FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[WW]

Wisconsin also gets some of its best talent from New Jersey. Johnathan Taylor is from Salem, NJ. Heck, Ron Dayne is from New Jersey.

The problem with Rutgers is perceptional. It's not viewed as an aspirational place, academically or athletically, by the locals. They see it as a large commuter school. Almost every other Big 10 school is a destination, a goal, a dream. Nobody in Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken, Plainfield, Paterson, Edison et al dreams about going to Rutgers.

I just don't think a football coach, even a good one, is ever gonna fix that.

The problem LL will face, however, is Buffalo's gonna be down this year, and that's gonna ice a lot of the LL-to-anywhere talk, IMO.

[wm4]

Just to offer an alternative point of view, what if LL's agent is behind the rumors out there on Rutgers, with the ultimate intent of getting a bump from Buffalo? From a quick Google review it looks like he's signed through 2020, so maybe the time is right to build some leverage for an extension and payday.  I have no insider info on this, and LL's name and record is absolutely worthy of being in the discussion for P5's jobs.  Will be interesting to see how it plays out.

[WW]

Just to offer an alternative point of view, what if LL's agent is behind the rumors out there on Rutgers, with the ultimate intent of getting a bump from Buffalo? From a quick Google review it looks like he's signed through 2020, so maybe the time is right to build some leverage for an extension and payday.  I have no insider info on this, and LL's name and record is absolutely worthy of being in the discussion for P5's jobs.  Will be interesting to see how it plays out.

He just got a nice extension this offseason, now signed through 2023. But still could be an agent plant. In fact, I'd say it's a likely source at this point.

[emma17]

^^
I don't know anything about that sort of stuff, I choose to look at it this way:
-LL just got extended. He knows there are limited coaching salary funds for a school like UB given attendance. I'm betting he's smart enough to know UB will likely not be in position to offer a pay-day like a power 5 could.
-I've no inside knowledge, but I do reiterate what I feel is a real drag on teams like UB- the transfer portal. Certainly all schools are exposed to it, but the bigger programs are also getting transfers to offset what they lose. The UB's of the world likely aren't on the good side of the portal (this is my opinion, I don't have stats to back it up).  If LL could, I'd imagine he'd want to be at a program that could be on the good side, or at least the balanced side of the portal.

[formerd3db]

emma:

I can understand only to a degree re: some of those successful players choosing to transfer to bigger schools for more potential NFL exposure and bigger crowds, although obviously depending on the school, not all FBS/FCS schools have major crowds, and Buffalo certainly has had very good crowds and met the Div I home attendance requirement. However, I personally don't care for that/agree with that, acknowledging, of course, that "to each his own" i.e. that is a prerogative/personal choice of any player.  If a person makes a commitment to a school and they are doing very well, I believe they should finish it out. I do not think that I, personally, could do what even some of the graduate transfers are doing/have been allowed to do i.e. some who have been 2-3 years starters, major players and even all-conference selections their "Senior" year for their schools, but say have a year of eligibility left due to an injury, then transfer to another school for one final year.  I would not be able to handle trying to decide which school was my true "alma mater" (true, by definition that would be the one a person graduated from, however, I would think I would have some great loyalty to the school I played the most years at, again assuming I had the top experiences as I related above in an example.

Yet, all that example scenario explained, my final point is that if those players are really that good, and have the determination to get to the NFL, they will (should) get there even if they stayed at Buffalo and thus, no need to transfer (again, assuming everything else is copasetic in all aspects. That has been proven many times as we have seen with all the DIII players who have gone on to the NFL in the last several years. 

ww:

I think you are right regarding Buffalo having the down year this year (at least so far) and the potential effect it may have for LL as a considered candidate for some job openings this year.  Personally, I liked to see him stay at Buffalo, but, again, as you and others have mentioned, no one should blame him if he decided to take the opportunity for an even bigger paycheck for him and his family.

wm4:
I would hope that is not the case (agent pushing rumors), however, we all know that happens.      

