Non-Key Tweets

[Waquoit]

Tuxedo Yoda@TuxedoYoda · 22m 22 minutes ago
Part 1: Huge scoop. Was told Miami regrets signing ACC GOR. Lack of $ really hurts their ability to eat Golden's contract & hire new staff.

Huge scoop? That's not even as big as the news about Daryl Worley.

 

[Marty Jackson]

1. Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 2h 2 hours ago
   Rumors of Big 12 expansion are bogus. Not a scintilla of truth to them.

so it comes down to this. the first accurate tweet, and naturally, it screws Uconn.

 

[jostar1]

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 1h 1 hour ago
Look, I don't want to insult any fan base. I just want to point out a few things about the economics of expansion.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 1h 1 hour ago
First conferences expand for really only 1 reason - to make money. No increase in revenues = no expansion.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 1h 1 hour ago
Secondly networks are reluctant to pay for expansion. CBS may not pursue the SEC over the SEC's expansion & $ the SEC wanted.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 1h 1 hour ago
The Big 12 is already receiving premium dollar. Their partners will not pay for expansion. They will not overpay for expansion.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 1h 1 hour ago
Because the Big 12 is already receiving premium $ any additions would have to bring premium $ with them. No school outside a P5 conf does.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 1h 1 hour ago
Expansion has a diminishing returns factor. Additions 15 & 16 have to bring in more $ than 13 & 14.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 60m 60 minutes ago
As worthy as ECU, UCF, Cincy, and USF are they don't merit enough $ to justify their addition to the Big 12 at the current time.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 60m 60 minutes ago
Remember carriage fees mean nothing to the Big 12. Other metrics are more important.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 58m 58 minutes ago
Metrics like Nielsen ratings, merchandising, season ticket sales, 10 year w-l record, bowl record. Top 25 finishes and many more.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 57m 57 minutes ago
Addition with the current tv contract would destabilize the Big 12 by reducing revenues. It's not happening today, tomorrow or in 4 weeks.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 45m 45 minutes ago
@caingle nothing has changed. I'm pro B12 expansion. Nothing is happening.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 44m 44 minutes ago
@caingle I'll give you another reason. Fox & ESPN share the Big 12 contract & both would have to agree to seriously overpay.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 43m 43 minutes ago
@caingle Just for example if the B12 added 2schools the would have to generate an additional $70-90 million in TV revenue each year.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 42m 42 minutes ago
@caingle And that's just to maintain revenues. 4 schools? That's $140-180 million each year.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 41m 41 minutes ago
@caingle And why would he Big 12 expand? What's in it for the 10 current members? Less $ & fewer marquee games with UT & OU?

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 41m 41 minutes ago
@caingle There isn't an escalator in effect. It's the opposite. Dollars stay the same no matter how many schools.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 39m 39 minutes ago
@caingle Have you seen WVU's revenue projections? To maintain levels any addition must at least add $35 million each year.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 38m 38 minutes ago
@caingle The B12 will be able to add a CCG with 10 members due to P5 autonomy. Estimates are another $2.5 million per member at 10 members.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 35m 35 minutes ago
@caingle When the contract reopens the Big 12 will add - if it survives. How many they add is open to debate. 1 to 4.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 34m 34 minutes ago
@caingle And the same source spreading this BS says Miami is so desperate for B12 $ they will spend $50 to exit & not have TV rights.

Christopher Lambert @theDudeofWV · 33m 33 minutes ago
More tomorrow. Sorry to have to be such a downer. I really wish I could say otherwise.

 

[Nostical]

Has anyone heard anything on our AAU efforts?

At a recent UConn alumni function in Boston, Susan Herbst was asked this question: "Given the significant and unprecedented public commitment made to STEM and UConn's increasingly successful pursuit of research grants under your tenure---coupled with an understanding that inclusion in a P-5 athletic conference with it's significant advantages both in exposure and dollars is vital to sustaining and enhancing our athletic relevance, how would you characterize UConn's efforts to gain acceptance into the AAU--which is understood to be an important pre-requisite for some."

In her answer to the gathering, she first explained the current conference landscape and discussed how the separation of the P-5 into an autonomous group affects those who are not in the loop. She also spoke positively as expected about our new home in the AAC, our commissioner, and new University partners.

