I think UConn will be just fine, y'all.

(05-14-2020 10:35 PM)GoldenWarrior11 Wrote:  

I think UConn will be just fine, y'all.

110% Spot On!!

(05-14-2020 01:01 PM)UConnHusky Wrote:  

(05-14-2020 12:49 PM)slhNavy91 Wrote:  

(05-14-2020 12:38 PM)UConnHusky Wrote:  

(05-14-2020 05:58 AM)panite Wrote:  

(05-13-2020 08:05 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  Army having a relationship with both UConn and UMass makes perfect sense because they are both close by and playing one on the road, which is a very manageable bus trip, and the other at home would be ideal.

Army’s interest in Liberty is so so. Army really has no need to play NMSU nor do I think they want to.

NMSU would very much like to play any independent they can get on the schedule. I think UConn, UMass, and Liberty are all cool playing them too.

NMST and Liberty already play each other. Don't know if a scheduling agreement long term helps UConn and UMass because of the distance. UConn left the AAC to rejoin the BE and would rather play more of a regional FB schedule to cut travel in that sport now that they have been kicked out of the AAC for FB, once their scheduling works it's way out over time. The long distance travel will be reserved for money games. However if scheduling problems persist in late October and into November then they might have to schedule NMST late in the season to fill those slots. UConn and UMass scheduling Liberty is a no brainer though.

Edit: Just checked the future schedules for UMass. NMST is on their schedule as a regular for the 2020 through the 2023 seasons. Looks like UMass, NMST, and Liberty already have a scheduling agreement going for the late season when the other schools go into conference play.

This statement needs correction. UConn did not get “kicked out of the AAC for football” as UConn announced it was departing the AAC in all sports. UConn always fully intended to join the Big East for olympic sports and to create an independent football schedule that includes more P5 schools in order to generate more fan interest. UConn never asked the AAC to keep its football program. Just because Mike Aresco said that the AAC wouldn't have kept UConn as a football only school if UConn had requested it, it doesn’t mean that UConn was kicked out as UConn never actually requested it. You can’t fire an employee who has already quit.

https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-hus...story.html

"UConn athletic director David Benedict suggested it could make sense for UConn to talk with Aresco about keeping the football program, which is left without a conference because Big East schools don’t play the sport, in the AAC. Aresco, however, told The Courant the day of the announcement at The Gardent that “it is not a possibility.”

Once again, just because Benedict said that it could make sense for UConn to talk to the AAC doesn’t mean that it was UConn’s intention. If he had said, “UConn will talk to the AAC about keeping the football program”, then that is another story.

In full disclosure, I am close to someone within the UConn athletic department who was a part of this process. I would say that makes my statement about our intentional plan to become independent fairly credible. This “what if” spitball comment by Benedict was likely to try and keep the AAC football door open in case our independent scheduling efforts failed (which they did not). Aresco shut that back door on us. However, it still doesn’t mean that UConn was “kicked out”.

I believe you may be misinterpreting your source. The Number One option for UConn was always pair a Big East 4 million dollar paycheck with a AAC 5 million dollar “football only” paycheck (which also would have given UConn access to a roughly 2 million dollar share of CFP revenue). If your source says that’s not the case, he’s simply wrong. However, if your source is simply saying that UConn had every intent of leaving the AAC for the Big East—And was fully prepared from the start to do so even if it meant football independence—-then there is little to argue with. He would clearly be correct.

(05-15-2020 09:07 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  However, if your source is simply saying that UConn had every intent of leaving the AAC for the Big East—And was fully prepared from the start to do so even if it meant football independence—-then there is little to argue with. He would clearly be correct.

This is what I believe Uconn's position was. If the AAC extended UConn an invitation to re-join as an affiliate then they probably would have accepted because it just makes a bunch of things simpler, but there's every reason to believe UConn knew what they were getting into when they withdrew from the conference. Benedict putting together a normal schedule in the time he did is proof he was working from day 1 (some might suspect he had been working on it prior to day 1) under the assumption of independence.

UConn was either naive or arrogant in thinking that they could take their historically strong revenue sport out of the AAC while leaving behind their historically weak revenue sport.

