Neuheisel today on ESPN

[CougPatrol]

Said that UW & UO to the B10 is a "done deal."

I haven't found anything online corroborating that, but it was a definitive take on slick Rick's part.

 

[CougEd]

Said that UW & UO to the B10 is a "done deal."

I haven't found anything online corroborating that, but it was a definitive take on slick Rick's part.

Sad stuff …. It was enjoyable being the underdog that wrecked other teams day and in some cases seasons . It was a great place to be in the Pac 10 .

So long Apple Cup as well .

 

[kougkurt]

Said that UW & UO to the B10 is a "done deal."

I haven't found anything online corroborating that, but it was a definitive take on slick Rick's part.

“For the most part”. Not really new news

 

[CougPatrol]

Sad stuff …. It was enjoyable being the underdog that wrecked other teams day and in some cases seasons . It was a great place to be in the Pac 10 .

So long Apple Cup as well .

At 55 years old, I've made peace with the situation largely because I've been expecting the shoe to drop since the 1980s.

With that said, I'm not ready to conclude doom and gloom for WSU and the eventually reshuffled Pac-whatever conference. In fact, I think this movement may negatively impact UW more than it does WSU.

It remains to be seen which programs out West will remain (or join) in the new Pac, but it's certainly looking like the conference will receive an automatic NCAA playoff bid for the champion. WSU has surprised the Hell out of me over the decades with their ability to "do more with less," and somehow, some way, we'll press on and find our niche among the Boise States, Oregon States, SDSUs, UNLVs, etc. It's not a foregone conclusion that Stanford and Cal will want to join a super conference in football.

As for UW, if they join the B10, I genuinely believe it will be the death blow to their football program as a consistent playoff contender. They will become one of the least desirable B10 programs to play and coach for outside of Indiana, Northwestern, Rutgers, etc. Recruiting will be more challenging, travel will be a bear, retaining coaches already is a problem for NW schools, and then there's the regional political/academic pressures they'll feel. My family is closely connected to the UW, and I can tell you that they will absolutely reach a breaking point when it comes to spending and competing financially with the blue-blood super conference programs in the B10 and SEC. It'll never happen. I also wonder how Jay Inslee will respond to what is clearly not a climate first decision.

The Apple Cup will probably be preserved and played as a non-conference game in September. The days of the Apple Cup being played in Pullman may be ending, and in turn, that might kill the idea of an annual game, but oh well. We'll circle the wagons and ramp our rivalries with Oregon State and Boise State. UW can finally feel what it's like to be WSU when they go head to head every year with USC, Oregon, Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State.

 

[CougSinceBirth]

The Apple Cup will probably be preserved and played as a non-conference game in September. The days of the Apple Cup being played in Pullman may be ending, and in turn, that might kill the idea of an annual game, but oh well.

Nah, f**k that. They leave, then we owe them nothing to play them. In fact, I wouldn't want to play them. They're either in or out. If they want to play in another conference, then play those teams. Don't go running back to someone to fill a non-con slot, that's not WSU's problem.

 

[Cougini5591]

My hatred for fuw is as pure as the fresh snow we adore in Apple Cups.

I love beating them in the Apple Cups, but in no way do I want to touch the field that they are on if the bail out of the Pac.

It would help them more than help us. I'd rather have them sniff more of their own doggie balls and have us play Oregon each year in Eugene vs. giving them one ounce of recognition

 

[mikalalas]

Slick Neuweasil Rick, is FULL of BS.

1. The Big 10, Ohio State, etc, has been saying that UW, Oregon don't add enough value, that their not interested in expansion, unless it's Notre Dame, and that they are NOT INTERESTED in UW, Oregon, any other Pac 12 college.

2. The Big 10, Ohio State, Michigan, etc, SAID NO to UW, Oregon when UW, Oregon, recently asked to join the Big 10, not long ago, according to CBS, Dodd, ESPN, Wilner, Canzano, Big 10, insiders, UW, Oregon, etc.

3. If it was a DONE DEAL, it would be LEAKED, come out all over the place, instead of, and not by Slick Rick.

4. Slick Rick IS NOT CREDIBLE, and his sources ARE NOT CREDIBLE.

5. This is just Slick Rick RUMOR MONGERING, just like a lot of the other Rumormongering that has been done about this. And they are doing that BS to draw attention to themselves, make themselves look connected, big, important, newsworthy, and because they hope the rumors weaken the Pac 12 to break it up.

