Future with Liberty still in discussion
By Alan Schmadtke
Sentinel Staff Writer

August 3, 2005

Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky is unconcerned about the tempest that has become the Liberty Bowl, his league's lead bowl for nearly a decade. C-USA wants to keep the Liberty in the lead position after this football season, but there are no guarantees.

"I'm not concerned," Banowsky said. "Our game for this year is set, and we have a chance to look at a situation beyond this year. But if it doesn't work out, we're going to have options. What those are, I'm not going to speculate, but we'll have other options."

Meanwhile, emotions are stirring, some down deep, some not so deep. The Southeastern Conference is talking to the Liberty about sending an SEC team to the Memphis bowl from 2006 through 2009, but SEC Commissioner Mike Slive last week said he preferred all his league's bowl tie-ins to be opposite teams from other power leagues. Read: Not C-USA.

"As a Memphian, I'm insulted the SEC wants to send its seventh-place team to the Liberty Bowl and dictate who they want to play," Memphis Coach Tommy West told reporters Tuesday at Conference USA media day in Memphis.

Said Liberty Executive Director Steve Ehrhart: "I'm not going to touch that."

Banowsky, West, Southern Miss Athletic Director Richard Giannini and Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson met Tuesday morning with the Liberty's board of directors to sell the board on another contract with the league.

"It was a listening session," Ehrhart said. "We'll absorb and continue to listen."

Ehrhart said his bowl has no timetable for finalizing its next contact but doubted it would drag on much beyond the start of this season.

<a href='http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college/knights/orl-sptcusanotes03080305aug03,0,2834366.story?coll=tf-knights' target='_blank'>Liberty Bowl Discussion at C-USA Media Day</a>

So who is begging and praying now OG. You accused BE folks of doing this, but it looks like Cusa folks are doing all of the begging. :laugh:

CUSA fans come over here and get in a huff but they should direct their tantrums at the SEC not us. We'll take the Liberty Bowl of course but because the SEC wants to play us in it.

cuseroc Wrote:So who is begging and praying now OG. You accused BE folks of doing this, but it looks like Cusa folks are doing all of the begging. :laugh:

I wouldn't count anything, yet. Personally, I feel the Liberty Bowl is nice, historic bowl. However, it does have some drawbacks. If offered the BE should take it. If not they better work a Houston or Shreveport deal.

TexanMark Wrote:

cuseroc Wrote:So who is begging and praying now OG.&nbsp; You accused BE folks of doing this, but it looks like Cusa folks are doing all of the begging. :laugh:

I wouldn't count anything, yet. Personally, I feel the Liberty Bowl is nice, historic bowl. However, it does have some drawbacks. If offered the BE should take it. If not they better work a Houston or Shreveport deal.

Agreed. I am not counting the Liberty yet. I really dont know if its that big of a deal to have it. But it would be nice to be pitted against the sec in a bowl instead of the acc.

I made the above post towards OG Eagle because in another thread, he accused us BE fans of praying and begging to get the Liberty bowl, which I dont see what all of the fuss is about the Liberty. But I wanted OG to see that it was the CUSA leaders that are going all out and praying and begging to keep the Liberty. Its much more of a big deal to CUSA than it will ever be to the BE. That obviously explains why they have a consortium of AD's and coaches and commisioner going to Memphis to plead their case to the Liberty. Its quite ironic that everything that cusa fans were saying was going to happen to the BE is actually happening to CUSA. :laugh:

cuseroc Wrote:

TexanMark Wrote:

cuseroc Wrote:So who is begging and praying now OG.  You accused BE folks of doing this, but it looks like Cusa folks are doing all of the begging. :laugh:

I wouldn't count anything, yet. Personally, I feel the Liberty Bowl is nice, historic bowl. However, it does have some drawbacks. If offered the BE should take it. If not they better work a Houston or Shreveport deal.

Agreed. I am not counting the Liberty yet. I really dont know if its that big of a deal to have it. But it would be nice to be pitted against the sec in a bowl instead of the acc.