[WW]

I haven't done the math either but sure seems to me that the transfer portal works more often north to south, rather than the other way around, and a place like Buffalo would more often than not be the beneficiary. Look at Whitewater. The first three random names that came to my mind (Kumerow, Oles, Meylor) all came from higher levels of play (D2 St. Cloud St, D1 Butler, D2 Lindenwood).

[formerd3db]

I haven't done the math either but sure seems to me that the transfer portal works more often north to south, rather than the other way around, and a place like Buffalo would more often than not be the beneficiary. Look at Whitewater. The first three random names that came to my mind (Kumerow, Oles, Meylor) all came from higher levels of play (D2 St. Cloud St, D1 Butler, D2 Lindenwood).

I agree with you. It would appear that such is more common.

[emma17]

I haven't done the math either but sure seems to me that the transfer portal works more often north to south, rather than the other way around, and a place like Buffalo would more often than not be the beneficiary. Look at Whitewater. The first three random names that came to my mind (Kumerow, Oles, Meylor) all came from higher levels of play (D2 St. Cloud St, D1 Butler, D2 Lindenwood).

I agree with you. It would appear that such is more common.

I'm not sure what's more common, I'm focused on the impact to UB and how it may play a role w LL. The examples of Kumerow, Meylor and Oles is entirely different than what happened at Buffalo. None of those three were starters at their former schools, as such, their transfer to UWW didn't create an immediate and unexpected talent loss in starting positions. In UB's case, they lost three big time starters, unexpectedly. Their all-conference QB, all-conference Tight End and all-conference Wide receiver, plus another wide receiver with good experience. At the end of last season UB was incredibly well positioned to continue the momentum into 2019. Now, they are starting a redshirt freshman QB (who will be very good imo) and an extremely inexperienced receiver corp.
UB's loss of players is significantly more damaging than the transfers of Kumerow, Meylor and Oles.

[formerd3db]

I haven't done the math either but sure seems to me that the transfer portal works more often north to south, rather than the other way around, and a place like Buffalo would more often than not be the beneficiary. Look at Whitewater. The first three random names that came to my mind (Kumerow, Oles, Meylor) all came from higher levels of play (D2 St. Cloud St, D1 Butler, D2 Lindenwood).

I agree with you. It would appear that such is more common.

I'm not sure what's more common, I'm focused on the impact to UB and how it may play a role w LL. The examples of Kumerow, Meylor and Oles is entirely different than what happened at Buffalo. None of those three were starters at their former schools, as such, their transfer to UWW didn't create an immediate and unexpected talent loss in starting positions. In UB's case, they lost three big time starters, unexpectedly. Their all-conference QB, all-conference Tight End and all-conference Wide receiver, plus another wide receiver with good experience. At the end of last season UB was incredibly well positioned to continue the momentum into 2019. Now, they are starting a redshirt freshman QB (who will be very good imo) and an extremely inexperienced receiver corp.
UB's loss of players is significantly more damaging than the transfers of Kumerow, Meylor and Oles.

I am aware of what you are focusing on.  I didn't say the examples of the three you said was the same as what happened at Buffalo.  Of course, the three starters who left may be a big part among the contributing factors of Buffalo having a tough time this year.  However, all I was saying (and I could have been clearer in relating it) was that transfers, one way or another, are common, and, from what I have seen, transfers to another program (often DIII) by players who were at higher divisions who were not starters and/or not getting the playing time like they thought they should be, seems to be more common, at least from what I have seen.

[WW]

I haven't done the math either but sure seems to me that the transfer portal works more often north to south, rather than the other way around, and a place like Buffalo would more often than not be the beneficiary. Look at Whitewater. The first three random names that came to my mind (Kumerow, Oles, Meylor) all came from higher levels of play (D2 St. Cloud St, D1 Butler, D2 Lindenwood).

I agree with you. It would appear that such is more common.