So far similar rumors have amounted to NOTHING. This will be the same. And I won't believe what Slick Rick says, unless it actually happens. And it PROBABLY WONT HAPPEN.

Also if it does happen it will be semi doom for Pac 12, WSU, Oregon St, etc.

If UW, Oregon goto Big 10, Stanford will go INDEPENDENT. Cal either stays or goes to Big 12. Utah goes to Big 12.

At best the Pac 12 would be WSU, Ore St, Cal, Colorado, ASU, Arizona, SDSU, BSU, SMU, Fresno St, UNLV, Air force, Hawaii, CSU, Gonzaga, etc, and would be a NON P5 conference and a Group of 5(6), mid major conference, that if the, a Pac team goes unbeaten 13-0, or 12-1, they get 1 team that go to the expanded play offs, and if not then NO PAC teams to play off.

Also NO Rosebowl. The Rosebowl would shift to the Champion of Big 10 and Champion of Big 12. The Pac would be DROPPED.

Also the Pac Bowls would be 1. Alamo 2. Las Vegas 3. LA Bowl 4. Sun Bowl. NO NY6, NO FIESTA, NO COTTON BOWL, NO HOLIDAY BOWL

The only good thing about it would be that WSU would CONSISTENTLY be 1 of the TOP, BEST 1,2,3,4 teams, almost every season, a BIG FISH in a SMALL POND, because they wouldn't have to face, play USC, UTAH, Oregon, UCLA, UW, etc.

But this is PROBABLY NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

WHY:

1. The expanded playoffs and having a better chance in Pac 12.

2. If Pac 12 A. Expands. B. Negotiates a Media Deal that doesn't suck HORRIBLY bad. C. Does a joint ACC, Pac 12 ALLIANCE, MEDIA DEAL(LIKE THEY HAVE BEEN DOING BEHIND CLOSED doors.

3. George the Commish, and Pac 12 presidents, are going to find a way to keep the rest of Pac together, at least for 10 to 15 to 20 to 25 more years.

4. Newsome the governor of CA may force UCLA to return to PAC 12.

5. WA legislators have OFFICIALLY said that they are either going to pass a law, etc, an or do something, TIE UW, WSU TOGETHER, as a PACKAGED DEAL, FORCE UW to stay put, FIRE THE UW BOARD OF REGENT, UW AD, UW PRESIDENT, 100% DEFUND, TAKE AWAY, ALL TAX DOLLARS, MILLIONS, BILLIONS of DOLLARS,ETC, AWAY FROM UW, ETC, if they do either leave, try to leave, goto Big 10, Big 12, etc, without WSU, leaving WSU behind.


So NO UW, Oregon are PROBABLY NOT, EITHER LEAVE PAC 12, OR NOT GOING TO ALLOW TO LEAVE PAC 12.

Just more stupid BS Rumormongering by a stupid BS Slick Rick.

 

[CougPatrol]

It would help them more than help us. I'd rather have them sniff more of their own doggie balls and have us play Oregon each year in Eugene vs. giving them one ounce of recognition

I share your sentiment, but I don't agree that retaining the AC would help them more than us. The Apple Cup is a guaranteed big seller with virtually no travel costs involved. It's also a massive in-state marketing opportunity for the state's two biggest public universities, and that helps WSU tremendously.

WSU will want to retain the Apple Cup. You can be sure of that.

 

[CougPatrol]

Slick Neuweasil Rick, is FULL of BS.

1. The Big 10, Ohio State, etc, has been saying that UW, Oregon don't add enough value, that their not interested in expansion, unless it's Notre Dame, and that they are NOT INTERESTED in UW, Oregon, any other Pac 12 college.

2. The Big 10, Ohio State, Michigan, etc, SAID NO to UW, Oregon when UW, Oregon, recently asked to join the Big 10, not long ago, according to CBS, Dodd, ESPN, Wilner, Canzano, Big 10, insiders, UW, Oregon, etc.

3. If it was a DONE DEAL, it would be LEAKED, come out all over the place, instead of, and not by Slick Rick.

4. Slick Rick IS NOT CREDIBLE, and his sources ARE NOT CREDIBLE.

5. This is just Slick Rick RUMOR MONGERING, just like a lot of the other Rumormongering that has been done about this. And they are doing that BS to draw attention to themselves, make themselves look connected, big, important, newsworthy, and because they hope the rumors weaken the Pac 12 to break it up.

So far similar rumors have amounted to NOTHING. This will be the same. And I won't believe what Slick Rick says, unless it actually happens. And it PROBABLY WONT HAPPEN.

