Monday, June 7, 2010
Conference Re-alignment and Where ISU May End Up.
Conference realignment and the reported future demise of the Big 12 conference is the hot topic today and has been for the past two or three weeks. Most of the likely realignment scenarios don't look good for the Cyclones as they'll end up somewhere other than a BCS conference per these scenarios. That's too bad; for a century, ISU has been a loyal member of good standing to the Big 8/Big 12 conference and deserve much better than what most prognosticators predict. ISU's academic and research qualifications alone say they deserve better. Alas, this whole peeing match is about TV network revenue since the Big Ten Network has become so successful. ISU doesn't bring enough "eyes" to the TV sets to be regarded as a valuable enough TV commodity to be included in all these TV network scenarios being talked about.
I really wonder about those claims though; has anyone done research on what the Nielsen Ratings were for televised ISU Football and Mens Basketball games? I bet they're significantly higher than what may be expected. If ISU didn't bring eyes to TVs, why then did TNT and Versus broadcast so many of our football games, and why did ESPN do the same for football and basketball? I know the Big 12 TV contract had a lot to do with that, but what were the actual ratings when those games were telecast? I believe ISU has a bigger following than most people think.
Now recently, the Big 12 Conference Commissioner issued an ultimatum to both the Universities of Nebraska and Missouri to declare whether they're loyal Big 12 members, or not, and to make that declaration by the coming Friday, June 11, 2010. As reported by some, the University of Notre Dame is much closer to joining the Big Ten Conference than what was originally thought when this mess started. If UND joins the Big Ten, then they have their school that will bring in a national TV audience and won't need to poach Nebraska and Missouri from the Big 12 to expand their TV network. So, Nebraska and Mizzou better have their invitations to join the Big Ten in hand by Friday. Because if they don't, and declare they're going elsewhere outside of the Big 12, then Texas will probably bolt to the Pac 10 Conference, taking the Big 12 South Division with it, and orphan the Big 12 North. Therefore, more than likely as things are forming up, Nebraska and Mizzou will probably declare their conference allegiance to the Big 12 and the conference will be preserved for the time being. Thus allowing Dan Beebe to negotiate a new TV contract with Fox in 2011, and maybe a new one with ESPN in 2014. I say maybe because there is another possible scenario no one's talking about -- yet.
Let's say Nebraska and Mizzou say they're staying with the Big 12, but the Pac 10 somehow ups the ante and offers a deal to Texas, and Oklahoma they can't refuse. Of course, these two schools abandon the Big 12, join the Pac 10, and bring their affiliate schools with them -- the remainder of the Big 12 South. This leaves the Big 12 North orphans looking for other partner schools to reform the Big 12. In this scenario, Nebraska, Kansas, K-State, ISU, Mizzou, and Colorado, hopefully, unite together to form the core of a new Big 12. With Nebraska football and Kansas basketball, this group will hopefully have considerable value and be attractive for other schools to improve their TV revenue situation. Using the extra TV money from the Big 12 South schools (the Big 12 heavily penalizes any schools for leaving the conference), the remaining schools could look to expand in the east where there is more TV presence.
I would think the remaining Big East schools would be looking to join up with some other schools to form a power conference, and having NU, KU, et al, offering big money for other BCS schools to join with them would be the ticket to reform the Big 12 in the east. Specifically, I'm talking about Louisville University, the University of Cincinnati, and perhaps the University of Pittsburgh and maybe Syracuse University. I've heard rumors the University of Maryland is shopping around for a better TV deal. Perhaps a reformed Big 12 in the east may be attractive to them. Also, the service academies automatically have a national following, particularly Army and Navy. Would a reforming Big 12 conference be attractive them to join? These two academies will need to join a conference in the up coming age of conferences networks. Let's say all but Maryland join up, then the new Big 12 would have NU, KU, KSU, ISU, MU, CU, Pitt, Cinci, Louisville, Syracuse, Army, and Navy.
If I may say so myself, this new Big 12 has strong possibilities to form its own TV network. Nebraska, Army and Navy have the national following; particularly Army and Navy have a strong following in the NYC and Baltimore/DC regions, along with the Norfolk/SE VA region -- lots and lots of TV sets in those areas. Kansas, Pitt, Louisville, and Syracuse are quite strong in mens basketball, so that sport will have a strong following as well. Actually, this conference would be stronger as a basketball conference than football which plays right into the ISU's most passionate following, and its strength. I can't see any reason why a TV network with this new, reformed Big 12 Conference couldn't be as successful as the Big Ten network. Put another way, I can always dream, can't I?
