If you guys really hate JJs agenda of going to hawaii u can.

[Garret]

The Players earned the choice-that's the only reason I would accept the Hawaii Bowl as their decision. You hurt your own arguments. I've never heard of a school going to a bowl because a Coach earned it. The Players yes-the Coach No.

The Notre Dame players got to vote in 2008 on which Bowl they would go to. Even though they had bowl choices that paid more and were easier/cheaper for their fans to attend, they chose the Hawaii Bowl. Their travel costs were much higher and bowl payout much lower by choosing the Hawaii Bowl (which cost Notre Dame a lot of money since they do not have a conference to share the expenses with), but they honored the wish of their players.

When Boise State played in the Hawaii Bowl in 2007, their players got to choose between the Humanitarian Bowl (played at their home stadium) and the Hawaii Bowl. They overwhelmingly chose the Hawaii Bowl, which meant that instead of having a full stadium in Boise with their fans they only had a small amount of their fans present for the bowl It cost the WAC a lot to allow Boise to do this because the WAC had to cover the lost attendance for the Humanitarian Bowl (C-USA would probably come out ahead with another team in the Liberty Bowl), and it sure cost their home bowl a lot of money.

So, the precedent has been set each of the past 2 years where schools honored the wish of their players to play in the Hawaii Bowl, even though most fans wouldn't be able to go and it would end up costing the school and/or conference money.

[Statler]

I'd sure as hell like to know what's going on with America, because again, I agree 100% with Stallion.

SMU WILL TAKE FEWER THAN 10,000 to Memphis. Count on it. Maybe 5,000. Besides, as JJ said, he's locked in to Hawaii. I'll bet we have around 1000-1500 at Hawaii.

At this point, provided SMU beats Marshall and Tulane (and that's not a guarantee), I think ECU has a better than even chance of making it a non-issue as to whether the champion goes to Memphis or not.

I agree with all of this so why did JJ feel the need to make this a public issue? Just focus on football and work on this behind the scenes. Does he just want the attention?

When we hired JJ we knew what we were getting. JJ does not care what the fan thinks as it is his luau and you can join it or get out. Some call it arrogance; others confidence; other think it is his serenity after the infamous car wreck he was in. Whether it's the Peruna vs "big horse" controversy, or the Hawaii Bowl vs Liberty Bowl controversy, JJ doesn't care what the fans think, CUSA officials think or for that matter what Turner and Orsini think; otherwise he would not make the statements he does.

[Garret]

I'd sure as hell like to know what's going on with America, because again, I agree 100% with Stallion.

SMU WILL TAKE FEWER THAN 10,000 to Memphis. Count on it. Maybe 5,000. Besides, as JJ said, he's locked in to Hawaii. I'll bet we have around 1000-1500 at Hawaii.

At this point, provided SMU beats Marshall and Tulane (and that's not a guarantee), I think ECU has a better than even chance of making it a non-issue as to whether the champion goes to Memphis or not.

I agree with all of this so why did JJ feel the need to make this a public issue? Just focus on football and work on this behind the scenes. Does he just want the attention?

The Hawaii Bowl has publicly *committed* to taking SMU if they go 6-6. Both the Hawaii Bowl (through Executive Director David Matlin) and JJ have been open about this.

However, SMU fans should think about this: If the Hawaii Bowl thinks that they will lose SMU, they might start trying to build up another C-USA team to be there target. Then maybe they would chose a ranked Houston team over a 6-6 SMU team (worst-case scenario). I think that SMU will win at least 7 and possibly 8 games, but JJ's support for the Hawaii Bowl probably protects the option to go to the Hawaii Bowl even if SMU is 6-6.

[Statler]

I'd sure as hell like to know what's going on with America, because again, I agree 100% with Stallion.

SMU WILL TAKE FEWER THAN 10,000 to Memphis. Count on it. Maybe 5,000. Besides, as JJ said, he's locked in to Hawaii. I'll bet we have around 1000-1500 at Hawaii.

At this point, provided SMU beats Marshall and Tulane (and that's not a guarantee), I think ECU has a better than even chance of making it a non-issue as to whether the champion goes to Memphis or not.