She then added this (paraphrased) comment. "The AAU is essentially an exclusive club of research institutions set up years ago. Right now, many of the original members actually have less of a research footprint than does UConn, and if they were not already members would not now be invited to join. But in order to retain exclusivity, the AAU can't take all of the institutions who feel deserving of membership. It's more like a fraternity. You have to "rush". They have to like you and want you in their frat house. So it's a process, but that is our goal."

She certainly understands the importance of football in the mix. She mentioned that Jim Calhoun, after one of our ugly losses, was in her suite and said "I can cure a bad basketball team with two good guards. In football it's much tougher and takes a lot longer. Be patient"

She understands our dilemma. More importantly, she has the drive (and smarts) to relentlessly pursue her bold agenda for UConn. High on that list would be raising our endowment. We are sadly sitting at a level similar to our smaller, less ambitious, fellow New England state schools. It's frankly an embarrassment as she tries to promote us to the big boys. Without a T. Boone Pickens or Phil Knight type in our midst, the job is a daunting one. The good news is that the new director of the UConn Foundation is an exponential leap forward from the past and after hearing him I was encouraged. Bottom line, here's my advice. When you say those bedtime prayers for your loved ones, include Susan in the mix.

 

[Fishy]

In her answer to the gathering, she first explained the current conference landscape and discussed how the separation of the P-5 into an autonomous group affects those who are not in the loop. She also spoke positively as expected about our new home in the AAC, our commissioner, and new University partners.

Would you be able to expand on her comments here?

 

[jostar1]

MH3 @MH3 · 3h 2 hours ago
Big10 looking for the coup d'état. Adding the 2 biggest states in college football terms. But we've heard it all before. What's changed?

MH3 @MH3 · 3h 3 hours ago
Fox is apparently telling UT that the next round of tv will not net the B12 a competitive wage

MH3 @MH3 · 3h 3 hours ago
And what of the ACC if they lost their crown jewel(FB)? Wouldn't hurt them as bad as B12 losing theirs

MH3 @MH3 · 3h 3 hours ago
It's why OK and WVU still keeps feelers out to the SEC. B12 looking more temporary every week that passes

 

[DarthGrumpy]

At a recent UConn alumni function in Boston, Susan Herbst was asked this question: "Given the significant and unprecedented public commitment made to STEM and UConn's increasingly successful pursuit of research grants under your tenure---coupled with an understanding that inclusion in a P-5 athletic conference with it's significant advantages both in exposure and dollars is vital to sustaining and enhancing our athletic relevance, how would you characterize UConn's efforts to gain acceptance into the AAU--which is understood to be an important pre-requisite for some."

In her answer to the gathering, she first explained the current conference landscape and discussed how the separation of the P-5 into an autonomous group affects those who are not in the loop. She also spoke positively as expected about our new home in the AAC, our commissioner, and new University partners.

She then added this (paraphrased) comment. "The AAU is essentially an exclusive club of research institutions set up years ago. Right now, many of the original members actually have less of a research footprint than does UConn, and if they were not already members would not now be invited to join. But in order to retain exclusivity, the AAU can't take all of the institutions who feel deserving of membership. It's more like a fraternity. You have to "rush". They have to like you and want you in their frat house. So it's a process, but that is our goal."

She certainly understands the importance of football in the mix. She mentioned that Jim Calhoun, after one of our ugly losses, was in her suite and said "I can cure a bad basketball team with two good guards. In football it's much tougher and takes a lot longer. Be patient"

She understands our dilemma. More importantly, she has the drive (and smarts) to relentlessly pursue her bold agenda for UConn. High on that list would be raising our endowment. We are sadly sitting at a level similar to our smaller, less ambitious, fellow New England state schools. It's frankly an embarrassment as she tries to promote us to the big boys. Without a T. Boone Pickens or Phil Knight type in our midst, the job is a daunting one. The good news is that the new director of the UConn Foundation is an exponential leap forward from the past and after hearing him I was encouraged. Bottom line, here's my advice. When you say those bedtime prayers for your loved ones, include Susan in the mix.

Interesting, now I know what to ask in November when she is scheduled to be at a UConn alumni event at the NYSE in New York.

 

[Sea Goat]

At a recent UConn alumni function in Boston, Susan Herbst was asked this question: "Given the significant and unprecedented public commitment made to STEM and UConn's increasingly successful pursuit of research grants under your tenure---coupled with an understanding that inclusion in a P-5 athletic conference with it's significant advantages both in exposure and dollars is vital to sustaining and enhancing our athletic relevance, how would you characterize UConn's efforts to gain acceptance into the AAU--which is understood to be an important pre-requisite for some."

