How did USF get into the former Big East?

[Flowers4Heisman]

How did we get into the former Big East and the Gnats didn't? Was there ever the talk of a combo USF-Gnats deal?

I'm sure TV contracts played a role back then, too.

 

 

[MaltLiquorBull]

As I recall, after BC, VT, and Miami left the big east for the ACC, the big east was looking to expand.  They wanted a Florida presence to replace Miami.  We had some help from Louisville, and we also had Lee Roy Selmon in our corner. It also didn't hurt that USF had already beaten Pitt and UConn.  I don't recall the  gnats even being mentioned in the big east conversation.  That's my recollection for what it's worth.

[Raetus]

Louisville was certainly a big help. As long as we aren't playing them at the moment, I'll never wish them anything but the best. They've been a great supporter of our program through the years and a great adversary. I'd love to see them back on the schedule. Miss those toothy birds.

[NAM37]

Luck?

[theman123]

Louisville was certainly a big help. As long as we aren't playing them at the moment, I'll never wish them anything but the best. They've been a great supporter of our program through the years and a great adversary. I'd love to see them back on the schedule. Miss those toothy birds.

Bet they were second guessing that help in 2005 lol

[Guest]

Two words: Tom Jurich.

He was the Louisville Athletic Director and convinced the rest of the Big East to look at USF.

However, USF needed to have more than just be in Florida.

First, for the short time USF was a member of Conference USA, the Bulls won more conference championships (all sports) than any other school.  That spoke to the breadth of the athletic department.

USF also committed to improve the athletic facilities.  USF's softball stadium was basically one of the intramural fields.  The basketball team practiced in the intramural gymnasium.  The soccer team played inside the track and field stadium.  The track needed to be re-done.   To be honest, the Sun Dome and Raymond James Stadium were the only facilities on par with the Big East at the time.

Those two factors, plus the media market and Florida recruiting were the supporting evidence for Tim Jurich.

-------------

So when you consider the parallel for the next round.  Yes, success in football will raise awareness... but it's the success USF is having across the department that will be the edge: golf, tennis, WBB, soccer, etc

I don't believe an OCS will be any factor.  Will it help? Absolutely.  But not having one - or not having a plan for one - will not hurt us.

What we need is someone inside the Big Twelve that will be USF's champion.  We need another Tom Jurich.

 

Edited December 10, 2015 by JimUSFSig
Name corrected per GaUSFBull. Sorry.

[GaUSFBull]

TOM Jurich.  

[Bear]

As I recall, after BC, VT, and Miami left the big east for the ACC, the big east was looking to expand.  They wanted a Florida presence to replace Miami.  We had some help from Louisville, and we also had Lee Roy Selmon in our corner. It also didn't hurt that USF had already beaten Pitt and UConn.  I don't recall the  gnats even being mentioned in the big east conversation.  That's my recollection for what it's worth.

^Exactly.

 

We don't need UCF's help to get into the Big 12. We can continue to play them annually - but they don't need to be in the same conference.

 

Case and Point: The FSU v UF, or Navy v Army

[Bulls1181]

^Exactly.

 

We don't need UCF's help to get into the Big 12. We can continue to play them annually - but they don't need to be in the same conference.

 

Case and Point: The FSU v UF, or Navy v Army

We dont need them but it would be great to have them. Travel partner, great rivalry...why not?!  

[JTrue]

A good friend of mine who works in athletics (not at either school now, but he was at UCF during this time), says that UCF's athletic department feels basketball was a MAJOR factor in tipping the scales to USF.