Big Ten / Big East Challenge coming?

[BMoreX]

@musketeerreport: The Big East and Big Ten have announced a press conference for Monday at 12:30.

[Retire33]

Who's ready for that Maryland - X game at Cintas? I know there is no chance that the matchup but man that would be done kind of fun.

I'll take a game vs Thad as a back up.....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[OH.X.MI]

Man this could be so awesome. I personally would love to see us play UofM or MSU. Beating them would give me infinite bragging rights to buddys from my home town.

[BMoreX]

As a reminder, here are both conference's members. 4 Big Ten schools will likely not be a part of the challenge.

Big East: Butler, Creighton, DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, Seton Hall, St. John's, VIllanova, Xavier
Big Ten: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, Wisconsin

Lots of interesting matchups.

[BMoreX]

Coming in 2015-2016.

Kevin McNamara ‏@KevinMcNamara33 2m
Big East and Big Ten will begin a series to tip off season beginning in 2015-16 at campus sites. Event to honor Hall of Famer Dave Gavitt.

[xu2010]

In order of 2014 standings:

Big Ten: Michigan, Wisconsin, MSU, Nebraska, OSU, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, IU, Penn State, Northwestern, Purdue
(+ Maryland, Rutgers)

Big East: Villanova, Creighton, Xavier, Providence, St. John's, Marquette, Georgetown, Seton Hall, Butler, Depaul

[Juice]

As a reminder, here are both conference's members. 4 Big Ten schools will likely not be a part of the challenge.

Big East: Butler, Creighton, DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, Seton Hall, St. John's, VIllanova, Xavier
Big Ten: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, Wisconsin

Lots of interesting matchups.

Specifically for X, playing OSU would be cool but I don't know if it would happen. Also, I would like to see them play IU because beating Tom Crean is always enjoyable.

[nuts4xu]

@KevinMcNamara33: Big East vs Big Ten series will add important SofS juice to Big East. Some natural matchups in Midwest, Butler-Ind, DePaul-Ill, Xavier-OSU.

[bobbiemcgee]

http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2014/05/big_ten-big_east_basketball_an.html

http://www.landgrantholyland.com/2014/5/4/5681362/big-ten-big-east-2015-2016-campus-season-tip-off-event

Beaknose back @ the 'Tas?

[Muskie]

Watch. We'll get matched up with Nebraska and Creighton will get OSU.

[paulxu]

Wonder why only 8 games? What's the rational for that.

[BMoreX]

Two games will be played on the first Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the regular season, played at school home sites -- four at a Big East school, four at a Big Ten school.

Each Big East team will play a minimum of six times during the length of the eight-year deal, and each Big Ten program will participate at least four times.

Individual match-ups will be announced in the spring.

FOX Sports1 will televise the Big East home games; ESPN or the Big Ten Network will carry the home Big Ten contests.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10882667/big-east-big-ten-hold-challenge-series

[paulxu]

Delany makes no bones about his desire -- and the league's need -- to have a presence in the New York market, especially now that the ACC already has laid claim to Madison Square Garden for future basketball tournaments.

Umm...maybe Barclays?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wonder why only 8 games? What's the rational for that.

And who are the two Big East teams out? How will they decide? Hmmmm

[Always Learning]

You can take this to the bank. During the course of the series, whatshisname will see to it by hook or crook that he never, ever plays Xavier, at Cintas or in Columbus.
Period.
So don't waste any time dreaming.

[Backyard Champ]

You can take this to the bank. During the course of the series, whatshisname will see to it by hook or crook that he never, ever plays Xavier, at Cintas or in Columbus.
Period.
So don't waste any time dreaming.

Honestly, I don't mind that. I am fine playing Wisconsin, Indiana, MSU, Michigan...

[D-West & PO-Z]

Honestly, I don't mind that. I am fine playing Wisconsin, Indiana, MSU, Michigan...

Yeah, hopefully we dont get Nebraska, Penn State, or Northwestern.

[paulxu]

If they "tier" it based on conference strength, maybe it would be good to have a great year coming up.
(Not that it isn't always good)

[JTG]

Honestly, I don't mind that. I am fine playing Wisconsin, Indiana, MSU, Michigan...

If it's like the Big/Acc challenge it will be the high profile teams vs high profile teams...Gtown vs Mich Villa vs IU our luck X vs Penn State. BUTLER already plays IU and Purdue o n alternating years.and Wisc plays Marq every yr, does Neb play Creighton annually ?

[danaandvictory]

The Creighton SID tweeted (can't find it now) that the challenge would not affect Creighton's annual game with Nebraska, and I'm led to believe the same is true of Rutgers-Seton Hall.

I'm guessing the eight-game rule provides an out if one of the league teams has a marquee event that week (e.g., Marquette's aircraft carrier game a few years back).

Obviously an XU-OSU home-and-home would be freaking awesome, but we'll see about that.

[Backyard Champ]

It would be awesome, I think MSU would be at the top of my wish list though.

[xubrew]

Will Maryland and Georgetown finally play??

There are already a handful of fixture games between the two leagues. Creighton v Nebraska, DePaul v Northwestern (I think they play regularly), Seton Hall v Rutgers, Marquette vs Wiscy, and Butler v Indiana or Purdue. Are they just going to make those games part of the challenge??

There will be two games a night from Tuesday through Friday the first full week of the season. I don't know why they don't play a full ten games and go Monday through Friday, but whatever. This is still great.

[XMuskieFTW]

Yea the 8 games is a bit odd to me. You have 10 teams in the BE and more than 10 in the Big Ten, so why not just play ten games? Does the Big Ten ACC challenge have all the teams from one league play?

[Olsingledigit]

Hopefully this will help cement the new Big Radt to continue as one of the premier (I.e. Major) conferences in basketball.

[kmcrawfo]

Yea the 8 games is a bit odd to me. You have 10 teams in the BE and more than 10 in the Big Ten, so why not just play ten games? Does the Big Ten ACC challenge have all the teams from one league play?

This was supposed to be set up so that the 1st place team plays the oher 1st place team, 2nd place plays 2nd place, etc. The choie to take 8 teams was primarliy to protect teams from payings the dregs (rpi kilers) that could potentially be at the bottom of the conferences.

[XMuskieFTW]

This was supposed to be set up so that the 1st place team plays the oher 1st place team, 2nd place plays 2nd place, etc. The choie to take 8 teams was primarliy to protect teams from payings the dregs (rpi kilers) that could potentially be at the bottom of the conferences.

I like that. Does that mean we will be playing MSU then? Being from around Ann Arbor I would love to see that matchup.

[XfansinKy]

Watch. We'll get matched up with Nebraska and Creighton will get OSU.

You are probably right though.

[Chalmers0]

This was supposed to be set up so that the 1st place team plays the oher 1st place team, 2nd place plays 2nd place, etc. The choie to take 8 teams was primarliy to protect teams from payings the dregs (rpi kilers) that could potentially be at the bottom of the conferences.

Considering each Big East team is guaranteed to play 6 out of 8 years minimum and Big Ten team 4 out of 8 minimum, they aren't going to be able to do it solely based on rankings. Teams like Penn State, Purdue and Rutgers (ugh) are going to be in this at least half of the years...

[Masterofreality]

Trust me, Ohio State will pull rank so they don't have to play Xavier...unless it is at OSU when XU is in a rebuilding mode.

You will NEVER see them at Cintas. Never.

[nuts4xu]

Trust me, Ohio State will pull rank so they don't have to play Xavier...unless it is at OSU when XU is in a rebuilding mode.

You will NEVER see them at Cintas. Never.

You think this is more an OSU thing, or a Thad Matta thing? I don't think they would play us no matter who their coach is. They didn't want to play us before Thad moved up I-71, and I am sure Thad is not very interested in playing us either. I just don't believe they want to play in state schools that can beat them...there is no incentive to do that.

[casualfan]

You think this is more an OSU thing, or a Thad Matta thing? I don't think they would play us no matter who their coach is. They didn't want to play us before Thad moved up I-71, and I am sure Thad is not very interested in playing us either. I just don't believe they want to play in state schools that can beat them...there is no incentive to do that.

It's an Ohio State thing.

[BandAid]

It's an Ohio State thing.
Or is it the Ohio State thing?

[x_man11]

It's an Ohio State thing.

After they played Dayton in the NCAA tourney this year there was a discussion up here in Columbus about this...people were asking why they didn't schedule in state schools. The AD pretty much stated they had no desire or need and as Nuts said, there's no incentive for them to do so. As far as they're concerned they're "King of the hill" and why jeopardize that by scheduling in state schools that could potentially beat them.

There used to be a law on the books, for football at least, to require them to scheduled at least 1 in state school per year. I don't think that's the case any longer.

Really, it's their loss...they could fill their arena with in state school fans and have a fun atmosphere...even if they get beat they at least rake in the $$ from a sell out crowd...instead of playing South Harmon Institute of Technology (shamelessly stealing from another thread) and have season ticket holders gripe. Oh well.

[casualfan]

After they played Dayton in the NCAA tourney this year there was a discussion up here in Columbus about this...people were asking why they didn't schedule in state schools. The AD pretty much stated they had no desire or need and as Nuts said, there's no incentive for them to do so. As far as they're concerned they're "King of the hill" and why jeopardize that by scheduling in state schools that could potentially beat them.

There used to be a law on the books, for football at least, to require them to scheduled at least 1 in state school per year. I don't think that's the case any longer.

Really, it's their loss...they could fill their arena with in state school fans and have a fun atmosphere...even if they get beat they at least rake in the $$ from a sell out crowd...instead of playing South Harmon Institute of Technology (shamelessly stealing from another thread) and have season ticket holders gripe. Oh well.

Correct. It's not a coincidence the only time they have played UD, XU, or UC in the regular season was when UC had a 6 '6 football player trying to guard Greg Oden.

[chowertime]

Bring on the Spartans! Best vs. best.

[hoyahooligan]

I'm pretty sure (maybe just wishful thinking) that this will be out of the individual teams hands. I think they will force the the big local teams to play each other who do not currently play. I'm fully expecting Georgetown v Maryland and Xavier v Ohio St. It's great for viewership making it great for the conferences. What can Thad do if Delaney tells him to play Xavier? I don't think he'll have a choice.

[nuts4xu]

I'm pretty sure (maybe just wishful thinking) that this will be out of the individual teams hands. I think they will force the the big local teams to play each other who do not currently play. I'm fully expecting Georgetown v Maryland and Xavier v Ohio St. It's great for viewership making it great for the conferences. What can Thad do if Delaney tells him to play Xavier? I don't think he'll have a choice.