I agree with all of this so why did JJ feel the need to make this a public issue? Just focus on football and work on this behind the scenes. Does he just want the attention?

The Hawaii Bowl has publicly *committed* to taking SMU if they go 6-6. Both the Hawaii Bowl (through Executive Director David Matlin) and JJ have been open about this.

However, SMU fans should think about this: If the Hawaii Bowl thinks that they will lose SMU, they might start trying to build up another C-USA team to be there target. Then maybe they would chose a ranked Houston team over a 6-6 SMU team (worst-case scenario). I think that SMU will win at least 7 and possibly 8 games, but JJ's support for the Hawaii Bowl probably protects the option to go to the Hawaii Bowl even if SMU is 6-6.

Also remember if we go 6-6, we only get to go if after all the 7 win teams are picked and there still openings. I don't know what that situation is...Stallion probably knows.

[Garret]

Also remember if we go 6-6, we only get to go if after all the 7 win teams are picked and there still openings. I don't know what that situation is...Stallion probably knows.

The Hawaii Bowl and ESPN can easily make trades with other bowls who have open spots to get a 6-win SMU team if the Hawaii Bowl wants to. The 7 win barrier is not a high hurdle when there are so many bowl games now that need to fill spots.

[PK]

I'd sure as hell like to know what's going on with America, because again, I agree 100% with Stallion.

SMU WILL TAKE FEWER THAN 10,000 to Memphis. Count on it. Maybe 5,000. Besides, as JJ said, he's locked in to Hawaii. I'll bet we have around 1000-1500 at Hawaii.

At this point, provided SMU beats Marshall and Tulane (and that's not a guarantee), I think ECU has a better than even chance of making it a non-issue as to whether the champion goes to Memphis or not.

I agree with all of this so why did JJ feel the need to make this a public issue? Just focus on football and work on this behind the scenes. Does he just want the attention?

Only JJ can answer that question.

[Garret]

I'd sure as hell like to know what's going on with America, because again, I agree 100% with Stallion.

SMU WILL TAKE FEWER THAN 10,000 to Memphis. Count on it. Maybe 5,000. Besides, as JJ said, he's locked in to Hawaii. I'll bet we have around 1000-1500 at Hawaii.

At this point, provided SMU beats Marshall and Tulane (and that's not a guarantee), I think ECU has a better than even chance of making it a non-issue as to whether the champion goes to Memphis or not.

I agree with all of this so why did JJ feel the need to make this a public issue? Just focus on football and work on this behind the scenes. Does he just want the attention?

Only JJ can answer that question.

Maybe JJ wants to keep the option open to go to a bowl game even if SMU goes 6-6? If SMU goes for the Liberty Bowl or bust and then the next 2 games do not go well, maybe the Hawaii Bowl could think they need to move on?

[gostangs]

I would have never thought it possible - but this subject is even more worn out then the big horse/little horse controversy.

Can we just play the games and let the chips fall. I think it is going to end up being not at all controversial.

[Alaric]

I would have never thought it possible - but this subject is even more worn out then the big horse/little horse controversy.

Can we just play the games and let the chips fall. I think it is going to end up being not at all controversial.

top 3 ad nauseums:

1. Big horse/little horse
2. Hawaii Bowl/Liberty Bowl
3. How horrible BLM is v Padron (yes, I like Padron and I'm not a BLM apologist, never have been)
Runner Ups:
4. JJ doesn't wear SMU colors enough
5. JJ doesn't wear socks
6. JJ throws the ball too much
7. JJ & staff don't have good enough high school contacts to be too successful here.
8. JJ & staff like Hawaii too much

[smuuth]

WE are gettin there pony fans. Isn't it great that we have moved up in the world and now have losers from other programs posting on our board and advising us on what we should and shouldn't do? And also telling us what June is all about and how smart they are? I can't wait till next year.....and the year after.....Let's see Sugar or Orange? Fiesta or Rose? Can't wait to see how many hop on the bandwagon to advise! While you're at it, why not come on out to Ford and take in a few games while tickets are still available and there are no seat licenses? That's what winning will do for you!

