bitcruncher Wrote:If you want to know exactly what WVU did to rectify things you'll have to ask the SID or AD at West Virginia. I'm not exactly privy to such info. But when WVU was mired in mediocrity after the Bowden years, they went looking for a solution. They hired Don Nehlen, who brought more than a new logo to the school. When Nehlen's program began to slide into mediocrity, they brought in Rich Rodriguez to spice things up. What else was done, I don't know. But I do know that those aren't the only changes that were made. Syracuse changed coaches. But did they change the spirit of football futility that resides in the Onadega country? Only time will tell.

First, unless your a resident of ONONDAGA county, I doubt very much you know diddly about the residents of said county and what they are thinking or feeling.

But even assuming you are correct in your assumptions, what the residents are thinking or feeling is immaterial at the moment. We already know the area will support basketball like no other area in the country. It perhaps has been hurt in terms of college football by the having 3 NFL teams in the state, particularly one just a couple of hours away in Buffalo, but there is growth potential there as well.

The important thing to recognize is that the new AD knows what it takes to build a successful football program and has started to put those pieces in place. He also, apparently, doesn't have a problem pulling the trigger on one of his hires if that person doesn't produce.

One thing that was evident from last year's Orange team is that they could play defense. The problems were all on the offensive side of the ball - particularly the newness of our OC and our QB. Now, we have proven people in those positions.

Our recovery is a year behind schedule due to the mistakes of the initial hires, but in fairness to Greg Robinson, the pickings were slim since our old AD refused to let PP go and our new AD didn't start to January - which means the firing of PP and the hiring of Greg Robinson was too late to meet and make connections at the coaches convention.

If we are 2-10, 3-9 next year, I'll join the rest of you in worrying about whether or not Greg Robinson was the best hire - but he was put behind the 8 ball and for me, this upcoming year is the first true year of the rebuilding effort.

Cheers,
Neil

omnicarrier Wrote:

Wilkie01 Wrote:So did Houston but it has never recovered!

This statement and few others show you know diddly about football history. Houston had a few cyclical ups and downs - their problem was that they were in an extreme down cycle when the SWC died.

Syracuse, being an independent for most of its existence knows how to weather these storms.

By the way, there are just as many examples of Louisville type successes (teams that get hot for a decade or so) and then fade away back into obscurity. I'd be more concerned about your team than the Orange.

So perhaps you should tend to your own house? In the year in which the Cards were suppose to save the Big East they came up short - thank god for a proven program like the Eers.

Cheers,
Neil

I will take our football future over yours!

What ever, see you in PJCS! The Honeymoon is over! I am sorry but Cuse fans are idential to UK fans in my opinion.

Wilkie

Quote:Jim Brown and Ernie Green were a very long time ago and Donavan McNabb is at the end of his career! That sums up Cuse's football program. I hope Cuse does right its ship but they are close to being a basketball only member. Toledeo, Miami-Ohio, Marshall, Memphis and East Caroline all have better football programs right now

.

Quote:Then Cuse just needs to shut-up and turn it around! But look at where Houston is right now, I hope Cuse does not pull a Houston in football.

No offense to you Wilkie, and we have always gotten along pretty well. But I am going to take issue with you right here and now. You make a few assinine statements like the above about Syracuse, and Cuse fans come to the defense of our program by calling you out, and we are the ones that are being jerks? Is that how your mind works? it seems that you are the one who has more in common with UK fans.

If I started bashing Louisvilles basketball program because of a couple of bad years in the last 5 or 6, and comparing it to the University of San Francisco, you would not think that I was excersizing too much insight would you? I would expect to be challenged for such an idiotic statement. Thats how I feel about you bashing SU fb and comparing it to Houston. Please.

And you are the other one posting here with very little insight that has said that "if Cuse doesnt get it together, they will become a BE bb only program."
One of you should explain what this statement is supposed to mean.

Cuse,

You, Texas Mark and Omni Carrier seem to be class acts to me but I have been abuse on your rival board and do not even post there anymore. Also, we have Cuse fans come and put UC, USFL and UL down. It seems to me that people that live in glass houses should not throw rocks. The state of Cuse basketball is strong but your football is bad at this point and time. The point I am trying to make is when Houston joined CUSA, I though great their program comes back and we add Marshall and TCU, we have a good football conference. Houston died on us.

For the BE to become great Syracuse and Pittsburgh have to perform and now!

Guys the past is past, what you do now is all that matters, they are waiting for the chance to take our BCS status from us.

Wilkie01 Wrote:

omnicarrier Wrote:

Wilkie01 Wrote:So did Houston but it has never recovered!

This statement and few others show you know diddly about football history. Houston had a few cyclical ups and downs - their problem was that they were in an extreme down cycle when the SWC died.

Syracuse, being an independent for most of its existence knows how to weather these storms.

By the way, there are just as many examples of Louisville type successes (teams that get hot for a decade or so) and then fade away back into obscurity. I'd be more concerned about your team than the Orange.