The reports I have read from other sites basically say the same thing. The assumption by most Xavier fans is we won't play OSU, but it is sounding more and more like there may not be anything OSU can do to prevent the matchup. I understand why OSU doesn't want to play us, and won't schedule us. It is the same reason we will not be playing Dayton at dayton any time soon.

We have had a lot of threads over the years talk about some sort of made for TV event that would force OSU to play other Ohio schools. I hope this event will allow for schools to play each other no matter what. It would be great if the games went home/home, but with the format announced, it appears there will be a different match up for each school, each year.

I don't want to play OSU every year of this event, but it would be great to see them play in the regular season. I would also love to play MSU, Michigan, Maryland or Wisconsin. Looking forward to the start of this series, and to finding out who Xavier will play (and where) the first game.

[GoMuskies]

We'll probably end up playing Ohio State in Columbus and get no return game. I'd rather not play OSU at all than get a single game at OSU.

Of course, I'd gladly trade having to go to OSU for a game with getting IU or Michigan or Michigan State at Cintas.

[casualfan]

I can all but assure you that we won't be playing Ohio State and I'm even more confident they won't be coming to Cintas.

If you don't think OSU has enough pull within the BIG to make that happen I'm not sure what to tell you.

[Muskie]

We now have a poll (http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?28127-Who-Would-You-Like-to-Play-in-the-Big-East-Big-Ten-Challenge&goto=newpost).

[x_man11]

I can all but assure you that we won't be playing Ohio State and I'm even more confident they won't be coming to Cintas.

If you don't think OSU has enough pull within the BIG to make that happen I'm not sure what to tell you.

This. As nice as a match-up would be, as others have mentioned there are plenty of great teams in the B10 that would do great things for our schedule...not to mention the increased ratings that FS1 could get from exposure to these teams and having these games. Great move by both conferences.

[nuts4xu]

I can all but assure you that we won't be playing Ohio State and I'm even more confident they won't be coming to Cintas.


When word of this tournament first broke, I was 100% on board with this line of thinking. However, I have read enough on other sites that lead me to believe it is not as sure a thing as I once thought for OSU to avoid Xavier. Sounds the event may try to force some of the natural regional match ups, especially those schools that don't currently play each other.

[Masterofreality]

When word of this tournament first broke, I was 100% on board with this line of thinking. However, I have read enough on other sites that lead me to believe it is not as sure a thing as I once thought for OSU to avoid Xavier. Sounds the event may try to force some of the natural regional match ups, especially those schools that don't currently play each other.

OSU will not be forced to come to Cintas...and you can take that to the bank.

[OH.X.MI]

If you don't think OSU has enough pull within the BIG to make that happen I'm not sure what to tell you.

Not an expert on Big10 politics. But I would have to imagine MSU, UofM, and Wisc have just as much pull and could pressure a regional match ups like that? I know Michigan fans would love nothing more than to see OSU lose to a little Catholic school in Cincinnati.

Edit: I agree no one will make OSU come play at Cintas. But I gotta imagine they could be pressured to play us in Cbus. But what do I know.

[xubrew]

I'm pretty sure (maybe just wishful thinking) that this will be out of the individual teams hands. I think they will force the the big local teams to play each other who do not currently play. I'm fully expecting Georgetown v Maryland and Xavier v Ohio St. It's great for viewership making it great for the conferences. What can Thad do if Delaney tells him to play Xavier? I don't think he'll have a choice.

As a friend of mine at ESPN said about the ACC v Big Ten Challenge, we're not going to fork over all that money unless we can match them up the way that we want. Apparently schools in those leagues, including the key player schools, often complain about their match ups, but they still have to play. If Duke has to play on the road because that's the match up ESPN wants, then Ohio State will have to do the same.

Ohio State may not like it, but if that is the agreement, and ESPN or Fox wants Ohio State at Xavier as one of the match ups, then that will be one of the match ups.

What's interesting is that ESPN and Fox are carrying it. So, who trumps who?? Who actually decides who is playing who, and where they are playing??

[nuts4xu]

What's interesting is that ESPN and Fox are carrying it. So, who trumps who?? Who actually decides who is playing who, and where they are playing??

Not sure, I heard FS1 will carry the Big East home games and ESPN or Big 10 Network will carry the games at Big 10 venues. With 8 games each year, I would imagine it will be 4 games for each network.

But I don't know why will trump who, or who will have more pull to control where and who they play. It would be a very weak event if each school had a bunch of conditions, refusing to play a number of the schools in the other league. What kind of made for TV event can you have if you have to respect the conditions of 22 different programs?

[bobbiemcgee]

Hey Val! Nice coup.... this is huge!

[paulxu]

OSU will not be forced to come to Cintas...and you can take that to the bank.

Of course not. Cahill no longer has a whistle to help them out. (thank God)

[Olsingledigit]

I know it is ancient history (but then I am old), but the NIT was able to force Ohio State to play X in the Gardens in 1984. X won 60-57 in overtime.

[muskiefan82]

Before the Thad factor.

[TUclutch]

Per Mario's twitter, "Xavier and Ohio State talk scheduling every year. There is not a major push by one side for it NOT to happen. Just hasn't happened YET"

Edit: Also per Mario, "Any suggestion that the two schools would resist playing one another or haven't discussed playing is inaccurate. #Xavier #OhioState"

[NY44]

Please not us against Maryland. At least until Dez leaves.

[GoMuskies]

Please not us against Maryland. At least until Dez leaves.

The first one will not happen until Dez is gone unless he redshirts this year. I suppose he could get injured...

[nuts4xu]

OSU will not be forced to come to Cintas...and you can take that to the bank.

I am not saying it will happen, but I am willing to make a friendly wager that Xavier and OSU WILL play each other during this series.

Say a cold beer to the winner?

[ThrowDownDBrown]

Not an expert on Big10 politics. But I would have to imagine MSU, UofM, and Wisc have just as much pull and could pressure a regional match ups like that? I know Michigan fans would love nothing more than to see OSU lose to a little Catholic school in Cincinnati.

Edit: I agree no one will make OSU come play at Cintas. But I gotta imagine they could be pressured to play us in Cbus. But what do I know.

The only school that has close to as much pull in the Big 10 as OSU does is Michigan. Everyone else is way behind those two.

[nuts4xu]

Joe Danneman ‏@FOX19Joe Spoke to Chris Mack about new Big East vs Big Ten. Isn't fixated on OSU/XU match up. Would like it, but likes Mich or Mich St. matchups too.

[powerofX]

Joe Danneman ‏@FOX19Joe Spoke to Chris Mack about new Big East vs Big Ten. Isn't fixated on OSU/XU match up. Would like it, but likes Mich or Mich St. matchups too.

Keep pulling kids from Detroit and he will like it even more.

[Caveat]

Joe Danneman ‏@FOX19Joe Spoke to Chris Mack about new Big East vs Big Ten. Isn't fixated on OSU/XU match up. Would like it, but likes Mich or Mich St. matchups too.

From a scheduling POV, the match-up is equally good.

Plus, NW Ohio is as much UM/MSU country as it is Buckeye Country.

[xufan2434]

Ackerman (Big East Commish) said that the pairings would be based on quality of teams.. While I do think its possible X could get Nebraska/Penn St/Minnesota, etc because of the names of Marquette and Georgetown. I still think X pulls more weight than Providence and St. John's.

If you have Nova, Creighton, Marquette, Georgetown ahead of X, there'd still be good teams to have. Although a lot of money drives this, they are going to want to win and have a good showing. Creighton is losing a lot after this year and might not be that good in 2 years. They are going to need X, I'm hoping based on the incoming guys, to be playing the top competition. Whether that means OSU or not I could care less. They've been slipping the last couple years and overshadowed by the other top tier teams anyway.

[OH.X.MI]

Joe Danneman ‏@FOX19Joe Spoke to Chris Mack about new Big East vs Big Ten. Isn't fixated on OSU/XU match up. Would like it, but likes Mich or Mich St. matchups too.

Her's the video from Joe's interview. Reading between the lines of Mack and Mario it seems like Xavier is gonna its damn best to play el ohio state.


http://wxix.videodownload.worldnow.com/WXIX_0505201416394209365AC.mp4

[OH.X.MI]

The only school that has close to as much pull in the Big 10 as OSU does is Michigan. Everyone else is way behind those two.

Ya that's probably true. That's gonna change once the Michigan State Spartans are national champs in football next year!

[Masterofreality]

Per Mario's twitter, "Xavier and Ohio State talk scheduling every year. There is not a major push by one side for it NOT to happen. Just hasn't happened YET"

Edit: Also per Mario, "Any suggestion that the two schools would resist playing one another or haven't discussed playing is inaccurate. #Xavier #OhioState"

Well, it's not just a Xavier thing but an entire State of Ohio thing. OSU will not agree to anything that could possibly lessen their alleged dominance in this state. How many times have the Borecats bitched about not being scheduled?


I am not saying it will happen, but I am willing to make a friendly wager that Xavier and OSU WILL play each other during this series.

Say a cold beer to the winner?

Again. OSU won't play a quality Ohio school on their court until hell freezes over. Now could they be coerced to play at USeless Bunk Arena? Maybe, but NEVER at Cintas. I'll bet a beer on that!

If they play, it will be in Columbus..and I'll bet a beer on that too.

[X-band '01]

The matchups won't officially start until the 2015-16 season; I don't think we need to worry about seeing Dez Wells playing as a Terp at Cintas unless he redshirts for whatever reason.

[BMoreX]

Ackerman (Big East Commish) said that the pairings would be based on quality of teams.. While I do think its possible X could get Nebraska/Penn St/Minnesota, etc because of the names of Marquette and Georgetown. I still think X pulls more weight than Providence and St. John's.

If you have Nova, Creighton, Marquette, Georgetown ahead of X, there'd still be good teams to have. Although a lot of money drives this, they are going to want to win and have a good showing. Creighton is losing a lot after this year and might not be that good in 2 years. They are going to need X, I'm hoping based on the incoming guys, to be playing the top competition. Whether that means OSU or not I could care less. They've been slipping the last couple years and overshadowed by the other top tier teams anyway.

Only reason I disagree is that Providence has Dave Gavitt court, so they'll want a high profile team there a lot. Also SJU and MSG is a big draw.

[DC Muskie]

Only reason I disagree is that Providence has Dave Gavitt court, so they'll want a high profile team there a lot. Also SJU and MSG is a big draw.

It would be stupid to begin this series and not put a Big Ten team in MSG.

If I had to guess, we would get IU, Illinois, Michigan or Purdue. MSU/OSU would likely go to NYC.

[paulxu]

Well, let's keep the media hammer down with articles/photos like this.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-basketball/news/20140504/big-ten-big-east-dave-gavitt-tipoff/

(that Marquette guy looks truly gassed chasing Semaj around)

[vee4xu]

Watch. We'll get matched up with Nebraska and Creighton will get OSU.

