LongJim

MG61, You may be right. I'm not positive about the UT/UNT game, but the broadcast of the UT/ULL game last year had the same info: "FSN", which was limited to FSN-Southwest, as was the UT/Rice game. Both were regional broadcasts. If I hear definitely, I'll post back.

It will be on Fox Sports Southwest, which probably isn't available up there in the DC area--unless you have a big 'ol cable package, or DirecTV, etc. So yeah, it'll be regional at least at this point. I'd hit the sports bar for this one, because I can almost guarantee they'll have it on up there.

Hey, I wonder if FFR could get the guy that made the hitch covers to make a couple of these?

Frankly, I'm expecting some good things out of this bunch, and I think they are going to surprise. Just hope they can get into conference play without major nicks.

Link.

I believe the UT scramble was a result of something that involved LSU, IIRC.

I'm familiar with it, but you're right, I've never been in there. I think I might not want to come out. Gingerman in Dallas is the same. I did notice that Billy's Brewery in Denton closed a while back. They had some good stuff on tap down there for a while.

Did not notice many Mexican imports, but wasn't looking for them Sat. I did see Negra Modelo, but I was homing in on the British stuff! If I'm just cooling off, it's Miller for me, but this stuff is a treat.

You're absolutely right, ee. One of the best beer selections in a 100 mile radius!

The wonders of Photoshop!

So true. Great pick up for the MG.

Well, this is OT, but just got to mention that I really love the selection of beer at Metzler's. Got the chance to spend the evening in Denton Sunday, and stopped by to pick up a BBQ sandwich. I had forgotten how wide a selection of world beers they have. Place gets a thumbs-up from me.

And your point is? That was then, and this is now. We are talking about 'now', right? As of now, there are no Texas teams in the WAC, and it would be folly for UNT to consider a move to the WAC right now. Yes, a move "up" to the WAC would not necessarily rule out an eventual move to CUSA--but neither does UNT's current membership in the SBC. That may be, but that doesn't mean it's a better fit FOR UNT than the SBC RIGHT NOW. Factoring in the strain a WAC membership would impose on the UNT athletic program, I think the SBC is a better fit. 3 years ago? Yeah, there were several Texas teams in the WAC. It still wouldn't have been a good fit for UNT considering the budget the athletic department has to work with, even with Texas schools. Why couldn't UNT save itself several MORE years of beating it's head against the wall and when they make the move, make it to a better conference? The program wasn't "ready" to join the WAC 2 years ago. I find it difficult to believe that UNT and ULaLa decided not to join the WAC just to save the dear old SBC. Good lord! IMO, part and parcel of DOMINATING is kicking your conferences tail regularly, and winning your bowl games and decent OOC games as well. PMG and many others have their opinions on the solution to THAT issue, but it's up the AD coaching staff, etc., to do their thing to make that happen. How long do you give 'em? *shrug* After 4 bowls: Is recruiting getting better? Are OOC games now winnable/competitive? Are the teams disciplined and the offense/defense given the best chance to succeed given the personnel? Are the season ticket sales substantial, and going up? Are the big donors coming in? *shrug* If those things are happening, that's when you make the jump to a bigger conference, because the other conferences will beat your door down. If they're not happening, you still have to ask the same questions in your new conference--where answering affirmative to those questions just got a lot harder. Dominating the SBC means getting the recruits that otherwise will go to your conference rivals. Dominating means leading the SBC in attendance in every sport. Dominating means your revenues lead the conference. Dominating means your donors far surpass the donors of your conference rivals. Is UNT really that dominating in the SBC? From what I've seen of him, I like Waters. He seems to know what he's doing, but IMO--and no offense--the WAC's a terrible move for UNT. I appreciate your viewpoint, though GE1. Great to hear others views.

My answers would be: 1. NO! 2. HELL YES! 3. HELL YES! Well, I don't know the in's and out's of that decision, but I believe it was the right one to make. To be honest, the SBC appears to be a pretty well-run conference, and I believe the commissioner is doing a lot of things right, compared to a lot of even *gulp* mid-major and larger conferences. No, it's not the most prestigious or competitive, but really--who gives a sh!t about the WAC in Texas? I certainly don't. Frankly, I wouldn't get any more excited over a WAC slate at Fouts than an SBC one, and I'd bet that Mom and Dad in the recruiting living rooms of Texas wouldn't either. They know schools like SMU, Rice, Houston, UTEP, etc., and they will perk up when they hear 'little Johnny' is going to play those schools. The SBC is frankly the lesser of two evils for UNT vs. the WAC, IMO. UNT (IMO) shouldn't accept just any bid to move up from the SBC. IMO, they need to DOMINATE the SBC, dramatically increase attendance and donations, and maintain. Those last two items come with one thing: consistent W-I-N-N-I-N-G. The bigger conferences will come calling, and UNT will get it's shot, but it has to demonstrate that it can be competitive w/bigger programs and build it's program attendance-wise and facilities-wise.

The only scenario I even remotely like re: WAC is the one proposed by Cajun. Otherwise, CUSA is the best bet for UNT IMO, for several reasons: 1. In state rivalries/games w/Texas-familiar teams. 2. Better regional TV opportunities. 3. Easier travel for fans-->better attendance-->more $$ for program. 4. Easier/more effective potential recruiting opportunities in Texas. Getting a seat in the WAC at this point in UNT's D1 "adventure", and with the current teams would be a kiss of death for UNT's football program at the level it is right now. If UNT was TCU, then, go ahead and make the jump. Tulsa, Rice, and SMU all got out of the WAC at the earliest opportunity, and it has made them better, because they are benefitting from the above items.

Looks like a Blue Collar Job...

Well played.

Meka-leka-hi-meka-hiney-ho.

According to Stewart Mandel Mailbag at SI.com, UNT better buckle their chinstraps on September 9: I'm going to keep sending this question until you publish it! SMU went 5-6 last year with wins over UTEP, TCU and Houston -- bowl teams -- and four of its losses were by less than a touchdown. Do you think this is the year the Mustangs finally make a bowl game? -- Scott Seibel, Dallas SM: Yes. LINK

This may have been posted, but CBS Sportsline mag has UNT picked to finish 2nd in the SBC, and a generally positive write up, as well.

I do too. I've always thought that if someone could get their hands on an old Gatling gun, since it has 6 barrels, it could be fired like "bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-bang" every time a touchdown is scored, and then a cannon fired after the extra point.

I take the win over SMU at Fouts every time. Scenario 1, to me, is a fluke, and wouldn't be indicative of where the program should be going. Scenario 2, when it happens, will be the step in the right direction for the program.

Wonder who's laughing at the Bears now. I said it a couple months ago, but I'll say it again: I would not be surprised to see the Bears in a bowl this year. Kinne Talks Trash To The Ags

Frankly, I think this is a great idea, and although my wife would look at me as if I were insane if I asked her to go, I've heard that they are really a lot of fun.

Naw, Ohio State's the place to go for that.