Conference Re-Alignment?

[wadszip]

I think everyone is really missing the main point about the media coverage. As an example, the Orlando/Daytona DMA (demographic market area) also includes the Space Coast (Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, etc). If you watch the "local" news (the network affiliates available in Daytona and the Space Coast are Orlando stations) there of course is significantly more coverage of events in Orlando. Florida Tech, located in Melboure, is actually starting a football program - they will be Division II. Will they get coverage? Yes. As much as UCF? No. The Magic are in Orlando. Will they get a large amount of the sports coverage during basketball season? Of course. Is there an NBA team in Daytona or Melbourne? No. The media is going to cover what MOST people want to hear about. Until the Zips give the media a REASON to give us inches in the paper and time on the news, they won't.

As Coach Bowden says about so many things, "Winning solves everything". When we start winning - beating quality opponents, and bringing quality opponents to OUR stadium, the media will be here - I promise you that.

That's a good point. Since, it's basketball season, the majority of the stories I counted were basketball-related (with stories on Jim Tressel and Terry Bowden hires thrown in). Since the Zips are winning, they are getting a fair amount of coverage ... just as much as Cleveland State (which up until the last couple of weeks was also winning) and more than Can't (who is also winning). Since all three teams are at 19 and 20 wins, the stations have to (and are) trying to spread that coverage around.

However, I'm sure if you go back to football season, Akron got little to no coverage. Can anybody really argue the team deserved any? They were god awful, and frankly unwatchable. When TB turns this thing around, the football coverage should come ... though the football coverage will always be OSU dominated. Not much Akron can do about that, only try to make a dent in the disparity.

[xu9697]

OK, this is off topic, but...

Went to Cleveland Zoo yesterday (we are members) with my 3-year old son. This is what I saw:

3 people wearing UA sweatshirts, 2 wearing UA hats.

1 Can't hat

0 CSU apparel

So...good "coverage" at the Cleveland Zoo!!!

I was happy to see no Steelers gear, plenty of Browns gear and maybe 2-3 OSU related apparel.

[g-mann17]

OK, this is off topic, but...

Went to Cleveland Zoo yesterday (we are members) with my 3-year old son. This is what I saw:

3 people wearing UA sweatshirts, 2 wearing UA hats.

1 Can't hat

0 CSU apparel

So...good "coverage" at the Cleveland Zoo!!!

I was happy to see no Steelers gear, plenty of Browns gear and maybe 2-3 OSU related apparel.

I believe you would have seen Steelers gear near the Ape house, but it might not be family reunion time just yet. Freaking neanderthals.

[wadszip]

Did anybody listen to Kendall Lewis on 92.3 The Fan yesterday afternoon?

I heard the intro to the show and said he was having George Thomas on to talk about Akron football. He went on to talk for a couple of minutes how big of a hire Bowden and Amato were from the program. Unfortunately, I was heading out for the evening and missed the actual interview.

I went to the archived interview section on the website and see it wasn't listed there. Was wondering if anybody heard it?

FYI, I went back through the archived interviews through the past two months. From my count, there was two University of Akron interviews: Keith Dambrot and former University of Akron LB Chase Blackburn.

The only Cleveland State interview was one with ex-coach Kevin Mackey. The only Can't State interview was with Darrell Hazell.

[scottditzen]

They definitely aren't archiving all of their interviews.

I remember (and posted) about George Thomas being interviewed during the Bowden hire.

On a related note, I expect the U to do everything in their power to make sure that ALL local sports media outlets have a visible presence on game days.

Did anybody listen to Kendall Lewis on 92.3 The Fan yesterday afternoon?

I heard the intro to the show and said he was having George Thomas on to talk about Akron football. He went on to talk for a couple of minutes how big of a hire Bowden and Amato were from the program. Unfortunately, I was heading out for the evening and missed the actual interview.

I went to the archived interview section on the website and see it wasn't listed there. Was wondering if anybody heard it?

FYI, I went back through the archived interviews through the past two months. From my count, there was two University of Akron interviews: Keith Dambrot and former University of Akron LB Chase Blackburn.

