Would it be THAT bad if we are left out?

[Thegreatone]

We would get into a conference with TCU/USF/ECU/UCF etc.... We would carry BCS championship resume's with us and would be near dominate in that conference. We would be going to high level bowls each year and perhaps a BCS once every 5 to 10 years assuming there is no rules against non BCS teams.

I imagine we could be like a Utah or TCU have been. Top 20 rankings wouldn't suck.

Maybe I am looking for silver lining (probably) but I can see where it would be good for some things.

Don't tell me bball would be hurt because there are several teams that are not in BCS conferences that are good. We would completely run train in bball in that conference.

While I am obviously hoping for a Big 12 invite I don't think it is a invite or dooms day scenario.

 

[JasonS]

We would get into a conference with TCU/USF/ECU/UCF etc.... We would carry BCS championship resume's with us and would be near dominate in that conference. We would be going to high level bowls each year and perhaps a BCS once every 5 to 10 years assuming there is no rules against non BCS teams.

I imagine we could be like a Utah or TCU have been. Top 20 rankings wouldn't suck.

Maybe I am looking for silver lining (probably) but I can see where it would be good for some things.

Don't tell me bball would be hurt because there are several teams that are not in BCS conferences that are good. We would completely run train in bball in that conference.

While I am obviously hoping for a Big 12 invite I don't think it is a invite or dooms day scenario.

I disagree. From a football standpoint, the best thing that could happen to UC would be to stay in a viable Big East that keeps its AQ status. The next best thing would be to go to the Big 12. If you are left out of the BCS party, your level of recruits will go back to what it was when Minter and Dantonio were here. UC is starting to get top notch talent (Jameel Poteat anyone?) and Coach Jones is putting together the best recruiting class in UC history right now. Things will only get better in our current situation. If UC is playing in a CUSA crappy conference, recruiting will slide back into what it was. TCU and Boise have been successful but it has taken them time and keeping the same coach. If Peterson leaves Boise, they will not be the team they are right now. UC hasn't had the luxury of keeping a coach very long, even after being in the Big East.

There is also the possibility that Super Conferences form and all those teams leave the NCAA and form their own "division" outside of the NCAA reach. If this happens, you want to be in that group or you will essentially be Division 2.

UC also needs to think about the money that comes from being in a big time conference. UC is not going to make enough money playing in a conference with mid major type schools. The Big East can offer UC a nice payout each year (for now) and the Big 12 could assuredly do that as well. Financially, the Big 12 may be a better option because of the ability to play conference games at PBS. Hard to believe UC couldn't sell 60,000 tickets for a game against Texas, Oklahoma, a highly rated Oklahoma State team or several others. Of course, Iowa State won't bring people out, but that game can be played at Nippert. UC needs to find a home in a BCS conference. If that continues to be the Big East, that is great. If not, UC better have given it some thought and done everything possible to assure it won't be left out in the cold.

 

[Thegreatone]

Good points Jason.

All I care about is UC being very competitive in a league.

I don't believe we are getting these recruits because of the league we are in but rather the recent success we are having.

Utah and TCU have recruited well and they have not been in a BCS conference.

 

[Thegreatone]

I believe that Cincinnati will be left out of BCS conference. I believe there will ultimately be a conference of UC, Rutgers, UConn, Navy, TCU, USF, UCF, Memphis, Houston, Air Force, Temple, and Villanova.

This would be a good league for us because we would be able to compete from the start. BCS games would be possible just like they are with the MWC.

I obviously want to join Big XII and compete but I am not interested in becoming the big boys whipping boys and hoping for a chance at a title every 15 years if that.

We could position ourself as the best non BCS team around and become the go to team when conferences want to add (which of coarse will happen).

Thoughts?

 

[JasonS]

I believe that Cincinnati will be left out of BCS conference. I believe there will ultimately be a conference of UC, Rutgers, UConn, Navy, TCU, USF, UCF, Memphis, Houston, Air Force, Temple, and Villanova.

This would be a good league for us because we would be able to compete from the start. BCS games would be possible just like they are with the MWC.

I obviously want to join Big XII and compete but I am not interested in becoming the big boys whipping boys and hoping for a chance at a title every 15 years if that.

