Couple of UConn questions

[HutchwasClutch]

First- I thought they were so toast after Calhoun retired.  The go to C-USA 2, they just keep rolling in the NCAA tourney.

Second- Why did the Big Ten and ACC pass on them.  I can't believe the Big Ten especially took Rutgers over them.  I suppose it's football, I don't remember their program ever doing anything nationally in that sport.  But what has Rutgers done in either sport, or any other sport.  All they've had are embarrassments to their sports programs.

[ChicosBailBonds]

First- I thought they were so toast after Calhoun retired.  The go to C-USA 2, they just keep rolling in the NCAA tourney.

Second- Why did the Big Ten and ACC pass on them.  I can't believe the Big Ten especially took Rutgers over them.  I suppose it's football, I don't remember their program ever doing anything nationally in that sport.  But what has Rutgers done in either sport, or any other sport.  All they've had are embarrassments to their sports programs.

Easy...their school doesn't pass the academic rigors for the Big Ten.  For the ACC, Boston College wanted no part of them in the league.

[HutchwasClutch]

What clout does BC have to dictate anything in their conference? 

[ChicosBailBonds]

What clout does BC have to dictate anything in their conference?  

Well, each member has some voting authority as part of the admission process.  If I recall, BC said they wouldn't support UCONN's admission and I suspect they only need to a get a few other members on board to prevent it.  Do not know what the ACC's bylaws are, but with some conferences you need anywhere from a 75% to 85% membership approval for things of that nature. For other decisions, you may need 100% (though abstentions are not counted against).  Just depends on the by laws.

http://articles.courant.com/2011-10-10/news/hc-uconn-bc-acc-1010-20111010-7_1_uconn-president-susan-herbst-uconn-move-uconn-sources

[HoyaPotter]

First- I thought they were so toast after Calhoun retired.  The go to C-USA 2, they just keep rolling in the NCAA tourney.

Second- Why did the Big Ten and ACC pass on them.  I can't believe the Big Ten especially took Rutgers over them.  I suppose it's football, I don't remember their program ever doing anything nationally in that sport.  But what has Rutgers done in either sport, or any other sport.  All they've had are embarrassments to their sports programs.

Calhoun is still helping to coach the team IMO.  He's at every game and alot of the game plans and adjustments seem to be coming from him.  He's just no longer on the sidelines.

They were on probation last year because of low APR (Academic Progress Rate) and ineligible for post season play.

U-Cons football is barely D-1 level which is why the ACC and Big Ten passed.  They have a long long way to go in football and would just be taking the ACC/Big Ten football TV share of the pie without giving anything commensurate in return $$$ wise.

Rutgers actually has a much better football program and has had success in the past when they had Greg Schiano.

Rutgers also has one of the better wrestling programs on the east coast and I think that has appeal to the Big Ten which is huge on wrestling.  Gives Penn State another geographically close rival.

Maryland was also a pretty dominant wrestling program in the ACC so that's an extra bonus for the Big Ten and also geographically close to Penn State.

[HoyaPotter]

Well, each member has some voting authority as part of the admission process.  If I recall, BC said they wouldn't support UCONN's admission and I suspect they only need to a get a few other members on board to prevent it.  Do not know what the ACC's bylaws are, but with some conferences you need anywhere from a 75% to 85% membership approval for things of that nature. For other decisions, you may need 100% (though abstentions are not counted against).  Just depends on the by laws.

http://articles.courant.com/2011-10-10/news/hc-uconn-bc-acc-1010-20111010-7_1_uconn-president-susan-herbst-uconn-move-uconn-sources

Yup.  BC can basically block U-Con from getting in the ACC.

In that sense U-Con is in a very bad situation at the moment because none of the big football conferences want them and the Big East won't take them because they know U-Con will leave as soon as a big football conference offers.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Yup.  BC can basically block U-Con from getting in the ACC.

In that sense U-Con is in a very bad situation at the moment because none of the big football conferences want them and the Big East won't take them because they know U-Con will leave as soon as a big football conference offers.