Also if it does happen it will be semi doom for Pac 12, WSU, Oregon St, etc.

If UW, Oregon goto Big 10, Stanford will go INDEPENDENT. Cal either stays or goes to Big 12. Utah goes to Big 12.

At best the Pac 12 would be WSU, Ore St, Cal, Colorado, ASU, Arizona, BSU, SMU, Fresno St, UNLV, Air force, Hawaii, CSU, Gonzaga, etc, and would be a NON P5 conference and a Group of 5(6), mid major conference, that if the, a Pac team goes unbeaten 13-0, or 12-1, they get 1 team that go to the expanded play offs, and if not then NO PAC teams to play off.

Also NO Rosebowl. The Rosebowl would shift to the Champion of Big 10 and Champion of Big 12. The Pac would be DROPPED.

Also the Pac Bowls would be 1. Alamo 2. Las Vegas 3. LA Bowl 4. Sun Bowl. NO NY6, NO FIESTA, NO COTTON BOWL, NO HOLIDAY BOWL

The only good thing about it would be that WSU would CONSISTENTLY be 1 of the TOP, BEST 1,2,3,4 teams, almost every season, a BIG FISH in a SMALL POND, because they wouldn't have to face, play USC, UTAH, Oregon, UCLA, UW, etc.

But this is PROBABLY NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

WHY:

1. The expanded playoffs and having a better chance in Pac 12.

2. If Pac 12 A. Expands. B. Negotiates a Media Deal that doesn't suck HORRIBLY bad. C. Does a joint ACC, Pac 12 ALLIANCE, MEDIA DEAL(LIKE THEY HAVE BEEN DOING BEHIND CLOSED doors.

3. George the Commish, and Pac 12 presidents, are going to find a way to keep the rest of Pac together, at least for 10 to 15 to 20 to 25 more years.

4. Newsome the governor of CA may force UCLA to return to PAC 12.

5. WA legislators have OFFICIALLY said that they are either going to pass a law, etc, an or do something, TIE UW, WSU TOGETHER, as a PACKAGED DEAL, FORCE UW to stay put, FIRE THE UW BOARD OF REGENT, UW AD, UW PRESIDENT, 100% DEFUND, TAKE AWAY, ALL TAX DOLLARS, MILLIONS, BILLIONS of DOLLARS,ETC, AWAY FROM UW, ETC, if they do either leave, try to leave, goto Big 10, Big 12, etc, without WSU, leaving WSU behind.


So NO UW, Oregon are PROBABLY NOT, EITHER LEAVE PAC 12, OR NOT GOING TO ALLOW TO LEAVE PAC 12.

Just more stupid BS Rumormongering by a stupid BS Slick Rick.

Slick Rick is likely pulling this out of his backside, but you're kidding yourself if you don't think this move is coming. The only way it doesn't happen is if the B10 moves in another direction with expansion, but considering they're all-in with the LA schools, adding additional West coast markets is a done deal.

As I said in my follow up message, I don't think that WSU landing in the newly formed Pac-whatever league will be a catastrophic deal for us. It'll be a bummer initially, but WSU will still be one of the more prominent football programs on the West coast.

 

[mikalalas]

Slick Rick is likely pulling this out of his backside, but you're kidding yourself if you don't think this move is coming. The only way it doesn't happen is if the B10 moves in another direction with expansion, but considering they're all-in with the LA schools, adding additional West coast markets is a done deal.

As I said in my follow up message, I don't think that WSU landing in the newly formed Pac-whatever league will be a catastrophic deal for us. It'll be a bummer initially, but WSU will still be one of the more prominent football programs on the West coast.

Your ignoring the listed FACTS, I listed.

For at least the next 8 to 12 to 16 years, etc, THE BIG 10, OHIO STATE, ETC, SAID THAT UW, OREGON, DONT ADD ENOUGH VALUE, EVEN IF THEY TAKE A SMALLER SHARE, AND SAID NO, NOT INTERESTED TO UW, OREGON, WHEN UW, OREGON ASKED TO JOIN BIG 10

Big 10 said they are not interested in Expansion, unless it's Notre Dame(And Clemson(Even tho they didn't say that)(They would add Clemson, before, instead of UW, Oregon, because Clemson WOULD HAVE ENOUGH VALUE, UNLIKE UW, OREGON)

Not only did Big 10, Ohio State, insiders, experts, etc, say that, this, but UW, Oregon, insiders, experts said THEY WERE TOLD NO, THAT THE BIG 10 IS NOT INTERESTED IN THEM, THAT THE REASON IS THAT THEY WERE TOLD THEY DONT ADD ENOUGH VALUE.

