C-USA word play

Harry · July 14, 2013

With all those new Conference USA schools settled into their new homes, it's time for their freshman hazing.

The fine folks at the league office - that's not sarcastic, they are really good people - have put out the schools' "preferred reference," begging grumpy sportswriters to adhere to them.

Of course, I'm older than old-school, and I'm not going to get any better. Until further notice, here's the way it's going to go:

Florida Atlantic - God bless this school, for they are content with "Florida Atlantic." Proud institution, proud name, I love it. See y'all in October.

Florida International - When the 2011 bowl in St. Pete was set, Marshall media dude Jason Corriher relayed to us that school's request to be "FIU" on first reference. To which I replied: "Is that University of FIU or FIU University?"

Much like Central Florida's desire to be called "UCF" on first reference, I hit the buzzer and hit it hard.

North Carolina-Charlotte - Wishing to shed the weight of an entire state, the athletic department has resorted to the "Charlotte" branding. Savvy move, actually.

But when I call up the school's main web site, I have to go to uncc.edu. The school tries to ditch the noble hyphen, like everybody else. Blecch.

I will buy into "Charlotte" on second reference. Getting generous in my advanced youth.

Louisiana Tech - The folks in Ruston prefer "LA Tech" on first reference. You have GOT to be kidding me.

That's even worse than media capitulating on "LSU." What, you people can't spell "Louisiana"? I bet the cast of "Duck Dynasty" can!

Willie's smokin' hot wife, at least. Anyway, "Tech" on second reference is fine.

Middle Tennessee State - I'm happy to invoke the "Bowling Green Rule" on this one and refer to the Blue Raiders as "Middle Tennessee" on first reference. "MT" on following references? Uh, no.

The Daily News Journal of Murfreesboro uses "MTSU," and so shall I. "Middle," if I'm in a good mood.