I really wonder about those claims though; has anyone done research on what the Nielsen Ratings were for televised ISU Football and Mens Basketball games? I bet they're significantly higher than what may be expected. If ISU didn't bring eyes to TVs, why then did TNT and Versus broadcast so many of our football games, and why did ESPN do the same for football and basketball? I know the Big 12 TV contract had a lot to do with that, but what were the actual ratings when those games were telecast? I believe ISU has a bigger following than most people think.
Now recently, the Big 12 Conference Commissioner issued an ultimatum to both the Universities of Nebraska and Missouri to declare whether they're loyal Big 12 members, or not, and to make that declaration by the coming Friday, June 11, 2010. As reported by some, the University of Notre Dame is much closer to joining the Big Ten Conference than what was originally thought when this mess started. If UND joins the Big Ten, then they have their school that will bring in a national TV audience and won't need to poach Nebraska and Missouri from the Big 12 to expand their TV network. So, Nebraska and Mizzou better have their invitations to join the Big Ten in hand by Friday. Because if they don't, and declare they're going elsewhere outside of the Big 12, then Texas will probably bolt to the Pac 10 Conference, taking the Big 12 South Division with it, and orphan the Big 12 North. Therefore, more than likely as things are forming up, Nebraska and Mizzou will probably declare their conference allegiance to the Big 12 and the conference will be preserved for the time being. Thus allowing Dan Beebe to negotiate a new TV contract with Fox in 2011, and maybe a new one with ESPN in 2014. I say maybe because there is another possible scenario no one's talking about -- yet.
Let's say Nebraska and Mizzou say they're staying with the Big 12, but the Pac 10 somehow ups the ante and offers a deal to Texas, and Oklahoma they can't refuse. Of course, these two schools abandon the Big 12, join the Pac 10, and bring their affiliate schools with them -- the remainder of the Big 12 South. This leaves the Big 12 North orphans looking for other partner schools to reform the Big 12. In this scenario, Nebraska, Kansas, K-State, ISU, Mizzou, and Colorado, hopefully, unite together to form the core of a new Big 12. With Nebraska football and Kansas basketball, this group will hopefully have considerable value and be attractive for other schools to improve their TV revenue situation. Using the extra TV money from the Big 12 South schools (the Big 12 heavily penalizes any schools for leaving the conference), the remaining schools could look to expand in the east where there is more TV presence.
I would think the remaining Big East schools would be looking to join up with some other schools to form a power conference, and having NU, KU, et al, offering big money for other BCS schools to join with them would be the ticket to reform the Big 12 in the east. Specifically, I'm talking about Louisville University, the University of Cincinnati, and perhaps the University of Pittsburgh and maybe Syracuse University. I've heard rumors the University of Maryland is shopping around for a better TV deal. Perhaps a reformed Big 12 in the east may be attractive to them. Also, the service academies automatically have a national following, particularly Army and Navy. Would a reforming Big 12 conference be attractive them to join? These two academies will need to join a conference in the up coming age of conferences networks. Let's say all but Maryland join up, then the new Big 12 would have NU, KU, KSU, ISU, MU, CU, Pitt, Cinci, Louisville, Syracuse, Army, and Navy.
If I may say so myself, this new Big 12 has strong possibilities to form its own TV network. Nebraska, Army and Navy have the national following; particularly Army and Navy have a strong following in the NYC and Baltimore/DC regions, along with the Norfolk/SE VA region -- lots and lots of TV sets in those areas. Kansas, Pitt, Louisville, and Syracuse are quite strong in mens basketball, so that sport will have a strong following as well. Actually, this conference would be stronger as a basketball conference than football which plays right into the ISU's most passionate following, and its strength. I can't see any reason why a TV network with this new, reformed Big 12 Conference couldn't be as successful as the Big Ten network. Put another way, I can always dream, can't I?
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Thoughts Since the Start of Baseball Season
Well my preseason baseball predictions are about 50% accurate -- par for the course. Even though they're fighting with the Cardinals for the AL Central division like I predicted, the Cubs are struggling. They probably will make the playoffs, but they don't look anywhere near a team capable of making the World Series this year.
Reading the press articles on the Cyclone football during summer camp team leaves me feeling cautiously optimistic about their upcoming season. Five wins are not out of the question in Paul Rhoads' inaugural season. The players' goal this season is to win a bowl game; that maybe a little premature this year. Even so, I feel the 2009 edition of the ISU Cyclone football team will be far more competitive.
Reading about Kevin Jackson's hire as ISU's head wrestling coach seems an excellent fit. His passion seems to mirror that exhibited by Tom Brands the Hawkeye wrestling coach. That ardour can only bode well for the Cyclone wrestling program.