Not only did they say that, BUT CANZANO, DODD, CBS, ESPN, SI, WILNER, ETC, SAID, REPORTED THAT.

Your basically ignoring those facts, and either saying THEY ARE ALL WRONG OR ARE LIARS, ETC.

Take your head out of your butt, and accept the FACTS, instead of listening to and believing STUPID BS RUMORMONGERING.

 

[95coug]

Slick Rick is likely pulling this out of his backside, but you're kidding yourself if you don't think this move is coming. The only way it doesn't happen is if the B10 moves in another direction with expansion, but considering they're all-in with the LA schools, adding additional West coast markets is a done deal.

As I said in my follow up message, I don't think that WSU landing in the newly formed Pac-whatever league will be a catastrophic deal for us. It'll be a bummer initially, but WSU will still be one of the more prominent football programs on the West coast.

I'm not so sure. The Big 10 has already said that based on their analysis, UO and UW don't bring enough to the table to be worth bringing aboard. At least, not as full partners in the revenue sharing. If UO/UW agree to take half shares, it changes the math...but UO/UW would be foolish to accept that arrangement.

I'm sure UO/UW are interested. I'm sure the Big 10 will take them if the price is right. Question is whether there's any common ground between what both sides are willing to give. I think it's still in the realm of a reasonable likelihood, not quite a certainty.

 

[wazzucougs96]

Nah, f**k that. They leave, then we owe them nothing to play them. In fact, I wouldn't want to play them. They're either in or out. If they want to play in another conference, then play those teams. Don't go running back to someone to fill a non-con slot, that's not WSU's problem.

Completely agree. **** them forever. We never need to play them again.

 

[CougSinceBirth]

I share your sentiment, but I don't agree that retaining the AC would help them more than us. The Apple Cup is a guaranteed big seller with virtually no travel costs involved. It's also a massive in-state marketing opportunity for the state's two biggest public universities, and that helps WSU tremendously.

WSU will want to retain the Apple Cup. You can be sure of that.

And as I said in previous threads, any WSU admin that wants to bend over backwards for them (if this specific case becomes reality) should no longer be leading the university.

UW will have made their choice to leave the conference, and thereby forfeited the opportunity to play WSU. WSU has no reason to continue the rivalry based on that. No reason to give UW their cake, and let them eat it too. No need to be the nice guy. Academically, UW didn't want WSU to even have a medical school, something that actually would contribute to the state of Washington, because they didn't want WSU to have more prestige. They'll have to live with their choice. They deserve jack s**t.

 

[cr8zyncalif]

Slick Ricky is doing two things:

- saying what the guy who pays him is telling him to say
- contributing to a clickbait (or maybe "blog bait" is more correct) campaign

Just my $0.02, but what it looks like to me is a case where people can't differentiate between "UW and Whoregon would like to join B10 under the right circumstances" (which I'd say is probably true) and "B10 wants UW and Whoregon at this time" (which certainly appears to be false).

 

[CougSinceBirth]

Completely agree. **** them forever. We never need to play them again.

I'll tell you what, I'll amend my statement but only for this one idea:

If UW were to want to play the Apple Cup so badly, they can agree to this:

• The game is in Pullman, permanently.
• They pay WSU to play the game, and the total owed to WSU for that game amounts to the difference between B1G payout and whatever payout WSU has at the time.
  • Example: If the annual payout for UW is $70mm and WSU's $35mm, then UW must pay WSU $35mm to play the Apple Cup.

So if UW were to agree to the above, I'll listen. Otherwise, buh-bye.

 

[CougPatrol]

I'll tell you what, I'll amend my statement but only for this one idea:

If UW were to want to play the Apple Cup so badly, they can agree to this:

• The game is in Pullman, permanently.
• They pay WSU to play the game, and the total owed to WSU for that game amounts to the difference between B1G payout and whatever payout WSU has at the time.
  • Example: If the annual payout for UW is $70mm and WSU's $35mm, then UW must pay WSU $35mm to play the Apple Cup.

So if UW were to agree to the above, I'll listen. Otherwise, buh-bye.

I appreciate your passion, but this isn't going to happen. If anything, WSU will be the ones who cave and the game will be played in Seattle every year.

 

[CougEd]

I appreciate your passion, but this isn't going to happen. If anything, WSU will be the ones who cave and the game will be played in Seattle every year.