The only Cleveland State interview was one with ex-coach Kevin Mackey. The only Can't State interview was with Darrell Hazell.

[wadszip]

Here's something I've been thinking about, how does the STO contract work in regards to Akron? I know STO has signed on for the entire MAC, but it seems (at least for basketball) it's been Akron and Can't centric.

So far, Akron and Can't have both been on four times (most in the MAC). That makes sense, though, because it's two of the better teams and STO is a Cleveland-based network. From looking at the schedule, Akron probably would be on at least three more times, if possible. Sunday's game at Ohio was originally a Saturday game that would've been picked up for sure if not for ESPNU coming in and scooping it (and making it a Sunday night game). Then the Buffalo game on the 29th probably will be the STO game (though Ohio at Can't will compete for that). Lastly, the March 3 finale against Can't would've been a no-brainer STO game, but again, ESPN picked that up.

Anyway, if it wasn't for ESPN (first-tier rights) intervening, STO likely would've featured Akron in 7 of its 20 MAC games (35 percent). If that was the case, it would be the most in the conference (though if Can't is picked up for its Ohio game over Akron-Buffalo, Can't would have 7 and Akron 6). Regardless of that, my point is this that Akron and Can't are STO's bread-and-butter

If a team in the MAC is going to be coveted by another league it's going to be either Akron or Can't. Why?

1. TV market potential

2. The schools are the top 2 overall athletic departments in the league.

Why Akron would get the nod over Can't?

1. Facilities and commitment to future athletics (especially in the big two sports).

With that being said, if STO loses one of its two bread-and-butter programs (presumably Akron), could STO rework the contract so that it can (being Cleveland-based) make Akron essentially its "own college network" for lack of a better term? In that it secures all of the Zips' second-tier rights, but then keeps the MAC deal as its third-tier choice?

If so, that would be huge in the negotiations for Akron when it comes to trying to get to a more lucrative league. Not only would the potential of bringing in the No. 17 Cleveland market come into play, nationally. But if Akron (which is based in the Cleveland-Akron TV market) can bring in a lucrative regional network (which STO is), it could make the Zips (or begrudgingly the Flashes) an even more intriguing choice.

And that's not even considering what either school brings to the table as far as expanding recruiting grounds. While "recruiting" may be behind market share in general, it can't be counted out. And the greater Cleveland-Akron-Canton area produces more big-time football and basketball recruits than any other area in Ohio. Considering Ohio is a top 10 state in both (top 5 in football), that's significant.

[wadszip]

They definitely aren't archiving all of their interviews.

I remember (and posted) about George Thomas being interviewed during the Bowden hire.

On a related note, I expect the U to do everything in their power to make sure that ALL local sports media outlets have a visible presence on game days.

Too bad they aren't archiving all the interviews. Lewis, a Cleveland native and Ohio grad, btw, went on for a good 3-4 minutes in his monolog about how good of a hire Bowden and Amato were.

I would've liked to have heard his discussion with George Thomas.

[scottditzen]

I was critical of the Thomas interview, he said he didn't know where or what level Wayne St. played. I thought he was being ignorant. Well, I'm finding out he just sort of has a sarcastic sense of humor. He really does seem knowledgeable. Someone (Zach?) heard the entire interview and said it was pretty good.

Too bad they aren't archiving all the interviews. Lewis, a Cleveland native and Ohio grad, btw, went on for a good 3-4 minutes in his monolog about how good of a hire Bowden and Amato were.

I would've liked to have heard his discussion with George Thomas.

[Spin]

I frequent a Cleveland sports fan forum, and the CSU fans are always complaining that the TV stations cover Akron and Can't, but not CSU.

The TV and radio stations and PD really played up Akron's soccer championship. And they have extensive coverage of AK basketball in The Dance.

Just a couple FWIW's...

IIRC Akron gets a fair amount of news coverage. Keep in mind, the Akron metro area is less than a third the size of Clevaland. And Cleveland's crime rate per capita is higher.

