macphisto

And K-State is listed ahead of Texas for the Big XII, despite a loss. I don't think the standings sort until they get into conference play. They'll just stay as they were before conference play based on whatever the algorithm was.

That's the other angle. Texas, Texas Tech, TCU, Baylor, and Houston. Nearly half of the conference would be dominated by Texas and UT would likely use its clout to basically control that bloc and threaten to leave if they don't get what they want. But from UT, Baylor, etc angle, adding Houston would further dilute recruiting in the state. Rice is less of a threat, but they have little upside. Air Force is a long shot, IMHO. BYU has a national fanbase, but there are issues that I think would sink them joining. UCF and USF both have solid cases, though I think the academics and research funding give USF an edge between the two. UConn may be too far out at this point, despite the basketball program. Houston would be a great candidate, but there are problems. SMU has the same issues as Houston and I doubt TCU would want another Dallas area school in the mix. Tulane. No sure if I see the upside. Louisiana is SEC territory and doesn't have the massive population where many can be picked off. A Florida expansion makes a lot of sense. You could argue that adding USF and UCF is the wisest move for the conference because Florida has a huge population and many schools would get to have a recruiting trip to Florida as part of their schedule every year. That said, Cincy makes a lot of sense as one as a bridge to WVU and an in into Ohio. Be interesting to see where it goes.

I actually think the path for Houston is tough. The Texas schools may not be big on another Texas school in the mix. Oklahoma might not be thrilled at the prospect right now either. I believe a school will need 7 votes out of 10 to get in - and we're talking the Presidents of the schools. I could see TCU, TT, and Baylor all going against them - and Texas probably would for good measure. We could also see WVU and OU not be fans. Cincy makes a lot of sense as a bridge to WVU. USF's academics, research clout, and access to Florida all play in its favor. All the Texas schools already have access to Houston. From a recruiting standpoint, Florida and Ohio make a lot of sense. Lots of talent in those two states and lots of people to expand the demographic footprint of the conference. The Big XII already has the Houston market - or at least a solid part of it. BYU has long been a problem due to their need for Sundays off, even for travel. There's also the underlying LGBT issues there as well. I doubt BYU has a real shot. UCF doesn't look as good when you consider it is university presidents that are voting. Of course, they could go for 14.

Oklahoma is not AAU and the B1G won't let Texas run the show, so I'm not sure either are a match. Texas might consider a move to the PAC-12 if they can keep the Longhorn Network (the B1G won't let that happen). Even if they took Texas, they'd need another school to match and take the conference to 16. That could be another Big XII school like Kansas or Iowa State (both are AAU) or it could be an upstart like us IF we achieve AAU status. We're really, really close. Our grad rate for six years beats several of the lowest in the AAU. But they're limited in options unless someone leaves a major conference. I don't see Oklahoma going anywhere. They'd become the big cheese if Texas leaves. An outside shot right now could be given to Tulane. They are AAU, have a new stadium, and are in a decent sized metropolitan area. They also were SEC a long time ago. Regardless, I'd like our chances if Oklahoma heads the Big XII. Without Texas, I could see them adding Houston, Memphis, USF, UCF, and UConn to go up to 14.

I would doubt the Big XII would have an interest in Houston unless they balance things out. That means they'd really need to go to 14. We're fortunate because we're in Florida and that will be of interest to the networks. Of course, Houston would also interest them because of how large the city is and Cincinnati would reach an untapped area for the Big XII. Temple had a good season but has a poor history, though Philly is a tempting add. Would they just take one of UCF or USF or both? UCF picked the wrong year to have a terrible, terrible season. A strong season for USF next year with the potential of keeping Taggart long term if we're Big XII makes us alluring. I have a feeling the other Texas teams will not want to add Houston. USF, Memphis, and Cincy are attractive. Large metropolitan areas with potential to grow regionally. Memphis and Cincy also have a good history with basketball. UConn or Temple next? UConn has the basketball that could make them most attractive, is near NYC, and near ESPN. If we get invited it may be with the stipulation that we need to build our own stadium within a set amount of time, but with a big TV deal in a P5 conference, fund raising could take care of itself.