There is no benefit to WSU. None. If we play in a conference that gets an auto bid, why would we not take a game at home and play someone like Nevada or Idaho State even?

And for UW, why wouldn't they schedule a guaranteed win. If we aren't in a conference together there is no incentive.

 

[CougEd]

Your ignoring the listed FACTS, I listed.

For at least the next 8 to 12 to 16 years, etc, THE BIG 10, OHIO STATE, ETC, SAID THAT UW, OREGON, DONT ADD ENOUGH VALUE, EVEN IF THEY TAKE A SMALLER SHARE, AND SAID NO, NOT INTERESTED TO UW, OREGON, WHEN UW, OREGON ASKED TO JOIN BIG 10

Big 10 said they are not interested in Expansion, unless it's Notre Dame(And Clemson(Even tho they didn't say that)(They would add Clemson, before, instead of UW, Oregon, because Clemson WOULD HAVE ENOUGH VALUE, UNLIKE UW, OREGON)

Not only did Big 10, Ohio State, insiders, experts, etc, say that, this, but UW, Oregon, insiders, experts said THEY WERE TOLD NO, THAT THE BIG 10 IS NOT INTERESTED IN THEM, THAT THE REASON IS THAT THEY WERE TOLD THEY DONT ADD ENOUGH VALUE.

Not only did they say that, BUT CANZANO, DODD, CBS, ESPN, SI, WILNER, ETC, SAID, REPORTED THAT.

Your basically ignoring those facts, and either saying THEY ARE ALL WRONG OR ARE LIARS, ETC.

Take your head out of your butt, and accept the FACTS, instead of listening to and believing STUPID BS RUMORMONGERING.

Hell Mik...based on your confidence and how often you speak confidently then the 180 happens, I am thinking they are signing papers tomorrow.

 

[mikalalas]

Slick Ricky is doing two things:

- saying what the guy who pays him is telling him to say
- contributing to a clickbait (or maybe "blog bait" is more correct) campaign

Just my $0.02, but what it looks like to me is a case where people can't differentiate between "UW and Whoregon would like to join B10 under the right circumstances" (which I'd say is probably true) and "B10 wants UW and Whoregon at this time" (which certainly appears to be false).

THIS THIS THIS

 

[roses04]

I was talking to a well connected Tyee member the other day, and they all seem to think the UW is on the way to the big 10, and said it's sad that is has come down to this, he wasn't excited about it. Even said the Apple Cup as we know it it probably history.

And IMO, WE all know if given the chance UW and Oregon are off to the Big 10, as they both think they are better than everyone else, even if they have to take less money

 

[CougSinceBirth]

I appreciate your passion, but this isn't going to happen. If anything, WSU will be the ones who cave and the game will be played in Seattle every year.

It's not passion. And I recognize it's not going to happen, that's why that should be WSU's only offer if (or likely when) it comes to this. if the admin is the one to agree to what you just listed above - first of all playing a game, second of all a Seattle game only - they should all be looking for a new university to "lead".

You seem to think that will happen, and it would not surprise me of the least. However, I think the admin will have then wildly missed the mark on how they think the alumni base would feel.

 

[95coug]

I'll tell you what, I'll amend my statement but only for this one idea:

If UW were to want to play the Apple Cup so badly, they can agree to this:

• The game is in Pullman, permanently.
• They pay WSU to play the game, and the total owed to WSU for that game amounts to the difference between B1G payout and whatever payout WSU has at the time.
  • Example: If the annual payout for UW is $70mm and WSU's $35mm, then UW must pay WSU $35mm to play the Apple Cup.

So if UW were to agree to the above, I'll listen. Otherwise, buh-bye.

My original stance toward USC & UCLA was that we should cut them off and never play them OOC again. I've softened somewhat, and my stance toward them, UO/UW, or any other team that bails on the conference from here out is this:

• We will play them only on a 2-for-1. They travel twice, we travel once.
• They travel first.
• We have two weekends available: Labor day and the Saturday before Thanksgiving
• We require a 7-figure appearance fee.
• We'll pay them the average of what we pay our other opponents.
• We retain full rights to rebroadcast. They waive theirs.
• If they bail on any portion of the contract, the penalty is 2x the appearance fee.

In the spirit of their attitude toward us pre-1982, I would also entertain one more condition:

• We will not play on their home fields. Neutral site only. Vegas, maybe?

 

[chipdouglas]

Said that UW & UO to the B10 is a "done deal."