We could position ourself as the best non BCS team around and become the go to team when conferences want to add (which of coarse will happen).

Thoughts?

If we are left out and the above conference is what we are left with, I can deal with it. I wouldn't be happy. There are only two teams in that conference that would draw any fans (USF and TCU) for games at Nippert. I personally believe UCONN will be gone to the ACC once the ACC realizes that ND is not giving up independence. More than likely, Rutgers will follow them since the ACC will not have any other options. I think UC gets left out of the Big 12 if they only expand to 12. I can see them taking BYU, UL, and WVU before UC. BYU may not want to lose it's independence and if that happens, I think UC is the "next man up." If the Big 12 ultimately goes to 14, I think UC is definitely in the plans.

I worry about UC taking a step back if the competition level drops. I think recruiting will suffer initially and unless UC can continue to win at a high clip, it won't bounce back very quickly. Imagine the level of recruits Butch Jones could go after by telling kids we are going to compete with Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State in the Big 12. Texas recruiting will open up for us and we would be able to compete better with OSU for top in state recruits. The perception of the Big 12 over the Big East or your newly formed conference above would do wonders for recruiting.

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

I believe that eventually Cincinnati will be in the conference with the Big 12 and Big East leftovers. Yes the PAC has decided not to expand for now, but the Big 12 is a ticking time bomb and eventually it will be split up.

With that being said, until that occurs I'd love for Cincinnati to be invited to the Big 12 for however long it remains because it allows us to raise our profile for a few years, and hopefully revitalize the Athletic Department.

 

[TheLivingLegend]

Getting to a bowl game is nice, getting there and winning is a different story. If UC is left out not only will alot of games be boring to watch (sorry I dont want to watch UC vs ooo say a Richmond every week), UC will not get ANY looks from elite players. No elite players = bad team.

 

[ralph1950]

UC will remain in the Big East, if the Big 12 should invite UC, UC will reject the invitation. The Big East is where UC wants to be.

 

[JasonS]

UC will remain in the Big East, if the Big 12 should invite UC, UC will reject the invitation. The Big East is where UC wants to be.

Ralph, your statement is ridiculous. You make too many assumptions in saying UC will reject an offer. Of course UC wants to stay in the Big East but only if it is a viable Big East. If UCONN, Rutgers, WVU, and UL are all leaving and UC has an offer to go to the Big 12, there is no way UC stays in whatever is left of the Big East. UC is not going to be the one with the choice. It will essentially be made for UC by other schools and conferences.

 

[ucdave]

Ralph, your statement is ridiculous. You make too many assumptions in saying UC will reject an offer. Of course UC wants to stay in the Big East but only if it is a viable Big East. If UCONN, Rutgers, WVU, and UL are all leaving and UC has an offer to go to the Big 12, there is no way UC stays in whatever is left of the Big East. UC is not going to be the one with the choice. It will essentially be made for UC by other schools and conferences.

x2

 

[ucdave]

If we are left out and the above conference is what we are left with, I can deal with it. I wouldn't be happy. There are only two teams in that conference that would draw any fans (USF and TCU) for games at Nippert. I personally believe UCONN will be gone to the ACC once the ACC realizes that ND is not giving up independence. More than likely, Rutgers will follow them since the ACC will not have any other options. I think UC gets left out of the Big 12 if they only expand to 12. I can see them taking BYU, UL, and WVU before UC. BYU may not want to lose it's independence and if that happens, I think UC is the "next man up." If the Big 12 ultimately goes to 14, I think UC is definitely in the plans.

I worry about UC taking a step back if the competition level drops. I think recruiting will suffer initially and unless UC can continue to win at a high clip, it won't bounce back very quickly. Imagine the level of recruits Butch Jones could go after by telling kids we are going to compete with Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State in the Big 12. Texas recruiting will open up for us and we would be able to compete better with OSU for top in state recruits. The perception of the Big 12 over the Big East or your newly formed conference above would do wonders for recruiting.

If the only criteria is attendance at football games, then I could agree with WVU being ahead of UC. But other than that, I think UC makes way more sense especially from an academic as well as a geographic & recruiting standpoint. Not to mention a larger TV market. I think everyone assumes WVU has some major advantage over UC because of football success? I don't know. Hopefully, the Big 12 looks at the big picture.