A blowout victory against one of those teams helps our look too. Shows those outside the AAC that we're a cut above. Prefer to play a P5 team, but need to take any game seriously.

If they want players and fans to travel, Birmingham is the best option. USF fans are not likely to stay overnight in the Miami area for an afternoon game.

Okay. Though from a venue and travel perspective I would prefer The Cure Bowl if it were versus a P5. The New Citrus Bowl is nice and baseball parks are not so great for football. There's also the plus that the Cure Bowl is a Saturday game vs. a Monday afternoon game in Miami. The negative is it's not on ESPN, but CBS. That said, both are partners with our conference. There are also issues with the Big Ten and ACC filling all their allotments. Not sure on how firm those contracts are, if the conference has a chance to bump itself up or not.

I could see us playing Cal in Miami. We know where Navy is going because the Military Bowl tie-in since they lost to Houston. The winner of Temple/Houston goes to one of the New Year's Day Bowls. The AAC is going to want to put it's best teams in good position to show against the Power 5. Right now that's Navy (they'll play the ACC in the Military Bowl), Houston, Temple, Memphis, and USF. There's no way Tulsa plays a SEC team ahead of USF right now. However, bowl tie-ins are what they are. Without a Sun Belt team, the Cure Bowl has flex where the Miami Beach Bowl does not. They are tied to CUSA. Navy is already matched up. Houston or Temple are going to a big bowl (Houston vs Ohio State in Arizona would be intriguing with Herman coaching against his old boss). I'm going to assume Houston wins. That leaves Temple, Memphis, and USF. The problem is that only one bowl remaining actually has a conference tie-in. That's Birmingham. If Toledo goes to Boca, that's a good matchup for a team. There's no way Tulsa gets sent to Birmingham. I'd guess that Memphis will get placed there. I think we get put in the Cure Bowl in Orlando if there's a PAC-12 matchup available. Either us or Temple. And whoever doesn't get that matchup will go to Boca Raton to play Toledo.

We've been bad for a few years. It just needs time. A lot of people checked out at 1-3. After a good season, an uptick is likely next year. If we're ranked, the crowd will be bigger because of the buzz generated. Beat FSU here next year and the sky's the limit.

Clearly this team was not sleeping on Cincy. Looks like they decide to kick them in the crotch, punch them in the mouth, and push them backwards on a guy kneeling down behind them to trip them out. Butt kicking doesn't even begin to describe it at this point. They are making the Bearcats look like UCF.

I respect how Coach Leavitt set this program up, but how things have picked up this season makes me feel that we are about to reach heights unheard of by this program over the next few years. I love that they don't play easy and are more than happy to punch their opponent in the mouth.

I think one advantage with Coach Taggart is his ties to the area. I can understand leaving for a huge offer, but I think it would take a really big name to get him to leave. I doubt he's going if Iowa State comes calling or something like that. But after this season, I doubt he'll have a ton of looks. If we have a great season next year, knock off FSU, etc and win 11+ games, then there would be some buzz. Even then, I'm not sure he'd go anywhere. Most of the biggest names have their positions filled for the time being.

He was left an empty cupboard and a program that had severed most ties to the local talent base. I don't think many of us realized how bad things had gotten, especially in the trenches on both lines. Coach Taggart has only had two full recruiting classes and they have been improving. This season will help him close out even better recruits. He has also shown a willingness to admit. When he couldn't get the personnel for his power offense, he adapted. I don't think Coach Taggart was really on a hot seat unless he took a step backwards. That was possible early in the season and there are games from then that I think we could win now - Maryland and Memphis leap to mind. I think we'd play FSU much tougher. Navy's offense is a real challenge, so not sure there. Flowers is just a sophomore. Same for Mack. This team is fairly young and growing. I think we've got a chance to be next year's Houston, Memphis, or Navy - stirring up the rankings once again as we did of old. Except I think Coach Taggart is more of a closer than Coach Leavitt. I think we begin to see surges to finish the season under Coach Taggart instead of ending the season on a whimper like Coach Leavitt. USF Football's best days are ahead of us, not behind.