If they can make the accounting work and find a way to be more profitable in the Big East while playing an independent FBS schedule then good for them but the UC fan in me things the move was short sighted.

(05-15-2020 10:07 AM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  UConn was either naive or arrogant in thinking that they could take their historically strong revenue sport out of the AAC while leaving behind their historically weak revenue sport.

The only problem is that there's absolutely no indication that this was the case. Everything that's happened indicates that UConn anticipated they'd be going independent once they left the AAC.


I thought we were done with the "Maybe Benedict's sitting by his phone hoping the AAC reconsiders" posts.

(05-15-2020 10:35 AM)Bogg Wrote:  

(05-15-2020 10:07 AM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  UConn was either naive or arrogant in thinking that they could take their historically strong revenue sport out of the AAC while leaving behind their historically weak revenue sport.

The only problem is that there's absolutely no indication that this was the case. Everything that's happened indicates that UConn anticipated they'd be going independent once they left the AAC.


I thought we were done with the "Maybe Benedict's sitting by his phone hoping the AAC reconsiders" posts.

From what I understand, UConn was told clearly on several occasions well before the move that UConn football could not stay in the AAC if UConn moved its basketball elsewhere. That said---I do think many in the UConn administration probably believed there was a strong possibility that the AAC was simply bluffing UConn on this issue. I suspect the UConn leadership thought it was very possible the AAC would have a different position once it was clear UConn was leaving and the only realistic replacement options were unattractive Sunbelt/CUSA type schools offering little to no value. The UConn AD's statements early on in the exit process tend to reflect that the UConn brass still thought it might be a possibility.

Big east should add Umass and cbs sports could combo Umass football with UConn

(05-15-2020 11:02 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(05-15-2020 10:35 AM)Bogg Wrote:  

(05-15-2020 10:07 AM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  UConn was either naive or arrogant in thinking that they could take their historically strong revenue sport out of the AAC while leaving behind their historically weak revenue sport.

The only problem is that there's absolutely no indication that this was the case. Everything that's happened indicates that UConn anticipated they'd be going independent once they left the AAC.


I thought we were done with the "Maybe Benedict's sitting by his phone hoping the AAC reconsiders" posts.

From what I understand, UConn was told clearly on several occasions well before the move that UConn football could not stay in the AAC if UConn moved its basketball elsewhere. That said---I do think many in the UConn administration probably believed there was a strong possibility that the AAC was simply bluffing UConn on this issue. I suspect the UConn leadership thought it was very possible the AAC would have a different position once it was clear UConn was leaving and the only realistic replacement options were unattractive Sunbelt/CUSA type schools offering little to no value. The UConn AD's statements early on in the exit process tend to reflect that the UConn brass still thought it might be a possibility.

Everything I read from Benedict was along the lines of "well we'll talk to the AAC and then take it from there", and there were rumblings that Benedict may have been having some awfully specific hypothetical discussions about scheduling in advance of the announcement.

I think it's hard to argue that UConn went into this unprepared to put together an independent schedule.

Will we all one day look back and sheepishly admit that we spent way too much time pondering on this board the UConn/Big East/American dynamic?

(05-15-2020 11:34 AM)Bogg Wrote:  

(05-15-2020 11:02 AM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(05-15-2020 10:35 AM)Bogg Wrote:  

(05-15-2020 10:07 AM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  UConn was either naive or arrogant in thinking that they could take their historically strong revenue sport out of the AAC while leaving behind their historically weak revenue sport.

The only problem is that there's absolutely no indication that this was the case. Everything that's happened indicates that UConn anticipated they'd be going independent once they left the AAC.


I thought we were done with the "Maybe Benedict's sitting by his phone hoping the AAC reconsiders" posts.

From what I understand, UConn was told clearly on several occasions well before the move that UConn football could not stay in the AAC if UConn moved its basketball elsewhere. That said---I do think many in the UConn administration probably believed there was a strong possibility that the AAC was simply bluffing UConn on this issue. I suspect the UConn leadership thought it was very possible the AAC would have a different position once it was clear UConn was leaving and the only realistic replacement options were unattractive Sunbelt/CUSA type schools offering little to no value. The UConn AD's statements early on in the exit process tend to reflect that the UConn brass still thought it might be a possibility.