I'm not sure what's more common, I'm focused on the impact to UB and how it may play a role w LL. The examples of Kumerow, Meylor and Oles is entirely different than what happened at Buffalo. None of those three were starters at their former schools, as such, their transfer to UWW didn't create an immediate and unexpected talent loss in starting positions. In UB's case, they lost three big time starters, unexpectedly. Their all-conference QB, all-conference Tight End and all-conference Wide receiver, plus another wide receiver with good experience. At the end of last season UB was incredibly well positioned to continue the momentum into 2019. Now, they are starting a redshirt freshman QB (who will be very good imo) and an extremely inexperienced receiver corp.
UB's loss of players is significantly more damaging than the transfers of Kumerow, Meylor and Oles.

Well Emma, when you're right, you're right. And you're right about the effect of transfers at UB, although LL ended up losing his QB to an NFL dream rather than a Power 5. I remain surprised that Jackson never latched on anywhere.

['95 Blugold]

I haven't done the math either but sure seems to me that the transfer portal works more often north to south, rather than the other way around, and a place like Buffalo would more often than not be the beneficiary. Look at Whitewater. The first three random names that came to my mind (Kumerow, Oles, Meylor) all came from higher levels of play (D2 St. Cloud St, D1 Butler, D2 Lindenwood).

I agree with you. It would appear that such is more common.

I'm not sure what's more common, I'm focused on the impact to UB and how it may play a role w LL. The examples of Kumerow, Meylor and Oles is entirely different than what happened at Buffalo. None of those three were starters at their former schools, as such, their transfer to UWW didn't create an immediate and unexpected talent loss in starting positions. In UB's case, they lost three big time starters, unexpectedly. Their all-conference QB, all-conference Tight End and all-conference Wide receiver, plus another wide receiver with good experience. At the end of last season UB was incredibly well positioned to continue the momentum into 2019. Now, they are starting a redshirt freshman QB (who will be very good imo) and an extremely inexperienced receiver corp.
UB's loss of players is significantly more damaging than the transfers of Kumerow, Meylor and Oles.

Well Emma, when you're right, you're right. And you're right about the effect of transfers at UB, although LL ended up losing his QB to an NFL dream rather than a Power 5. I remain surprised that Jackson never latched on anywhere.

I may be wrong, but I think Jackson latched on to the Charger's practice squad.

[BoBo]

Wisconsin also gets some of its best talent from New Jersey. Johnathan Taylor is from Salem, NJ. Heck, Ron Dayne is from New Jersey.

The problem with Rutgers is perceptional. It's not viewed as an aspirational place, academically or athletically, by the locals. They see it as a large commuter school. Almost every other Big 10 school is a destination, a goal, a dream. Nobody in Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken, Plainfield, Paterson, Edison et al dreams about going to Rutgers.

I just don't think a football coach, even a good one, is ever gonna fix that.

The problem LL will face, however, is Buffalo's gonna be down this year, and that's gonna ice a lot of the LL-to-anywhere talk, IMO.

JT23 was committed to Rutgers - the only big time school recruiting him - until the Badgers swooped at the 11th hours and saved him from sure misery & unproductiveness.

[badgerwarhawk]

I haven't done the math either but sure seems to me that the transfer portal works more often north to south, rather than the other way around, and a place like Buffalo would more often than not be the beneficiary. Look at Whitewater. The first three random names that came to my mind (Kumerow, Oles, Meylor) all came from higher levels of play (D2 St. Cloud St, D1 Butler, D2 Lindenwood).

I agree with you. It would appear that such is more common.

I’m not sure what’s more common, I’m focused on the impact to UB and how it may play a role w LL. The examples of Kumerow, Meylor and Oles is entirely different than what happened at Buffalo. None of those three were starters at their former schools, as such, their transfer to UWW didn’t create an immediate and unexpected talent loss in starting positions. In UB’s case, they lost three big time starters, unexpectedly. Their all-conference QB, all-conference Tight End and all-conference Wide receiver, plus another wide receiver with good experience. At the end of last season UB was incredibly well positioned to continue the momentum into 2019. Now, they are starting a redshirt freshman QB (who will be very good imo) and an extremely inexperienced receiver corp.
UB’s loss of players is significantly more damaging than the transfers of Kumerow, Meylor and Oles.