So perhaps you should tend to your own house? In the year in which the Cards were suppose to save the Big East they came up short - thank god for a proven program like the Eers.

Cheers,
Neil

I will take our football future over yours!

What ever, see you in PJCS! The Honeymoon is over! I am sorry but Cuse fans are idential to UK fans in my opinion.

Wilkie

Luckily, being far more discerning than you, I don't hold your terrible posting style and the things you post against other Card fans

Cheers,
Neil

Actually, CuseRoc, we were in basketball 5 years ago where your football program is right now. I am not one to hid from the truth. In fact, I have concerns about basketball right now. I want to believe this year was a fluke given RP is our coach, However, we face an acid test right now. And actually, you need to know that only West Virginia football program is respected in the South and Midwest of the five original Big East Football Programs. That is why the media is attacking our conference. I know that is tough stuff to hear but that is the truth! And Louisville has to win a bowl soon our we will be consider a one shot wonder soon.

OmniCarrier, I am not going to agree with some one just because we like the same college team. I agree with people that I think are correct. I like everyone on here, I just agree with some more than others. But Dude, I do not drink orange kool aid! I do root for all the BE school in their out of confernce games. I do not drink red kool aid, either.

Wilkie01 Wrote:So did Houston but it has never recovered!

I have a little more faith in Syracuse then Houston, call me crazy.

The thing about Syracuse, and why I think last year's record is more exaggerated then what it really was is the fact the fact that Syracuse went through a coaching change and they had players trying to play in a new coach's system. Once this coach brings in his own players (this season) then you'll see Syracuse football start to rise again.

Oh, I do also.

Wilkie01 Wrote:Actually, CuseRoc, we were in basketball 5 years ago where your football program is right now. I am not one to hid from the truth. In fact, I have concerns about basketball right now. I want to believe this year was a fluke given RP is our coach, However, we face an acid test right now. And actually, you need to know that only West Virginia football program is respected in the South and Midwest of the five original Big East Football Programs. That is why the media is attacking our conference. I know that is tough stuff to hear but that is the truth! And Louisville has to win a bowl soon our we will be consider a one shot wonder soon.

Since both the media outlets and the individuals in the media are not dominated by the South or the Midwest, but rather by the Northeast and the West - that is too simple an answer to a more complex situation.

What is really involved is -

College football interest is South, Southwest, and Midwest pre-dominant so northeastern teams and western teams tend to get the short end of the stick (which is different than what you were saying) - so the media plays to its audience (see a revival by ND, PSU, Pitt, and Syracuse at the same time and watch the media turn so fast your head will swim). This is something that Pitt and Syracuse some input on.

Bowls are interested in teams that travel. In this regard the northeastern teams like Pitt, Syracuse, Rutgers, and Connecticut will lag behind - until interest in northeastern cities can be expanded and dome stadiums increase in the northeast. Not much either Pitt or Syracuse will be able to overcome this disadvantage.

The media loves the underdogs and loves to point out inequities. The Big East was an easy target to get both of these stories to print. West Virginia stopped the bleeding with its win over Georgia. Hopefully Louisville and Pittsburgh join the party next year and Syracuse the year after next.

As for the Cards' bb program - they were just in the Final Four last year. I wouldn't worry about them just yet ;-)

Quote:I am not going to agree with some one just because we like the same college team. I agree with people that I think are correct. I like everyone on year, I just agree with some more than others. But Dude, I do not drink orange kool aid!

First, no one is asking you to drink orange kool-aid, anymore than I drink Huskies football kool-aid or Bulls football kool-aid. I do however, acknowledge that they might pull it off despite my belief to the contrary. In this thread not only are you avoiding the orange kool-aid, you have been posting and acting as though Syracuse is done - stick-a-fork-in-'em kinda of done if you know what I mean. And if you think I'm going to stand by and not reply to that nonsense - you have another think coming.

Cheers,
Neil

I repect you defending your school. But the south and midwest vote in the polls also.

Wilkie01 Wrote:I repect you defending your school. But the south and midwest vote in the polls also.

Wilkie I have lived in Texas and Florida since 1992--Syracuse Football was well repected down in these parts because back in the late 80s to 2001 they played and beat the following teams on national TV: Texas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Colorado, LSU, Miami, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Kansas State and Wisconsin. To say we aren't respected might be somewhat true the last few years but true college football fans realize Syracuse is still a traditional power who is just down right now. If we get back to 8, 9 and 10 wins seasons the respect will come roaring back.

The media is set to bury the Big East, and Syracuse with it. The Orange aren't the only program in that boat. Pitt is right there with them. I think Cincinnati, UConn, Rutgers, and USF are on the right track, and Louisville's football program is the equal of WVU at the moment. If they keep it up, and all the other programs improve, the Big East should be fine. I am merely pointing out the obvious. I didn't say that Syracuse football was dead, but I do think its on the ropes. Syracuse needs to make progress soon, or may become to late to make any progress at all. We don't want Syracuse to become the Big East's replacement for Temple in football. Upstate NY has enough bad football programs. I would hate to see Syracuse compared to Buffalo.