Or we'll get IU and Butler with get OSU.

[vee4xu]

I saw Thad standing by himself on Olentangy River Road, just south of tOSU during the early part of my run during the Cap City Half Marathon event this past Saturday. I did a double take, yelled out "Hey Thad" and got a wink back from him. I was concentrating on my race, so didn't have time to do anything else. Too bad I didn't know about this matchup then, I could have yelled something like: "Hey Beak, MOR want to know if you have the balls to play X at your place as part of the BE/B10 Matchup."

[Masterofreality]

I saw Thad standing by himself on Olentangy River Road, just south of tOSU during the early part of my run during the Cap City Half Marathon event this past Saturday. I did a double take, yelled out "Hey Thad" and got a wink back from him. I was concentrating on my race, so didn't have time to do anything else. Too bad I didn't know about this matchup then, I could have yelled something like: "Hey Beak, MOR want to know if you have the balls to play X at your place as part of the BE/B10 Matchup."

Thanks, Vee, but you needed to save your breath.

[usfldan]

Or we'll get IU and Butler with get OSU.

If Xavier is #1 on Ohio State's "Do Not Play" list, I would imagine Butler would be #2. Matta was there a year before he was here, and it's still the same recruiting territory.

[GoMuskies]

I thought Matta took an OSU team to Hinkle one time already. Lost, too, as I recall.

[XUFan09]

Well, let's keep the media hammer down with articles/photos like this.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-basketball/news/20140504/big-ten-big-east-dave-gavitt-tipoff/

(that Marquette guy looks truly gassed chasing Semaj around)

Must have been a defense switch lol. 6'10" center Chris Otule had no business trying to guard Semaj.

[Irishdawg]

I thought Matta took an OSU team to Hinkle one time already. Lost, too, as I recall.

You are correct - lost twice actually, once in 2007, next in 2009.

I don't know if Matta's relationship with Brandon Miller helps or hurts OSU's desire to be matched up with Butler, but he is a Butler grad and was an assistant under the current Butler AD Collier, and it's not like we butt heads with them on the recruiting trail very often. Now I can guarantee that IU and Purdue won't want to come to Hinkle, but IMO, schools like Illinois, OSU, Northwestern and maybe even Wisconsin wouldn't have nearly as much of a problem with it.

[nuts4xu]

Again. OSU won't play a quality Ohio school on their court until hell freezes over. Now could they be coerced to play at USeless Bunk Arena? Maybe, but NEVER at Cintas. I'll bet a beer on that!

If they play, it will be in Columbus..and I'll bet a beer on that too.

The bet I proposed is that Xavier will play OSU at least once in the 8 years of this challenge. I didn't say OSU would come to the Cintas Center, and I can't see this series being set up if 22 schools all had conditions on whom and where they would play. If OSU had that big of an issue with playing Xavier they should have refused to take part in this challenge.

We all know OSU won't play a quality Ohio school at their place, and it is one thing to avoid playing Xavier in the OOC schedule. But why enter into an agreement like the Big East/Big Ten challenge if you will only agree to play a % of the teams in the other league? That doesn't make any sense and I am not convinced OSU can control whom they play in this event to the point they will NEVER play Xavier over the course of 8 years...as some people are predicting.

Doesn't make sense. These challenges between conferences have taken place for years, and I never heard of any school manipulating the system to avoid certain programs.

[XUGRAD80]

the TV people will have the biggest influence over the schedule.....they want viewers, and the way to get viewers is to put quality, attractive, well known schools against each other. The purpose of this series is to jump start the basketball season, at a time when the football regular season interest is at its highest level. You can't do that by just having regional rivals playing each other. The days chosen for the games are not chosen by accident. the main competition on those nights will be MAC or Mountain West football games. They will want to broadcast games that will appeal to the general sports fan, and not just college BB fans within a certain region. The OSU-X game story wont mean anything to someone in NY, Florida, Kansas City, or LA.....but an OSU-Georgetown game would be a game of two nationally know schools, same for a Michigan-Marquette matchup. They are going to try and match up the top schools from either league against each other, but I believe they will weigh name recognition and national interest above all else. It would be best for X if they could have another run in the NCAA tourney, and make their name recognizable on the national level once again.

[TUclutch]

OK. If the event is set up where OSU and XU are to play and its one of the Big East home games, OSU will not be able to say play at US Bank. If it is set up to them playing at XU they will. They really don't have much say when its all said and done.

[casualfan]

OK. If the event is set up where OSU and XU are to play and its one of the Big East home games, OSU will not be able to say play at US Bank. If it is set up to them playing at XU they will. They really don't have much say when its all said and done.

IMHO you couldn't be more wrong.

Like I said earlier, if you think OSU is going to come to Cintas because the BIG will force them you are nuts.

Wayy too many other combos the BIG can come up with without having to piss off one of it's charter members.

Ultimately could the BIG force them to play at Cintas? I mean, i suppose. I believe I recall the Big East forcing Syracuse to play a road game they didn't want to play in whatever their challenge was after Syracuse had announced their intentions to leave.

That won't happen though. The BIG is smart and because they're smart they'll get feedback from their members, especially the big time members, on where they would prefer to be placed or not placed. I think we all know how Ohio State would feel about being forced to play a game at Cintas.

[xubrew]

You couldn't be more wrong.

Like I said earlier, if you think OSU is going to come to Cintas because the BIG will force them you are nuts.

Wayy too many other combos the BIG can come up with without having to piss off one of it's charter members.

Ultimately could the BIG force them to play at Cintas? I mean, i suppose. I believe I recall the Big East forcing Syracuse to play a road game they didn't want to play in whatever their challenge was after Syracuse had announced their intentions to leave.

That won't happen though. The BIG is smart and because they're smart they'll get feedback from their members, especially the big time members, on where they would prefer to be placed or not placed. I think we all know how Ohio State would feel about being forced to play a game at Cintas.

Are you basing that on anything, or just supposing it??

What makes you think the Big Ten will be involved in matching the teams up?? The conference really doesn't play a role in matching them up against the ACC. ESPN pretty much controls all of that, and not every team likes their match-up, but they like the money they get for it.

I don't know how this came about. I don't know if the Big Ten and Big East mutually decided to do it with the match-ups already in mind, and the networks have nothing to do with it other than airing the games. If that's the case, then there probably are stipulations as to where certain teams will play. But, if it's the networks that are putting this together, and they're forking out the cash, then they're probably going to be the ones that determine the matchups. Each school gets X amount of money, and they'll play who and wherever the network would like.

If that's the agreement, and Fox and ESPN want to see Ohio State play at Xavier, then it will happen. Maybe that's not the agreement, but I'm curious as to why so many are convinced that the schools, and Ohio State in particular, have a strong say in who they'll be paired against.

One of the reasons the Hardwood Classic ended was because too many teams in the Pac Twelve and Big Twelve didn't like not having a say. That wasn't the only reason it ended, but it was one of the bigger ones. My point is that if both leagues collectively agree to it, and they're willing to take the network's money, then they may be doing so with the understanding that they don't have much of a say.

[TUclutch]

IMHO you couldn't be more wrong.

Like I said earlier, if you think OSU is going to come to Cintas because the BIG will force them you are nuts.

Wayy too many other combos the BIG can come up with without having to piss off one of it's charter members.

Ultimately could the BIG force them to play at Cintas? I mean, i suppose. I believe I recall the Big East forcing Syracuse to play a road game they didn't want to play in whatever their challenge was after Syracuse had announced their intentions to leave.

That won't happen though. The BIG is smart and because they're smart they'll get feedback from their members, especially the big time members, on where they would prefer to be placed or not placed. I think we all know how Ohio State would feel about being forced to play a game at Cintas.

I don't think Mario Mercurio was lying when he said there is no truth to the opinions that OSU wouldn't schedule or come to Xavier. I don't think its as big a deal as some of you on here have made it seem.

[JTG]

Like someone else said, possible viewers will come into play. Everyone here loves X, but probably only a few people outside Ohio care if X and OSU play. If it happens it happens, if not just hope we don't get PSU or Nebraska.

[Olsingledigit]

Like someone else said, possible viewers will come into play. Everyone here loves X, but probably only a few people outside Ohio care if X and OSU play. If it happens it happens, if not just hope we don't get PSU or Nebraska.

Ok if it happens just don't lose to them, and that could happen because neither is chopped liver any longer.

[xubrew]

Like someone else said, possible viewers will come into play. Everyone here loves X, but probably only a few people outside Ohio care if X and OSU play. If it happens it happens, if not just hope we don't get PSU or Nebraska.

I know it sounds crazy to say, but Nebraska is on the brink of being a top 25 caliber team, and as long as they retain Tim Miles I don't think they're a one hit wonder.

[JTG]

I know it sounds crazy to say, but Nebraska is on the brink of being a top 25 caliber team, and as long as they retain Tim Miles I don't think they're a one hit wonder.

At the end of the day it's still Nebraska, cornfields and 7-11s. Playing Nebraska in the BIG/BE Challenge is like someone saying I'll take you to a fancy French restaurant, but your meal will be peanut butter & jelly.

[PMI]

At the end of the day it's still Nebraska, cornfields and 7-11s. Playing Nebraska in the BIG/BE Challenge is like someone saying I'll take you to a fancy French restaurant, but your meal will be peanut butter & jelly.

All that matters is whether they hep our RPI. You can downgrade Nebraska all you want, but they have one of the absolute best young coaches in the nation, and if he stays and keeps building them, they will be a very good game for our schedule come 2015-16. Other programs may feel like a more high profile matchup, but all that truly matters is A) winning and B) playing the highest possible RPI team we can play. In that regard, I strongly doubt Nebraska will be in the lower tier, with Penn State, Northwestern, Rutgers, etc.

[X-band '01]

At the end of the day it's still Nebraska, cornfields and 7-11s. Playing Nebraska in the BIG/BE Challenge is like someone saying I'll take you to a fancy French restaurant, but your meal will be peanut butter & jelly.

Don't forget Love's and Flying J's every 20-30 miles!

[GoMuskies]

Loves is awesome.

And I prefer Omaha to Cincinnati.

[flatspat]

Nebraska has a beautiful & brand new 15,000 seat facility. It is called the Pinnacle Bank Arena

[JTG]

All that matters is whether they hep our RPI. You can downgrade Nebraska all you want, but they have one of the absolute best young coaches in the nation, and if he stays and keeps building them, they will be a very good game for our schedule come 2015-16. Other programs may feel like a more high profile matchup, but all that truly matters is A) winning and B) playing the highest possible RPI team we can play. In that regard, I strongly doubt Nebraska will be in the lower tier, with Penn State, Northwestern, Rutgers, etc.

