[cooper_gd]

I'll assume that you mean ad hominem, and if my response came off as such, then it is only because I did not want to write a long post. Lazy and sarcastic = me, to be sure. But, for the sake of anti ad hominem . . .

This is a very silly post. If the Big East loses three teams, they will plunder those conferences and form a new league.

It was not a silly post, it was my opinion - one that I think is more valid than yours. Despite ad hominem claims, opinions can in no way be argued to a satisfying conclusion for either party. It's the nature of internet message boards... but, to satisfy your need for dissertations . . .

As for the comment that those teams "no longer matter...if they ever did", that was a below the belt shot and not realistic in any way.

This was basically a self-belittling remark that was my personal feeling in regard to the team that I follow. I am sorry that you took it personally.

1. Pitt
2. Marshall (would love to be in a major rather than mid-major)
3. Penn St. (rumours about their unhappiness with the Big Ten have been circuating for some time)
4. WVU
5. Virgina Tech/BC (whoever is left)
6. Maryland (talk was in the paper this morning that Maryland could be pilfered from the ACC--far fetched? probably, but we can only wait and see)
7. Notre Dame (eventually they will join a conference with the BCS and so forth)
8. Louisville (up and coming mid-major)
9. Toledo (ditto)

Maryland will not leave the ACC... Similar to NC schools, Maryland is basketball first... Notre Dame does not feel that they have to join a conference - they are Notre Dame after all. If the Irish did, it is unlikely that they would go to the Big East - but if so - it would HELP, no doubt, from a revenue POV especially. Penn St. is unlikely, I believe, as well - though more likely if the Irish were some how courted. As far as the N'Lions go, I can only go with a general feeling . . .I lived in Big 10 country for several years and it is true they have been a little unhappy, but a Big East without ND would be considered a huge step back for them - and I find it unlikely.

What makes you think Pitt wouldn't look to greener pastures anyway?

If the ACC expands, do you really think the Big Ten won't? Every major college league will look to expand to get a championship game and the money associated with it.

I'd like to know where I said that... if Pitt went to the Big 10, then subtract them from the list that I originally posted.

Finally, your sarcasm speaks volumes about you. And not even I can put a positive spin on that.

Gave me shivers it did. I said to myself, "Ouch son, now THAT hurt." But you were not trolling or flaming... I get it.

Now, if you would take your fandom blinders off... I said, previously, that I have thick skin because I typically root for losers and was sorry if you had thin skin. That was - once again - a self belittling remark in regard to the pro and college teams I pull for...I was, once again, not talking about Pitt as a specific.

See, anyone can give scenarios. You choose to be negative, I choose to be positive.

Yes, you have hit the nail on the head when it comes to message boards. The difference is I do not take it personally. Would it help if I put IMO in front of every sentence that I write?

I'm not sure. But I am sure about one thing, as probably most others can tell about you now

Pretty scary. Glad you speak for everyone... oh, but no one beside us is even reading this thread - stopped caring long ago. Maybe you should start a new thread, "My professional conclusions on cooper_gd's personality". The fact that no one on here really cares about my personality (or my posts for that matter) is beside the point..

And I'll leave it at that.

I can only hope.

I hope that I satisfied your ad hominem concerns. I know the peek into my dark psyche that was required to write this post has allowed me to actualize my own deepest feelings and fears. I feel much better and must thank you.

Now, here is some brew Let's pull up a couple of bar stools and quietly soak. We can talk about Honus Wagner and Randall Simon... Bradshaw and Mark Malone, Swann and Lipps . . .it's really all good... and just a message board.