And if Memphis can beat Temple, that would put us in the AAC Championship Game. I think Temple's D will have a rough time against Memphis. The Bulls need to take care of business, but if they do they could face either Houston or rematch Navy. Take care of Cincy and UCF first.

USF's past tells you what its future can be, just as UCF's present reveals its future as well. Both schools offer ins into large markets in a state that is soon to pass New York as the third most populous state in the country. The only other conference that could lay any claim to both Texas and Florida is the SEC - and they took A&M specifically to get into Texas. USF and UCF work best as a package. You need two to have any hope to gain traction in the state. Adding both grows market penetration while also growing the Big XII brand in the fertile football fields of Florida HS football. It need not stop there. There's no reason not to just go to 14 since all the others outside the PAC-12 have done so. Cincinnati is another good choice. Ohio is still a good recruiting ground and Cincy' market bleeds into Kentucky and Indiana. The real question lies in #14. Memphis or UConn? UConn is weaker on football, but, with potential, while bringing high basketball pedigree. Memphis has been good with basketball and football, is a large market, and helps to further penetrate SEC territory. I think UConn has the edge due to their men's and women's basketball dominance coupled with their decent run under Edsall. They grant access to New York and the Northeast, though Memphis gives you access to more fervent football areas. I'd go for Memphis personally.

I think we could have some nice success scheduling Big Ten teams. Gets them some more attention in Florida and they also travel well, so they'll get crowds when they come down here. They usually sell ticket and travel packages at a profit. I'd guess that both UCF and USF would be quite attractive and easier to schedule than FSU and UF. Of course, if we start beating them then they may be less happy - but if that happens then our program rises in esteem a bit.

As somebody else said, The rest of the Big 10 were upset with Nebraska for losing AAU status. As for Notre Dame, they are one of the better universities in the nation academically. I don't think anybody could legitimately question the importance or prestige of academics to the university. Go Bulls! That is what was reported and if Nebraska wasn't an AAU member when they were being considered for Big 10 membership they wouldn't have been extended a membership. As one professor at Rutgers said in response to their current basketball fiasco, sports should NOT be separated from academics. The Big 10 seems to be the only conference that requires high standards in both. Not only that, I can't even find if the Notre Dame invite to the Big 10 was even made or only rumor. There was talk about them joining in hockey in 2010 to help promote college hockey. But the academics of Notre Dame is tops in the nation, AAU membership or not. The Big Ten has been pursuing Notre Dame for a long time. Fact is that a lot of Big Ten schools already have a relationship with the Irish (Purdue, Michigan, and Michigan State are regular opponents). Despite not being AAU, Notre Dame's academic cred is well established. Everyone knows it's a great school on the academic side. Not sure if they have any aspirations to joint he AAU or not. Nebraska is different because it is a state school known outside of Nebraska for it's athletics. For the Big Ten, it is not enough for you to be a good athletic program. The ACC used to have similar academic cred (and it still is a strong conference for academics), but they have been less discriminating since adding FSU. Pitt is no slouch, neither is Syracuse. Louisville is iffy.

Not a bad name. Just work to make it so people take the conference seriously - then it won't matter. We can all wish for an invite to some better place, but for now we have to make good with what we have. Do well in our last BCS year (both as USF and as a conference) and earn respect by winning on the field. That means each program, Houston, SMU, Tulsa, Tulane, etc must commit to excellence and each member is surrounded by talent. Houston and SMU are in loaded Texas. We've seen what Oklahoma and OK State have done there. Louisiana is not a slouch either. Sure the Carolinas are a bit dry, but East Carolina actually has better football potential than the other NC teams. Cincy is in football rich Ohio. UConn is in the populous NE. UCF and USF are in football rich Florida. There is great potential for success, but the members of the conference will have to build it. This is a fresh start and a time to commit to growing the conference and working to challenge the bottom of the Big 5 conferences, the ACC, to start. This is going to take investment on the part of all the teams, but there is great potential in this very urban centric conference.