I would agree, though I think they feel like they may be able to spin it differently.  They can be the big do in their conference, along with Memphis (Louisville is leaving) and hope to do what Gonzaga has done over the years....get gaudy records and potentially better seeding as a result.  They are going to finish in the top 2 of their league moving forward pretty much every year, so that's their play.  Football is their albatross, but if they can get lucky and get good again (they had some decent years), they might be able to parlay that into something....just not sure where.  Cincinnati is in a similar spot.  Both schools need to improve their academics if they ever want the Big Ten to call (OSU would say no to Cincy anyway). 

[jeffreyweee]

Easy...their school doesn't pass the academic rigors for the Big Ten.  For the ACC, Boston College wanted no part of them in the league.

UConn has higher academic standing than:

Purdue
Rutgers
Minnesota
Michigan State
Iowa
Nebraska

(Also Marquette)

[HutchwasClutch]

I would agree, though I think they feel like they may be able to spin it differently.  They can be the big do in their conference, along with Memphis (Louisville is leaving) and hope to do what Gonzaga has done over the years....get gaudy records and potentially better seeding as a result.  They are going to finish in the top 2 of their league moving forward pretty much every year, so that's their play.  Football is their albatross, but if they can get lucky and get good again (they had some decent years), they might be able to parlay that into something....just not sure where.  Cincinnati is in a similar spot.  Both schools need to improve their academics if they ever want the Big Ten to call (OSU would say no to Cincy anyway). 

The Big Ten has just been printing their own money since they launched Big Ten Network and if they thought UConn could add to that, I really doubt they'd have any problems looking the other way on their spotty academics and welcome them with open arms.  If the Big Ten is claiming academics is keeping them out, they're as big a hypocrites as the NCAA.  We all know major college sports is all about money as much as they like to pretend how pure their intentions are.

[HutchwasClutch]

The Big Ten has just been printing their own money since they launched Big Ten Network and if they thought UConn could add to that, I really doubt they'd have any problems looking the other way on their spotty academics and welcome them with open arms.  If the Big Ten is claiming academics is keeping them out, they're as big a hypocrites as the NCAA.  We all know major college sports is all about money as much as they like to pretend how pure their intentions are.

Ergo - this is nothing more than all about their football program not measuring up- yet.

[ChicosBailBonds]

UConn has higher academic standing than:

Purdue
Rutgers
Minnesota
Michigan State
Iowa
Nebraska

(Also Marquette)

UCONN is not a member of the AAU, which is a huge deal for the Big Ten.  Only Nebraska is not a member of the AAU from the conference, and they actually were an AAU member before losing that accreditation a few years ago.  There was a significant uproar by faculty of other Big Ten universities for taking on Nebraska as a result.  It's a big deal to them.  It is one of the reasons cited for not having Notre Dame in the club, though I think they would make that exception for them.

http://www.aau.edu/about/article.aspx?id=5474

[ChicosBailBonds]

The Big Ten has just been printing their own money since they launched Big Ten Network and if they thought UConn could add to that, I really doubt they'd have any problems looking the other way on their spotty academics and welcome them with open arms.  If the Big Ten is claiming academics is keeping them out, they're as big a hypocrites as the NCAA.  We all know major college sports is all about money as much as they like to pretend how pure their intentions are.

I'm well aware, I deal with them on an almost daily basis on the tv side.  UCONN adds basically nothing on the TV side.  However, I do think you are shortchanging the academic requirements for the Big Ten.  Every school except Nebraska is in the AAU, and the Cornhuskers were a member until a few years ago....feverishly trying to get back in.  So I would disagree with your statement that they wouldn't have any problems looking the other way, they actually would.  It's a big deal with the conference.

When I've talked to the tv side with them about expansion, especially when all the rumors were swirling a few years ago I got plenty of info on what schools were possible and which ones were not going to happen and why.  Let's just say they are incredibly aware of the academic side.

[HutchwasClutch]

I'm well aware, I deal with them on an almost daily basis on the tv side.  UCONN adds basically nothing on the TV side.  However, I do think you are shortchanging the academic requirements for the Big Ten.  Every school except Nebraska is in the AAU, and the Cornhuskers were a member until a few years ago....feverishly trying to get back in.  So I would disagree with your statement that they wouldn't have any problems looking the other way, they actually would.  It's a big deal with the conference.

When I've talked to the tv side with them about expansion, especially when all the rumors were swirling a few years ago I got plenty of info on what schools were possible and which ones were not going to happen and why.  Let's just say they are incredibly aware of the academic side.

