Saw this come across the Twitter earlier today. Weixlmann covers the A10 for Scout.com, so I'll go ahead and say his sources are legitimate.
This is something the people at SIUE have wanted for quite some time, just because it makes geographical sense.
For other reasons, particularly from SLU's side of view, it doesn't make as much sense. For one, they don't want to hurt their RPI and for all intents and purposes, nobody expects SIUE to be a "quality" win on their schedule. It hasn't been proven yet.
It makes more sense this year than it has in the past, though.
SIUE is done with its transition. Wins against the Cougars have been counting against the RPI, but this year, they won't be picked No. 345 in the country, at least they shouldn't. SIUE will likely be pre-season 299 or something like that. It's not as big of a hit as it could be, and SLU is more confident given their success.
The A-10 is getting stronger. They added Butler today and the league is looking to go to 16 teams. SLU will have plenty of opportunities to make up for it, and Majerus is able to schedule a few big schools without worrying about his strength of schedule. This isn't a favor for SIUE. It makes sense for all parties involved. I'm pleased he has the balls to come to the VC.
Last year, the Billikens beat Tennessee State, their lone OVC opponent 71-37 long before the Tigers knocked off Murray State. They were a terrible team early on but just got better as the season went along.
They also played a regular season game against Division II Illinois-Springfield and I am pretty sure they played Rockhurst the year before that.
Simply put, SIUE is a better game on the schedule than a Division II team, and Majerus can approach it however he wants. It might make sense to them as well and I'm glad it's being discussed.
Also, great idea to get them in a home-and-home. We have seen some outstanding crowds at the VC when the quote-on-quote sexy opponents come in. See Illinois State (the Osiris Eldridge hype effect) a few years ago and Murray State last season. This year, the Cougars have Carbondale and Murray's target is just as large as ever, though I doubt they'll be undefeated come February.
This is another one of those games.
Stay tuned.
2 comments:
One plus for SLU is it will be a road game they won't have to travel far for. With all the A10 travel I am sure that is nice.
In my opinion this makes perfect sense.....good for the community building and great for both schools (however i hope siue students show up)
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