I haven't found anything online corroborating that, but it was a definitive take on slick Rick's part.

actual clip: twitter

 

[CougPatrol]

There is no benefit to WSU. None. If we play in a conference that gets an auto bid, why would we not take a game at home and play someone like Nevada or Idaho State even?

And for UW, why wouldn't they schedule a guaranteed win. If we aren't in a conference together there is no incentive.

We'll have at least 3 non-conference games to schedule, as will UW. When the expanded playoff era takes shape, strength of schedule will become important again. If we're playing in a watered-down Pac-MWC conference for 1/2 the revenue shares that the super conference teams are receiving, we'll want at least 1 big payday/season.

You can't say there's no benefit to WSU. Money will always matter, and an annual Labor Day game with UW would appeal to a lot of people in this State.

 

[CougPatrol]

My original stance toward USC & UCLA was that we should cut them off and never play them OOC again. I've softened somewhat, and my stance toward them, UO/UW, or any other team that bails on the conference from here out is this:

• We will play them only on a 2-for-1. They travel twice, we travel once.
• They travel first.
• We have two weekends available: Labor day and the Saturday before Thanksgiving
• We require a 7-figure appearance fee.
• We'll pay them the average of what we pay our other opponents.
• We retain full rights to rebroadcast. They waive theirs.
• If they bail on any portion of the contract, the penalty is 2x the appearance fee.

In the spirit of their attitude toward us pre-1982, I would also entertain one more condition:

• We will not play on their home fields. Neutral site only. Vegas, maybe?

That's crazy talk. You don't think we should play games in Los Angeles/Seattle or Phoenix/San Fran should the AZ and Bay Area schools bolt? Who in the Hell are we going to play then? A bunch of games vs. the new MWC/Pac conference and the Big Sky? Our attendance and fan interest will evaporate.

 

[roses04]

My original stance toward USC & UCLA was that we should cut them off and never play them OOC again. I've softened somewhat, and my stance toward them, UO/UW, or any other team that bails on the conference from here out is this:

• We will play them only on a 2-for-1. They travel twice, we travel once.
• They travel first.
• We have two weekends available: Labor day and the Saturday before Thanksgiving
• We require a 7-figure appearance fee.
• We'll pay them the average of what we pay our other opponents.
• We retain full rights to rebroadcast. They waive theirs.
• If they bail on any portion of the contract, the penalty is 2x the appearance fee.

In the spirit of their attitude toward us pre-1982, I would also entertain one more condition:

• We will not play on their home fields. Neutral site only. Vegas, maybe?

No need to cave, but for 10 million I'd play them in Luhman field once every 5 years, On Labor Day Weekend. Nothing less.

 

[CougPatrol]

I was talking to a well connected Tyee member the other day, and they all seem to think the UW is on the way to the big 10, and said it's sad that is has come down to this, he wasn't excited about it. Even said the Apple Cup as we know it it probably history.

And IMO, WE all know if given the chance UW and Oregon are off to the Big 10, as they both think they are better than everyone else, even if they have to take less money

Yea, it's all but done, and you're right. The Tyee boosters I know aren't in favor of it either, but they have to grab a seat at the big-boy table if it's offered to them. Listening to some of the Cougar fans spout off the "if they leave, we're done with them forever" stuff is silly.

The hope now is that the football playoff gets expanded. If it does, and I think it will, there will be a race among the remaining West coast little guys to become college football's version of Gonzaga.

 

[Observer11]

Did Neuheisel lay odds on UW?

Too soon?

 

[BleedCrimsonandGray]

Can anyone explain to me how travelling back east 4-6 times a year makes any sense vis a vis academics? I have to imagine that every trip past the Rockies will require at least 1 additional day of travel. Is it just that we're at the point that we're ok with admitting that college football isn't in the least bit about college degrees (at least for those running it) and all about making money for private entities?

Can we at least get to that point, and then just have teams broken off from all school affiliation as far as tax payer support for anything associated with the football team? I honestly don't need a pro team with the Cougar logo on the side of the helmet to make me feel good about my school.

 

[roses04]

The travel is a draw back, but if Big 10 gets to 18 teams divide into 3 divisions regionally, play everyone in your region and 3-4 other conference games, they can reduce some of the travel. If they take Stanford and Cal with them, the Pac conference is in trouble. If the PAC can keep 8 and add 4 more they have a shot, if it gets down to 6 or less it's probably gone.

