from Big East exit money, plus the paltry TV money. So a move to the Big East would be an annual net loss - not factoring in exit fees - and signal the elimination of the football program.

That is why he, and Nelson, are idiots on this topic.

Good point. The money is a strong incentive for UConn, Cincinnati, and USF to stay in the AAC for at least as long as it takes to collect the BE money that's coming to them. Only P5 money would be enough to exceed the exit fee money.

(11-20-2014 05:51 PM)Wedge Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 05:43 PM)uconnwhaler Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 04:45 PM)indycat Wrote:  This rumor is only credible if the powers that be @ UCONN believe all their pathways to the P5 have now been shut down. That would surprise me; a quality institution, big brand and solid TV footprint all suggest it could be in the hunt with the ACC, B10 or the B12.

Most observers were surprised when they were passed over for Louisville. The Huskies have the most successful men's and women's basketball in the nation this past decade so maybe that reaffirms the fact that it's really just all about football. Or maybe the ACC didn't want to further duplicate an existing TV market area. Or maybe the bad blood with BC is still an issue.

I'm not sold on the new Big East and would question whether that incremental TV money for UCONN would offset the lack of television exposure when trading ESPN in the American for Fox Sports One. If (and only if) there is any truth to this rumor it's likely UCONN is preparing a contingency plan for a nuclear scenario touched off by the B12 that robs the American of respected basketball opponents such as Cincy and Memphis.

What people forget, and which makes BE4Evah (and the person he is citing) look foolish, is that UConn, Cinci & USF are actually getting about 6m per year for five years from Big East exit money, plus the paltry TV money. So a move to the Big East would be an annual net loss - not factoring in exit fees - and signal the elimination of the football program.

That is why he, and Nelson, are idiots on this topic.

Good point. The money is a strong incentive for UConn, Cincinnati, and USF to stay in the AAC for at least as long as it takes to collect the BE money that's coming to them. Only P5 money would be enough to exceed the exit fee money.

Yeah, I forgot about the exit fee money also. But is there a window of opportunity that is occuring now that will be close later? How long is the exit fees going to be distributed?