In her answer to the gathering, she first explained the current conference landscape and discussed how the separation of the P-5 into an autonomous group affects those who are not in the loop. She also spoke positively as expected about our new home in the AAC, our commissioner, and new University partners.

She then added this (paraphrased) comment. "The AAU is essentially an exclusive club of research institutions set up years ago. Right now, many of the original members actually have less of a research footprint than does UConn, and if they were not already members would not now be invited to join. But in order to retain exclusivity, the AAU can't take all of the institutions who feel deserving of membership. It's more like a fraternity. You have to "rush". They have to like you and want you in their frat house. So it's a process, but that is our goal."

She certainly understands the importance of football in the mix. She mentioned that Jim Calhoun, after one of our ugly losses, was in her suite and said "I can cure a bad basketball team with two good guards. In football it's much tougher and takes a lot longer. Be patient"

She understands our dilemma. More importantly, she has the drive (and smarts) to relentlessly pursue her bold agenda for UConn. High on that list would be raising our endowment. We are sadly sitting at a level similar to our smaller, less ambitious, fellow New England state schools. It's frankly an embarrassment as she tries to promote us to the big boys. Without a T. Boone Pickens or Phil Knight type in our midst, the job is a daunting one. The good news is that the new director of the UConn Foundation is an exponential leap forward from the past and after hearing him I was encouraged. Bottom line, here's my advice. When you say those bedtime prayers for your loved ones, include Susan in the mix.

She is doing her part very well and the state has put its money where its mouth is. UConn is ascending rapidly. But, in long term, the P-5 issue must be resolved. We are playing a bit of catch-up because the dreadful duo of Hogan and Hathaway, but she is doing all the right things.

 

[AZHuskiePop]

At a recent UConn alumni function in Boston, Susan Herbst was asked this question: "Given the significant and unprecedented public commitment made to STEM and UConn's increasingly successful pursuit of research grants under your tenure---coupled with an understanding that inclusion in a P-5 athletic conference with it's significant advantages both in exposure and dollars is vital to sustaining and enhancing our athletic relevance, how would you characterize UConn's efforts to gain acceptance into the AAU--which is understood to be an important pre-requisite for some."

In her answer to the gathering, she first explained the current conference landscape and discussed how the separation of the P-5 into an autonomous group affects those who are not in the loop. She also spoke positively as expected about our new home in the AAC, our commissioner, and new University partners.

She then added this (paraphrased) comment. "The AAU is essentially an exclusive club of research institutions set up years ago. Right now, many of the original members actually have less of a research footprint than does UConn, and if they were not already members would not now be invited to join. But in order to retain exclusivity, the AAU can't take all of the institutions who feel deserving of membership. It's more like a fraternity. You have to "rush". They have to like you and want you in their frat house. So it's a process, but that is our goal."

She certainly understands the importance of football in the mix. She mentioned that Jim Calhoun, after one of our ugly losses, was in her suite and said "I can cure a bad basketball team with two good guards. In football it's much tougher and takes a lot longer. Be patient"

She understands our dilemma. More importantly, she has the drive (and smarts) to relentlessly pursue her bold agenda for UConn. High on that list would be raising our endowment. We are sadly sitting at a level similar to our smaller, less ambitious, fellow New England state schools. It's frankly an embarrassment as she tries to promote us to the big boys. Without a T. Boone Pickens or Phil Knight type in our midst, the job is a daunting one. The good news is that the new director of the UConn Foundation is an exponential leap forward from the past and after hearing him I was encouraged. Bottom line, here's my advice. When you say those bedtime prayers for your loved ones, include Susan in the mix.

There are Connecticut Prep schools with larger endowments than UConn
That's insane

 

[woomba]

The PAC would have no interest in OK St & Kansas St. They didn't want them the last time around when they were coming with UT & Oklahoma. There is no way they would invite them by themselves

Slight correction - Texas already declined by the time this went up for Pac-12 voting. They probably would have been ok with it if both OU and Texas were in.

 

[Kolumbo]

Slight correction - Texas already declined by the time this went up for Pac-12 voting. They probably would have been ok with it if both OU and Texas were in.

