9-3 is , by itself, not enough to judge a team. You have to take into account the schedule and the conference. Unfortunately, the BE is not perceived to be a top-notch football conference yet. I actually think that UL having a bad year hurt everyone in the league when it comes to conference credibility.

 

9-3 in the SEC or PAC-10 gets you a better bowl.

 

Or you could simply be in the B12 North and play crappy teams all year and build up a great record.

That has nothing to do with it. It's all about Bowl tie-ins and the last time they were shuffled the Big East was about to lose 3 teams. The problem should be fixed after next year...

They gave up a lot at the last bowl alignment from what I can tell. That can be fixed after next year with 2 more solid performances. Truth is they only have 3 quality spots with ND thrown in to the Gator equation. After the BCS, Sun/Gator and Care Care any quality team at #4 is going to get hosed.

 

With the way it is playing out USF and UConn are in serious risk of hurting that chance of improving bowl tie-ins...

How can these insolent lowly programs hurt the bowl tie-ins? Please explain it to me?

That has nothing to do with it. It's all about Bowl tie-ins and the last time they were shuffled the Big East was about to lose 3 teams. The problem should be fixed after next year...

 

Well then what's the complaint? I guess I don't follow.

How can these insolent lowly programs hurt the bowl tie-ins? Please explain it to me?

It was directed more at UConn, but I was a little upset last night and threw in USF.

 

If the Big East does not put up wins in the two games against other BCS conference foes, the tie-ins will not get better when they are redone after next season. Increasing the prestige of the 4th and 5th place bowl games is a must IMO...

Well then what's the complaint? I guess I don't follow.

 

I don't want to spend 3 days in Birmingham covering a Bowl Game against Southern Miss...

It was directed more at UConn, but I was a little upset last night and threw in USF.

 

If the Big East does not put up wins in the two games against other BCS conference foes, the tie-ins will not get better when they are redone after next season. Increasing the prestige of the 4th and 5th place bowl games is a must IMO...

I agree with that assessment whole heartedly. I can't speak for UConn, but USF, just like UC and WVU, has already shown that if they can win the turnover battle and keep from committing stupid penalties, they can play with anybody in the country. Let's face it, had UC and USF just taken care of business at home, this discussion would be completely different.

 

There is a second thing that the bowls look at besides wins and losses when determining tie-ins, and that is attendance. That has 3 sections as well. One, of course is how well the fans travel with the team, the second is how many fans probably live in the area of the bowl, and third the popularity of the school among the locals that would attend the game. I was talking to a marketing friend the other day and he indicated that, probably because of the national exposure of the #2 ranking earlier this year, the horned U, aka the iconic U, (the logo of USF) is selling like hot cakes out west.

 

BTW - I would prefer Birmingham over El Paso any day. I'd rather do the 10 hour drive over the 5 hour+ airline process. Also the cost difference is substantial. Luckily the alumni association is offering a package deal that includes air fare, if the bowl game is in El Paso.

I keep expecting the Meineke Car Care Bowl to select Rutgers. They would likely travel better than Cincy or UConn. International Bowl would then take the Huskies. We'll have to wait and see.

What I said at the begining of the thread is how it will play out. USF in the Sun. UConn in Car Care. UC in Papa Johns. Rutgers in International...

 

BTW - I would prefer Birmingham over El Paso any day. I'd rather do the 10 hour drive over the 5 hour+ airline process. Also the cost difference is substantial. Luckily the alumni association is offering a package deal that includes air fare, if the bowl game is in El Paso.

 

I would disagree. I think you want El Paso as a reward for your team. No offense to the fine folks of Birmingham but its hardly a destination spot in December. El Paso is warm and beautiful. Birmingham is gray. On a good day.

What I said at the begining of the thread is how it will play out. USF in the Sun. UConn in Car Care. UC in Papa Johns. Rutgers in International...

 

I read today that the Sun Bowl chairperson said he would take the highest rated team in the BCS standings which meant USF.

I read today that the Sun Bowl chairperson said he would take the highest rated team in the BCS standings which meant USF.

They also said last week they were picking between UC and UConn. The fact that Oregon State is the likely Pac 10 team really hurt UC's chances...

They also said last week they were picking between UC and UConn. The fact that Oregon State is the likely Pac 10 team really hurt UC's chances...

 

I read in the same article that the Charlotte Bowl (whatever its called) has had their eye on UConn for quite a while. UC simply has to prove that a)they're consistent and b)they travel. I guess UConn must travel.

I read in the same article that the Charlotte Bowl (whatever its called) has had their eye on UConn for quite a while. UC simply has to prove that a)they're consistent and b)they travel. I guess UConn must travel.

I was just talking to a UC official and he said UConn took 10,000 to their last bowl. There you have it. And like I said, it sure doesn't hurt that the UConn coach and Car Care chairman are golf buddies...

I was just talking to a UC official and he said UConn took 10,000 to their last bowl. There you have it. And like I said, it sure doesn't hurt that the UConn coach and Car Care chairman are golf buddies...

 

Life is about jack and connections.

USF to the Sun Bowl is official...