 

[JasonS]

If the only criteria is attendance at football games, then I could agree with WVU being ahead of UC. But other than that, I think UC makes way more sense especially from an academic as well as a geographic & recruiting standpoint. Not to mention a larger TV market. I think everyone assumes WVU has some major advantage over UC because of football success? I don't know. Hopefully, the Big 12 looks at the big picture.

I agree with what you are saying. I just don't know that it will come down to market size or recruiting foot print in this case. You already see Oklahoma in Ohio recruiting with Bob Stoops' ties. With so many good players in Texas, I don't know that the Big 12 South schools worry about recruiting. If the Big 12 feels like they can improve their television deals by adding a school in Ohio, then UC is in great shape. I am not so sure they think that will matter. WVU has a longer run of success as a football program at the BCS level than UC does. It may simply come down to which program the Big 12 feels is going to make it a better football conference.

UC has some advantages: Location, market size, airport/ease of travel, academics, recruiting area to name a few. Unfortunately, these advantages may require the powers that be in a conference like the Big 12 to think outside the box a little bit.

 

[ucdave]

I think academics plays a bigger role than what people believe. For that reason, UC has the advantage over both UL & WVU. But I know its not the only factor. With the institutions currently in the Big 12, I would think academics would have to play some role in the decision. Its not the Big 10, but certainly stronger than the SEC. But you may be right that football tradition is more important, but UC really has a lot going for it. Perhaps its just wishful thinking. C'mon Big 12, pick UC.

 

[ralph1950]

Ralph, your statement is ridiculous. You make too many assumptions in saying UC will reject an offer. Of course UC wants to stay in the Big East but only if it is a viable Big East. If UCONN, Rutgers, WVU, and UL are all leaving and UC has an offer to go to the Big 12, there is no way UC stays in whatever is left of the Big East. UC is not going to be the one with the choice. It will essentially be made for UC by other schools and conferences.

I am not the one that you should be saying this is ridiculous to because this is the position of the President of the University Gregory Williams.

 

[JasonS]

I am not the one that you should be saying this is ridiculous to because this is the position of the President of the University Gregory Williams.

This is his public statement. What else is he supposed to say? Have you ever played poker? You don't show your hand until you have to.

 

[ralph1950]

This is his public statement. What else is he supposed to say? Have you ever played poker? You don't show your hand until you have to.

The President's of the Big East are meeting in Washingtion DC this weekend. Williams is going to do all he can to keep the current schools together in the Big East. Regardless of the outcome UC will remain in the Big East, the Big 12 is not a good fit for UC for many reasons.

 

[ucdave]

The President's of the Big East are meeting in Washingtion DC this weekend. Williams is going to do all he can to keep the current schools together in the Big East. Regardless of the outcome UC will remain in the Big East, the Big 12 is not a good fit for UC for many reasons.

Maybe too little too late to save the conference. But we'll see.

 

[JasonS]

The President's of the Big East are meeting in Washingtion DC this weekend. Williams is going to do all he can to keep the current schools together in the Big East. Regardless of the outcome UC will remain in the Big East, the Big 12 is not a good fit for UC for many reasons.

This is the type of statement that you like to make without anything to back it up. I can give you an outcome that will cause UC to look elsewhere. WVU, UL, UCONN, and Rutgers all find a home elsewhere. UC is not going to sit back and do nothing. In fact, President Williams told us as much. So which is it? UC is going to do nothing, cross their fingers and hope for the best? Or, UC is going to do what is best for them as a University which may mean staying in the Big East or looking to leave?

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

Why do you feed the trolls?

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

The President's of the Big East are meeting in Washingtion DC this weekend. Williams is going to do all he can to keep the current schools together in the Big East. Regardless of the outcome UC will remain in the Big East, the Big 12 is not a good fit for UC for many reasons.

Actually Mick Cronin is going to that meeting, not President Williams. The schools will demand the current commissioner to be fired. Cronin will then take over as the Commissioner of the Big East Conference (but still will remain the head coach at UC).