Virginia pulled strings to get VPI in the ACC. Ohio does not seem to care about Cinci. Different strategies for different reasons. I wonder if the states of Kansas and Oklahoma might soon wonder how viable the Big 12 is long term and perhaps it may be time to put their eggs in different baskets. Send Kansas to the B1G which is a lock as opposed to having two schools in a question mark.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

There are Connecticut Prep schools with larger endowments than UConn
That's insane

Considering the age and the name of of the private schools in CT (Choate, Hopkins), not that surprised. Harvard has an endowment larger that many developed countries and is the second largest private endowment behind the Catholic Church.

 

[jostar1]

Greg Flugaur ‏@flugempire · 6h6 hours ago
@MHver3 The Big 10 would take Oklahoma with Texas. But Texas/boosters have no interest in Big 10. Boren looks at B1G as a positive option

MHver3 @MHver3 · 19h 19 hours ago
Don't know why B1G never really showed interest in the Sooners though. I'd just take them and UT and call it a day. Academic snobbery?

Greg Flugaur ‏@flugempire · 6h6 hours ago
@MHver3 It's not so much academic snobbery as its about OU not being a big enough research school. But OU exception would be made w/Texas

Greg Flugaur ‏@flugempire · 6h6 hours ago
@MHver3 OU entrance into B1G in 16/17 would have helped Delany greatly with new tier 1 negotiations...but Big 12 GOR stops it for now.

Greg Flugaur ‏@flugempire · 6h6 hours ago
@MHver3 OU and Boren have a building relationship with Delany, Texas does not. Texas built it's parachute out of LHN with INDY/ACC not B1G

Greg Flugaur ‏@flugempire · 4h3 hours ago
@chad_rice @MHver3 Boren knows he has friends with ADs of the Big 10....all of the West. But Texas is cold to B1G for various reasons.

Greg Flugaur ‏@flugempireflugempire
@RedhawkLand @chad_rice @MHver3 schools own a slice of the 49% of the BTN (FOX 51%). OU is watching...and talking to B1G. There is no doubt

Greg Flugaur @flugempire · 4h 4 hours ago
@chad_rice @MHver3 OU has pressure to bring along OSU..but it has been surpassed by pressure to increase exposure of their brand nationally

Greg Flugaur @flugempire • 3h 3 hours ago
@RedhawkLand @chad_rice @MHver3 I can confirm OU has been pitched scenarios and it will continue..but TX is cold to B1G. Boosters icy

 

[Dooley]

At a recent UConn alumni function in Boston, Susan Herbst was asked this question: "Given the significant and unprecedented public commitment made to STEM and UConn's increasingly successful pursuit of research grants under your tenure---coupled with an understanding that inclusion in a P-5 athletic conference with it's significant advantages both in exposure and dollars is vital to sustaining and enhancing our athletic relevance, how would you characterize UConn's efforts to gain acceptance into the AAU--which is understood to be an important pre-requisite for some."

In her answer to the gathering, she first explained the current conference landscape and discussed how the separation of the P-5 into an autonomous group affects those who are not in the loop. She also spoke positively as expected about our new home in the AAC, our commissioner, and new University partners.

She then added this (paraphrased) comment. "The AAU is essentially an exclusive club of research institutions set up years ago. Right now, many of the original members actually have less of a research footprint than does UConn, and if they were not already members would not now be invited to join. But in order to retain exclusivity, the AAU can't take all of the institutions who feel deserving of membership. It's more like a fraternity. You have to "rush". They have to like you and want you in their frat house. So it's a process, but that is our goal."

She certainly understands the importance of football in the mix. She mentioned that Jim Calhoun, after one of our ugly losses, was in her suite and said "I can cure a bad basketball team with two good guards. In football it's much tougher and takes a lot longer. Be patient"

She understands our dilemma. More importantly, she has the drive (and smarts) to relentlessly pursue her bold agenda for UConn. High on that list would be raising our endowment. We are sadly sitting at a level similar to our smaller, less ambitious, fellow New England state schools. It's frankly an embarrassment as she tries to promote us to the big boys. Without a T. Boone Pickens or Phil Knight type in our midst, the job is a daunting one. The good news is that the new director of the UConn Foundation is an exponential leap forward from the past and after hearing him I was encouraged. Bottom line, here's my advice. When you say those bedtime prayers for your loved ones, include Susan in the mix.

Please copy and paste this every time one of our board's nitwits start in on their ridiculous Herbst comments. I firmly believe that if President Herbst was our President in the 90s, UCONN would be in the B1G today. It's incredibly difficult to play catch-up when there are so many areas that UCONN needed to or continues to need to improve under her watch (endowment figure, research/AAU profile, football performance, fan support, student body increase, APR, replacing a basketball coaching legend, upgrading hockey, etc).

