Memphis to the BEAST?!?!

[avid1010]

Dickie V. just commented on the intent Memphis has for trying to get into the BEAST.  He quoted the school President, or someone in a similar position, who came out today at length to describe why then need to be in a BCS conference.  Dickie also mentioned the FedEx dollars that would aid in this.  What are the chances???  They mentioned then needing to go to two divisions, etc.

[TallTitan34]

I caught that too. I always wondered why the Big East didn't take Memphis over USF when us C-USA teams left.

[cheebs09]

If that happens winning the Big East Tournament would be just a shade easier than winning the NCAA tournament. Essentially this year that would account for 10 of 25 top 25 teams (IIRC it's 9 right now or is it only 8?)

[jce]

I caught that too. I always wondered why the Big East didn't take Memphis over USF when us C-USA teams left.

Because South Florida is the largest university in Florida and has a higher degree of football potential.

[MR.HAYWARD]

During that period in time Memphis lobbied extremely hard to be considered.  putting together presentations etc for the Big east to get them to consider them.  Were told absolutely a way in Heck would they be considered.  All any one needs to do is look at Memphis' more than checkered past and woeful academic history and deserved reputation.  Cincinnati was also not very highly favored by many in the Big East but ultimately were offered a spot, despite many objections.

[strobl2]

why would memphis want to get out of the c-usa, basketball wise anyway. They clean up all year, and then get a chance to go deep into the playoffs. THey would probably get more exposure out of the BEAST though, and more respect if they did well in it.

[MU gimp ONE]

Because South Florida is the largest university in Florida and has a higher degree of football potential.

actually South Florida is the 3rd largerst in the state.  if my memory serves me correctly, Florida and Central Florida are bigger. 

[TallTitan34]

Because South Florida is the largest university in Florida and has a higher degree of football potential.

I believe the two played each other in a bowl game today so both programs must  be  around the same level.  Granted, USF killed Memphis but even geographically Memphis makes more sense.

[bilsu]

I hope that happens. We then could go to a 16 game conference schedule with no mirrior games.

[79Warrior]

I hope that happens. We then could go to a 16 game conference schedule with no mirrior games.

It likely will happen to beef up Football in the conference.. It will alao bring about the split in the conference between football and basketball.

[avid1010]

why would memphis want to get out of the c-usa, basketball wise anyway. They clean up all year, and then get a chance to go deep into the playoffs. THey would probably get more exposure out of the BEAST though, and more respect if they did well in it.

As far as I understand, this is all about football.  I can't believe it would hurt their basketball program either.  It seems to make sense on many different levels.

[Marquette65]

Memphis was not considered for 2 reasons

    No one wanted to go near the BBall program.  Calapari is a real sleaze and self promoter. His little deal w/ Chaney of Temple did not sit well w/ a lot of people.  The program at Mass. had NCAA problems after he left but happened on his watch.

    Their football program had lots of problems.  Remember the allegation against Bama regarding a kid from Memphis?  Money changing hands, slander and criminal suits, NCAA investigations of the program.  At the time, no one wanted to have that kind of problem w/ a new expanded conference.

[Mayor McCheese]

I always figured South Florida was chosen to the Big East due to having a team in the state of Florida.  the BE lost Miami to the ACC, and therefore had no representation in Florida, a huge recruiting center for football and basketball.  Also at the time of the switch, Memphis was good, but not top 10 every year good.

[TallTitan34]

[CTWarrior]

I hope that happens. We then could go to a 16 game conference schedule with no mirrior games.

That won't happen even if Memphis does join.  The TV contract wants to maximize big time teams playing each other, and so the three mirror games will always exist.  Remember when the season was 16 games and we didn't play some schools at all in order to get those extra mirror games.

As an aside, a 17 team league would mean a total re-alignment of the BE tournament and perhaps one school being left out.  Anything is possible, but I don't see this happening.