[xu9697]

PD (well, Cleveland.com) covering Akron:

http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/...d_stand_be.html

[wadszip]

PD (well, Cleveland.com) covering Akron:

http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/...d_stand_be.html

As mentioned on the basketball board, George Thomas was on All Bets are Off on STO yesterday talking Zips.

[ZachTheZip]

I've made up my mind. Join the Alliance for all sports. It would be worth it just to be done with MAC refs.

[ZachTheZip]

Conference realignment messageboard (your MAC messageboard login should work there).

It would be nice to have a real Akron fan presence there. It's a great place to get the views from fans all over the place.

Right now Akron isn't even in the conversation. It's assumed by people outside the MAC that all the schools here are content to stay where we are and aren't the least bit interested in leaving or improving our athletics programs.

[Wally B]

I haven't posted over there in well..... forever. The problem I see is that while I'm interested in Akron moving to a better conference, I have seen nothing that demonstrates that the alliance is either a step up or will improve our general lot. There are a variety of factors that influence mobility. Location, fan base, etc.. UA is clearly investing in its athletic department, and the Cleveland metro area is enticing in that regard. We may yet get our shot, but I do not see that predicated by our inclusion in the abomination that is the alliance. So in effect they are right. I see no need to move for movings sake.

Beyond that, the MAC board has become highly repetitive and nothing new has been shared in the last 3 years, at least. If you have spent any amount of time on there (especially the realignment board) you would be more than familiar with the incessant ramblings of KitKat/LousieKitton/OHFootball/etc... he's been preaching his dribble for some time and most now ignore it.... hence the idea that no one in the MAC cares, when in fact the issue is the proverbial dead horse.

Projection - The notion that the thoughts within ones mind are collectively shared by everyone else.

[ZachTheZip]

There's been a lot of talk among MAC and CAA fans about the MAC potentially adding a trio of teams that would include James Madison, Old Dominion, and either App State or the U of Delaware while bringing in UMass as a full member.

[Dr Z]

There's been a lot of talk among MAC and CAA fans about the MAC potentially adding a trio of teams that would include James Madison, Old Dominion, and either App State or the U of Delaware while bringing in UMass as a full member.

Are you just re-posting someones tweet, or was this "talk" going on in your bathroom?....how about a link, for the umpteenth time.

[EA3]

http://ncaabbs.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=472

People can't stop talking about it on the ncaabbs board.

I find MAC expansion talk to be extremely premature at this point...but some people like to play fantasy conference reallignment.

[EA3]

I haven't posted over there in well..... forever. The problem I see is that while I'm interested in Akron moving to a better conference, I have seen nothing that demonstrates that the alliance is either a step up or will improve our general lot. There are a variety of factors that influence mobility. Location, fan base, etc.. UA is clearly investing in its athletic department, and the Cleveland metro area is enticing in that regard. We may yet get our shot, but I do not see that predicated by our inclusion in the abomination that is the alliance. So in effect they are right. I see no need to move for movings sake.

Beyond that, the MAC board has become highly repetitive and nothing new has been shared in the last 3 years, at least. If you have spent any amount of time on there (especially the realignment board) you would be more than familiar with the incessant ramblings of KitKat/LousieKitton/OHFootball/etc... he's been preaching his dribble for some time and most now ignore it.... hence the idea that no one in the MAC cares, when in fact the issue is the proverbial dead horse.

Projection - The notion that the thoughts within ones mind are collectively shared by everyone else.

You mean nobody pays attention when she says the MAC should split into 3 or 4 divisions? Or that Ohio wrote the book on how to be the best in football and basketball in the MAC?

I especially like it when she embellishes numbers that make Ohio look much better when compared to other MAC schools.

[ZachTheZip]

Things have been fairly quiet recently, aside from the Sun Belt picking up a noncompetitive Georgia State (a strange move considering that they have far better programs like Appalachian State and Georgia Southern beating down their doors to try and get in).

A few things to note recently:

The CAA was supposed to hold a vote to raise their exit fee, but couldn't even get half their presidents to dial in to the conference call. It's an indication that a schools like James Madison and Old Dominion could be looking to make a jump.