The Brett Favre -- Minnesota Viking saga has finally reached an end. Looks like Favre will be wearing purple this year. With that excellent Viking offensive line and having Adrian Peterson in the backfield, Favre should do very well and lead the Vikes deep into the playoffs; perhaps one more Super Bowl. Should Favre get hurt, Rosenfels and Jackson are able to capably take the reins at QB. I'm sure all Packer fans feel betrayed right now and probably making comparisons to the likes of Benedict Arnold among other infamous people from history. Unfortunate to be a Packer fan this year. ;-)
Until my next posting, in which, I hope, will be a shorter span of time than that from my last posting, TTFN.
Reading the press articles on the Cyclone football during summer camp team leaves me feeling cautiously optimistic about their upcoming season. Five wins are not out of the question in Paul Rhoads' inaugural season. The players' goal this season is to win a bowl game; that maybe a little premature this year. Even so, I feel the 2009 edition of the ISU Cyclone football team will be far more competitive.
Reading about Kevin Jackson's hire as ISU's head wrestling coach seems an excellent fit. His passion seems to mirror that exhibited by Tom Brands the Hawkeye wrestling coach. That ardour can only bode well for the Cyclone wrestling program.
The Brett Favre -- Minnesota Viking saga has finally reached an end. Looks like Favre will be wearing purple this year. With that excellent Viking offensive line and having Adrian Peterson in the backfield, Favre should do very well and lead the Vikes deep into the playoffs; perhaps one more Super Bowl. Should Favre get hurt, Rosenfels and Jackson are able to capably take the reins at QB. I'm sure all Packer fans feel betrayed right now and probably making comparisons to the likes of Benedict Arnold among other infamous people from history. Unfortunate to be a Packer fan this year. ;-)
Until my next posting, in which, I hope, will be a shorter span of time than that from my last posting, TTFN.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Cael Sanderson Leaving ISU
Sanderson left ISU for Penn State. Why? The reasons he cited don't make sense. His salary is quadrupled and money is not the issue? Yeah, right. I can only think of only two other reasons as to why Sanderson left ISU.
1. Facilities -- if Penn State completed a major upgrade to their wrestling training facilities, I can see why Cael would state that winning a national championship would be easier. Having cutting edge facilities would make recruiting much easier. So, Penn State may have better facilities than ISU.
2. Jamie Pollard (the AD) and Cael had a falling out -- maybe, over what, facilities, or something else?
Well, this is another coaching re-hire Pollard must make; his record on coach retention is not good so far. It's giving ISU a bad rep on the recruiting trail. The replacement candidates I've heard about so far are eminently qualified and would be good hires. Hopefully, the next wrestling head coach will "dovetail" with Pollard better. ISU fans can only hope.
1. Facilities -- if Penn State completed a major upgrade to their wrestling training facilities, I can see why Cael would state that winning a national championship would be easier. Having cutting edge facilities would make recruiting much easier. So, Penn State may have better facilities than ISU.
2. Jamie Pollard (the AD) and Cael had a falling out -- maybe, over what, facilities, or something else?
Well, this is another coaching re-hire Pollard must make; his record on coach retention is not good so far. It's giving ISU a bad rep on the recruiting trail. The replacement candidates I've heard about so far are eminently qualified and would be good hires. Hopefully, the next wrestling head coach will "dovetail" with Pollard better. ISU fans can only hope.
Monday, April 6, 2009
My Major League Baseball Forecast
Opening day is here (Hoo-Rah)! . Since almost everyone else is doing it, I'll make my baseball forecast as to which teams make the post-season:
AL East:
AL
NL Champion -- Cubs
World Series Champion -- Cubs (after 101 years)
Yeah, I know I'm letting sentiment come over me, but my predictions are as good as the any other average Joe's.
How I see the races shaking out:
AL East -- A dog fight between the Rays and Yankees with the Rays edging the Bronx Bombers by three games, or less.
AL Central -- A three team race between the Twins, Indians and White Sox. The Twins squeak by, by a game or two.
AL West -- The Angels have no real competition here. They will run away with the division crown by ten plus games.
NL East -- Another tight race between the Phillies and Mets with the Phillies winning the crown by three games, or less.
NL Central -- The rivalry between the Cubs and Cards will glow to white hot as these teams slug it out for the division title. The Cubs win out by one, or two games over the Cards. This contest is the NL's answer to the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry this year.
NL West -- The Dodgers will win this division comfortably by seven plus games. The only races here are for second place between the Giants and Diamondbacks (neither team will make the playoffs this year), and the Padres and Rockies for fourth place (who cares).
AL Wild Card -- This race will be a battle between the Yankees and the Indians. The Yanks win by one or two games.
NL Wild Card -- A race between the Mets and Cards, and the Mets win by one, or two games as well.