Gordon Gee, President of Foot In Mouth? Also don't see any quote from Gee in that article - just "more expansion is expected" but no citation. The writer pulled that one out of their butt. I know quite a bit about the B1G. Grew up as a huge fan, from the Midwest, and my mom is a Michigan alum. 16 is possible, 20 unlikely. The B1G will maintain academic standards in any expansion. That also limits them. Pitt, Virginia, Wake, UNC, Duke, GT, Iowa State, and KU are the possibilities. How much TV value do those schools add? UNC and Duke add basketball clout - KU would do the same. They can talk about liking the idea of getting that much bigger, but execution is another thing. Maryland and Rutgers expand their grip east into NYC and Baltimore. They also keep Penn State happy. Sure, Florida would be great but only UF would meet their academic standards. FSU would love to join the AAU, but their engineering and medical schools are holding them back. USF is closer to joining than FSU is - they are not considered a legit prospect while USF, VT, Cincy, and NC State are. Our research funding, College of Medicine and College of Engineering help. They single greatest detractor is the overall graduation rate for six years. As a research institution, we are getting very close to UF and have blown FSU out of the water. If we could pull an AAU rabbit out of that hat at some point then we would have real potential for the B1G if they wanted to expand into Florida. Miami could likely get there too, but I think Miami is not as appealing as they once were for athletics. I don't expect us to get a B1G invite any time soon, but I'm not sure they'll be gung ho after anyone else either. You could argue Georgia Tech due to Atlanta, so I guess UVA and GT could happen. Would that prompt the SEC to go nuts? They'd take VT, but what if NC State or another school isn't interested? I think the B1G moved on Maryland and Rutgers to expand their footprint and equal the SEC in size. I think their next move would be in response to the SEC - and I don't think the SEC is eager to move right now. Reality for USF is to make the best with what we have no matter where we end up. Keep winning and you make yourself appealing for the next round of expansion AND you get to play the big boys in the bowls where you can further build your rep. The ACC is the #5 conference for now, but I think it is possible for our new conference or a conference like the MWC to usurp that status from the ACC. Even with our current makeup in the new "America 12" as it seems to be called, I think we are already in striking distance of the ACC in football. And at least we won't be known as the Big Least anymore. Now anyone who hates on our conference must be UnAmerican.