I made the above post towards OG Eagle because in another thread, he accused us BE fans of praying and begging to get the Liberty bowl, which I dont see what all of the fuss is about the Liberty. But I wanted OG to see that it was the CUSA leaders that are going all out and praying and begging to keep the Liberty. Its much more of a big deal to CUSA than it will ever be to the BE. That obviously explains why they have a consortium of AD's and coaches and commisioner going to Memphis to plead their case to the Liberty. Its quite ironic that everything that cusa fans were saying was going to happen to the BE is actually happening to CUSA. :laugh:

Cuseroc: That C-USA group was in Memphis because it was Media Day. Also, the conference, like the B.E. and others according to the Liberty, were just making their case for continuation or inclusion as it maybe in that Bowl. It was not a meeting because of a kneejerk reaction to possible loss of the Liberty Bowl (although I sure hope the commissioner had that thought in the back of his mind at all times. :) )

I really believe it is up in the air still, but Imo the Liberty will stay with C-USA at least for a few more seasons. There is little or no gain by selecting the product the $EC is offering, and if the B.E. is sending #3 to Charlotte, same for the B.E.#4. The Liberty which is presently higher regarded than the Continential or Music City etc. and would slip down into that same level of those Bowls if the $EC is selected.

A champion or Top 25 team, even if non BC$ is/would be perceived better nationally than a $EC 6-8 or B.E. #4, and most likely better matchup than other non BC$ Bowls. This last season matchup is a good example. The odds of that reoccuring are better than the $EC scenario.

Most Memphis' fans would be okay with C-USA/Big East. I think it's the obvious matchup. Fan the flames a little between the conferences. It sounds like fun to me.

On the other hand, if the Big East plays the SEC (or anyone else), C-USA fans will stay away in protest. If I were the Big East, I'd have to take that into account.

Does the Big East really WANT to bowl in Memphis? It's not a very good geographic fit. :eek:

tigercat Wrote:

cuseroc Wrote:

TexanMark Wrote:

cuseroc Wrote:So who is begging and praying now OG.  You accused BE folks of doing this, but it looks like Cusa folks are doing all of the begging. :laugh:

I wouldn't count anything, yet. Personally, I feel the Liberty Bowl is nice, historic bowl. However, it does have some drawbacks. If offered the BE should take it. If not they better work a Houston or Shreveport deal.

Agreed. I am not counting the Liberty yet. I really dont know if its that big of a deal to have it. But it would be nice to be pitted against the sec in a bowl instead of the acc.

I made the above post towards OG Eagle because in another thread, he accused us BE fans of praying and begging to get the Liberty bowl, which I dont see what all of the fuss is about the Liberty. But I wanted OG to see that it was the CUSA leaders that are going all out and praying and begging to keep the Liberty. Its much more of a big deal to CUSA than it will ever be to the BE. That obviously explains why they have a consortium of AD's and coaches and commisioner going to Memphis to plead their case to the Liberty. Its quite ironic that everything that cusa fans were saying was going to happen to the BE is actually happening to CUSA. :laugh:

Cuseroc: That C-USA group was in Memphis because it was Media Day. Also, the conference, like the B.E. and others according to the Liberty, were just making their case for continuation or inclusion as it maybe in that Bowl. It was not a meeting because of a kneejerk reaction to possible loss of the Liberty Bowl (although I sure hope the commissioner had that thought in the back of his mind at all times. :) )

I really believe it is up in the air still, but Imo the Liberty will stay with C-USA at least for a few more seasons. There is little or no gain by selecting the product the $EC is offering, and if the B.E. is sending #3 to Charlotte, same for the B.E.#4. The Liberty which is presently higher regarded than the Continential or Music City etc. and would slip down into that same level of those Bowls if the $EC is selected.

Do really think there's that much of a difference between BE #3 and #4 that the LB and CUSA should be so offended to get #4?

Not to mention in years ND takes a Gator or Sun slot, the LB would actually get BE #3.

Furthermore, do you not think the bowl (Charlotte) that has two BCS teams playing (ACC & Big East) is entitled to get the higher seeded BE team, especially if they (Charlotte) are also willing to increase their payout?

Claw Wrote:Most Memphis' fans would be okay with C-USA/Big East. I think it's the obvious matchup. Fan the flames a little between the conferences. It sounds like fun to me.

On the other hand, if the Big East plays the SEC (or anyone else), C-USA fans will stay away in protest. If I were the Big East, I'd have to take that into account.

Does the Big East really WANT to bowl in Memphis? It's not a very good geographic fit. :eek:

It works for Louisville, West Virginia and Notre Dame and it certainly beats El Paso(SUN Bowl) and California as far as geography is concerned. I think its great.

Murph1 Wrote:

tigercat Wrote:

cuseroc Wrote:

TexanMark Wrote:

cuseroc Wrote:So who is begging and praying now OG.  You accused BE folks of doing this, but it looks like Cusa folks are doing all of the begging. :laugh:

I wouldn't count anything, yet. Personally, I feel the Liberty Bowl is nice, historic bowl. However, it does have some drawbacks. If offered the BE should take it. If not they better work a Houston or Shreveport deal.