 

[95coug]

Can anyone explain to me how travelling back east 4-6 times a year makes any sense vis a vis academics? I have to imagine that every trip past the Rockies will require at least 1 additional day of travel. Is it just that we're at the point that we're ok with admitting that college football isn't in the least bit about college degrees (at least for those running it) and all about making money for private entities?

Can we at least get to that point, and then just have teams broken off from all school affiliation as far as tax payer support for anything associated with the football team? I honestly don't need a pro team with the Cougar logo on the side of the helmet to make me feel good about my school.

Nobody's admitting it out loud...or at least not using those words. But no, nobody cares about academics anymore. This is purely about money. Sure, there's a thread of a connection still - the football teams have a school name on the jerseys so the school can project their name further....because that makes money for the university.

The only time anyone cares about academics is when the tutors can't get a player to make enough progress to stay eligible.

Honestly, I'm pretty close to pulling the plug. CFB isn't as much fun as it used to be. NIL and the new transfer rules (free agency) pretty much destroyed what was left, and realignment is about to finish the job. On top of that, WSU continues to make no effort. Renewing my seats used to be a reflex. The last few years, I've thought about it more and more. This year I didn't pull the trigger until the last week. I'm not sure about next year. GOing to games is a habit, but it's really not what I signed up for anymore.

 

[BleedCrimsonandGray]

Nobody's admitting it out loud...or at least not using those words. But no, nobody cares about academics anymore. This is purely about money. Sure, there's a thread of a connection still - the football teams have a school name on the jerseys so the school can project their name further....because that makes money for the university.

The only time anyone cares about academics is when the tutors can't get a player to make enough progress to stay eligible.

Honestly, I'm pretty close to pulling the plug. CFB isn't as much fun as it used to be. NIL and the new transfer rules (free agency) pretty much destroyed what was left, and realignment is about to finish the job. On top of that, WSU continues to make no effort. Renewing my seats used to be a reflex. The last few years, I've thought about it more and more. This year I didn't pull the trigger until the last week. I'm not sure about next year. GOing to games is a habit, but it's really not what I signed up for anymore.

You're not alone in your sentiment, and I don't feel like the youger kids care as much about football or school pride in general. Should the Pac dissolve, the effects on ticket sales and donations for the remaining schools will be devestated.

 

[Cougini5591]

We'll have at least 3 non-conference games to schedule, as will UW. When the expanded playoff era takes shape, strength of schedule will become important again. If we're playing in a watered-down Pac-MWC conference for 1/2 the revenue shares that the super conference teams are receiving, we'll want at least 1 big payday/season.

You can't say there's no benefit to WSU. Money will always matter, and an annual Labor Day game with UW would appeal to a lot of people in this State.

We will have more seasons where we need to go with 9 or 10 wins vs. making a couple of extra dollars from a game against them.

We already learned the hard way that the "big money games" are of less value vs. getting wins.

 

[Cougini5591]

That's crazy talk. You don't think we should play games in Los Angeles/Seattle or Phoenix/San Fran should the AZ and Bay Area schools bolt? Who in the Hell are we going to play then? A bunch of games vs. the new MWC/Pac conference and the Big Sky? Our attendance and fan interest will evaporate.

I think you're off on this one too.

If we "average" 30,000 people at home games with Oregon State, California, Stanford, Boise State (I fear they are coming in), Fresno State, San Diego State, UNLV, etc...

I'd rather have a "big name" game vs. just about anyone instead of fuw.

Why do ANYTHING to benefit them when we don't have to?

 

[CougPatrol]

Nobody's admitting it out loud...or at least not using those words. But no, nobody cares about academics anymore. This is purely about money. Sure, there's a thread of a connection still - the football teams have a school name on the jerseys so the school can project their name further....because that makes money for the university.

Stanford and Cal do. I'm curious to follow their movement on this. The Stanford alumni are already expressing their concerns about not being able to compete in football in the era of the transfer portal and NIL.

9 of the 12 P12 QBs who started the season this year were transfers. Stanford's academics preclude them from arbitrarily signing kids out of the portal the way the rest of the P5 does, and they're not going to soften the requirements. They don't need to. If the P12 defections get out of control, I can see them going independent or maybe even getting rid of football altogether.

I agree with your point as it relates to 98% of the programs out there, but Stanford and Cal value their academics and Olympic (other) sports teams more than any other P5 schools. I'll be surprised if they easily sell out their women's basketball, rowing, fencing, track, etc. programs by having them fly coast to coast to compete. Cal has an extremely liberal agenda, and the carbon footprint angle will nag at their administrators.