The MAC is quietly going about its business, but there was a rumor a few days ago about Appalachian State saying they had talked to the MAC about becoming the 14th football member. They have far more name recognition than JMU or ODU, but I feel like it's not as likely as some other scenarios.

There has also been some low rumblings that Akron, Ohio, and Toledo have put their names out to Conference USA / the Alliance. Nothing really substantial, but why would people associated with schools that have no familiarity with Akron mention our name if there wasn't something of substance there?

[johnnyzip84]

Things have been fairly quiet recently, aside from the Sun Belt picking up a noncompetitive Georgia State (a strange move considering that they have far better programs like Appalachian State and Georgia Southern beating down their doors to try and get in).

While Billy Curry has certainly gotten off to a slow start in building Georgia State's football program from scratch, Georgia State has an obvious advantage over the other schools you mention for Sunbelt consideration. They are located in Atlanta, which is obviously a huge TV market. So is Ga Tech, but Tech (20,000 students) is much more of an elite/academic school than GSU (30,000 students). It's a little like the MAC picking up Buffalo even though the Bulls were a mediocre 1-AA/FCS team.

If the MAC were to make a run at any of Appy St, JMU or ODU, I prefer the Monarchs for the same reason. The Tidewater area of Va is a bigger market. Besides, it would make for a better road trip, too

[bobbyake]

While Billy Curry has certainly gotten off to a slow start in building Georgia State's football program from scratch, Georgia State has an obvious advantage over the other schools you mention for Sunbelt consideration. They are located in Atlanta, which is obviously a huge TV market. So is Ga Tech, but Tech (20,000 students) is much more of an elite/academic school than GSU (30,000 students). It's a little like the MAC picking up Buffalo even though the Bulls were a mediocre 1-AA/FCS team.

If the MAC were to make a run at any of Appy St, JMU or ODU, I prefer the Monarchs for the same reason. The Tidewater area of Va is a bigger market. Besides, it would make for a better road trip, too

ODU and JMU both have decent soccer programs. Would love to see that happen.

[72 Roo]

While Billy Curry has certainly gotten off to a slow start in building Georgia State's football program from scratch, Georgia State has an obvious advantage over the other schools you mention for Sunbelt consideration. They are located in Atlanta, which is obviously a huge TV market. So is Ga Tech, but Tech (20,000 students) is much more of an elite/academic school than GSU (30,000 students). It's a little like the MAC picking up Buffalo even though the Bulls were a mediocre 1-AA/FCS team.

If the MAC were to make a run at any of Appy St, JMU or ODU, I prefer the Monarchs for the same reason. The Tidewater area of Va is a bigger market. Besides, it would make for a better road trip, too

Isn't Georgia State in Albany , GA? The Atlanta advantage may be a myth.

[johnnyzip84]

Isn't Georgia State in Albany , GA? The Atlanta advantage may be a myth.

Downtown Atlanta

[ZachTheZip]

If you want to know how seriously we are not taken by C-USA fans, just read the following links. Imagine a conference where everyone thinks like Marshall fans.

Why not Akron?

Speaking of Akron...

Let's talk Akron

Anyone know anything good about Akron?

http://csnbbs.com/showthread.php?tid=566508

http://csnbbs.com/showthread.php?tid=565959

[akzipper]

If you want to know how seriously we are not taken by C-USA fans, just read the following links. Imagine a conference where everyone thinks like Marshall fans.

Why not Akron?

Speaking of Akron...

Let's talk Akron

Anyone know anything good about Akron?

http://csnbbs.com/showthread.php?tid=566508

http://csnbbs.com/showthread.php?tid=565959

It's funny there are people saying we're suck at everything, don't bring anything to C-USA, etc. But then I look closer and realize the people saying these things are fans of schools like UTEP and Southern Miss. haha really? I mean we may not be great at football, but our basketball and soccer teams speak for themselves. I think we would be one of the best schools in C-USA instantly, and really the only MAC school that needs to move out.