So, FSU and Miami would not have to pay the Big 12 back for the $60 million? I would say if the ACC buyout becomes $25 mil for Maryland (which most think thats around the number) Then FSU and Miami get gifted $12.5 mil (and not have to pay back) a piece and has to pay $12.5 mil a piece. Leaving $35 mil in the coffers for future expansion. Future money would help out others in Big 12 going to 14 or 16 if ACC blows up, 14 with FSU, Miami, Clemson and UL with possibly 15 & 16 as BYU/Boise or Pitt/Cuse. The best option longterm wise imo for USF is if FSU takes a B1G bid by end of June and Miami then jumps. That would start the moves and USF should be the second team from FLA. From a purely financial perspective, would FSU and Miami be worth $25M if the payout per team is similar to USF/UCF and adding those two would cost nothing? It would be worth it to Fox because they don't require the marketing effort for FSU and Miami, but Fox wouldn't be paying it. They also have to wait to figure out what Maryland is paying. Who knows when that'll happen or how long they will drag it out. At $12.5M, it pays FSU to join after three years. Even at 50% in the first year, USF/UCF will pay off their exit fee quickly in additional revenue because it will be substantially more for them - not so for FSU. Just as FSU may prefer the B1G, the Big XII may prefer FSU, but I don't think FSU is jumping unless the ACC falls apart - and I don't see that happening unless the SEC and B1G move simultaneously. UNC, for instance, is not likely to move to the B1G even if offered, no matter the money. It's not gospel truth, but my uncle runs the on campus power plant for UNC and he laughed at the notion of them leaving. There's a lot of North Carolina pride to the ACC and they prefer to stay with Duke, Wake, and NC State wherever they go. They also would feel out of place in the B1G. I think the B1G would most likely look to Virginia and someone else, possibly Pitt, for expansion - as long as Penn State is okay with that. GT would be of interest too, but I doubt the B1G would look to go too far south. I also doubt Virginia would be able to leave unless VT gets a slot somewhere else - the SEC in all likelihood. But if the NC schools don't want to split up then it makes it difficult to tear up the ACC. Sure, the SEC could go for Virginia and VT, but I don't know if the B1G would really respond to that. The sense I get from my family in NC (and they work for or are alums of UNC and NC State) is that the North Carolina schools will not move. Clemson, GT, VT, and FSU would all be interested but three of them are blocked by the SEC and I doubt the Big XII looks much better to them. They don't have to play OU and Texas in the ACC, don't have to travel as far, and aren't making that much less money. SEC and B1G are different stories, but neither seems gung ho to move off of 14. I did see the ACC falling apart at one point, but I really don't now because of the solidarity of the NC schools. FSU will probably only leave with a SEC invite at this point. The Big XII isn't a big enough financial leap to justify the exit fee. As for the Big XII and the conference title game - it may not matter, unless Texas or OU is kept out of the four team playoff because of the lack of a title game. This really is about a title game period. Fox wants one and so does the Big XII. If the NCAA doesn't give them one, look for expansion if they want it bad enough. If Fox can make money off of it, they will make it happen - just not to the tune of $25M to buy in two schools. Same for the Big XII. Again - $25M from the Big XII to get FSU and Miami/Clemson/GT and full payout in year one or $0 to get USF/UCF and 50% payout year one, %60% year two, etc. Unless FSU can get you a couple million more per year per school, you go with USF/UCF if Fox insures you will take home the same amount of money per year. But it would mostly be about a title game.

From a financial standpoint they likely are happy, but the big question is if the lack of a title game will hurt them in the calculations of the new BCS. SEC, ACC, B1G, and PAC-12 all get an extra game with two ranked opponents. The victor of each gets their resume polished a little bit. The championship game is clearly important to the Big XII since Bowlsy is asking the NCAA to allow it even though they only have ten members. These are all the bowls currently floating in the air. Will the NCAA allow a ten team conference to have a championship game? If not, will not having a title game hurt the chances of a Big XII team playing in the four team playoff? Will adding the extra two teams cost the Big XII members any money? Would FSU join and how much will it cost them to exit their conference (this is a factor because the exit fee is enormous if it holds - BE leftovers probably have to pay $15M to exit and will be receiving an influx of TV money in return; there's more incentive for a team like USF and UCF to move than for FSU)? If Fox is willing to ensure that the Big XII members lose zero dollars then expansion is a no brainer IF the NCAA does not allow them a title game anyways. I don't think FSU has the financial incentive to move, not to the Big XII. B1G? Sure, but unless they get into the AAU it will not happen. SEC? Again, sure, but doubtful. I also think the B1G would be interested in expanding to Florida, but they are academic snobs. Nebraska was at least in the AAU at one point. I doubt they sneak another one in. If FSU can get in then the B1G may expand south with GT and FSU. Yet I doubt anyone in the ACC moves. I'm not sure the SEC wants to expand again. The B1G would, but I'd suspect they'd look to snag Duke and UNC to help knock their basketball out of the park (not to mention academics). If the BXII is told outright that they cannot have a title game then who knows? I do think they have seriously looked at USF and UCF as alternatives to FSU. They could also look at Cincinnati and one of USF/UCF to expand to Ohio and Florida, though a twofer in Florida is probably better than trying to get into Ohio. USF and UCF can gain inroads, especially with their urban locations and large student populations. I'm originally from Ohio and the rest of the state thinks that Cincinnati is part of Kentucky. The people up in Cleveland and Columbus won't take much interest. The student populations at USF and UCF plus access to Florida recruits makes them both able to surpass FSU over the next decade plus. UCF at 60,000 students has got to be appealing.

