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Now, don't get me wrong, I am a fan of Dr. Turner. But isn't it ironic that Turner/SMU is representing the WAC at the big BCS, non-BCS pow pow in Chicago? SMU has played by its own more difficult rules for years, not by the standards of D-1 or the typical BCS school. Seriously, how can we complain about getting slighted when we haven't done the things to help ourselves and compete until only very recently? Like CP said, we need some wins, realignment is coming. I'm for building the right way, but can we get a couple of Juco linemen for next year to get us going a little faster...is that too much to ask?

Two different issues...

nope.

they aren't two different issues at all-if schools like Rice and SMU want to play by their own academic standards don't be surprised when we get left behind by the schools attempting to put winning programs on the field.

HEY HOOP FAN !
Post 500 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Turner was chancellor at Ole Miss. He knows the BCS boys and knows their issues well. Having served at SMU, he knows the non-BCS issues. He probably more than any other president can weigh in at these meetings to help forge some sort of settlement. The issues to be discussed are:
(1) BCS bowl opportunities for non-BCS schools.
(2) Division 1-A requirements (attendance, number of sports).
(3) Academics (graduation rates).
(4) Money
(5) National Championship opportunities.
I suspect, there will be some modest opening for non-BCS to play in a 5th bowl.
I suspect that there will be some loosening of the Division 1-A requirements (this is the biggest issue for most schools).
Academics will involve appointing some blue ribbon panel to review this issue.
Money will probably be left alone.
There will be some discussion of dealing with an undefeated non-BCS team getting into one of the top 5 BCS bowls. This may also involve conference realignment discussions or a play-in game of some sort.
I see Turner as one of the more important people at the table.

Born R&B, thanks for the shout out on #500, but its a dubious distinction at best. Shows the depth of my addiction.

Your points are well taken EastStang. From what I've gathered, Turner is well respected, and has friends in higher places. Same seems for Copeland. Just wish we would have them stand down the faculty a bit. Let Bennett and Dement have more tools. Friends from miss. seem to think that Turner wouldn't let us get left behind.

Go Ponies!

I think Turner is a real pro and personal contacts and respect always count for something. But i think that becomes a tie breaker and nothing more. I don't think Turner can keep SMU from getting left out unless the product is there at time of realignment, meaning: facilities, attendance, winning and academics. 2 of the 4 keys are in good stead, its the other two though that tend to be most important in the market.

[This message has been edited by Hoop Fan (edited 09-09-2003).]

If all the BCS schools give up is a 5th Bowl, its not worth attending the meeting. That just means that the 5th best bowl will get a non-BCS school IF they are top 10. A CRUMB.

EastStang, you said you thought the money issue would probably be left alone. That really is the whole ISSUE. Without the money, the non-BCS schools don't have much of a chance for competing...hell they are for the most part just holding on to stay alive. Approximately half of the D-1 institutions (the BCS half) split up over 90 million dollar every year while the other half tries to exist on 6 million dollars spread very, very thinly.

Until the money issue is resolved, nothing else is going to matter.

PK is right. The issue IS the money resulting from the BCS cartel locking out everyone else. A play-in for a 5th Bowl? What an absolute joke. Even if a non BCS school was guaranteed the 5th Bowl, it would mean the money would be split 90 million to 10 million. WOW!!!!!!!!! Playoffs or nothing. BTW- K St will play 15 games this year assuming they win the north division of the Big 12. 15 games is enough to have a 32 team playoff with no one playing anymore than that. Watch the NCAA hide behind the long season rather than promoting a playoff though.

My day wouldn't be complete without at least one link:

<A HREF="http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/6625621" TARGET=_blank>http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/6625621</A>

BTW that's # 870. In your face HF!

Nacho, I am your message board inferior and humble servant. The score is even worse than 870 to 500. I just post lousy opinions, you post links and hard core facts. Who is the most prolific poster on this site? There ought to be some sort of penalty, er I mean award, for that person.