Everything I read from Benedict was along the lines of "well we'll talk to the AAC and then take it from there", and there were rumblings that Benedict may have been having some awfully specific hypothetical discussions about scheduling in advance of the announcement.

I think it's hard to argue that UConn went into this unprepared to put together an independent schedule.

I would agree. Like I said---I think they were fully prepared to go indy if thats what it took to get back to the Big East. I dont think it was their preferred route---but I think they absolutely knew from the start that indy was the more likely outcome. All Im saying is that indy was never the preferred course and I do think the UConn brass had some real hope that the AAC stated position was a bluff.

(05-15-2020 11:38 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  Will we all one day look back and sheepishly admit that we spent way too much time pondering on this board the UConn/Big East/American dynamic?

These threads would not last as long if we didn't have so many people hell bent on posting "in your face AAC" type comments. Many of them are not even UConn fans. In fact, you even have used the term "AAC fan boy". Yes there are "AAC fan boys" than can get over the top, but once people start coming out the wood work and telling fans of schools in the AAC they are third rate even the most level-headed posters will start fighting back.

(05-15-2020 12:01 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  I would agree. Like I said---I think they were fully prepared to go indy if thats what it took to get back to the Big East. I dont think it was their preferred route---but I think they absolutely knew from the start that indy was the more likely outcome. All Im saying is that indy was never the preferred course and I do think the UConn brass had some real hope that the AAC stated position was a bluff.

Fair enough. I think they always knew it was a long shot and mostly just asked because it doesn't cost anything to bring it up so you might as well, but at this point we're more or less saying the same thing.

(05-15-2020 12:15 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  

(05-15-2020 11:38 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  Will we all one day look back and sheepishly admit that we spent way too much time pondering on this board the UConn/Big East/American dynamic?

These threads would not last as long if we didn't have so many people hell bent on posting "in your face AAC" type comments. Many of them are not even UConn fans. In fact, you even have used the term "AAC fan boy". Yes there are "AAC fan boys" than can get over the top, but once people start coming out the wood work and telling fans of schools in the AAC they are third rate even the most level-headed posters will start fighting back.

It is true that I have used the term "AAC fan boys." But I feel there are "Big East fan boys," too. I have frequently posted pro-AAC opinions when I felt some Big East fans were being a bit harsh on the American. In fact, I recently noted that I feel the American is every bit as good a league in terms of academics as the Big East. I'm sure some BE fans will disagree.

I simply try to be fair and consistent. If you feel that I'm not, please let me know. Perhaps I'll agree with you and will apologize. I've apologized on this board in the past and also noted some missteps with bad info I've given.

Do note that I have made multiple posts recently praising American football and baseball.

I also agree with you that sometimes we must "push back" when folks take either cheap shots or misinformed posts regarding the American.

Now do me a favor if you live in the Queen City and hit Arlin's for a cold beer. I love that place.

(05-15-2020 11:25 AM)bluesox Wrote:  Big east should add Umass and cbs sports could combo Umass football with UConn

I don't know about UMass football and CBS but I personally don't think it would be a terrible idea for the Big East to look at them.

I'm sure I'm in the tiny minority of UConn fans there but I think having them as conference rivals in basketball could help juice the football rivalry which would benefit both schools.

The last sporting event I attended before the virus shutdown was UConn vs. UMass Hockey at the XL Center. It's a fun rivalry in my opinion. I also think getting back into Massachusetts would be good for the Big East.

(05-14-2020 03:03 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(05-14-2020 01:10 PM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(05-14-2020 01:04 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  If UConn could have kept its football program in the AAC, it likely would have.

I don't think that's in question. IIRC, UConn even sounded out the AAC about remaining in football.

You very well might be correct, Quo. I do recall, however, (and FWIW) that you were very in favor of the American asking UConn to remain for football only.