Furthermore, I believe, if "forced" by the possibility of USF/UCF getting into the B12, naturally, the Noles will pull the trigger and jump ship, costs be damned. I am not sure why many here think that if the Big 12 said "come or we invite USF/UCF" that this would have a big impact on FSU's thinking. I don't imagine FSU cares if USF/UCF join the Big 12 or not. FSU seems to have the following desires: (1) join the SEC, but that isn't happening. (2) remain in the ACC, but bail to the Big 12 if the ACC collapses. USF and UCF do not impact on any of that. I think the general consensus, at least from what I've seen elsewhere - and I agree with is that the B12's payout per team is generally accepted to be greater than the ACC's, isn't it? Plus, if the B12 gets a CC game, given the "strength" of the conference compared to the ACC's, potentially I could see FSU on the outside looking in of the NCG. FSU will not want to be leap-frogged in affiliation and payout by two 'lesser' programs in state, right? I absolutely believe if they think USF/UCF is going to get the invite, they will jump, regardless of the 'solidarity' of the ACC. The Big 12 does make more than the ACC. About $2 million more per team from the media deal, and also the Big 12 will make about an additional $2.5 million more per team thanks to its tie-in with the higher-paying Sugar Bowl compared to the Orange Bowl (under the new playoffs regime beginning next year). Is that enough to cause FSU to jump to the Big 12? So far, it has not been. Or else, the Big 12 doesn't want FSU. But either way, I do not see what USF and UCF have to do with Big 12/FSU thinking. Wish it were so, but .... At $4.5M per year it would take over a decade for FSU to pay the exit fee off the extra money they'd be making from the conference. Unless some donors cut large checks, I doubt that's so appealing. I think the Big XII would definitely prefer FSU, but if they want to expand to 12 then they likely will have to go to the Big East remnants. They also waited too long and probably would've preferred Louisville - but that ship has sailed.

Yes they do. A loss to FSU would count against their SEC record. It's known that Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, and South Carolina (probably Texas A&M and Mizzou now too) are together on preventing other schools from their own states into the SEC - Mizzou likely is in it to block any access by Kansas. Florida could drum up 5 votes at least against FSU joining without voting against FSU themselves. Wouldn't shock me if LSU would be in the bloc as well. FSU's opportunity to go SEC was when they joined the ACC. As for FSU going Big XII - it depends on money for the Big XII. If their money per school declines, they will not invite FSU. I doubt this would happen BUT FSU and Clemson or whoever they'd come with would demand full payouts from the beginning. USF and UCF would not - they would go along with the WVU and TCU models. FSU also has a massive exit fee that has yet to be determined - and I doubt the FSU Board of Trustees will approve a move without a means of paying $50M. I expect FSU would demand the Big XII cover some of that cost - unlikely. The big financial benefit of Big XII expansion is a championship game. It's probably worth $50M or more per year to Fox in revenue when you consider ad revenue, sponsorships, etc. Ultimately, if the current members of the Big XII can get a million more per year by adding USF and UCF then they will do it. If the payout stays the exact same they also might do it. If it declines, they will not.

He's absolutely right in one angle - the other conferences will expand it its financially viable so that no member schools see a reduction in income from the TV deal. For the Big XII, that's the big deal - and also something that could somewhat help schools like USF and UCF out. FSU is unlikely to be willing to accept a reduced sum to start out ala WVU and TCU. If Fox gives them more per school to expand to 12 if its USF and UCF AND they have two incoming members who will take 50%, 60%, etc escalating payouts then who the new members are won't matter a ton to the current members. Problem #1 for ACC exiles is that they will want a full payout from Day 1. If a title game is worth a lot of money for Fox then they will make it happen - and that may benefit both USF and UCF. I think FSU would want their new conference to eat at least half the $50M exit fee (if it ends up being that high) and give them the full payout in Year One. That makes FSU less attractive. USF and UCF would both gladly take a 50$ payout in the first year.