Replacement Challenge???

by **BirdmanBB** » November 4th, 2012, 10:22 pm

Has there been any new info on this since Elgin said a while back that he was working on something to replace the MVC/MWC Challenge?

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by **MVCfans** » November 4th, 2012, 10:33 pm

BirdmanBB wrote:Has there been any new info on this since Elgin said a while back that he was working on something to replace the MVC/MWC Challenge?

He stated that the challenge MVC-MWC challenge might restart in 2014. I honestly don't know how many teams will be in the MWC at that time. If it does return, I hope they change the rules to encourage the best possible games regardless of previous matchups.

by **TheAsianSensation** » November 5th, 2012, 9:18 am

I think there's a good chance of renewal - the CUSA/MWC merger was hanging over everyone's head at the time of cancellation.

by **DoubleJayAlum** » November 5th, 2012, 10:04 am

A poosible holdup is that there is no longer The MTn TV network. That was really the magic piece that made this work the first time around.

If we can convince the MWC teams to do it again, despite the lack of TV coverage, we should sign up immediately. I think it is fair to say that this challenge provided some of the best home opponents for most of our schools during its tenure. If renewed, I do think care should be made to make sure the best teams from each conference play each other, regardless of possible rematches.

With the CAA no longer being in Bracketbusters, the need to get this deal done is greater than ever....

On a related note, San Diego St is dropping out of the MWC in order to get its football team in the Big East. I wonder if SDSU hoops will enter into the bracketbusters pool when they formally join their new conference? I think the move happens next year and as long as Fischer is there, I expect them to be an NCAA tourney level of team almost every year. If they somehow stay out of the pool like Gonzaga is able to do, the league office should demand that our best schools be allowed to opt out as well.

by **TheAsianSensation** » November 5th, 2012, 10:38 am

SDSU is going to have a SoS problem, so they damn well better sign up for BracketBusters.

On the other hand, they actually got the Big West to change their conference schedule solely to accomodate them. So who knows.

As for the Mtn network, I think the MWC can still park their games on the CBS college network, so they'll be fine. I think.

by **Jet915** » November 5th, 2012, 4:56 pm

TheAsianSensation wrote:SDSU is going to have a SoS problem, so they damn well better sign up for BracketBusters.

On the other hand, they actually got the Big West to change their conference schedule solely to accomodate them. So who knows.

As for the Mtn network, I think the MWC can still park their games on the CBS college network, so they'll be fine. I think.

I doubt it, EVERYONE but Doug Elgin knows bracketbusters is stupid. SDSU, as part of the Big East invite will get 4 Big East opponents on their non-conference every year. Even though the Big East is diluted with the likes of SMU, Houston and UCF, it will help.

by **LMS** » November 5th, 2012, 5:10 pm

There is ZERO chance a school like SDSU would volunteer for bracketbusters. There are good enough to get decent home and home games anytime.

by **TheAsianSensation** » November 5th, 2012, 5:12 pm

If San Diego State can find a series similar to the Memphis/Gonzaga series of the past that was usually played in February, they'll take that.

But they're playing 14 terrible conference games in January and February. BB is actually an out to get a marquee game at a time they'll be nationally irrelevant.

I think ESPN bribes them, too.

by **Jet915** » November 5th, 2012, 5:27 pm

I would hardly call Bracketbusters marquee. Usually there are 3-4 marquee teams every year and most of them are from the MVC. If you don't play one of those teams, you are stuck with a 1 and 1 w/the likes of Loyola. SDSU is fortunate in that they are in California and they get alot of 1 and 1's w/Pac-12 teams.