walty12 said

I wasn't arguing FAU vs. FIU or UCF…I am arguing that by far the most important variable when it comes to being selected for a conference is market size.  In fact my previous posts state that I wouldn't be suprised to see FAU, FIU and UCF all end up in the same conference…there is a lot to be gained there.

Agreed. That would be amazing.

I'll add my two cents here.  Do I think we will go to the Big East?  No, but things in the sports world seem to happen with a certain randomness, and usually by the time a discussion such as this one comes up, a secret deal has already been made.  Just my opinion.  Would I like to see us in the Big East?  yes, and no.  yes, because as a fan I would love to see us get more recognition and TV time.  But no because I just don't think we're ready yet.  I still think we need to show that we can dominate our lowly conference before we can be looked at as a serious opponent, even in a middle of the road conference like the Big East.  But, it would be awesome to get into the BE with USF and start a real rivalry with an in-state school.

FYI………….The Big 10 expansion decision wont come for another 12-18 months.  Maybe our stadium will be up by then… :

The script is already set. Fans want to see a south Florida team (be it FAU, FIU, or UM) build a rivalry within the state and within the conference. Duder, you are absolutely right. A USF/FAU interstate rivalry is a natural fit. It has the potential to be as big as the UM/FSU rivalry.

If Shannon can't keep moving forward you will see some of the local talent (the kids that want to play close to home) take a serious look at programs like FIU and FAU. 

More time would be good BUT whenever it happens, we have to be ready to MOVE!!!!! I know both Angelos and Coach are of this mind set too!! And I do beleive it will be much sooner than the Big11 bullshitters are letting on, now that the cat is out, one of the major conferences will take the initative and GROW, someone will be pro-active and take their pick of programs, not react and take the leftovers!

GeorgiaOwl said

More time would be good BUT whenever it happens, we have to be ready to MOVE!!!!! I know both Angelos and Coach are of this mind set too!! And I do beleive it will be much sooner than the Big11 bull****ters are letting on, now that the cat is out, one of the major conferences will take the initative and GROW, someone will be pro-active and take their pick of programs, not react and take the leftovers!

I agree with the shortened time frame, I can't imagine them waiting that long to make something happen when there are teams ready now to jump over. I would think things would be in place at the end of this summer should it all go as planned.

walty12 said

EVERY SINGLE ARTICLE about conference expansion mentions ONE THING….TV REVENUES!!!!!!!  NOT ONE SINGLE ARTICLE talks about the Big 10 taking a team because they have a nice gymnasium.

We are in one of the largest television markets in the Country which = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

It doesn't matter if Troy or MTSU have a stadium that that rivals Michigans and sells out 100,000 fans every saturday….if they dont have the TV market they simply cannot create revenue for the conference.

Then why doesn't a conference pick us right now, or why haven''t they already?  Our market is the same now as it has been and will be.  The Big East has room (for football, and other sports), but has not picked us…nor has other conferences…and we are in one of the largest television markets in the Country.

If our market is that valuable, what's the hold up?

fauowl said

walty12 said

EVERY SINGLE ARTICLE about conference expansion mentions ONE THING….TV REVENUES!!!!!!!  NOT ONE SINGLE ARTICLE talks about the Big 10 taking a team because they have a nice gymnasium.

We are in one of the largest television markets in the Country which = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

It doesn't matter if Troy or MTSU have a stadium that that rivals Michigans and sells out 100,000 fans every saturday….if they dont have the TV market they simply cannot create revenue for the conference.

Then why doesn't a conference pick us right now, or why haven''t they already?  Our market is the same now as it has been and will be.  The Big East has room (for football, and other sports), but has not picked us…nor has other conferences…and we are in one of the largest television markets in the Country.

If our market is that valuable, what's the hold up?

First, our market isn't staying the same…

A UF study released this month estimated that the populations of Martin, Indian River and St. Lucie counties will increase by 25 percent, 48 percent and 71 percent, respectively, by 2035.

The University of Florida study, released Tuesday, estimates the state will have gained 23,000 residents from April 2009 to April 2010 and that Palm Beach County can count on more than 300,000 new residents by 2035 – one of the biggest increases in the state.

Second, this isn't buying a car…you are talking conference expansion which is not an overnight decision or is it implemented overnight.  We have our schedules set for the next 3 years so we cannot change till after that anyway.  Just be patient, good things like ahead for FAU.

Walty I agree, the numbers are there, the geographic is there, the only element is time. In the meantime we need to improve the brand and make sure we are ready for the jump. Plus, don't we have an advantage with scholarships because we are a public university? I only ask because UM fans discuss the fact that they are a private university in negative terms as in regards to recruiting. Are public universities able to offer more athletic scholarships?

proudowl said

Walty I agree, the numbers are there, the geographic is there, the only element is time. In the meantime we need to improve the brand and make sure we are ready for the jump. Plus, don't we have an advantage with scholarships because we are a public university? I only ask because UM fans discuss the fact that they are a private university in negative terms as in regards to recruiting. Are public universities able to offer more athletic scholarships?

I think they might be referring to thier alumni base being smaller?  Not sure.  I am pretty sure public and private have the same number of scholarships available for football.