Let'sGoZips94

They still have 2 teams in the top 100 for NET, neither of which are any of Memphis, FAU, or Wichita St (Wichita St is 102). Completely agree they have not been a 3-4 bid league for a while, but their pathway to 2+ bids is much clearer than the MAC's or any other true mid major conference. I would easily rather player an in-conference schedule of AAC schools compared to MAC schools. Wichita St. is a solid CBB brand thanks to Gregg Marshall. Memphis is one of the top non P4 CBB brands thanks to Calipari and now Penny Hardaway. FAU is just 2 years removed from a trip to the Final Four. Their lowest rated team is 300 in NET right now. The MAC has 3 teams with 300+ NET and a 4th knocking on the door. Time will tell if the AAC continues to be a significant step up from the MAC as a whole, but as of today, it still remains true.

I view the last few years as the new standard for the MAC, due to poor vision and leadership. What has the MAC done to make anyone believe they are anything more than a bottom half mid major conference? Probably a conversation for a different thread, though.

Correct, although right now is an anomaly with Memphis, Wichita St., etc. struggling. Last year, the AAC finished as the 11th best conference in NET (the MAC was 23rd for comparison). It is still closer to that Next 5 tier than it is a bottom half/one-bid conference.

Friday 12/5 at 7pm EST. Rematch of last year's 5A title game where Semaj's team was a runner up.

Big time, which is a little surprising considering a few of the OGs are still involved with the University.

He has had 2 winning seasons in his first 6 years at the helm. Now, Tulane was an absolute train wreck under their previous HC, Mike Dunleavy, and they did not have much success prior to him, either. Tough spot to win it looks like and I'm sure the fan base is tired of seeing the program struggle to get over any sort of consistently successful hump. Also a tough conference to win in with Memphis, Wichita St., etc., but it's much easier than it used to be with Cincy, Houston, and others departing in recent years.

I'm sure they heard things said by the Rowdies about their son that still haunt them today lol. That was around the time when the Rowdies were still doing Facebook deep dives and NSFW goalie introductions.

2nd coldest Zips sporting event I've ever been to, right behind the 2005 Snow Bowl Wagon Wheel game. Such a fun win, though. Beat Saint Louis - Go Zips!

In a world where most teams have 22 & 23 year olds, a team of 18-19 year olds is rarely going to be consistently successful. Would much prefer we save roster spots for grown men.

The good news is most zones are mid game adjustments by the opponent, not necessarily their identity. The Zips have several days to fully prepare which should help. Just read Tulane's board. They want their coach fired yesterday. Here's to hoping we can help get that wish to the finish line! Apparently their coach is Ron Hunter. He's an Ohio native who played 4 years at Miami OH in the 80s.

Someone tell Mr. UCLA that. 1 guy in their entire 9 man rotation is from Indiana, and he's their 8th best scorer. Also, relying on Ohio Bobcat rejects like Elmore James IV to be key contributors probably isn't the best roster building strategy. They're not particularly tall and they don't shoot the ball very well. Not a great recipe for success.

Bowling Green has surpassed Ohio State for the #2 team in Ohio NET wise. UMass has cracked the top 200, giving the MAC 8 top 200 teams. The next closed to UMass (196) is Ohio at 262. WMU, CMU, NIU, and Balls bring up the rear (Balls lost to Evansville and dropped to 346 out of 365).

Don't forget Murray State.

This one is big. Tulane is only 228 NET, but that will rise. They have Akron (42 NET) and UC San Diego (63 NET) as the big challenges left in their OOC. Add those and their AAC schedule (Tulsa, USF, Wichita St, Memphis, FAU, etc.) and this could end up being a Q2 opportunity since it's on the road. They are 8 deep and tall/long although a lot of their scoring production comes from the 6'3"-6'6" portion of their roster. Need to win this to help establish our legitimacy. Cannot be looking ahead to Vegas.

Mission accomplished.