DMN's TCU Snub

[Stallion]

the next few years will be interesting in several respects with regard to TCU. First, how do Texas recruits react to the move to the MWC-so far they had an outstanding recruiting year last year. Second, how is TCU's attendance affected by the move. I really think TCU may have a point here which maybe unpopular but I don't ever see Rice, Tulane, Tulsa, UH and most of the CUSA schools sending anybody to Ford so I don't really think it will hurt them. In fact, some of the state and big schools in the MWC may attract more locals than the CUSA schools especially BYU, Colorado St, Air Force and eventually New Mexico if their program keeps improving-they certainly have rapid BB fans. Third, how much coverage does the MWC receive in local papers in Dallas, Houston and across the state. This is where TCU may really suffer. The DMN appears to have tipped its hand in today's papers by publishing the entire conference schedules for the Big 12 and CUSA schools but publishing only TCU's schedule from the MWC. If they continue that trend it really could eventually hurt TCU's recruiting because TCU may be seen as an isolated school playing in a conference which is not covered by the Metroplex or Houston media markets. There's only a limited amount of space and this is where TCU's move represents the biggest gamble.

[Pony Fan]

Time will tell but regardless what you think of the toads, I think that move to MWC was a huge mistake and will bring them down in a hurry.

[davidsmu94]

I just can't see TCU being successful in recruiting the State in the MWC, especially if they endure another 500 season. I don't see how you can sell a kid on playing for an average program, playing half your games 1000 miles or more away, in a conference that doesn't give you a chance at a BCS Bowl. (Utah was a fluke). imho

[PlanoStang]

Yup, the froggies almost made "fluke" in 03. With the eastern bias in college football I don't think the MWC will be making the BCS anytime soon.

I remember BYU bringing a few fans to the Cotton Bowl during Cavan's first year I believe. We lost in OT. Thanks, Copeland for changing coaches during a very pivotal year.

I also remember almost 20000 Tulane fans in 98, and about 15000 with a televised Houston game in 95. These were a couple of very rainy games at the Cotton Bowl.

[Stallion]

Geez Cavan's first year was the best and toughest football team and only winning record around here since the DP. Maybe if Rossley could teach his players to run the football, block and had any concept of coaching defense especially against the run Cavan would never have got the job. That team with Dickey as OC and Schumann as DC was the best coached team we've had since the DP.

[giacfsp]

We all have an opinion, and that's yours.

And ripping Rossley for not teaching the run is like ripping Barry Switzer for not throwing more. It's just not what he teaches, and both are very accomplished coaches.

[Pony Fan]

Stallion, I agree with you on Cavan's first year.

[EastStang]

TCU will have no problems with attendance against AFA, BYU, and at least this year Utah should draw some curiosity. But in the long haul, SDS, UNLV, UNM, Utah, CSU will add some fans, but won't put huge crowds in the stands. And I think if TCU has another 3-8 year (especially if we can upset them), their move will be perceived as bad. Add to that the fact that away games will be at altitude and they will only be shown on CSTV which is still not on many cable systems for free, and I think they have dug a hole for themselves that didn't need to be there. But I wish them nothing but success in the MWC, so once we start beating them our victories will look that much better.

[DallasFrog]

Guys, time will tell on this one.

So far we haven't suffered any in recruiting, actually this last class was our best in the last few years and that's after a sub-par year. Granted we will be playing a ways from home, but I can think of worse places to play than San Diego, Colorado, Utah and Las Vegas, like Tulsa, Houston, El Paso... Plus, this should open the door for recruiting some of the talent out West.

As for attendance, it's not like we drew anything from CUSA opponents. Our biggest draws should have been UH and SMU, but neither brought much more that 1000 folks. Over the long run that may change, but for now, that's not an argument.

And you're probably right, the MWC may never receive a BCS auto-bid, but it's a helluva lot closer than CUSA right now. Utah was no fluke, and if the Big East has produced anything better than Pitt last year, you would have seen how solid they were.

[BUS]

I wish that Rossley had been a better motivator. I really liked watching his teams play when they were angry. And at time they came out sleep walking.

As far as the OC and DC - WHOA, they were both good.

I hope one thing.... that SMU ends up with a football coach that stays 10 to 15 years and has titles on the wall. SMU need success and stability.