(12-14-2019 11:52 AM)GE and MTS Wrote: With another season down, I was wondering how Maryland and Rutgers were assimilating into the conference. Are the fans embracing the move to the Big Ten or wishing for old flames rekindled?
The great thing about college sports are the rivalries and it's something I love about it. I was wondering if there was any rivalries brewing for the two newest members. I assume Penn State is highest for both based on proximity and history but wondered if there were any others developing. I feel like Nebraska is getting to a point where playing Iowa and Wisconsin gets heated. We'll see if Frost can make them more competitive.
It depends on who you ask. The older alumni/fans miss the ACC and believe the football program was thrown under the bus for money. They say Maryland is a basketball-first school in a conference with a dominant football culture. This group was content with challenging and winning the ACC football title.
Otoh, I think the younger fans like the Big Ten and contend the ACC didn't show any respect to Maryland, a founding conference member. They also like being associated with other similar flagship, public research universities. This group likes the money and association, but are they serious sports fans?
The problem is the older fans are the ones who attend the games and donate to the Terrapin Club. Not sure how Maryland deals with that issue.
Maryland football fans hate Penn State and would like the Nittany Lions to become a rival that's not so lopsided and hope Rutgers improves now that Greg Schiano is back on board. As for basketball, I imagine Michigan State would be it.
This year Maryland football suffered several severe blowout losses. The football program has become a joke and embarrassment. Many alumni/fans have called for the heads of the school president, AD and HC. A minority would like to de-emphasize football, and some jokesters are calling on Maryland football to join the Colonial Athletic Association.
I see the potential in Maryland football. It has NFL quality players in the skill positions, except for QB. It just lacks large linemen and depth on the line. Plus a HC and staff. Maryland was shortsighted to letting go of Matt Canada. I thought he did a decent job