TexanMark Wrote:

Wilkie01 Wrote:I repect you defending your school. But the south and midwest vote in the polls also.

Wilkie I have lived in Texas and Florida since 1992--Syracuse Football was well repected down in these parts because back in the late 80s to 2001 they played and beat the following teams on national TV: Texas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Colorado, LSU, Miami, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Kansas State and Wisconsin. To say we aren't respected might be somewhat true the last few years but true college football fans realize Syracuse is still a traditional power who is just down right now. If we get back to 8, 9 and 10 wins seasons the respect will come roaring back.

Sadly Mark in today's workd two or three bad years can kill your image. Look how fast they turned on ECU and Marshall. Louisville has two losing season and we will be set back 10 years.

Mark, I truely hope Cuse get its act togather, I think the split will help this happen.

Wilkie01 Wrote:

TexanMark Wrote:

Wilkie01 Wrote:I repect you defending your school. But the south and midwest vote in the polls also.

Wilkie I have lived in Texas and Florida since 1992--Syracuse Football was well repected down in these parts because back in the late 80s to 2001 they played and beat the following teams on national TV: Texas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Colorado, LSU, Miami, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Kansas State and Wisconsin. To say we aren't respected might be somewhat true the last few years but true college football fans realize Syracuse is still a traditional power who is just down right now. If we get back to 8, 9 and 10 wins seasons the respect will come roaring back.

Sadly Mark in today's workd two or three bad years can kill your image. Look how fast they turned on ECU and Marshall. Louisville has two losing season and we will be set back 10 years.

Mark, I truely hope Cuse get its act togather, I think the split will help this happen.

What you say is true, but make no mistake as to compare ECU and marshall to SU. While they both have had some really great seasons, even beating up on some traditional powers during their years of success, neither program have had prolonged success, as in 13 straight years of success. Thats the difference between those programs and SU. We all know that SU is way down, only having 1 season above 500 this decade, but contrary to some of the negative posts in this thread, the SU athletic dept. is not just sitting back waiting to see what happens.

They are being proactive and making many decisions to make things happen for the program. I have faith in our new AD, since he was the associate AD at USC, and is the man responsible for hiring Pete Carrol. I would say that he knows what he is doing. It only takes the right folks in the right positions to take the right steps. SU is doing that.

This is good to hear. Now just get it done.

cuseroc Wrote:

KnightLight Wrote:

Wilkie01 Wrote:Jim Brown and Ernie Green were a very long time ago and Donavan McNabb is at the end of his career! That sums up Cuse's football program. I hope Cuse does right its ship but they are close to being a basketball only member. Toledeo, Miami-Ohio, Marshall, Memphis and East Caroline all have better football programs right now.

Wilkie...you are obviously suffering from the "only our school can rebuild a football program...no one else can" disease.

Just look at your school (believe its Louisville).

In UL's first 57 seasons in football...the Cardinals went to ONE Bowl Game.

In UL's first 77 seasons in football...the Cardinals went to just THREE Bowl Games.

Even beloved Howard Schnellenger...the "Godfather" of the rebuilding of UL Football....UL only went 7-24-1 in his first 3 seasons.

Heck...it took till 2004 for UL to finally get over .500 all-time record.

It was only 1997 that UL went 1-10.

Again...Cuse has great football tradition (something that UL is building today), and yes...they are rebuilding....but please...enough of the "only my school can rebuild a program" disease.

You look foolish when you do.

KL

I dont always agree with you knightlight, but you are on the money with this one. ;-)

No problem...I'm just another broken clock that's right twice a day...thought I would use one of the times yesterday in this thread.

"Crazy talk" that Wilkie used forced it out of me.

KL

Its not crazy talk. its just you taking a cheap shot at me because I side with South Florida and would take Memphis and East Carolina before UCF for the expansion in 2010. Be man enought to admit why you usually disagree with me.

Wilkie01 Wrote:Its not crazy talk. its just you taking a cheap shot at me because I side with South Florida and would take Memphis and East Carolina before UCF for the expansion in 2010. Be man enought to admit why you usually disagree with me.

Wilkie...sorry...no clue what you are talking about....I was just commenting on your statement that you thought Syracuse would end up being just a "Basketball" only Big East Member.

Having grown up in the Northeast...there were only 3 teams that the local media would follow: 1) Penn St 2) Syracuse 3) Notre Dame.

To hear "crazy talk" comments by yourself (hopefully, without any help) as a fan of a team that took 91 years just to reach .500 (and yes, a very good team today), to knock a "prgram" like Syracuse was just laughable.

And sorry...I don't keep tabs (it would be impossible) on what fans "want/don't want" in any type of expansion.

Hope that doesn't hurt your ego.

KL

No skin off my nose, Louisville was a very small private university until it became a State support school in 1971. Football was very low key and un-important until Howard Schellenberger arrived. But what does that have to do with now? Things got better at Louisville and the bottom dropped out at Syracuse, and they are still a pipe dream at Central Florida.