I don't know anything about ECU's academics... but if they consistently have 40k plus fans, have local rivals, fit geographically, and have been in contention in CUSA and with other Big East/ACC teams in the area I think they may be hard to beat.
That being said, maybe Big E is consciously trying to get a couple of Texas/southern schools to compliment TCU and help with Texas recruiting. Either way... should be interesting
ponyboy wrote:I am liking being a part of the conversation.
That's really 90% of the battle. You get yourself talked about when the conference ADs and Presidents meet, and that's better than the schools who get ignored. How would you like to be Rice (not mentioned at all?) or Memphis (also not mentioned?). We've got better chances than those schools.
Now, I really don't believe that the Big East is going to survive, but as many have pointed out, it's better to get in for a few years to improve your position for future realignments than not be in at all.
Harry0569 wrote:Our biggest selling point will be that we are in the Dallas Market.
And we are helped out by the fact that TCU never delivered the market by themselves, as evidenced by cable systems' refusal to add The Mtn to Metroplex cable.
Can't imagine TCU would let/want us to come on along IF there were any truth to this rumor. UH could be their travel buddy, gives Big East a new market. TCU then has two close games a year, us and UH, plus their home games. Since I think it is doubtful we go, I hope it is just a rumor. Losing Houston would be a big blow to the CUSA West, especially when you replace with a LA Tech or a UNT.
ponydawg wrote:Can't imagine TCU would let/want us to come on along IF there were any truth to this rumor. UH could be their travel buddy, gives Big East a new market. TCU then has two close games a year, us and UH, plus their home games. Since I think it is doubtful we go, I hope it is just a rumor. Losing Houston would be a big blow to the CUSA West, especially when you replace with a LA Tech or a UNT.
Houston's downfall is their terrible academic reputation. That is hindering them from making the leap (although UT would never let them into the Big XII). We must sell ourselves in 3 distinct ways: Dallas Market, Academic reputation, up and coming football program with the potential to sell out every game.
"smupony94: Harry, you have been promoted to purveyor of official status capabilities."
ponydawg wrote:Can't imagine TCU would let/want us to come on along IF there were any truth to this rumor. UH could be their travel buddy, gives Big East a new market. TCU then has two close games a year, us and UH, plus their home games. Since I think it is doubtful we go, I hope it is just a rumor. Losing Houston would be a big blow to the CUSA West, especially when you replace with a LA Tech or a UNT.
Houston's downfall is their terrible academic reputation. That is hindering them from making the leap (although UT would never let them into the Big XII). We must sell ourselves in 3 distinct ways: Dallas Market, Academic reputation, up and coming football program with the potential to sell out every game.
Academic reputation does not matter as much for Big East as it does for Big Ten, PAC, ACC, etc.