Screw the RPI, I wanna play somebody with some pizzaz. And that aint Nebraska, no matter who their coach is. One game in Dec. is not going to determine if we go to the Dance. People on here worry waaaaay too much about the RPI.

[xubrew]

Screw the RPI, I wanna play somebody with some pizzaz. And that aint Nebraska, no matter who their coach is. One game in Dec. is not going to determine if we go to the Dance. People on here worry waaaaay too much about the RPI.

They're an emerging program and it's the kind of story that the media loves. I think they'll have plenty of pizzazz by the time this upcoming season is over. There are a few planets between them and Penn State.

[PMI]

Screw the RPI, I wanna play somebody with some pizzaz. And that aint Nebraska, no matter who their coach is. One game in Dec. is not going to determine if we go to the Dance. People on here worry waaaaay too much about the RPI.

All I can say is I'm glad you don't build our schedule. You do realize how close we were to missing the tournament this year, right? Hell, we've had several bubble years over the past couple decades. Those years where we got 3 and 4 seeds? We had an awesome SOS. You get those by playing high RPI opponents, and winning. It's not rocket science. I'd rather have played Wichita State this past year than UCLA, because I care more about Xavier building a tournament resume than garnering "pizzaz."

[JTG]

Really, Wichita State....a) we would have lost b) we may have beaten UCLA. I prefer the high profile win vs. the loss to a still perceived "mid major".
I guess we will agree to disagree. That's why I'm not excited about FGCU...that's a no-win for us. Play another Alabama or Purdue

[Juice]

Really, Wichita State....a) we would have lost b) we may have beaten UCLA. I prefer the high profile win vs. the loss to a still perceived "mid major".
I guess we will agree to disagree. That's why I'm not excited about FGCU...that's a no-win for us. Play another Alabama or Purdue

FGCU is a buy game. Alabama comes to Cintas this year, and Purdue would be a home and home series.

[GoMuskies]

If FGCU is a no-win for us this year, we've got huge problems.

You'd seriously rather play Purdue or Alabama than Wichita State?!? Really?!? Really?

[OH.X.MI]

Screw the RPI, I wanna play somebody with some pizzaz. And that aint Nebraska, no matter who their coach is. One game in Dec. is not going to determine if we go to the Dance. People on here worry waaaaay too much about the RPI.

I like higher profile games as a fan in the short term like most people, it makes my night more fun when we play well known teams. But the facts are the facts. Selection commits cares about rpi, sos, etc. Sacrificing some "pizzaz" in December is worth it to solidly make the dance.

[xubrew]

Really, Wichita State....a) we would have lost b) we may have beaten UCLA. I prefer the high profile win vs. the loss to a still perceived "mid major".
I guess we will agree to disagree. That's why I'm not excited about FGCU...that's a no-win for us. Play another Alabama or Purdue

You consider Alabama and Purdue to be higher profile wins than Wichita State??

One of those teams got a #1 seed. The other two missed the NIT. By a lot.

The Alabama game was played in front of a half empty house and broadcast on a network that no longer exists, and that almost no one got when it did exist. Games cannot possibly be any lower profile than the game at Bama was. People in the state of Alabama are vaguely aware that Alabama has a team. I'm not so sure anyone else really is.

[Xavier]

Screw the RPI, I wanna play somebody with some pizzaz. And that aint Nebraska, no matter who their coach is. One game in Dec. is not going to determine if we go to the Dance. People on here worry waaaaay too much about the RPI.

One more win in December means X would have avoided the play in game...

[XUFan09]

You consider Alabama and Purdue to be higher profile wins than Wichita State??

One of those teams got a #1 seed. The other two missed the NIT. By a lot.

The Alabama game was played in front of a half empty house and broadcast on a network that no longer exists, and that almost no one got when it did exist. Games cannot possibly be any lower profile than the game at Bama was. People in the state of Alabama are vaguely aware that Alabama has a team. I'm not so sure anyone else really is.

Comcast South no longer exists? Damn, having Comcast and living in Virginia meant I actually got that game!

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[xubrew]

One more win in December means X would have avoided the play in game...

One more win at any point would have likely done the trick.

[xubrew]

Are you basing that on anything, or just supposing it??

What makes you think the Big Ten will be involved in matching the teams up?? The conference really doesn't play a role in matching them up against the ACC. ESPN pretty much controls all of that, and not every team likes their match-up, but they like the money they get for it.

I don't know how this came about. I don't know if the Big Ten and Big East mutually decided to do it with the match-ups already in mind, and the networks have nothing to do with it other than airing the games. If that's the case, then there probably are stipulations as to where certain teams will play. But, if it's the networks that are putting this together, and they're forking out the cash, then they're probably going to be the ones that determine the matchups. Each school gets X amount of money, and they'll play who and wherever the network would like.

If that's the agreement, and Fox and ESPN want to see Ohio State play at Xavier, then it will happen. Maybe that's not the agreement, but I'm curious as to why so many are convinced that the schools, and Ohio State in particular, have a strong say in who they'll be paired against.

One of the reasons the Hardwood Classic ended was because too many teams in the Pac Twelve and Big Twelve didn't like not having a say. That wasn't the only reason it ended, but it was one of the bigger ones. My point is that if both leagues collectively agree to it, and they're willing to take the network's money, then they may be doing so with the understanding that they don't have much of a say.

Nothing like quoting yourself to point out that you're wrong.

Apparently it is going to be a collaboration between the two leagues and the two networks to match the teams up, and apparently that is how the Big Ten and ACC do it as well. Not everyone is always happy, but the league offices do work together on the match ups, so....if Ohio State really doesn't want to come to Cintas, then they probably won't be placed at Cintas.

[Olsingledigit]

In a continued effort of the Big Ten to reach markets in the East they will be moving their post season tournament to Washington, DC in 2017. Indy people are upset because they currently host the tournament every other year with Chicago. Can't imagine GT will be too pleased with this either. Conference tournaments seem to be crowding into the East. The odd man out so far seems to be the A-10 which is being replaced in the Barclay Center by the ACC tournament. That also does not help the Big East since it will draw fans away from MSG and over to Barclay.

[GoMuskies]

Conference tournaments seem to be crowding into the East.

And Las Vegas

Also, I'm not sure why G'town would be upset about the Big Ten Tournament being played in DC.

[Olsingledigit]

And Las Vegas

Also, I'm not sure why G'town would be upset about the Big Ten Tournament being played in DC.

Just my speculation that it is GT's market for college BB (reference their unwillingness to play Maryland and cede any territory), so this might be seen by them as impeding on their monopoly.

[hoyahooligan]

I have no problem with it. It puts more money in Ted Leonsis' pocket ( he owns the Verizon Center, and the Wizards, and the Capitals, and the DC ticketmaster) and he's a Georgetown alum, so hopefully he sends some more of the extra revenue our way. The B10 playing there has no effect on us.

[PMI]

Really, Wichita State....a) we would have lost b) we may have beaten UCLA. I prefer the high profile win vs. the loss to a still perceived "mid major".
I guess we will agree to disagree. That's why I'm not excited about FGCU...that's a no-win for us. Play another Alabama or Purdue

You can disagree all you want, but it is what it is. All that matters at the end of the day is building a good resume so that we can put ourselves in the best position in March. Xavier did a masterful job of working this system for years in the A10, and they didn't do it by just targeting the catchiest names. A top 25 Nebraska team is a better game than a, say, 50th ranked Michigan team. Fan bragging rights and pizzazz and all that other stuff is meaningless to the real priority.

[bobbiemcgee]

"Toughest BB on earth"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx0g0kPn4bQ&feature=youtu.be

Good stuff.

[paulxu]

I still want OSU.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx0g0kPn4bQ&feature=youtu.be

[XUGRAD80]

I still want OSU.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx0g0kPn4bQ&feature=youtu.be

+1

[xubrew]

"Toughest BB on earth"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx0g0kPn4bQ&feature=youtu.be

Good stuff.

I have several friends with close ties to the Big Ten, and I'm anxiously awaiting their response to this video.

What a great video!!

It's basically saying that the Big Ten is perhaps a league that may be able to rival the Big East.

[GoMuskies]

Um, that video sucks really, really, really, really bad. How could you guys coerce me into watching THAT without warning. I wanted to avoid seeing THAT ever again.

[xubrew]

um, that video sucks really, really, really, really bad. How could you guys coerce me into watching that without warning. I wanted to avoid seeing that ever again.

blasphemy!!!!

[paulxu]

I agree about tough to watch. It seems the only place I see an X uniform is that stupid Cahill game.
But...that's just one more reason I want a piece of the OlieO State.

Still, the pub is good. Would be even better if they showed it on ESPN.

[crolfes12]

Jon Rothstein
‏@JonRothstein
"Villanova will host Nebraska as part of the Big East-Big Ten Challenge, source told @CBSSports. Dates expected to be announced this week."

[BMoreX]

Jon Rothstein
‏@JonRothstein
"Villanova will host Nebraska as part of the Big East-Big Ten Challenge, source told @CBSSports. Dates expected to be announced this week."

wtf?

[JTG]

Jon Rothstein
‏@JonRothstein
"Villanova will host Nebraska as part of the Big East-Big Ten Challenge, source told @CBSSports. Dates expected to be announced this week."
Who did Villanova piss off, the only thing worse would be Penn State.

[paulxu]

Who did Villanova piss off, the only thing worse would be Penn State.

Nope. Rutgers.

That is really strange. The best team in our league against the bottom of theirs?

[xubrew]

Huh?? Well, that's an interesting match up. By that I mean that it's interesting that they matched those two up. The game itself is rather uninteresting.

[X-Fan]

That's really odd. I hope that's not a pattern they follow for the remaining matchups.

I figured they announce all the matchups at once. Hope we find out who X plays soon.

[xavierj]

Does Nebraska already play Creighton next year? I think Nova already plays Illinois so maybe that had something to do with it. I can see Xavier play Michigan state, Georgetown will play Michigan, Providence will play Rutgers, Seton Hall will play Illinois, Butler will play Northwestern, Creighton will play Purdue, St. John's will play Maryland And DePaul will play Iowa.

[waggy]

If FOX's intent is to get viewers, I'm not sure this will work.

[casualfan]

I agree about tough to watch. It seems the only place I see an X uniform is that stupid Cahill game.
But...that's just one more reason I want a piece of the OlieO State.

Still, the pub is good. Would be even better if they showed it on ESPN.

I would be beyond floored if we get Ohio State.

[xsteve1]

I would be beyond floored if we get Ohio State.

