Florida Bull

Now, we are just speculating. But, the argument is a nationally relevant USF would contribute to the contract and thereby mean more money and exposure for the contract as a whole. The ACC probably wants to limit its gap with the SEC as much as possible.

Of course their history or tradition helps, but so do the size and location of Miami. But, of course, the latter two probably helped them develop the former two factors.

Why do you think SEC is not wanting to add FSU and Clemson, is because it's adding incremental rating boost instead of a new market. In Tampa I would assume USF is most watched but with a Cincy market a FSU game will gain more casual viewers (more eyeballs) for a tier 2 or 3 game. We are headed to a TV contract system that is not like its not where it's people watching ads. That is why B1G is expanding the way it is because it's going to keep its tier 2&3 rights on a B1g network, where they are selling the network to cable providers no matter if they watch or not. I do not think the ACC has the same contract model as the Big 10.

Why do you think SEC is not wanting to add FSU and Clemson, is because it's adding incremental rating boost instead of a new market. In Tampa I would assume USF is most watched but with a Cincy market a FSU game will gain more casual viewers (more eyeballs). We are headed to a TV contract system that is not like its not where it's people watching ads. That is why B1G is expanding the way it is because it's going to keep its tier 2&3 rights on a B1g network, where they are selling the network to cable providers no matter if they watch or not. If Miami were still in the Big East, would you suggest Cincinnati over them?

Getting more eyes? Cincinnati is not a flagship state university, nor is FSU. I think you have to be a flagship to get a whole state by yourself in a conventional tv media contract-outside of a conference network like the Big 10 and potentially SEC. In that regard, the Tampa-St. Petersburg media market is bigger than Cincinnati's. I doubt there are more Cincinnati fans than USF fans, although I open to rebuttal. I also suspect USF would develop new rivalries, especially with the other Florida schools and Georgia Tech-helping maintain a little Southern balance to heavy Northern expansion. The ACC does not necessarily need USF, but adding a third Florida school would compensate in football recruiting perception.

I really don't want a demotion to C-USA.

1. Do you have documented numbers on FSU being the conclusive favorite in Tampa? Tallahassee is at least 4-5 hours from Tampa, much less from the general Tampa-St. Petersburg media market. Not to exaggerate your argument, but the idea that FSU owns Tampa is no better than claiming Tampa and Orlando are the same media market. 2. I don't watch FSU and Miami games, unless USF is playing. Of course, that can change if we become conference mates.

Interesting points. Regarding the latter, Tampa is a key constituent area for state-wide elections. I am sure the western part of the I-4 corridor is important in elections and political support.

I think Woolard has empirically done a great job, upgrading facilities with rather limited funds-especially compared to the "Big 5" conferences.

Doubt they'd want us. With no football those basketball schools would form a compact northeast league, possibly all catholic. Doubt they'd want to fly to florida. I am also skeptical they would want us, but they should accept us. We offer a great recruiting trip in an increasingly Catholic state-and about tied for third in total general population. Playing FBS-and at least currently AQ-football as a large state public school, we offer a significant and growing brand for them to associate with.

Sorry Doug, your missing one huge part of the equation that does play a big part in perception of the program and the overall university in general. You don't have a stadium and no future plans for one............. That matters just as much as recent on the field success does in all these movements .... ie very little, if at all. I agree. I read an ACC fan dismissing USF, claiming the conference's bylaws require an on-campus stadium. But, what about Miami and recently admitted Pitt?

Was there a year specified? 2012!

That's a bit drastic. Why do you predict that?

I have the same fear, but don't sell undersell USF. Beneath the surface, USF has the best value among members remaining in the Big East. Of course Rutgers and Cincinnati are-at least currently-better for the ACC and Big 10. But other than, our location and whole overall academic profile make us at least third for the northern conferences, and the best for the Big 12. The Ohio valley would be good for the Big 12 Conference. But adding a presence in Florida, and developing a Gulf coast sub-conference identity is more important. The Big 12 needs a bigger footprint, and the school in the biggest available city in a developing top 3 state, is hard to overlook. The Big 12 has to compete with the SEC. Here is another benefit for the Big 12: picking up us and possibly UCF will hold geographic pressure against the SEC and pull regional attention to the Big 12, while helping nudge the ACC away from the SEC. Adding USF is so bold, it is the obvious choice. It is hiding in plain site.

I am just speculating, and I am very disappointed in Skip Holtz-about given up on his performance. But, I wonder if his social network (connections)-especially through hIs father Lou and ESPN-would improve the chances of USF getting invited to the Big 12 or ACC.

I think he is a defensive backs coach with the Redskins.

The Buccaneers had a similar problem with Raheem Morris. He was apparently more interested in being the players' buddy than instilling discipline.

I am still open-minded on Skip Holtz. But if he really loses the motivation of the players, we may have no choice but to let him go-like the Bucs with Raheem Morris. Just because Skip Holtz doesn't express any passion, it doesn't mean the whole football team should not have any.

I think ECU would make a great addition to the Big East.

Before Chris Cosh was announced, I was actually hoping we would offer Greg Hudson the defensive coordinator job. If we keep Skip Holtz but fire Cosh, we should select FSU's position coach, Greg Hudson.

I went to the game. I noticed rude Syracuse fans gloating and even howling like poodles. One even sounded like he was uttering profanity including a word with the letter f as the initial, directed towards our team. His son kept deliberately stomping on the cushioned club seats and hitting them! That's the respect we got toward USF, the Bucs, and the community. I am angry this may have been our last chance to beat them.

I had a bad feeling during our last drive, about intentionally giving them them the last possession down by less than a touchdown. We play so conservatively, it's risky.

The players need a head coach with emotion-somebody with fire like Jon Gruden.

This game persuaded me to support his departure. I am officially on the anti-Cosh bandwagon, now! This was our most winnable home game after UT-Chattanooga. He gave Syracuse the perfect drive to end the game, and still no interceptions (after most of the season). Enough is enough!

I meant interceptions made by our defense.