I'm just so jaded about the world of major college athletics, I'm highly skeptical of anything other than money driving decisions.  I'm not saying you're wrong Chicos, just that we've all seen so many examples of hypocrisy everywhere in college athletics.

[HoyaPotter]

Honestly Rutgers, and Maryland seem like really bad choices by the Big 10.  They are basically mediocre at everything right now and dilute the Big 10 if anything.

However they are geographically friendly for Penn State, so that seems like the main benefit.

[ChicosBailBonds]

I'm just so jaded about the world of major college athletics, I'm highly skeptical of anything other than money driving decisions.  I'm not saying you're wrong Chicos, just that we've all seen so many examples of hypocrisy everywhere in college athletics.

It's a shame, because there is a tremendous amount of good that happens in college athletics every day.  The thing is, it happens in the non revenue sports or with the revenue teams that are a bit below the radar. Every day.   Part of what you are feeling is what is fueled by the media and what stories they push for you to read and watch.  They aren't pushing the stories about the football player going to class, busting his butt, knowing he has no chance to make the pros but is playing for pride, etc.  Instead you get the nonsense crap that is put out there that then every fan or non-fan paints with a broad brush to say "THIS IS COLLEGE SPORTS".

It's a shame, but perception becomes reality all too often. 

The last few years were about survival and positioning.  That has died down and I expect it to stay died down for the next decade.  Things could always change, but the NCAA tournament basketball contract is tied down for a long time and its with the NCAA, not the football schools.  Sure, the football schools could break away to create their own little sandbox to play in, but I don't think they will do it in that time period.  We'll see, I've been wrong plenty times before.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

UConn was 57th is the latest US News Rankings. 

Since AAU is by invitation only, the state decided only recently (mostly due to conference realignment) to make changes to UConn to ensure it meets membership criteria in the hopes it leads to a Big10 invite. 

And their football team at least has represented The Big East in a BCS bowl game (Fieata Bowl 2011) which is more than Rutgers can say.  Perhaps UConn would have played better in the game also if their coach wasn't already out the door despite no one having any idea.  In Tom Crean fashion, immediately after the Fiesta Bowl ended, he was on a plane to Maryland which obviously means he accepted the job before the game.

[Dawson Rental]

The Big Ten has just been printing their own money since they launched Big Ten Network and if they thought UConn could add to that, I really doubt they'd have any problems looking the other way on their spotty academics and welcome them with open arms.  If the Big Ten is claiming academics is keeping them out, they're as big a hypocrites as the NCAA.  We all know major college sports is all about money as much as they like to pretend how pure their intentions are.

You have no concept of what the Big 10 presidents are looking for in potential members for the conference.  Did you even know that the presidents were involved?

Looks like this got covered by CBB.

[Dawson Rental]

Honestly Rutgers, and Maryland seem like really bad choices by the Big 10.  They are basically mediocre at everything right now and dilute the Big 10 if anything.

However they are geographically friendly for Penn State, so that seems like the main benefit.

They open up the east coast TV market for the Big Ten Network which is why they were added.  Many more cable packages that can be pretty much forced to add the BTN now that the Big 10 is in their area geographically.

[ChicosBailBonds]

They open up the east coast TV market for the Big Ten Network which is why they were added.  Many more cable packages that can be pretty much forced to add the BTN now that the Big 10 is in their area geographically.

Correct

[Coleman]

UConn's football credentials really aren't that bad. They were in five bowls from 2004-2010, including a BCS Fiesta Bowl bid in 2010. Granted, they lost in the Fiesta Bowl, but you're right, they have done more than Rutgers.

However, I think Chicos is right. They will stay in the island of misfit toys aka the AAC, until someone decides to expand again, which may or may not happen. Big 10 or ACC are obviously the leagues they would be looking at. I think the Big 10 is most likely, but still a slim chance. Rutgers is a different market. New Jersey and New England totally different markets. BC, different story.

The AAC will be a perpetual 3 big league, with Memphis, UConn and Cincy. Although the rest of the conference is bad, those three teams will generally make the tournament and continue to make deep runs. UConn can survive in this situation. If they win tonight, they will have no problem convincing recruits to attend, AAC or not.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

However, I think Chicos is right. They will stay in the island of misfit toys aka the AAC, until someone decides to expand again, which may or may not happen. Big 10 or ACC are obviously the leagues they would be looking at. I think the Big 10 is most likely, but still a slim chance.