I have heard OSU will not be part of next years games.

[xu82]

What's the point of setting it up, then making it as weak as possible?

[xudash]

If FOX's intent is to get viewers, I'm not sure this will work.

I believe it was Fox's intent to get viewers. This may be Delaney stiff arming Fox and pretending to make nice with Val Ackerman. Quiet conversation: "look, we'll do this thing with you for appearances sake, but we can't risk yada, yada yade..."

I'm not ready to go there yet because not all the games have been announced yet. I hope this isn't like the ACC/A10 "Challenge" which is a farce to pry the A10 out of Brooklyn.

Again, let's see how all the pairings turn out, then we'll know what we're looking at here. In the meantime, not a great start, to say the least.

[OH.X.MI]

Wow someone really dropped the ball with that. Nebraska? Come on.

[Muskie]

Only makes sense if they are drawing names out of a hat? At first I didn't remember Nebraska being that bad, then I went and looked and saw they lost 9 in a row. Ouch.

[casualfan]

I hate to be debbie downer, but did people really think the BIG 10 would agree to do this without getting at least some control over the matchups?

I mean Delaney is a jackass, but he isn't a stupid jackass.

[xubrew]

Does Nebraska already play Creighton next year? I think Nova already plays Illinois so maybe that had something to do with it. I can see Xavier play Michigan state, Georgetown will play Michigan, Providence will play Rutgers, Seton Hall will play Illinois, Butler will play Northwestern, Creighton will play Purdue, St. John's will play Maryland And DePaul will play Iowa.

I don't think there is a single person who has any appreciation at all for basketball who doesn't want to see Maryland play Georgetown, especially given the history of why the two haven't played for so long.

With that being said, Maryland will most certainly not be playing Georgetown. The idea in college basketball seems to be to avoid match ups that would actually be interesting, and come up with reasons why they are not.

[ammtd34]

I agree that, for the league, this game is really lackluster. I'm excited that it eliminates a boring possible opponent for Xavier, though.

[XU 87]

I don't think there is a single person who has any appreciation at all for basketball who doesn't want to see Maryland play Georgetown, especially given the history of why the two haven't played for so long.

With that being said, Maryland will most certainly not be playing Georgetown. The idea in college basketball seems to be to avoid match ups that would actually be interesting, and come up with reasons why they are not.

What is that history? Does Maryland think they are too big to play Georgetown?

[xubrew]

What is that history? Does Maryland think they are too big to play Georgetown?

I don't know the specifics, only the generalities.

The two used to play regularly in a home and home. One year, I think it was 1993, which BTW was before any of the current players were even born, the two met in an exempt tournament that was played in Washington DC. It was in the NBA Arena where Georgetown plays their home games (I don't even know what the name of the place is), but it was a neutral site as far as how the tickets were split and who was in charge of the game management.

The next year, when the series was to resume, Georgetown said that the previous year's game did not count as their home game, and Maryland was insisting that it did. They could not agree on who's turn it was to play at home, so they just stopped playing and haven't played since. Both insist that the other team owes them a home game. I believe they even stopped playing in Lacrosse because Maryland said they would not continue to play unless Georgetown did the right thing and gave them their return basketball game. This was about twenty years later when they threatened to pull the plug on Lacrosse. They're still mad about it twenty years later. Crazy. I mean, seriously! What coaches or athletic department employees that are currently working there were even at either school back in 1993?

It was a silly and petty end to what would be an exciting series if it ever did resume.

[Muskie]

I don't know the specifics, only the generalities.

The two used to play regularly in a home and home. One year, I think it was 1993, which BTW was before any of the current players were even born, the two met in an exempt tournament that was played in Washington DC. It was in the NBA Arena where Georgetown plays their home games (I don't even know what the name of the place is), but it was a neutral site as far as how the tickets were split and who was in charge of the game management.

The next year, when the series was to resume, Georgetown said that the previous year's game did not count as their home game, and Maryland was insisting that it did. They could not agree on who's turn it was to play at home, so they just stopped playing and haven't played since. Both insist that the other team owes them a home game. I believe they even stopped playing in Lacrosse because Maryland said they would not continue to play unless Georgetown did the right thing and gave them their return basketball game. This was about twenty years later when they threatened to pull the plug on Lacrosse. They're still mad about it twenty years later. Crazy. I mean, seriously! What coaches or athletic department employees that are currently working there were even at either school back in 1993?

It was a silly and petty end to what would be an exciting series if it ever did resume.

I believe every word of this. Thanks for the background Brew.

[LA Muskie]

For what it's worth, the folks at Scout very much believe that both XU/Ohio State and Georgetown/MD will happen during the 8-yr run of the "Challenge."

[paulxu]

I don't think you can get on the Travelers board anymore to see what schools need what games.
But should all the schools involved in this years' challenge know by now so they can be filling up their OOC schedule?

[LA Muskie]

Yes, the school's know already. As do many reporters. Which is why info (like Nova/Nebraska) is leaking. Given the leaks I suspect we'll see a formal announcement this week.

[xubrew]

I don't think you can get on the Travelers board anymore to see what schools need what games.
But should all the schools involved in this years' challenge know by now so they can be filling up their OOC schedule?

You can get on it. You just have to register for it as if it were a message board in order to see it.

If you're not a coach, don't post because they'll ban your email address and probably block your IP address.

[XUFan09]

You can get on it. You just have to register for it as if it were a message board in order to see it.

If you're not a coach, don't post because they'll ban your email address and probably block your IP address.
Personal experience, Brew?

[xubrew]

Personal experience, Brew?

Yeah, I got on there and started posting all the games I wanted to see teams play, and they kicked me off!! BASTARDS!!!

[X-band '01]

Not every game can be Kansas-Missouri.

[XUFan09]

Yeah, I got on there and started posting all the games I wanted to see teams play, and they kicked me off!! BASTARDS!!!
Lol

[XUFan09]

Not every game can be Kansas-Missouri.
And now even Kansas-Missouri can't be Kansas-Missouri! Such hypocrites over at KU. Acting like Mizzou leaving for the SEC constituted some act of betrayal when KU would have done the exact same thing if given the opportunity. They're just resentful that they wouldn't be given the opportunity.

[xubrew]

There is a Big Twelve/SEC Challenge.

I guarantee you that we won't see Texas v Texas A&M or Kansas v Missouri.

College basketball, where we avoid intriguing games rather than embrace them.

The whole Kansas v Missouri thing is bullshit. They were avoiding Texas, not Kansas, and they ended up in a league with no natural rivals. And Kansas won't play them because they're offended. Offended. By Missouri. Okay.

[GoMuskies]

Missouri is offensive.

[paulxu]

Well, I registered as paulxu, and they said they'd confirm with email of password to get started...but so far nothing.
They want an email address that ends in .edu
I don't have that.
I didn't think you could post on the old board asking for a game, and it was a great place for the casual fan to watch their school trying to fill up the OOC.
Idiots.

[xubrew]

I didn't use an .edu email. Give it some time. They should send you an email with a password that's just a bunch of random letters and numbers, and then you can change it the first time you log in.

They probably don't want Gmail or Yahoo email addresses. Hell, they may not want any ESPN or major media addresses either.

[STL_XUfan]

Missouri is offensive.

Everytime I get a new device I have to train the auto correct to never capitalize kansas or dayton, since neither are proper places.

[BandAid]

Missouri is offensive.


Everytime I get a new device I have to train the auto correct to never capitalize kansas or dayton, since neither are proper places.

fight!...fight!...fight!...fight!...

[paulxu]

Pairings to be announced today?

[brownlavender]

playing in ann arbor

[BandAid]

playing in ann arbor

I'm excited about this game.

[GoMuskies]

Will these be on a weekend or during the week?

[Xville]

i like that we are playing Michigan I guess....its kinda eh to me...not one of the best but not the worst either. Is Michigan going to be any good? It sounds like LAvert is staying so that's good but they don't really have anyone coming in next year as far as recruits.

[muskiefan82]

I need payback in Ann Arbor from the loss that occurred in 1984. I can hold a serious Xavier Basketball postseason grudge.

[Masterofreality]

Where are U guys seeing that we are playing at Michigan?

I don't see that reported anywhere.

[Juice]

i like that we are playing Michigan I guess....its kinda eh to me...not one of the best but not the worst either. Is Michigan going to be any good? It sounds like LAvert is staying so that's good but they don't really have anyone coming in next year as far as recruits.

Their 2014 class was pretty good and they don't lose anyone. I'm guessing they improve over this year, but that's not saying a lot.

[bigdiggins]

Where are U guys seeing that we are playing at Michigan?

I don't see that reported anywhere.

Not sure where others got it from, but my source has confirmed Michigan.

[JTG]

i like that we are playing Michigan I guess....its kinda eh to me...not one of the best but not the worst either. Is Michigan going to be any good? It sounds like LAvert is staying so that's good but they don't really have anyone coming in next year as far as recruits.

This should be a good game for us. We are going to need time to get our feet on the ground, so to speak. Would not want to take on MSU or Wisky this early in the year , especially on the road. BTW, the BIG network, is part owned by Fox. So I don't think Delaney is going to be able to totally dictate to Fox who plays who. I'm sure Fox wants games that will draw some eyeballs to FS1.

[xubrew]

My source has also confirmed that it's Michigan. Granted, my source is this website, but still......

[BandAid]

My source has also confirmed that it's Michigan. Granted, my source is this website, but still......

Many times it's a pretty good source...which is kinda surprising

[MuskieFan5]

Here is a twitter post that is referenced on Michigan's message board:

https://twitter.com/guestavoUM/status/588510330541703168

[Masterofreality]

Here is a twitter post that is referenced on Michigan's message board:

https://twitter.com/guestavoUM/status/588510330541703168

Well, that may make Scout worth the money.

[XMuskieFTW]

20 minutes from my house. I can deal with that.

[xavierj]

i like that we are playing Michigan I guess....its kinda eh to me...not one of the best but not the worst either. Is Michigan going to be any good? It sounds like LAvert is staying so that's good but they don't really have anyone coming in next year as far as recruits.

In my opinion they will be at least top 20 and will challenge for a big 10 title. They were very young this year and have talent.

[casualfan]

In my opinion they will be at least top 20 and will challenge for a big 10 title. They were very young this year and have talent.

They went 16-16 last year and don't add anyone of note. What am I missing here?

I know they are young, but it would take a quantum leap to go from that record to being top 20 and competing for a big ten title.

[XUPhilly04]

In my opinion they will be at least top 20 and will challenge for a big 10 title. They were very young this year and have talent.

It's a legit basketball program. This year was an off year. It's a lot better than what they could have given us: Northwestern, Minnesota, Nebraska, Rutgers, Penn State.