Absolutely, and I think the AAC should have done that. For one thing, the AAC football has done well with UConn, and having 11 in football creates scheduling and CCG issues. IMO, telling UConn "no" was a classic case of slicing your nose to spite the face. It was a pride-and-ego decision.

(05-15-2020 02:56 PM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(05-14-2020 03:03 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(05-14-2020 01:10 PM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(05-14-2020 01:04 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  If UConn could have kept its football program in the AAC, it likely would have.

I don't think that's in question. IIRC, UConn even sounded out the AAC about remaining in football.

You very well might be correct, Quo. I do recall, however, (and FWIW) that you were very in favor of the American asking UConn to remain for football only.

Absolutely, and I think the AAC should have done that. For one thing, the AAC football has done well with UConn, and having 11 in football creates scheduling and CCG issues. IMO, telling UConn "no" was a classic case of slicing your nose to spite the face. It was a pride-and-ego decision.

No question there would have been some positives had the AAC kept UConn in football. You mention two good points. I agree.

But can you image the critics of the American slamming the league for looking weak by keeping UConn football after the university basically said "we don't want to associate with your mediocre men's hoops"? It would have been brutal.

Now, some might argue in this hypothetical, Who cares if the AAC had "invited" criticism? It kept UConn because it needed a 12th program for divisional balance and UConn and the AAC had some "football history." I get it.

Still, I think the American did the correct thing by not pursuing the matter (UConn may not have either for all I know though I do strongly feel it would have considered staying in football had it been offered).

It's all moot now. It's easier for you and me to be cool with what UConn is doing because we root for schools in both the BE and the AAC. I probably need do to a better job of being a bit more understanding toward the good, decent AAC fans who might not see this quite as I do.

(05-15-2020 04:43 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  Still, I think the American did the correct thing by not pursuing the matter (UConn may not have either for all I know though I do strongly feel it would have considered staying in football had it been offered).

I feel more strongly, LOL - I don't have any doubts at all that had the AAC told UConn it wanted to keep their football in the AAC that UConn would have accepted. I think that was UConn's ideal outcome, keeping football in the AAC, not going independent in football.

Now that said, sometimes you just don't know what's best for you. No doubt, UConn will miss the $5 million they would have gotten for AAC football, but in terms of building the program, I think these independent schedules are better for them than the AAC has been or would have been. If there's anything worse from a fan's POV than beating schools you care little to nothing about, it's getting beat up by schools you care little to nothing about, and that was UConn in AAC football. IOW's, i think the AAC's demurral will be a blessing in disguise for UConn football.

The money is roughly a wash. They would have gotten close to $6m net (after paying ESPN production costs - no production cost kickback in their Big East or CBS deals) in the AAC this coming year, and counting the $1m plus (how much more than $1m I dunno, when you add in the SNY secondary) from their FB deal and $4.5M from the Big East Basketball they'll.

Yes AAC would have been ideal, as they'd get roughly $3.5m for Football from the AAC and $4.5m from the Big East (escalator on the back half now, so higher than $4m average, while AAC on the front end so less than the $6.7m average).

But big picture it is better for both sides. AAC is going a different direction, and the right direction for their schools, while UConn is going the right direction for their school. It's a divorce where both are better off long run.

(05-15-2020 06:00 PM)Stugray2 Wrote:  The money is roughly a wash. They would have gotten close to $6m net (after paying ESPN production costs - no production cost kickback in their Big East or CBS deals) in the AAC this coming year, and counting the $1m plus (how much more than $1m I dunno, when you add in the SNY secondary) from their FB deal and $4.5M from the Big East Basketball they'll.

Yes AAC would have been ideal, as they'd get roughly $3.5m for Football from the AAC and $4.5m from the Big East (escalator on the back half now, so higher than $4m average, while AAC on the front end so less than the $6.7m average).

But big picture it is better for both sides. AAC is going a different direction, and the right direction for their schools, while UConn is going the right direction for their school. It's a divorce where both are better off long run.

The CBS deal is $1 mil total for 4 years. So $250k/year. Getting on tv at all is a huge win for a new Indy team that has only won 14 FBS games in the last 7 years.