xudash

The timing intrigues me.

Whether the B1G wanted to send a signal to ND or not, which doesn't seem realistic, given this out-of-the-blue timing, it most certainly torpedoed the BE's ability to get any form of relevant television money. The BE is about to go from above the other four to basically tied with or barely better than them, in terms of finances.

Understanding that any agreement(s) will include adjustment clauses for further realignment activity, how do you price this much instability right now - - advertising schedules have to be mapped out, projected ratings are based on certain assumed markets, etc.

So many have jumped ship. UConn and UL are watching the water level come towards their feet. UL clearly is the most attractive program left in the BE now, at least with respect to its breadwinner sports. They may lose out due to the ACC's academic disposition. In that case, UConn would get the call, but would be a comparatively weak addition, given their newness and comparatively small stadium. Then again, schools like BC and Wake aren't going to make much noise about any of that.

In my opinion, UC and the others are already lost below deck with respect to solving for any form of a BCS affiliation. I can't see UC making a jump to any of the Big5. They can't make it academically. They certainly aren't going to make it with Nippert Stadium. With very few exceptions - I can only think of Pitt and Miami at present (both weak ACC schools at that) - these Big4 titans like to see very big on campus venues that are fully stocked for home games, when it comes to evaluating new conference mates.

Television money for the BE is heading south. Otherwise, between the ACC and most likely the B12, UConn and UL are still hoping that there is room in a couple of the life boats. The others are losing the coveted BCS seal of approval anyway, but will have to put something together where the best among them can still fight for that one premier slot, for as long as the B4(5) keep it available.

AdamtheFlyer

And yet Dayton and Temple have roughly the same chance of ever being competitive at a high level of football. None.

I honestly think Temple fans are going to look back in 7-10 years and wish they had stayed in the A10/MAC. It was a gamble they had to take, but I don't see it paying off. Long term, the Big East or whatever becomes of it is not a viable football league, and league-wide the basketball is going to suffer for it. Could be Temple and Memphis just hanging out, drunk and staring at Houston, ECU, and SMU, wondering what the heck happened.

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Sure, I've been called a xenophobe, but the truth is, I'm not. I honestly just feel that America is the best country and the other countries aren't as good. That used to be called patriotism.

JHG722

You're entitled to your opinion, but a major university should be playing the highest level of football. Non-scholarship is Mickey Mouse BS and I would be embarrassed if my school stooped to that level. Enjoy your pennies in the A10.

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Temple Owls football and basketball

BU Terriers hockey

owlfan2272

Worst case we join a strengthed CUSA which is better for football than MAC so the move had to happen. Who knows if the Big East collapses what happens. If the catholic schools split then we would have been in the same position either way. Being with Cincinnati, Memphis and the rest of CUSA or a hybrid league of other conferences isn't a disaster but certainly not what we wanted. If the catholic schools stay then basketball will be in better position, if they can keep a football league even better. Nothing is catastrophic for Temple but there are a few scenerios better than others obviously.

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Temple Owls have won a lot.

twisted3829

come back to the A10 and bring in Memphis lol

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2010-2011 Lock of the Day Contest NIT Champion

xudash

I think that's about it. You're not going to get to the kind of BE that you thought would develop: one that becomes clearly positioned between the top 4/5 and the others, including C-USA. But you'll still end up in something that's better than the MAC. From there, who knows. Again, as long as the power players leave one slot open for those that didn't make it inside the castle walls, you'll always have a shot at it.

Either way, this isn't over with today's news. More movement is most certainly coming.

owlfan2272

I would love that but I can't see it happening. Only way Temple comes back to the A10 for basketball is if the catholic league forms and even then the prospect of joining without Xavier, Dayton, Butler maybe VCU etc would lose it's value. I would guess it's all Big East, Big East basketball/CUSA Football or all CUSA for us.

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Temple Owls have won a lot.

vaNtR

It is in Temple's best interest to have all of their sports in one conference, while establishing relationships with like-minded institutions who play 1-A football. The MAC/A-10 arrangement was be untenable long-term.

I'd love to be in the A-10 for basketball, but playing football in the MAC is awful. That said, neither conference is lucrative enough for a long-term commitment at this point.

owlfan2272

I think UMass will probably be the first selection to fill a hole or one of the top ones. Interesting decision for them... Pretty much the same decision we faced a year ago.

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Temple Owls have won a lot.

DoubleJayAlum

UConn to ACC.

UMass to Big East. New addition must have football and this is UMass' big chance to move their FB up a level.

Fordham to Patriot League.

Creighton and Wichita St to A10, further expanding its footprint into the Central Time Zone, gobbling up two committed basketball schools that don't have football programs, while decimating the MVC at the same time. The new additions allow for TV doubleheaders on weeknights with games starting at 7pm and 9pm eastern (6pm and 8 pm central).

With the CAA, Horizon and MVC left in ruins, A10 is well situated to improve Tv contracts by taking the spots previously filled by those other conferences.

RF1

If the closest A-10 school to Kingston were the Philly schools or SBU in western NY, URI would have to seriously consider other options. URI would actually be a better fit in the CAA if that were to happen.

Muddy Waters

Maryland's, Rutgers' Potential Move to Big Ten Looms as Risky Gamble for Conference (Yahoo! - November 17, 2012)

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anXUfan

I'm sick of realignment and very lukewarm on the prospect of X ever joining the Big East.

BmoreX

It's all about money. Maryland is in some dire financial situations right now, and joining the Big Ten pretty much kisses them goodbye.

Personally, as a born and raised Marylander who has rooted for the Terps for all my life, I hate this. I don't care much for MD football (and really, not many people do). It's going to be really disappointing to not have two games against Duke every season. Plus, MD has rivalries in the ACC, dating back to the 50s. The closest "rivalry" in the Big Ten would be Penn St., and that is just because of geographic proximity.

I do believe that if MD goes, this may set off a wave of further conference realignment.

uz2b-len

Summary: How much does this suck? Let me count the ways.