[Insane_Pony_Posse]

When we hired JJ we knew what we were getting. JJ does not care what the fan thinks as it is his luau and you can join it or get out. Some call it arrogance; others confidence; other think it is his serenity after the infamous car wreck he was in. Whether it's the Peruna vs "big horse" controversy, or the Hawaii Bowl vs Liberty Bowl controversy, JJ doesn't care what the fans think, CUSA officials think or for that matter what Turner and Orsini think; otherwise he would not make the statements he does.

Why do you assume your view represents a majority of what the fans want or think?
How do you know what the majority of SMU fans want?
You say JJ doesn't care what the fans think...well suppose the majority of SMU fans
are happy with any bowl game we get to go to this year and are perfectly happy with
June Jones rewarding the players with a first bowl trip to the beaches of Hawaii.

JJ does what he thinks is best for our program...like most other successful coaches.
Like someone posted ND let their players choose.
Do you think Joe Pa Paterno does what he thinks is best for his program?
You think Joe Pa Paterno tunes into the Nittany Lions message boards & asks for fans advice?
These guys dont get to where they are by accident.

[Stallion]

Yeah and Dennis Quaid let Ernie Davis and Syracuse players chose in The Express

[Bergermeister]

When we hired JJ we knew what we were getting. JJ does not care what the fan thinks as it is his luau and you can join it or get out. JJ doesn't care what the fans think, CUSA officials think or for that matter what Turner and Orsini think; otherwise he would not make the statements he does.

That's why I like him. We've finally got a coach with some balls. He knows what he wants. He knows what is best for his program - the one that he was hired to turn-around. He is focused. He is assertive. Some "fans" got so complacent with milk toast, spare head coaches that JJ comes as a shock to some who can't see past the status quo. It's time to get with the program - if you haven't already. The "committee" is not in charge anymore.

[Statler]

When we hired JJ we knew what we were getting. JJ does not care what the fan thinks as it is his luau and you can join it or get out. Some call it arrogance; others confidence; other think it is his serenity after the infamous car wreck he was in. Whether it's the Peruna vs "big horse" controversy, or the Hawaii Bowl vs Liberty Bowl controversy, JJ doesn't care what the fans think, CUSA officials think or for that matter what Turner and Orsini think; otherwise he would not make the statements he does.

Why do you assume your view represents a majority of what the fans want or think?
How do you know what the majority of SMU fans want?
You say JJ doesn't care what the fans think...well suppose the majority of SMU fans
are happy with any bowl game we get to go to this year and are perfectly happy with
June Jones rewarding the players with a first bowl trip to the beaches of Hawaii.

JJ does what he thinks is best for our program...like most other successful coaches.
Like someone posted ND let their players choose.
Do you think Joe Pa Paterno does what he thinks is best for his program?
You think Joe Pa Paterno tunes into the Nittany Lions message boards & asks for fans advice?
These guys dont get to where they are by accident.

You really are a jerk in fact your avatar really does reflect you.."butthead"..My post did not attack JJ. If you read my post, I never said my opinion represents the majority opinion. I supported JJ's hiring and still do. Why don't you get some class, lighten up and don't take things so personal. In fact if you get off your defensive attitude for a minute, my post actually supported what you said. Most coaches believe in themselves and don't care what other people think. They stand alone and succeed on what they believe. Therefore, he doesn't care care if you who want to go to Hawaii or not. It's what he wants. Most leaders have a vision and carry it through.

[Z-Man]

You really are a jerk in fact your avatar really does reflect you.."butthead"..My post did not attack JJ. If you read my post, I never said my opinion represents the majority opinion. I supported JJ's hiring and still do. Why don't you get some class, lighten up and don't take things so personal. In fact if you get off your defensive attitude for a minute, my post actually supported what you said. Most coaches believe in themselves and don't care what other people think. They stand alone and succeed on what they believe. Therefore, he doesn't care care if you who want to go to Hawaii or not. It's what he wants. Most leaders have a vision and carry it through.

Calm down, you just have to understand IPP's mindframe -- that is, if you don't worship JJ like unto a god, then you are obviously a moron and an evil hater who thinks he should die in a fire or something. Glad I don't have that drivel on my screen anymore -- please don't quote him/her anymore, please? Thanks