Unfortunately for WSU, I also can't see them embracing a Pac10 expansion overhaul that includes the likes of Boise State, UNLV, etc. Perhaps the angle that the revised P10 will take is to build the conference around Stanford and Cal offer expansion to several programs in the UC network and the state of California in general. UC Davis, SDSU, Fresno. Lots of unknowns right now.

 

[M-I-Coug]

Stanford and Cal do. I'm curious to follow their movement on this. The Stanford alumni are already expressing their concerns about not being able to compete in football in the era of the transfer portal and NIL.

9 of the 12 P12 QBs who started the season this year were transfers. Stanford's academics preclude them from arbitrarily signing kids out of the portal the way the rest of the P5 does, and they're not going to soften the requirements. They don't need to. If the P12 defections get out of control, I can see them going independent or maybe even getting rid of football altogether.

I agree with your point as it relates to 98% of the programs out there, but Stanford and Cal value their academics and Olympic (other) sports teams more than any other P5 schools. I'll be surprised if they easily sell out their women's basketball, rowing, fencing, track, etc. programs by having them fly coast to coast to compete. Cal has an extremely liberal agenda, and the carbon footprint angle will nag at their administrators.

Unfortunately for WSU, I also can't see them embracing a Pac10 expansion overhaul that includes the likes of Boise State, UNLV, etc. Perhaps the angle that the revised P10 will take is to build the conference around Stanford and Cal offer expansion to several programs in the UC network and the state of California in general. UC Davis, SDSU, Fresno. Lots of unknowns right now.

Wow. Never thought of this: "Stanford's academics preclude them from arbitrarily signing kids out of the portal the way the rest of the P5 does, and they're not going to soften the requirements."

You're right. Unfortunately, or fortunately, Stanford is in bad shape.

 

[CougPatrol]

Wow. Never thought of this: "Stanford's academics preclude them from arbitrarily signing kids out of the portal the way the rest of the P5 does, and they're not going to soften the requirements."

You're right. Unfortunately, or fortunately, Stanford is in bad shape.

Apparently, that's one of the big reasons why they haven't gotten rid of Shaw.

It's become increasingly difficult for the Cardinal to recruit 20 elite kids. You're talking about SAT scores of at least 1150 and a GPA at 3.5 out of high school. The transfer credentials are even stricter, as you need a 3.5 GPA from accredited collegiate coursework to transfer into Stanford.

The real whammy for the Cardinal is that the kids who do make it in are so elite, they end up earning their degrees in 3 years. As a result, the transfer portal has started a new trend at Stanford. Play for 3 years, earn your Stanford degree, and then transfer to another school to focus on football fulltime. I believe that since 2019, Stanford is last (or nearly last) in the conference in the portal +/- rankings.

 

[mikalalas]

I was talking to a well connected Tyee member the other day, and they all seem to think the UW is on the way to the big 10, and said it's sad that is has come down to this, he wasn't excited about it. Even said the Apple Cup as we know it it probably history.

And IMO, WE all know if given the chance UW and Oregon are off to the Big 10, as they both think they are better than everyone else, even if they have to take less money

Of course UW, Oregon would go to the Big 10 if they had the chance, and if the governor, state legislators let them, etc

It's just that for the about 8+ to 20+ years, the BIG 10 is not going to give them that chance for, because of the FACTS listed, said, etc.

 

[CougSinceBirth]

That's crazy talk. You don't think we should play games in Los Angeles/Seattle or Phoenix/San Fran should the AZ and Bay Area schools bolt? Who in the Hell are we going to play then? A bunch of games vs. the new MWC/Pac conference and the Big Sky? Our attendance and fan interest will evaporate.

Fan interest will already evaporate if the P12 disbands. Playing any of those teams in non-conference wouldn't move the needle. I'll certainly find something to do with my time instead of investing in Cougar football (frankly, I already have invested way less time the past five years).

Outside of Oregon, I would say there wouldn't be much attendance draw. Apple Cup feels like is half attended most times, even with a good team.

One of my main reasons for wanting to attend WSU was being apart of a P5 conference. If (when) that's gone, the university is on a slow death watch. WSU is instantly less attractive of a university, IMHO.

 

[CougPatrol]

One of my main reasons for wanting to attend WSU was being a part of a P5 conference. If (when) that's gone, the university is on a slow death watch. WSU is instantly less attractive of a university, IMHO.

For the foreseeable future, WSU is going to remain the #2 public school in the State and we'll have the best facilities around. Football is in a transitional phase now, but it won't completely evaporate.