It's here!

I just happened to be over on the Ute msg board myself and was struck by how fired up the Utes are by this invitation. Again and again the Ute posters were using words like "ecstatic," "overjoyed," "thrilled," and phrases like "best day in Utah sports history."

I had underestimated how big of it deal it is for a non-BCS school to be invited to a BCS conference. I don't think we BCS-school fans really appreciate what a sense of frustration and inferiority comes along with being a non-BCS school.

It's also pretty funny how much they relish leaving BYU behind in the MWC. They're almost as happy about this perceived humiliation of their rival than of the invitation itself.

Calcoholic;339830 said:

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I just happened to be over on the Ute msg board myself and was struck by how fired up the Utes are by this invitation. Again and again the Ute posters were using words like "ecstatic," "overjoyed," "thrilled," and phrases like "best day in Utah sports history."

I had underestimated how big of it deal it is for a non-BCS school to be invited to a BCS conference. I don't think we BCS-school fans really appreciate what a sense of frustration and inferiority comes along with being a non-BCS school.

It's also pretty funny how much they relish leaving BYU behind in the MWC. They're almost as happy about this perceived humiliation of their rival than of the invitation itself.

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Same words I used when the Condoms found out about their sanctions.... how weird is that????

That has got to be the least usable message board ever. Do I have to setup an account to get some more reasonable thread tools?

-kap

Calcoholic;339830 said:

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I just happened to be over on the Ute msg board myself and was struck by how fired up the Utes are by this invitation. Again and again the Ute posters were using words like "ecstatic," "overjoyed," "thrilled," and phrases like "best day in Utah sports history."

I had underestimated how big of it deal it is for a non-BCS school to be invited to a BCS conference. I don't think we BCS-school fans really appreciate what a sense of frustration and inferiority comes along with being a non-BCS school.

It's also pretty funny how much they relish leaving BYU behind in the MWC. They're almost as happy about this perceived humiliation of their rival than of the invitation itself.

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Utah and Colorado fans and officals being ecstatic about joining the Pac-10 is probably the least surprising part of all of this. This is an absolute windfall for them in every possible way except perhaps any penalty they may pay to their respective old conferences.

This is particularly true if they play in the Pac-10 South and USC/UCLA appear on their schedule every year as reported by the CU Athletic Director, with Cal/Furd being relegated to the Pac-10 North. Big SoCal recruiting and TV $$ bump compared to before for the newcomers. Some of that at Cal's expense since we would no longer play both SoCal schools every year.

Aside from CU's getting out of Texas' greedy shadow, Colorado-USC and Colorado-UCLA seem much more likely to get on ESPN, especially if Colorado and UCLA improve as expected, than Colorado's old match-ups against any of the old Big XII North teams except possibly Nebraska. The equation is even more skewed to the positive for Utah, coming from the Mountain West. TCU, BYU, and now Boise are good teams and tough to beat, but Utah would get very little credit for beating them compared to the relative benefit they will get from playing and beating Pac-12 South opponents. Actually, Utah probably thinks they have a great shot to make (and win) the championship game their first year, and they may be right.

I'm not sure that it could have realistically worked out in a more ideal fashion than it did for both Utah and Colorado.

kaplanfx;339864 said:

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That has got to be the least usable message board ever. Do I have to setup an account to get some more reasonable thread tools?

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Yeah, if they're going to be in a BCS conference, they need a BCS-quality message board!

Colorado has an annoying board too. Here are two non-Scout/Rivals Colorado boards:

http://www.netbuffs.com/message_board/football/
http://www.allbuffs.com/forumdisplay.php/3-CU-Football

Agreed that they are very happy. I think particularly for Utah this will be a boon. They will start to dominate BYU in recruiting. I see this for them as the springboard to becoming a true full fledged university both academically as well athletically. This will enable them to increase funding for their athletics (probably a 10 million plus for them when the new TV contracts come out) as well elevate them academically if they make the effort, for example, to join the AAU. They do have quality graduate programs - they just need more.

I also think it makes it more difficult for them to get to a BCS game...all they had to do before is beat BYU and TCU. Now, they have to get by probably 6 tough games - and they still will probably schedule BYU each year. But overall a good move for them.

For the Pac 10, I think it solidifies us in the West. The next logical move for us would be Texas and Oklahoma, but that is up to them.

TouchedTheAxeIn82;339886 said:

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Yeah, if they're going to be in a BCS conference, they need a BCS-quality message board!

Colorado has an annoying board too. Here are two non-Scout/Rivals Colorado boards:

http://www.netbuffs.com/message_board/football/
http://www.allbuffs.com/forumdisplay.php/3-CU-Football

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I hate those old "threaded" boards....us old guys need more simplicity, easier viewing for God's sake....

TouchdownOski;339797 said:

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It's here!

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To say that this invite is the best thing Utah could have hoped for is an understatement. The fan base is electrified. We look forward to more regular meetings with the PAC 10 schools... and I look forward to being part of a TV package that I can more easily access outside of the MWC footprint.

As for the message board, there are settings and such that members can access if the current format isn't for you. Format aside, that is the best Utah fan board from a content standpoint. The fans welcome visitors but don't expect a warm reception if you condescend, many Pitt and 'Bama fans left a bad impression but some of the good ones stuck around for years.