Well there you have it, my MLB predictions for this year. Will I be Sammy Swami, Blind Bertie, or Half-blind Hattie this year? Only time will tell, but it will be a fun baseball season watching six close races in 2009.
TTFN.
AL East:
- Tampa Bay Rays
- New York Yankees
- Boston Red Sox
- Baltimore Orioles
- Toronto Blue Jays
- Minnesota Twins
- Cleveland Indians
- Chicago White Sox
- Kansas City Royals
- Detroit Tigers
- LA Angels
- Texas Rangers
- Oakland Athletics
- Seattle Mariners
- Philadelphia Phillies
- New York Mets
- Atlanta Braves
- Florida Marlins
- Washington Nationals
- Chicago Cubs
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Milwaukee Brewers
- Houston Astros
- Cincinnati Reds
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- LA Dodgers
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- SF Giants
- SD Padres
- Colorado Rockies
AL
- Rays
- Twins
- Angels
- Yankees (Wild Card)
- Phillies
- Cubs
- Dodgers
- Mets (Wild Card)
NL Champion -- Cubs
World Series Champion -- Cubs (after 101 years)
Yeah, I know I'm letting sentiment come over me, but my predictions are as good as the any other average Joe's.
How I see the races shaking out:
AL East -- A dog fight between the Rays and Yankees with the Rays edging the Bronx Bombers by three games, or less.
AL Central -- A three team race between the Twins, Indians and White Sox. The Twins squeak by, by a game or two.
AL West -- The Angels have no real competition here. They will run away with the division crown by ten plus games.
NL East -- Another tight race between the Phillies and Mets with the Phillies winning the crown by three games, or less.
NL Central -- The rivalry between the Cubs and Cards will glow to white hot as these teams slug it out for the division title. The Cubs win out by one, or two games over the Cards. This contest is the NL's answer to the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry this year.
NL West -- The Dodgers will win this division comfortably by seven plus games. The only races here are for second place between the Giants and Diamondbacks (neither team will make the playoffs this year), and the Padres and Rockies for fourth place (who cares).
AL Wild Card -- This race will be a battle between the Yankees and the Indians. The Yanks win by one or two games.
NL Wild Card -- A race between the Mets and Cards, and the Mets win by one, or two games as well.
Well there you have it, my MLB predictions for this year. Will I be Sammy Swami, Blind Bertie, or Half-blind Hattie this year? Only time will tell, but it will be a fun baseball season watching six close races in 2009.
TTFN.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Well, Maybe Next Year...
The 08/09 basketball season for the ISU men's basketball team can only be described as disappointing. I was expecting a record slightly above .500 and now their record is going to be slightly below that mark. I hate to say this, but I'm not seeing a whole lot of improvement over last Head Men's Basketball Coach's (Wayne Morgan's) record so far. I know Coach McDermott had to start pretty much from scratch, but after the third year, we should be seeing a won-loss record trending above .500, not stagnating just below that benchmark. Next season is the time when Coach McDemott's future at ISU will be determined. Nothing less than a significant improvement in the won-loss record will save Coach from being fired.
One thing this basketball team needs are guards who can handle "the rock" no matter what defense an opponent may throw at them. Allowing twenty-plus points off of steals is absolutely unacceptable. Turnovers due to mistakes must end. Along with handling the ball, having tough-minded guards are a must as well. There were too many games in which the team broke down at the end of the game snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Right now, the ISU Men's Basketball team is not mentally tough enough to win anything. Will the incoming recruiting class change the mental make up of this team? We're hoping so for Coach McDermott's sake. Otherwise, it's hasta la vista, baby. TTFN.
One thing this basketball team needs are guards who can handle "the rock" no matter what defense an opponent may throw at them. Allowing twenty-plus points off of steals is absolutely unacceptable. Turnovers due to mistakes must end. Along with handling the ball, having tough-minded guards are a must as well. There were too many games in which the team broke down at the end of the game snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Right now, the ISU Men's Basketball team is not mentally tough enough to win anything. Will the incoming recruiting class change the mental make up of this team? We're hoping so for Coach McDermott's sake. Otherwise, it's hasta la vista, baby. TTFN.
A Successful First Recruiting Effort for Coach Rhoads
ISU Head Football Coach, Paul Rhoads somehow retained sixteen of Gene Chisik's nineteen recruits for the 2009 season. A remarkable recruiting accomplishment even if Coach Rhoads wasn't able to add any recruits of his own, which he did by the way. Of Coach Rhoads' own recruits, there is a quarterback prospect from Pennsylvania who seems to be very highly regarded. Sounds like Coach's time at Pitt is paying off. Paul Rhoads initial recruiting class can only be regarded as an unqualified success.
GO CYCLONES!
GO CYCLONES!
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