Let'sGoZips94

I understand that which makes me believe additional scheduling challenges have occurred across the board.

This isn't the argument. Since the start of the challenge in 2023-24, here are the schedule results for Akron... Q1: 1 (James Madison, and we were a Q3 W for them) Q2: 1 (Arkansas State, and we were a Q3 W for them) Q3: 2 Q4: 2 How does this boost the resume for top teams in either conference? That's the whole point of this agreement and Q1/Q2 teams are getting Q3 wins at best. Miami OH got Q3 (Marshall) and Q4 (ODU) opportunities this past season; Kent got 2 Q3 opportunities (Troy & Southern Miss). There are better ways to utilize those 2 dates, especially late in the season when NET is more solidified. The current format blows. The Bracket Buster constantly had multiple top 100 RPI teams participating; someone high up needs to figure out how to revive that.

I don't think not liking the MAC/Sun Belt Challenge is "talking down" to the Sun Belt. In its current format, it has yet to suit either conference. When the Sun Belt has had top 50-75 teams, the MAC's best teams have been ~100+. When the MAC has had top 50-75 teams, the Sun Belt's best teams have been 100+. For the challenge to be beneficial, the top teams each year need to consistently be in the same range for NET. Taking up valuable dates in November & February is expensive for the resume. If the extension allows for conference expansion discussions, that works for me. Otherwise, this is puzzling. Or circumstances changed. Would've love to be a fly on the wall when these discussions were taking place.

Maybe there was truth to that?

Odd. MAC/Sun Belt Extend Challenge Through 2028-29 Season

Delaware marketed the crap out of themselves in the game and I believe even had a contest for those who used them in dynasty. Akron could afford to do the same.

He's gone, but these guys are here. Significantly bigger this year. Very much looking forward to seeing this squad in action, but I will gladly be patient so we don't rush back into the crappy weather seasons.

The hype was warranted to an extent. Helen Keller could see there's raw, natural athleticism/ability with his game. The issue, like I believe Hilltopper said, is he wasn't coachable. Good luck at Manhattan, Big Stank.

You'll be an asset to any of the teams as I believe it's a scramble.

If your hope is to play golf more in future years, don't get married. I'm kidding (sorta). Just get a simulator (trust me). Early congratulations on the wedding!

Basketball golf outing set for September 21st at Lake Forest Country Club. $150 individual, $600 foursome. Looking forward to this!

We have a regular customer at the card shop that's a big Akron fan. He brought his son in who is probably 8-10 years old. He asked me where he can get some 3Peat merch. Luckily, I was gifted an extra hat the other day and had it in my bag. Gave it to him and, man, you should've seen the smile on his face. He went to dinner and came back a couple hours later with the tags off. I asked if he will ever take the hat off and he said, "Nope," with a huge smile. Never be afraid to talk Zips with people. Never know who you'll leave an impression on and foster life-long fandom. Also, 3Peat merch is a huge hit. Props to Wentz and the FTRC crew on creating great merch.

Thank you. Am I understanding this correctly, that Akron isn't on the hook for any of Groce's bonuses from this past season? If that's the case, Akron essentially paid $500k for Groce last year after the buyout is taken out of the base salary. Wow. However, pertinent clauses in Groce's contract state the following: Payments of bonuses will be made in June, and if the coach were to terminate the contract (which Groce did a few months ago), the university's financial commitment to him would be limited to accrued but unpaid base salary and not include incentives. I like this. Not a very big bump, but it does place an emphasis on experience around Ford as he gets his feet wet as a HC. For three assistant coaches, Groce had a minimum base salary pool of $394,900. For three assistant coaches, Ford has a minimum base salary pool of $425,000 at his disposal.

Paywall for contract details. I hate the ABJ - anybody with a subscription want to pull the details?

Did the format accomplish that goal or did the teams? The 2 seed hasn't missed a Championship Game yet in the current format. See my previous post for who the 1 seeds were that missed.