I'll add the SEC to your list. Not because the SEC would take UConn but because the Big 10 and the SEC are on top of the food chain. If the SEC decides to expand by taking say an ACC team, then the ACC may look at UConn.

I think UConn is further down the list of expansion targets than people think. I would rather take Houston, Temple, SMU, Cincinnati, and BYU before I take UConn.

[GoldenWarrior11]

Am I the only one that seriously believes the additions of East Carolina, Tulane and Tulsa (not to mention USF, UCF and Houston) seriously drains the top half of the league?  There is no way UCONN, Cincinnati and Memphis are content with those bottom-feeders pulling down the RPI and SOS of the conference.  Heck, it's the most likely reason SMU was left out of the tournament this year.

UCONN may very well win tonight, but unless Ollie recruits like Calhoun did (he's winning with his players), they will have to continue to sustain their success out of the Big East with these schools - and I personally don't think that is a realistic opportunity.  Recruits care about the image and strength of conferences - and there is no way a recruit gets excited about playing East Carolina.  Or Tulane.  Or Tulsa.  Or the rest of the misfits at the bottom of the American. 

Geno Auriemma has even been on record saying that he is not a fan of the conference - but let's face it.  His women's teams will always be a top-3 team - regardless of their conference affiliation.

But, hey, football drives the bus, right?   

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

I have a feeling that Kentucky is gonna get Shabazzed tonight.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Am I the only one that seriously believes the additions of East Carolina, Tulane and Tulsa (not to mention USF, UCF and Houston) seriously drains the top half of the league?  There is no way UCONN, Cincinnati and Memphis are content with those bottom-feeders pulling down the RPI and SOS of the conference.  Heck, it's the most likely reason SMU was left out of the tournament this year.

UCONN may very well win tonight, but unless Ollie recruits like Calhoun did (he's winning with his players), they will have to continue to sustain their success out of the Big East with these schools - and I personally don't think that is a realistic opportunity.  Recruits care about the image and strength of conferences - and there is no way a recruit gets excited about playing East Carolina.  Or Tulane.  Or Tulsa.  Or the rest of the misfits at the bottom of the American. 

Geno Auriemma has even been on record saying that he is not a fan of the conference - but let's face it.  His women's teams will always be a top-3 team - regardless of their conference affiliation.

But, hey, football drives the bus, right?   

The commissioner of the Big East can always push for a Big East vs.________ power conference matchup during the beginning of the basketball season.  Pac 12 vs Big East would be nice ....  Or another aircraft carrier game  where the court doesn't fill up with condensation...  what a disaster that was!!! 

Or...  Wojo will have to schedule an agressive non-conference schedule.  My guess is we're on the short end of the stick with 2 aways and 1 home vs. a top 20 program. 

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Am I the only one that seriously believes the additions of East Carolina, Tulane and Tulsa (not to mention USF, UCF and Houston) seriously drains the top half of the league?  There is no way UCONN, Cincinnati and Memphis are content with those bottom-feeders pulling down the RPI and SOS of the conference.  Heck, it's the most likely reason SMU was left out of the tournament this year.

UCONN may very well win tonight, but unless Ollie recruits like Calhoun did (he's winning with his players), they will have to continue to sustain their success out of the Big East with these schools - and I personally don't think that is a realistic opportunity.  Recruits care about the image and strength of conferences - and there is no way a recruit gets excited about playing East Carolina.  Or Tulane.  Or Tulsa.  Or the rest of the misfits at the bottom of the American. 

Geno Auriemma has even been on record saying that he is not a fan of the conference - but let's face it.  His women's teams will always be a top-3 team - regardless of their conference affiliation.

But, hey, football drives the bus, right?   

You are not alone, trust me. But Memphis went years in Conference USA without fading. Gonzaga stays relevant despite the WCC. And the MWC used to be a joke but has become a pretty competitive conference. The AAC will be alright...but the programs will suffer....until the big boys want to expand again.

If UConn knew what was good for it, they would drop football and join up with the BEast. It would save them thousands of dollars and allow them to pour Marquette level amounts of money into their basketball program.