(07-27-2019 06:06 AM)iBinturong Wrote: Generating higher level talent in a conference must not really be much of a factor in being admitted to the P5 money show. I have always believed that was one of the greatest assets we could bring. If UC joins the ACC, Big 12 or even the SEC, local talent would commit at a higher level to UC and their new conference mates. This would draw talent away from the Big 10 positioning the conference for better results in head to head matchups with the Big 10 or even in the college football playoff. Also, recruiting more Ohio, KY and Indiana kids draws more eyeballs or games and takes them off of Big 10 play. One thing I know for sure is that if we were given the chance, we would succeed. Just look at what happened in the Big East.
All that said, we do need some signature wins when everyone is watching. For me, Boise earned credibility with that Oklahoma win. Everyone was buzzing following that. An occasional win over Va Tech isn’t enough for people to get jazzed about us. Beating an Ohio State or Notre Dame if they are ranked in the top 5 could maybe start to generate a buzz for us.
Great points. We're starting to realize an uptick in recruiting despite not being part of a P5. Credit to Coach Fick and his Staff.
I can only imagine what that would be if we were in a top conference. With our upgrades/renovations to major facilities box checked, we have to win some big games to create the "buzz" on a national level. Guess what, we have some opportunities this year:
8/29 UCLA - Prime time game and eyes will be watching with the start of the college football season underway. IMO, this is a MUST game that we have to win at home to start the season on the right note. I gosh dern guarantee Chip Kelly will have his boys ready to play after we beat them at their house last year. There is no "sneaking" up on them and I believe they had several starters last year suspended or injured.
09/7 Ohio State - The goal is to come out of there playing the Bucks tough and not getting blown out. You're talking about "lightning strike" rarity of Ohio State losing in the Shoe so we need to make it a game to get national respect.
10/4 UCF - This game will get the hype. You know, Cincinnati will try to knock the defending champs off their perch and make a stake for the claim of the AAC East Crown type stuff. This is a MUST game if we want to win the East. No excuses. At our place. You want something? You have to go get it.
10/12 @Houston
11/23 Temple
11/29 @Memphis
IMO, we need to take 2 of 3 of these games and the Temple home game is a MUST win. I have a feeling the Houston game will get some national buzz assuming both teams are in the thick of the conference divisional races. Dana Holgie will get coverage also for leaving WVU to come to Houston. Much like our former coach.
12/7 AAC Conference Chip Game - Does it get any bigger than this?
12/28 Cotton Bowl - Yes, it just got bigger.
Will we get to the Cotton Bowl? Don't know but we have a better shot this year than in prior years of getting it done on the big stage. I'm just thankful that we have this opportunity.