Looking forward to the new conference.

GO UTES!!!

Mike Zillion;339909 said:

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Welcome. Nice to be able to add a school that is good in both major sports. Being part of a BCS conference must feel great for you guys.

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We have a good basketball program but it is pretty down right now. Quick NCAA exit last year, at the hands of AZ, and no post season this year. But hopefully it is turning around.

Being in the BCS is a huge boost. It is frustrating to feel like the second class, to not get chances to prove your team, and to have powers cancel contracts (Texas) because you could derail their title hopes.

I'm sure it's a huge step up in terms of watching your team on TV and revenues for the school, but be careful what you wish for. If you tihnk this was a huge step forward for your football program, you need a little bit of a wake up call. Yes, the status and respect that goes along with being in a BCS conference is great, but Utah has won 2 BCS games in the last 6 years. I'd say being in the MWC hurt their chances at the BCS not at all.

The last 5 years have seen the status of the non-AQ conferences rise dramatically. Even though it's a complete travesty that anyone would ever even consider Boise worthy of the national title game simply because they're undefeated through a pathetically bad schedule, the fact remains that the powers of the non-AQ conferences have it ridiculously easy. Beat one legitimate OOC opponent, beat the other couple (at best) teams in your conference that are legitimate and you're done.

Welcome, Utah, but don't cry if you don't make the BCS ever again. Be careful what you wish for.

Of course we now expect you to provide an annual beatdown of that MWC BYU school. Maybe twice a year if you also see them in Vegas.
Go Bears, Go Pac XII

RoseBowlBears;340175 said:

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The last 5 years have seen the status of the non-AQ conferences rise dramatically. Even though it's a complete travesty that anyone would ever even consider Boise worthy of the national title game simply because they're undefeated through a pathetically bad schedule, the fact remains that the powers of the non-AQ conferences have it ridiculously easy. Beat one legitimate OOC opponent, beat the other couple (at best) teams in your conference that are legitimate and you're done.

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We as a fan base are aware of the schedule upgrade and the increased difficulty. But the alternate is far more frustrating. I can't stand BSU but the fact remains that they win when it counts, who really knows how they'd stack up against better competition week in and week out.

In 2008 the U of U beat 4 teams in the BCS top 25, including the woodshedding of Alabama. But it still doesn't convince others that your team can compete.

Playing in the PAC 10/12 will be a better challenge but most of us welcome the opportunity.

Cal_Fan2;339889 said:

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I hate those old "threaded" boards....us old guys need more simplicity, easier viewing for God's sake....

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my eyes hurt. way too busy. too much crap going on.

does it have a text-only view?

Well of course Utah is bouncing off the walls.

The Pac10 gets screwed, and Utah and Colorado fall into a bundle of money.

That's what it is....

In the English premier leauge it happens every year....

In the f@$d up world of NCAA FBS it almost never does.....

Look if we played under a promotion/demotion system....1997-2000 would have earned us multiple demotions....be thankful we don't live under that regime....

Utah...they peaked at EXACTLY the right time....under premier leauge rules...they deserved a promotion....but face the facts...under NCAA FBS...


They hit the F@#ing jackpot.....

Seriously...aside from the Big lEast expansion...this is it....

Since the BCS has instituted...how many D1/FBS schools have gone to a BCS conference?

South Florida
Cincy
Louisville
UConn

and now

Utah.....

Welcome to the club Utes...

But seriously if the Big Least admits Memphis and Central Florida....screw it...take away their auto bid...they already have one directional school from Florida (USF)....two directional schools should be cause for auto BCS demotion!

You get big name teams coming to your town and playing your team. It adds an element of excitement to your program. I mean no disrespect to the MWC teams, but when storied teams like USC come to Cal ... it's an event.

1. yes, you can schedule OOC, but its tougher to get say, Texas to do an away game ...especially when you might win, but aren't considered a traditional power.
2. yes, there are historic rivalries within the Pac-10 that amp up the excitement, but there is the excitement of playing a new team for Utah.
3. yes, Utah has played (and beat) some big name teams in Bowl games, but getting them to come visit your house is different

For example during a certain stretch under a certain Cal coach, I could justify my season tickets based on getting to watch some big name teams wake up from their morning slumber to pound Cal in the second half.

running bear;340640 said:

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You get big name teams coming to your town and playing your team. It adds an element of excitement to your program. I mean no disrespect to the MWC teams, but when storied teams like USC come to Cal ... it's an event.

1. yes, you can schedule OOC, but its tougher to get say, Texas to do an away game ...especially when you might win, but aren't considered a traditional power.
2. yes, there are historic rivalries within the Pac-10 that amp up the excitement, but there is the excitement of playing a new team for Utah.
3. yes, Utah has played (and beat) some big name teams in Bowl games, but getting them to come visit your house is different

For example during a certain stretch under a certain Cal coach, I could justify my season tickets based on getting to watch some big name teams wake up from their morning slumber to pound Cal in the second half.

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With the right teams it also means that "Game Day" may show up.

GivemTheAxe;340703 said:

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With the right teams it also means that "Game Day" may show up.

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Chris Fowler = Colorado alum.