Agreed. I am not counting the Liberty yet. I really dont know if its that big of a deal to have it. But it would be nice to be pitted against the sec in a bowl instead of the acc.

I made the above post towards OG Eagle because in another thread, he accused us BE fans of praying and begging to get the Liberty bowl, which I dont see what all of the fuss is about the Liberty. But I wanted OG to see that it was the CUSA leaders that are going all out and praying and begging to keep the Liberty. Its much more of a big deal to CUSA than it will ever be to the BE. That obviously explains why they have a consortium of AD's and coaches and commisioner going to Memphis to plead their case to the Liberty. Its quite ironic that everything that cusa fans were saying was going to happen to the BE is actually happening to CUSA. :laugh:

Cuseroc: That C-USA group was in Memphis because it was Media Day. Also, the conference, like the B.E. and others according to the Liberty, were just making their case for continuation or inclusion as it maybe in that Bowl. It was not a meeting because of a kneejerk reaction to possible loss of the Liberty Bowl (although I sure hope the commissioner had that thought in the back of his mind at all times. :) )

I really believe it is up in the air still, but Imo the Liberty will stay with C-USA at least for a few more seasons. There is little or no gain by selecting the product the $EC is offering, and if the B.E. is sending #3 to Charlotte, same for the B.E.#4. The Liberty which is presently higher regarded than the Continential or Music City etc. and would slip down into that same level of those Bowls if the $EC is selected.

Do really think there's that much of a difference between BE #3 and #4 that the LB and CUSA should be so offended to get #4?

Not to mention in years ND takes a Gator or Sun slot, the LB would actually get BE #3.

Furthermore, do you not think the bowl (Charlotte) that has two BCS teams playing (ACC & Big East) is entitled to get the higher seeded BE team, especially if they (Charlotte) are also willing to increase their payout?

The Liberty Bowl would be the one not wanting #4; also yes I think the Liberty has more history, prestiege etc than Charlotte Bowl, and the payout is again increasing, and was higher than Charlotte, so yep, Liberty should and deserves first pick. If I was the Liberty and didn't get that pick, I'd say enjoy Charlotte. Also, I said national perception, and again imo a league champ or top 25 looks better than #4 (most years).

Lets not forget the problem of attendance. Historically, the 3-7 teams from the B.E. haven't proven to be good travellers. When you get to #4, there is a chance of getting a school that could be a one year wonder or so to speak, and may just not travel their fans in numbers enough to satisfy the Liberty (or any other) Bowl. I really don't mean this as a flame, and it is common knowledge some Bowls have been unhappy with the B.E. in the past, including the Liberty. Syracuse and Pitt are both great schools and have put out a good product, but they don't bring fans to lesser Bowls it seems. Not a knock, many schools will not.

This means local support will have to pick up the slack, and imo as it stands now, most schools in the B.E. would not generate much locally. Of course IF Memphis has a horse in the race, those things would change!

- The Liberty Bowl wants an SEC tie-in.
- The SEC wants to partner with bowls matched up against other BCS conference.
- The Liberty Bowl also realizes the value of having a possible Louisville tie-in because they were the C-USA school that brought the most fans to the game.

The Liberty Bowl will be SEC vs. Big East.

From reading that article, it appears that even Banowsky is resigned to that scenario. Hopefully, C-USA can secure a spot in the Houston Bowl, but if the Big XII takes that same "we'll only play a BCS conference member" stance, 1) The Houston Bowl will be "Big XII vs. At-Large", and 2) C-USA will be relegated to Shreveport and Mobile.

MongoSlade Wrote:- The Liberty Bowl wants an SEC tie-in.
- The SEC wants to partner with bowls matched up against other BCS conference.
- The Liberty Bowl also realizes the value of having a possible Louisville tie-in because they were the C-USA school that brought the most fans to the game.

The Liberty Bowl will be SEC vs. Big East.

From reading that article, it appears that even Banowsky is resigned to that scenario. Hopefully, C-USA can secure a spot in the Houston Bowl, but if the Big XII takes that same "we'll only play a BCS conference member" stance, 1) The Houston Bowl will be "Big XII vs. At-Large", and 2) C-USA will be relegated to Shreveport and Mobile.

Not to pee on your parade Mongrel, but I don't think you know any more than anyone else, so why the definitive statement? You are a S@!@ disturber first class, see you've graduated from stalking ECU to taking on C-USA.

tigercat Wrote:

MongoSlade Wrote:- The Liberty Bowl wants an SEC tie-in.
- The SEC wants to partner with bowls matched up against other BCS conference.
- The Liberty Bowl also realizes the value of having a possible Louisville tie-in because they were the C-USA school that brought the most fans to the game.