[sgarcia]

They went 16-16 last year and don't add anyone of note. What am I missing here?

I know they are young, but it would take a quantum leap to go from that record to being top 20 and competing for a big ten title.

Caris Levert was injured most of last season. If he stays they are a top 25 team.

[Masterofreality]

Caris Levert was injured most of last season. If he stays they are a top 25 team.

And Beilein is a fine coach. No walk through the pastry aisle here.

[XMuskieFTW]

Caris Levert was injured most of last season. If he stays they are a top 25 team.

Also Walton was injured the second half of the season. With those two back and progress of freshman I see them borderline top 25

[BandAid]

And it's on the road! Big opportunity to get a scalp

[gladdenguy]

Very excited about this matchup.
Yes, Michigan will be good next year just based on the fact Levert and Walton will be healthy. If they were to get Jaylen Brown look out.
And Beilein is one heck of a coach. This will be a good test.

Also, if this is on a Saturday a bus trip could be in order.

[X-Fan]

20 minutes from my house. I can deal with that.
45 minutes from my place. Been following Michigan BBall for 5-6 years now because Of my buddy who is a life long fan. He adopted X as his second team b/c of my love for the Muskies. #Bromance

Anyway, as other stated there are question marks because of health, but Mich should be really good next year and Beilein is a great coach. Love this matchup! I will be there! Can't wait!

[xufan2434]

They went 16-16 last year and don't add anyone of note. What am I missing here?

I know they are young, but it would take a quantum leap to go from that record to being top 20 and competing for a big ten title.

Levert was potential 1st team all BIG heading into the season. So that's a big time player to lose for most of the year. They basically had all freshman as their big guys, and they saw a ton of minutes. I would think those guys will make a nice jump next year to go along with Levert, Walton, Irving, Spike, Dawkins, etc. They have a ton of talent on the wings, that's for sure.

[casualfan]

Very excited about this matchup.
Yes, Michigan will be good next year just based on the fact Levert and Walton will be healthy. If they were to get Jaylen Brown look out.
And Beilein is one heck of a coach. This will be a good test.

Also, if this is on a Saturday a bus trip could be in order.

From what I have heard Brown had no intention of ever setting foot on a college basketball court.

If he gets an offer he likes from a team overseas he will take it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I am happy with it. I think I had Michigan #4 of teams who I would have wanted to play. I will take that. Just glad we avoided Nebraska, Penn St, Minnesota, Rutgers. I like that we play this team on the road too.

[BMoreX]

Correct me if I'm wrong but we now have:
Road: Michigan
Home: Cincinnati, Auburn, Missouri

[gladdenguy]

From what I have heard Brown had no intention of ever setting foot on a college basketball court.

If he gets an offer he likes from a team overseas he will take it.

Yes it is extremely unlikely he will attend Michigan.

[XMuskieFTW]

Correct me if I'm wrong but we now have:
Road: Michigan
Home: Cincinnati, Auburn, Missouri

And wake forest on the road

[D-West & PO-Z]

Are Auburn and Mizzou supposed to be any better next year? How was Pearl's recruiting? How about Wake, anyone know if they are supposed to be any good?

[ammtd34]

Are Auburn and Mizzou supposed to be any better next year? How was Pearl's recruiting? How about Wake, anyone know if they are supposed to be any good?

Pearl's recruiting = really good.

http://auburn.247sports.com/Season/2015-Basketball/Commits

[Xville]

Are Auburn and Mizzou supposed to be any better next year? How was Pearl's recruiting? How about Wake, anyone know if they are supposed to be any good?

I can speak to Mizzou a bit as they are my second team. They should be better, but I mean its pretty hard to not be better after a 9 win season. As of right now, Kim Anderson has found a way to convince all of the freshmen to come back which in itself is a huge achievement. That recruiting class was pretty strong, and if they develop as they should, they really should improve next year (maybe a chance at the NIT) and then really be ready to go in two years time.

Jonathan Williams III who was the teams leading rebounder and scorer, has decided to transfer. Its a loss, but not as great as one would think. He was being asked to do way more than he is capable of in terms of talent, and he just wasn't a great fit for what Mizzou is trying to build. He is a good player and could be a good contributor for a solid team...he was asked to kind of be the man at Mizzou for the younger guys, and that he is not.

Sorry for the long winded response....simply if all the freshmen return, like it looks like they will, I could see them possibly with an NIT invite which at least would be a sign of improvement.

[BandAid]

Pearl's recruiting = really good.

http://auburn.247sports.com/Season/2015-Basketball/Commits

Ya, I'd say that's pretty good.

[XUPhilly04]

Pearl's recruiting = really good.

http://auburn.247sports.com/Season/2015-Basketball/Commits

Must be those Pearl family cookouts.

[X-band '01]

And wake forest on the road

With that being the case, I think it's just going to be 5 more buy games added to the schedule. Last year, there were 5 buy games (N. Arizona, SFA, Murray State, IUPUI, FL-Gulf Coast) plus Long Beach that was technically part of the Wooden Tournament. This would leave a schedule of:

HOME (8 games)
Cincinnati
Auburn
Missouri
Miami (Buy Game #1)
Northern Kentucky (Buy Game #2)
Wright State (Buy Game #3)
Buy Game #4
Buy Game #5

AWAY (2 games)
Michigan
Wake Forest

NEUTRAL (3 games)
Orlando Tournament

[Xville]

With that being the case, I think it's just going to be 5 more buy games added to the schedule. Last year, there were 5 buy games (N. Arizona, SFA, Murray State, IUPUI, FL-Gulf Coast) plus Long Beach that was technically part of the Wooden Tournament. This would leave a schedule of:

HOME (8 games)
Cincinnati
Auburn
Missouri
Buy Game #1
Buy Game #2
Buy Game #3
Buy Game #4
Buy Game #5

AWAY (2 games)
Michigan
Wake Forest

NEUTRAL (3 games)
Orlando Tournament

Yeah I think you are right....just no sub 200 teams for buy games and we should be in good shape! The tournament on paper is so much better than the one last year. Although we tend to struggle with those, I am excited about it due to the field. I would love to see us face Iowa in the first, Wichita in the second, and beat Notre Dame for the title.

[Michigan Muskie]

20 minutes from my house. I can deal with that.


And 25 from mine. See you there!

[paulxu]

HOME (8 games)
Cincinnati 37
Auburn 129

Missouri 218
Buy Game #1
Buy Game #2
Buy Game #3
Buy Game #4
Buy Game #5

AWAY (2 games)
Michigan 80
Wake Forest 150

NEUTRAL (3 games)
Orlando Tournament

End of year RPI's

[X-Fan]

They went 16-16 last year and don't add anyone of note. What am I missing here?

I know they are young, but it would take a quantum leap to go from that record to being top 20 and competing for a big ten title.


Levert was potential 1st team all BIG heading into the season. So that's a big time player to lose for most of the year. They basically had all freshman as their big guys, and they saw a ton of minutes. I would think those guys will make a nice jump next year to go along with Levert, Walton, Irving, Spike, Dawkins, etc. They have a ton of talent on the wings, that's for sure.

Like xufan2434 said, they got hit really hard with injuries. In fact they had to burn 3 redshirts mid season because of it. It made for a tough season, but Mich will benefit next year because the young guys got so much PT. Good stuff.

[casualfan]

Like xufan2434 said, they got hit really hard with injuries. In fact they had to burn 3 redshirts mid season because of it. It made for a tough season, but Mich will benefit next year because the young guys got so much PT. Good stuff.

Like I said, I am not doubting they will be better.

I am doubting they will compete for a Big ten title and be a top 20 team which is what the OP stated.

[BMoreX]

End of year RPI's

All of those teams should be better this coming season too.

[X-Fan]

Like I said, I am not doubting they will be better.

I am doubting they will compete for a Big ten title and be a top 20 team which is what the OP stated.
I hear ya. I think they are similar to X in that there are questions that will have to be answered. Should be a good team, and if a majority of things go right, will be a top 20 team. For X the questions are PG experience & guys taking the next step, for Mich it's health & guys taking the next step.

[casualfan]

I hear ya. I think they are similar to X in that there are questions that will have to be answered. Should be a good team, and if a majority of things go right, will be a top 20 team. For X the questions are PG experience & guys taking the next step, for Mich it's health & guys taking the next step.

Both teams have questions, but i still don't see them as being similar.

We finished the year ranked with a sweet 16 appearance.

Michigan finished the year at .500 and sitting at home.

Do both teams have questions? sure, everyone does this time of year.

Would I call the severity or depth of those questions similar? Not a chance.

[xavierj]

Like I said, I am not doubting they will be better.

I am doubting they will compete for a Big ten title and be a top 20 team which is what the OP stated.

They have at least two first round draft picks on that team next year and a good coach. They will be really good next year. Huge game for X.

[XMuskieFTW]

They have at least two first round draft picks on that team next year and a good coach. They will be really good next year. Huge game for X.

Caris and who else?

[xavierj]

Caris and who else?

Zak Irvin.

[XMuskieFTW]

Zak Irvin.

He's far from first round talent right now. Unless he takes a huge leap forward I don't see it. Guy seems like a bit of a head case and has to celebrate every 3 pointer he makes whether they're up 10 or down 20.

[xavierj]

He's far from first round talent right now. Unless he takes a huge leap forward I don't see it. Guy seems like a bit of a head case and has to celebrate every 3 pointer he makes whether they're up 10 or down 20.

You might be right but he put up 17 a game the last 8 of the year and 14 per for the year as a sophomore, was a 5 star kid coming out of high school and is a 6'6" guard who is athletic. With a big junior year and maturity, he has first round ability.

[jhelmes37]

And 25 from mine. See you there!

Canton over here! Let's get a chant going at the game.....

[theleague]

There's a good chance Michigan ends the season ranked higher than us. I don't get why people are complaining, this is a great game. We aren't playing Kansas, Duke or North Carolina anytime soon. Almost any program in the country would be excited about this, not sure why anyone here wouldn't be either.

[xudash]

There's a good chance Michigan ends the season ranked higher than us. I don't get why people are complaining, this is a great game. We aren't playing Kansas, Duke or North Carolina anytime soon. Almost any program in the country would be excited about this, not sure why anyone here wouldn't be either.

Well, I'll go on record as stating that I like the matchup.

[Juice]

There's a good chance Michigan ends the season ranked higher than us. I don't get why people are complaining, this is a great game. We aren't playing Kansas, Duke or North Carolina anytime soon. Almost any program in the country would be excited about this, not sure why anyone here wouldn't be either.

Yeah, I like it as well. They were 15-16 last year with a 78 RPI (75 on KenPom). There is no way they are as bad this coming year but even if they are it's still a top 100 RPI games.

