One really has to wonder how much money Rutgers brings to the table in real life. I mean, how much is the Big Ten network going to be worth if nobody watches Camden State getting bashed week in week out season after season. Which is a likely outcome, by the way. New Jersey isn't Indiana or Iowa. Rutgers doesn't hold the same place in people's hearts that Minnesota does in places like St Cloud and Bimidji. If Rutgers stinks, as it typically does, people in South Jersey watch the Eagles and those in North Jersey watch the Giants/Jets. Or the Sixers and the Knicks/Nets. Or the Yankees/Mets/Phillies. Basically it requires a very successful Rutgers team to break into the consciousness of the New York/New jersey/Philly fan base tha is new Jersey. Plus you have Rutgers in your conference now.
I think that is very unfair to say, however, your point is greatly analytical. RU does have a chance, but does it mean that we have a chance this year? Perhaps, perhaps not. In all fairness, and knowing the DMG of NJ, people in South Jersey, and Philly, for that matter, love the game of football. So it doesn't matter who is playing, as long as they win win win! North NJ is a tough nut to crack, because there is much more to do, however, there is a chance. UCONN going to the B1G will only enhance the NE perception and lock it down completely for the conference. I think that many of us forget just how untapped NYC really is. It isn't just a pro sports city, it is a sports city in general. Look at the recruits UCONN, tOSU, SU and others have brought in from NYC. This is still untapped territory, and tons of untapped talent in football. The PSAL in NYC, although they mean well, does not place a greater emphaisis on football as they do basketball. As a matter of fact, over the years, they have gone away from investing in football so much as they do showcasing the HS basketball brand. Just look at the number of top basketball recruits coming out of the city in general. Now, look at the number of top basketball recruits coming out of NYS. The entire state is basketball crazy! NJ is just the opposite, epscially with wrestling being the number 3 sport closely behind both BB and FB. Can NYC overtake NJ as the top FB state in the Northeast or MidAtlantic? I highly doubt it; but I do think that they can come close in marketing the HS FB brand tons better with better PR and investments.
I said this back when we got our acceptance, on another board, into the big ten, but NYC will be ecstatic about the Rutgers into the conference. This is something that has been and should have been done a long time ago, but we just weren't ready. And with UCONN in the fold, trust me, it will get much much larger. If you don't think so, go ask any football player from the PSAL what do they think. This will give many coaches from the city a chance to showcase that untapped and unseen talent from the Bronx (Kennedy HS, Columbus HS) and Brooklyn, From Lafayette HS all the way to Brooklyn Tech, and also give many HS students that participate in football, to become more involved in the sport. Believe me when I tell you, there are a corps of coaches excited about this move, additionally, there are many that are equally excited about the imminent move of UCONN to the conference as well. And although we've had our differences in the past, I am pulling for you guys and anxious for you Huskies to join, and I mean that sincerely. UCONN, with it's efficient department, will find a way to see this done. Although it will take time, it will only be a matter of time!