The Liberty Bowl will be SEC vs. Big East.

From reading that article, it appears that even Banowsky is resigned to that scenario.&nbsp; Hopefully, C-USA can secure a spot in the Houston Bowl, but if the Big XII takes that same "we'll only play a BCS conference member" stance, 1) The Houston Bowl will be "Big XII vs. At-Large", and 2) C-USA will be relegated to Shreveport and Mobile.

Not to pee on your parade Mongrel, but I don't think you know any more than anyone else, so why the definitive statement? You are a S@!@ disturber first class, see you've graduated from stalking ECU to taking on C-USA.

All indications are that he is correct though. Banowski is stating publicly that Houston is an option for the champion or inferring that the Liberty Bowl is SERIOUSLY considering options that don't include CUSA.

tigercat Wrote:

MongoSlade Wrote:- The Liberty Bowl wants an SEC tie-in.
- The SEC wants to partner with bowls matched up against other BCS conference.
- The Liberty Bowl also realizes the value of having a possible Louisville tie-in because they were the C-USA school that brought the most fans to the game.

The Liberty Bowl will be SEC vs. Big East.

From reading that article, it appears that even Banowsky is resigned to that scenario.&nbsp; Hopefully, C-USA can secure a spot in the Houston Bowl, but if the Big XII takes that same "we'll only play a BCS conference member" stance, 1) The Houston Bowl will be "Big XII vs. At-Large", and 2) C-USA will be relegated to Shreveport and Mobile.

Not to pee on your parade Mongrel, but I don't think you know any more than anyone else, so why the definitive statement? You are a S@!@ disturber first class, see you've graduated from stalking ECU to taking on C-USA.

Whoa, Joe.... I didn't attack anyone in my previous comment. I was just presenting a scenario you happen to be shielding yourself from.. that is, the possibility that C-USA will more than likely lose the Liberty, and that Houston is not a slam-dunk guarantee.

Neither comment was a slam on C-USA.

tigercat Wrote:

cuseroc Wrote:

TexanMark Wrote:

cuseroc Wrote:So who is begging and praying now OG.&nbsp; You accused BE folks of doing this, but it looks like Cusa folks are doing all of the begging. :laugh:

I wouldn't count anything, yet. Personally, I feel the Liberty Bowl is nice, historic bowl. However, it does have some drawbacks. If offered the BE should take it. If not they better work a Houston or Shreveport deal.

Agreed. I am not counting the Liberty yet. I really dont know if its that big of a deal to have it. But it would be nice to be pitted against the sec in a bowl instead of the acc.

I made the above post towards OG Eagle because in another thread, he accused us BE fans of praying and begging to get the Liberty bowl, which I dont see what all of the fuss is about the Liberty. But I wanted OG to see that it was the CUSA leaders that are going all out and praying and begging to keep the Liberty. Its much more of a big deal to CUSA than it will ever be to the BE. That obviously explains why they have a consortium of AD's and coaches and commisioner going to Memphis to plead their case to the Liberty. Its quite ironic that everything that cusa fans were saying was going to happen to the BE is actually happening to CUSA. :laugh:

Cuseroc: That C-USA group was in Memphis because it was Media Day. Also, the conference, like the B.E. and others according to the Liberty, were just making their case for continuation or inclusion as it maybe in that Bowl. It was not a meeting because of a kneejerk reaction to possible loss of the Liberty Bowl (although I sure hope the commissioner had that thought in the back of his mind at all times. :) )

I really believe it is up in the air still, but Imo the Liberty will stay with C-USA at least for a few more seasons. There is little or no gain by selecting the product the $EC is offering, and if the B.E. is sending #3 to Charlotte, same for the B.E.#4. The Liberty which is presently higher regarded than the Continential or Music City etc. and would slip down into that same level of those Bowls if the $EC is selected.

A champion or Top 25 team, even if non BC$ is/would be perceived better nationally than a $EC 6-8 or B.E. #4, and most likely better matchup than other non BC$ Bowls. This last season matchup is a good example. The odds of that reoccuring are better than the $EC scenario.

I stand corrected on the consortium comment, but I dont know what else you would call it. I will stand by my comment that Cusa folks are the ones doing the begging and praying though. Its easy to understand why. I think Cusa losing the liberty is similar to the BE losing the bcs as far as status goes.

I still dont beleive that the liberty is more highly regarded than the Continental Bowl. As I said earlier, they are probably on the same level as far as most fb fans are concerned. That perception has nothing to do with payout as most college fb fans dont really pay alot of attention to payouts. I never paid attention to the Liberty until Louisville played in it last year.