[XMuskieFTW]

Canton over here! Let's get a chant going at the game.....

Ridge and warren here!

[Emp]

I need payback in Ann Arbor from the loss that occurred in 1984. I can hold a serious Xavier Basketball postseason grudge.. Was at that one ,will be at this one.

Walton is a fine PG with a bum toe. Spike Albrecht just had hip surgery, and will get the other hip done soon.

Beeline just landed two bigs to fill the gap at center.

Sumner and Reynolds will be psyched.

[OH.X.MI]

Planning on going to watch the Spartan's kick Harbaugh's ass at the Big House and absolutely going to go watch the Muskies win at Crisler. It's going to be a great year!

[XMuskieFTW]

The thought of jalen vs Ricky Doyle, or any of their bigs for that matter has had me laughing since yesterday.

[Michigan Muskie]

Canton over here! Let's get a chant going at the game.....

Well then I think we ought to gather at The Rusty Nail Lounge to watch this one. (well ... either that or actually attend the game.)

[D-West & PO-Z]

If it is a weekend game, I will definitely be going schedule permitting.

[Wheelhouse]

I don't know the specifics, only the generalities.

The two used to play regularly in a home and home. One year, I think it was 1993, which BTW was before any of the current players were even born, the two met in an exempt tournament that was played in Washington DC. It was in the NBA Arena where Georgetown plays their home games (I don't even know what the name of the place is), but it was a neutral site as far as how the tickets were split and who was in charge of the game management.

The next year, when the series was to resume, Georgetown said that the previous year's game did not count as their home game, and Maryland was insisting that it did. They could not agree on who's turn it was to play at home, so they just stopped playing and haven't played since. Both insist that the other team owes them a home game. I believe they even stopped playing in Lacrosse because Maryland said they would not continue to play unless Georgetown did the right thing and gave them their return basketball game. This was about twenty years later when they threatened to pull the plug on Lacrosse. They're still mad about it twenty years later. Crazy. I mean, seriously! What coaches or athletic department employees that are currently working there were even at either school back in 1993?

It was a silly and petty end to what would be an exciting series if it ever did resume.

Holy crow. If true, this is insane.

[Wheelhouse]

I'm pumped! I love that we're playing at Michigan. They should be improved and it's an opportunity for a road win early in the season. Quality road wins are crucial for getting to the dance as well as seeding.

[jhelmes37]

Ridge and warren here!

If the game is on the weekend, we should all hit up an Ann Arbor bar and pre-game/get a bite!

[XUMIOH12]

I'm gonna have to go to this game somehow, even if its on a weeknight

[XMuskieFTW]

If the game is on the weekend, we should all hit up an Ann Arbor bar and pre-game/get a bite!

Yes definitely. I'm up for planning something. I read somewhere though that these games will be held the first Tuesday-Friday of the season. Two games a night. That would most likely be the 17th-20th. Hopefully we get a Friday game.

[DC Muskie]

I don't think there is a single person who has any appreciation at all for basketball who doesn't want to see Maryland play Georgetown, especially given the history of why the two haven't played for so long.

With that being said, Maryland will most certainly not be playing Georgetown. The idea in college basketball seems to be to avoid match ups that would actually be interesting, and come up with reasons why they are not.


I don't know the specifics, only the generalities.

The two used to play regularly in a home and home. One year, I think it was 1993, which BTW was before any of the current players were even born, the two met in an exempt tournament that was played in Washington DC. It was in the NBA Arena where Georgetown plays their home games (I don't even know what the name of the place is), but it was a neutral site as far as how the tickets were split and who was in charge of the game management.

The next year, when the series was to resume, Georgetown said that the previous year's game did not count as their home game, and Maryland was insisting that it did. They could not agree on who's turn it was to play at home, so they just stopped playing and haven't played since. Both insist that the other team owes them a home game. I believe they even stopped playing in Lacrosse because Maryland said they would not continue to play unless Georgetown did the right thing and gave them their return basketball game. This was about twenty years later when they threatened to pull the plug on Lacrosse. They're still mad about it twenty years later. Crazy. I mean, seriously! What coaches or athletic department employees that are currently working there were even at either school back in 1993?

It was a silly and petty end to what would be an exciting series if it ever did resume.

It shows you how petty and silly Big John is. They could end everything if they just play a road game at Maryland and everything would be fine.

[hoyahooligan]

I don't know the specifics, only the generalities.

The two used to play regularly in a home and home. One year, I think it was 1993, which BTW was before any of the current players were even born, the two met in an exempt tournament that was played in Washington DC. It was in the NBA Arena where Georgetown plays their home games (I don't even know what the name of the place is), but it was a neutral site as far as how the tickets were split and who was in charge of the game management.

The next year, when the series was to resume, Georgetown said that the previous year's game did not count as their home game, and Maryland was insisting that it did. They could not agree on who's turn it was to play at home, so they just stopped playing and haven't played since. Both insist that the other team owes them a home game. I believe they even stopped playing in Lacrosse because Maryland said they would not continue to play unless Georgetown did the right thing and gave them their return basketball game. This was about twenty years later when they threatened to pull the plug on Lacrosse. They're still mad about it twenty years later. Crazy. I mean, seriously! What coaches or athletic department employees that are currently working there were even at either school back in 1993?

It was a silly and petty end to what would be an exciting series if it ever did resume.

That's not exactly what happened.

Here's what happened:

A promoter got the two teams to agree to play a game at the Capital Center where Georgetown played their home games. Maryland was designated the home team they wore the home uniforms, sat at the home bench, and had the home locker room. Georgetown wore the Road Uniforms, etc. The tickets were split 50/50 they were not part of the season ticket package.

The next year the game was going to be returned at Maryland's on campus arena under the assumption that tickets would again be split. But at the last minute Maryland refused to split the tickets the way they were in the first game. Maryland insisted that since their arena was on campus that they wouldn't split the tickets with Georgetown like the first game. Georgetown was willing to play @ Maryland with split tickets just like the first game. That seems fair. Maryland refused and refused to play Georgetown until they got the home game they were owed. Gary maintained his position long after JT2 retired.

A couple years ago when Gary Retired and Turgeon was hired the teams started talking about restarting the rivalry. JT3 said he was open to the series reopening. Talks were on going, but hadn't been completed. Talks weren't going as fast as the Maryland AD wanted and took to the local paper to put pressure on Georgetown to finish the agreement for a new series. Georgetown didn't like that and walked away from the talks. Doubling down Maryland announced they would no longer play Georgetown in any other sport until the agreed to play in basketball. The schools have played many times in Soccer, women's basketball, and other sports. The ultimatum lasted for a year or two, but Maryland teams slowly began scheduling Georgetown teams with out any announcement by the Maryland AD that the policy had changed.

JT3 has repeatedly stated since the Gavitt games were announced that he expects Georgetown and Maryland to be matched up and he has no problem with the match up and doesn't care where we would play them.

I also expect for Georgetown to be scheduled @ Maryland this year as part of the Gavitt Games that way Maryland can get their precious home game they think they're owed even though they're not and Georgetown won't feel like they gave into Maryland's dishonesty.

[LA Muskie]

There is some basis in truth to this, but I think you are missing a good deal of context. I'm a GTown alum (law) in addition to Xavier, but from what I have seen and heard it is Georgetown that's hindered the game. And I think it's pretty clear why -- they don't actually want a local rivalry game. In any event, for more information on the history here is a column by John Rothstein (http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/opinion--dear-georgetown-and-maryland-just-shut-up-and-play/2012/02/24/gIQAlPPXaR_story.html).

[Chalmers0]

Rothstein just tweeted another one out: Rutgers @ St. John's.

FS1 now 0-2 in getting games worth watching.

[hoyahooligan]

There is some basis in truth to this, but I think you are missing a good deal of context. I'm a GTown alum (law) in addition to Xavier, but from what I have seen and heard it is Georgetown that's hindered the game. And I think it's pretty clear why -- they don't actually want a local rivalry game. In any event, for more information on the history here is a column by John Rothstein (http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/opinion--dear-georgetown-and-maryland-just-shut-up-and-play/2012/02/24/gIQAlPPXaR_story.html).

1) That's an article by John Feinstein who fully admits he has a grudge against Georgetown because he couldn't get access as a reporter. He is not an unbiased reporter of facts. He's full of shit.

2) Both sides have actively tried to get the game going and had the other side shoot it down. The team that is down always wants the game while the team on top at the time doesn't want it. The roles have switched several times since they last played. It really doesn't benefit the team who's good since it's been a while since both programs were good at the same time. This year finally it looks like going into a season both teams will be top 25 in the preseason so a game makes sense.

[xubrew]

There is some basis in truth to this, but I think you are missing a good deal of context. I'm a GTown alum (law) in addition to Xavier, but from what I have seen and heard it is Georgetown that's hindered the game. And I think it's pretty clear why -- they don't actually want a local rivalry game. In any event, for more information on the history here is a column by John Rothstein (http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/opinion--dear-georgetown-and-maryland-just-shut-up-and-play/2012/02/24/gIQAlPPXaR_story.html).


1) That's an article by John Feinstein who fully admits he has a grudge against Georgetown because he couldn't get access as a reporter. He is not an unbiased reporter of facts. He's full of shit.

2) Both sides have actively tried to get the game going and had the other side shoot it down. The team that is down always wants the game while the team on top at the time doesn't want it. The roles have switched several times since they last played. It really doesn't benefit the team who's good since it's been a while since both programs were good at the same time. This year finally it looks like going into a season both teams will be top 25 in the preseason so a game makes sense.

I'm not saying that John Feinstein is not full of shit. I'm not saying he IS full of shit. I'm just saying I have no opinion.

With that said, something in the article does stick out. It's not just that Georgetown won't play Maryland. it's that they won't play anyone of note from the geographic area like GW. Why is that??

Now, before you point out the obvious about how Xavier doesn't play local teams either, I'm well aware that Xavier doesn't outside of playing Cincinnati. I think they should and wish they would, but I'm far from having the majority opinion on that. I'm just curious as to why Georgetown doesn't seem to want to do it either, even against teams that are NCAA Tournament caliber teams.

[casualfan]

1) That's an article by John Feinstein who fully admits he has a grudge against Georgetown because he couldn't get access as a reporter. He is not an unbiased reporter of facts. He's full of shit.

2) Both sides have actively tried to get the game going and had the other side shoot it down. The team that is down always wants the game while the team on top at the time doesn't want it. The roles have switched several times since they last played. It really doesn't benefit the team who's good since it's been a while since both programs were good at the same time. This year finally it looks like going into a season both teams will be top 25 in the preseason so a game makes sense.