 

[Dooley]

OU would be pressured to bring okielite anywhere they go, Kansas with Kansas St, Texas with Texas Tech...that's the problem (other than GOR) with targeting a B12 school. In order to catch a trophy fish, you also have to grab a minnow.

 

[jostar1]

Don @Don_304 · 3h 3 hours ago
Expansion news and notes from MFB contributor Chris Lambert (@theDudeofWV)! http://mountaineerfanboy.prophpbb.com/topic14.html

 

[CL82]

Don @Don_304 · 3h 3 hours ago
Expansion news and notes from MFB contributor Chris Lambert (@theDudeofWV)! http://mountaineerfanboy.prophpbb.com/topic14.html

I have to admit, that made sense as far as it went.

 

[Nostical]

I firmly believe that if President Herbst was our President in the 90s, UCONN would be in the B1G today.

No doubt! It makes my head hurt to think how we squandered so much of our "athletic capital" due to institutional inertia. What Lew Perkins began was short-circuited by marginal leaders at the top who lacked both the vision and the knowhow to translate it into building what Herbst has shown she could have accomplished given her short but visibly kinetic tenure.

 

[noeynox]

I have to admit, that made sense as far as it went.

His premise is flawed. Schools could join the conference and agree to take less or negotiate their own deal and pay the big 12. He seems confident the big 12 will get a championship game with 10 teams cause of autonomy. I don't know why the other p5 members would grant them that.

 

[upstater]

Please copy and paste this every time one of our board's nitwits start in on their ridiculous Herbst comments. I firmly believe that if President Herbst was our President in the 90s, UCONN would be in the B1G today. It's incredibly difficult to play catch-up when there are so many areas that UCONN needed to or continues to need to improve under her watch (endowment figure, research/AAU profile, football performance, fan support, student body increase, APR, replacing a basketball coaching legend, upgrading hockey, etc).

I wouldn't be so confident. Before the 2000s, state funding for colleges was supported nationally. But Conn. was in the bottom quintile for support. Now that state funding has been stripped from high ed. nationally, state legislators in Conn. have come to understand that the rise in tuition to make up for the shortfall in funding requires that care is given to the top public university. This kind of pressure didn't exist in the 80s or 90s, at least to this degree. In the northeast, we often saw state funding being given to private institutions rather than state schools. And when you looked at the alma maters of state leaders in the northeast, they were usually private schools.

 

[bobbyinaz]

His premise is flawed. Schools could join the conference and agree to take less or negotiate their own deal and pay the big 12. He seems confident the big 12 will get a championship game with 10 teams cause of autonomy. I don't know why the other p5 members would grant them that.

Schools already take less when they join conferences. Nebraska is still not making a full share & UMD & RU don't get full shares until 2018 or 2019. West Virginia doesn't get a full share until 2016

I would agree that I don't think autonomy gives the Big 12 a championship game. It depends on what the other conferences think is in their best interest. If they want the status quo to remain in place then they might allow the championship game not wanting to set any further CR in motion. If they think that the Big 12 would go to 12 teams without adding a current P5 school (Cinci, USF, UCF, BYU etc) then they may force them to expand to get a championship game.

 

[Stinger92860]

Assuming he is correct, we may need to make a deal to accept a partial share, which makes sense. Could we propose a Scenario where we start with a partial share Includes a performance based incentive for more money? Could be on field performance or network ratings etc.

 

[CL82]

Our paltry TV payout does open the door to this option. Even 1/3 (not that I'd advocate for a reduced share) of most other conferences TV money would be an improvement for us.

 

[Stinger92860]

Our paltry TV payout does open the door to this option. Even 1/3 (not that I'd advocate for a reduced share) of most other conferences TV money would be an improvement for us.

Rutgers is paying for a P5 game. They don't need to pay for an AAC game.

 

[UConn Dan]

Was this posted (from yesterday)?

@RedhawkLand: I stand by my sources at OU that said B1G pitched OU a conceptual conf. of 20 or 24 teams. 4 pods of 5/6 @flugempire @chad_rice @MHver3

@RedhawkLand: The west pod proposed would be Iowa, Neb, KU, OU, Tex, & maybe Mizz @flugempire @chad_rice @MHver3

@flugempire: @RedhawkLand @chad_rice @MHver3 I can confirm OU has been pitched scenarios and it will continue..but TX is cold to B1G. Boosters icy