(03-06-2017 10:04 AM)BearcatJerry Wrote: It's not so much about "not wanting to" play Liberty, but honestly, if you're outside of certain demographics--regional, religious, or FB independence-- why would you schedule Liberty? Cincinnati has no reasons "to" seek out a contract with Liberty at this time.
Otherwise I'm indifferent to scheduling them.
(02-17-2017 09:16 AM)BearcatJerry Wrote: First, I'm only a fan... I have no control over whom The University of Cincinnati schedules, but...
I doubt we ever play Liberty outside of a bowl fluke... There's no reason to.
That's the bigger issue. Whats the upside for playing LU for a non-local team?
Here are LU's non-political liabilities.
1) They're in an area that has little recruiting/fanbase appeal for many teams. That's common for many programs, but you're not Old Dominion or Georgia State (or even UMass which can play teams in Boston - which fans like) or even the F_U's, which are in South Florida. The vast majority of schools have few local alumni in the area.
2) LU has no history. LU is not alone in that, but putting LU, especially a road game on the schedule would be a real eye opener for many fanbases, and not in a good way. When USA scheduled home games with NC State and Oklahoma State (even as 2 for 1's, their fanbases weren't happy with that). LU also isn't like Bowling Green or Arkansas State, who can at least point to some success.
3) LU is kind of hard to get to as well for many teams. I think that for MWC teams, flying across the country, especially late in the season, is not going to be seen as a positive thing. Sure, the team can charter in, but for fans, LU is 2 hours away from the nearest mid-sized airport, and 4 hours from the nearest major airport.
Basically, Georgia Southern has the same non-political scheduling liabilities as LU will likely have. But Ga Southern has seen some success, but that's offset by the fact that Ga Southern plays an offensive scheme few teams want to play against.
The political dimension just adds to the challenges.
LU will get the games. Against teams that are either paid a pantload to play or who dropped the ball scheduling. They might find a local team in there if they're lucky.