I don't know if Feinstein leans one way or the other, but I do think it's a bit ironic we're supposed to believe that he does and a guy who uses the username "hoyahooligan" doesn't...

[casualfan]

Rothstein just tweeted another one out: Rutgers @ St. John's.

FS1 now 0-2 in getting games worth watching.

Make that 0-3:

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein 5h5 hours ago
St. John's will host Rutgers at MSG as part of the first ever Big East-Big Ten Challenge, source told @CBSSports. Date and time TBA. #sjubb

[D-West & PO-Z]

Make that 0-3:

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein 5h5 hours ago
St. John's will host Rutgers at MSG as part of the first ever Big East-Big Ten Challenge, source told @CBSSports. Date and time TBA. #sjubb

Isnt that the exact same game you just quoted? So still 0-2 right?

[casualfan]

Isnt that the exact same game you just quoted? So still 0-2 right?

Sorry, I read that totally wrong. My bad.

[gladdenguy]

So 4 games are ready.

St. Johns @ Rutgers
Creighton @ Indiana
Xavier @ Michigan
Nebraska @ Villanova

4 games to go

[Masterofreality]

So 4 games are ready.

St. Johns @ Rutgers
Creighton @ Indiana
Xavier @ Michigan
Nebraska @ Villanova

4 games to go

So where are the Big East home games other than Nova?

[muskiefan82]

So 4 games are ready.

St. Johns @ Rutgers
Creighton @ Indiana
Xavier @ Michigan
Nebraska @ Villanova

4 games to go

Sheesh. That's a crappy slate outside of X and UM.

[Chalmers0]

So 4 games are ready.

St. Johns @ Rutgers
Creighton @ Indiana
Xavier @ Michigan
Nebraska @ Villanova

4 games to go

It's actually Rutgers @ St. Johns.

I also think I saw Illinois @ Providence on Twitter.

[XUFan09]

Creighton playing at Indiana looks pretty good, as it's a winnable game that would look good on the resume as a road win against a decent team. Has IU lost any of their starters?

[casualfan]

Creighton playing at Indiana looks pretty good, as it's a winnable game that would look good on the resume as a road win against a decent team. Has IU lost any of their starters?

IU is probably going to be top 15 going into the season.

[Juice]

Creighton playing at Indiana looks pretty good, as it's a winnable game that would look good on the resume as a road win against a decent team. Has IU lost any of their starters?

No and they bring in 4 star Thomas Bryant.

[Masterofreality]

Illinois to visit Providence.

The St. John's/ Rutgers game is at MSG.

By the way, Creighton picked up a big transfer from KState over the weekend- Marcus Foster.

[hoyahooligan]

I'm not saying that John Feinstein is not full of shit. I'm not saying he IS full of shit. I'm just saying I have no opinion.

With that said, something in the article does stick out. It's not just that Georgetown won't play Maryland. it's that they won't play anyone of note from the geographic area like GW. Why is that??

Now, before you point out the obvious about how Xavier doesn't play local teams either, I'm well aware that Xavier doesn't outside of playing Cincinnati. I think they should and wish they would, but I'm far from having the majority opinion on that. I'm just curious as to why Georgetown doesn't seem to want to do it either, even against teams that are NCAA Tournament caliber teams.

Georgetown plays local teams all the time. Under JT3 we have scheduled the following teams (as in they weren't assigned to us in a tournament or in the post season):
04-05: Howard, Norfolk St
05-06: @ Navy, @ JMU
06-07: ODU, JMU, Navy, Towson
07-08: William & Mary, @ ODU, Radford, American
08-09: American, Mt. St. Mary's
09-10: American, Mt. St. Mary's, Old Dominion
10-11: @ ODU, Loyola (MD)
11-12: Howard, American
12-13: Liberty, Mt. St. Mary's, Towson, Longwood, American
13-14: None
14-15: Towson, Radford

So that's patently not true. and ODU went to the tournament 2 of the years we played them.

[xubrew]

Alright then. All the more reason to play Maryland and GW.

I remember the games with American and Towson. I'd forgotten about the four year deal with Old Dominion, but remember it now, and as you said, those were some really good ODU teams. They beat us one of those same years. Didn't you guys open the season at their place and pull it out in overtime??

In that stretch, ODU made the round of 32 after getting in as an at-large and beating Notre Dame, and in another year they were a #9 seed and lost to the eventual national runners up in Butler on a last second shot.

[StanleyOwnsYou]

Alright then. All the more reason to play Maryland and GW.

I remember the games with American and Towson. I'd forgotten about the four year deal with Old Dominion, but remember it now, and as you said, those were some really good ODU teams. They beat us one of those same years. Didn't you guys open the season at their place and pull it out in overtime??

In that stretch, ODU made the round of 32 after getting in as an at-large and beating Notre Dame, and in another year they were a #9 seed and lost to the eventual national runners up in Butler on a last second shot.

Those ODU teams were so tough and athletic. Still remember Kent Bazemore (Atlanta Hawks) shutting down Tu in the Paradise Jam finals, though it was the third game in 4 days.

[gladdenguy]

It's actually Rutgers @ St. Johns.

I also think I saw Illinois @ Providence on Twitter.

Yes thank you for correcting me.

[THRILLHOUSE]

LeVert coming back for his senior season - http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25157134/caris-levert-will-return-to-michigan-for-his-senior-season

[Muskie]

I like the match up with Michigan. It's a Big Ten team we haven't played recently and a state where we've had some recruiting success.

[OH.X.MI]

Goodman saying he will have them as a preseason top 10 team. That doesn't really mean anything, but this will be a great game and a huge win for us on the road!

[BMoreX]

Heard from a Georgetown friend that it will indeed be Maryland-Georgetown this year.

[hoyahooligan]

Yup we will play Maryland in the Gavitt games. Location wasn't specified, but since we already know 3 of the BE games are home it's most likely at Maryland.

This should put an end to the silly feud and we can get a regular game going after that. Probably won't start up right away since Georgetown's books for 2016-2017 is pretty stocked: Maui, @ Cuse, vs. Uconn, @ Kansas.

[xudash]

Yup we will play Maryland in the Gavitt games. Location wasn't specified, but since we already know 3 of the BE games are home it's most likely at Maryland.

This should put an end to the silly feud and we can get a regular game going after that. Probably won't start up right away since Georgetown's books for 2016-2017 is pretty stocked: Maui, @ Cuse, vs. Uconn, @ Kansas.

Congratulations.

Frankly, it's about time they put this one back together. It will be good for both teams, for their conferences indirectly, and certainly for the DC area.

[hoyahooligan]

Yup we will play Maryland in the Gavitt games. Location wasn't specified, but since we already know 3 of the BE games are home it's most likely at Maryland.

This should put an end to the silly feud and we can get a regular game going after that. Probably won't start up right away since Georgetown's books for 2016-2017 is pretty stocked: Maui, @ Cuse, vs. Uconn, @ Kansas.

Apparently I was wrong and Maryland will return the game the following year( Presumably part of the Gavitt games again and not a separate game, but who knows could be separate and both teams sit out Gavitt next year. )

[Masterofreality]

So 4 games are ready.

Rutgers vs St. John's at MSG
Creighton @ Indiana
Xavier @ Michigan
Nebraska @ Villanova

4 games to go

Sounds like Penn State at DePaul
Iowa at Marquette
Illinois at Providence

GTown at Maryland is part of the Challenge.

Butler and Seton Hall are the two that are out this year due to Exempt Tournament scheduling.

The dates are looking like 11/17-11/20/15. Interesting that only 3 Big Ten teams get home games. A little disappointing that Oh-ho-ho State gets to avoid playing a quality opponent. Beaknose likes his cupcakes. No Michigan State or Wisconsin either, although Marquette and Wisconsin play anyway.

[gladdenguy]

Jaylen Brown down to either Michigan or Cal.

[hoyahooligan]

DePaul is @ Penn State.

[DC Muskie]

Georgetown plays local teams all the time. Under JT3 we have scheduled the following teams (as in they weren't assigned to us in a tournament or in the post season):
04-05: Howard, Norfolk St
05-06: @ Navy, @ JMU
06-07: ODU, JMU, Navy, Towson
07-08: William & Mary, @ ODU, Radford, American
08-09: American, Mt. St. Mary's
09-10: American, Mt. St. Mary's, Old Dominion
10-11: @ ODU, Loyola (MD)
11-12: Howard, American
12-13: Liberty, Mt. St. Mary's, Towson, Longwood, American
13-14: None
14-15: Towson, Radford

So that's patently not true. and ODU went to the tournament 2 of the years we played them.

Did you actually write that ODU, Liberty, Radford and Longwood are "local" teams?

Longwood is the closest and it's a three hour drive and over 160 miles away.

[GoMuskies]

So Georgetown plays a bunch of low major locals? Wow. GW and Maryland would both be high interest games. For a team that fills half a building, one would think that would be important.

[X-Fan]

A little disappointing that Oh-ho-ho State gets to avoid playing a quality opponent. Beaknose likes his cupcakes.

I was thinking the same thing. Thad HATES playing anyone decent OOC.

[XUMIOH12]

Ohio and Michigan State not playing in it this year gives me some hope that Xavier might be able to host one of those two teams next year or the year after....

[hoyahooligan]

Did you actually write that ODU, Liberty, Radford and Longwood are "local" teams?

Longwood is the closest and it's a three hour drive and over 160 miles away.


If the Washington Post considers VT and UVA local I can consider ODU, Liberty, and Radford Local.



So Georgetown plays a bunch of low major locals? Wow. GW and Maryland would both be high interest games. For a team that fills half a building, one would think that would be important.

GW really wouldn't be a high interest game at all. Their students don't care about their team at all. They can't even sell out their tiny little arena. They have no following. No one cares. There's no upside to playing them.

[xubrew]

If it's the kind of game that results in people coming up with lists of reasons as to why it's not an interesting game, then chances are it's an interesting game.

[GoMuskies]

GW really wouldn't be a high interest game at all. Their students don't care about their team at all. They can't even sell out their tiny little arena. They have no following. No one cares. There's no upside to playing them.

Yeah, they'd care if they were playing Georgetown. And they'd fill up a significant portion of your half-empty arena.

And I'm not giving you a hard time for your arena only being half full. The place is pretty huge. May as well bring in a team that would help fill more of it.

[Masterofreality]

DePaul is @ Penn State.

Not according to many sources, including Andy Katz:

"ESPN confirmed the other matchups that were first reported by other media outlets: Xavier at Michigan, Creighton at Indiana, Rutgers at St. John's, Illinois at Providence, Nebraska at Villanova,Penn State at DePaul and Iowa at Marquette. All of these games will occur Nov. 17-20."