Well Emma, when you’re right, you’re right. And you’re right about the effect of transfers at UB, although LL ended up losing his QB to an NFL dream rather than a Power 5. I remain surprised that Jackson never latched on anywhere.

I may be wrong, but I think Jackson latched on to the Charger's practice squad.

You are correct.

[emma17]

I haven't done the math either but sure seems to me that the transfer portal works more often north to south, rather than the other way around, and a place like Buffalo would more often than not be the beneficiary. Look at Whitewater. The first three random names that came to my mind (Kumerow, Oles, Meylor) all came from higher levels of play (D2 St. Cloud St, D1 Butler, D2 Lindenwood).

I agree with you. It would appear that such is more common.

I'm not sure what's more common, I'm focused on the impact to UB and how it may play a role w LL. The examples of Kumerow, Meylor and Oles is entirely different than what happened at Buffalo. None of those three were starters at their former schools, as such, their transfer to UWW didn't create an immediate and unexpected talent loss in starting positions. In UB's case, they lost three big time starters, unexpectedly. Their all-conference QB, all-conference Tight End and all-conference Wide receiver, plus another wide receiver with good experience. At the end of last season UB was incredibly well positioned to continue the momentum into 2019. Now, they are starting a redshirt freshman QB (who will be very good imo) and an extremely inexperienced receiver corp.
UB's loss of players is significantly more damaging than the transfers of Kumerow, Meylor and Oles.

Well Emma, when you're right, you're right. And you're right about the effect of transfers at UB, although LL ended up losing his QB to an NFL dream rather than a Power 5. I remain surprised that Jackson never latched on anywhere.

You're an honorable man WW.
Regarding the QB- LL did lose him to the portal- first. Jackson first made himself available in the portal, then later declared for the draft. Not sure how it will eventually turn out for Jackson, imo he needed one more year of college ball to work out some of the kinks.

[emma17]

I haven't done the math either but sure seems to me that the transfer portal works more often north to south, rather than the other way around, and a place like Buffalo would more often than not be the beneficiary. Look at Whitewater. The first three random names that came to my mind (Kumerow, Oles, Meylor) all came from higher levels of play (D2 St. Cloud St, D1 Butler, D2 Lindenwood).

I agree with you. It would appear that such is more common.

I'm not sure what's more common, I'm focused on the impact to UB and how it may play a role w LL. The examples of Kumerow, Meylor and Oles is entirely different than what happened at Buffalo. None of those three were starters at their former schools, as such, their transfer to UWW didn't create an immediate and unexpected talent loss in starting positions. In UB's case, they lost three big time starters, unexpectedly. Their all-conference QB, all-conference Tight End and all-conference Wide receiver, plus another wide receiver with good experience. At the end of last season UB was incredibly well positioned to continue the momentum into 2019. Now, they are starting a redshirt freshman QB (who will be very good imo) and an extremely inexperienced receiver corp.
UB's loss of players is significantly more damaging than the transfers of Kumerow, Meylor and Oles.

I am aware of what you are focusing on.  I didn't say the examples of the three you said was the same as what happened at Buffalo.  Of course, the three starters who left may be a big part among the contributing factors of Buffalo having a tough time this year.  However, all I was saying (and I could have been clearer in relating it) was that transfers, one way or another, are common, and, from what I have seen, transfers to another program (often DIII) by players who were at higher divisions who were not starters and/or not getting the playing time like they thought they should be, seems to be more common, at least from what I have seen.

If I had to bet one or the other, I'd go with your thinking on what's more common with transfers in general.

It seems the majority of headlines regarding transfers focused on big name players that weren't starting at big time schools (Hurts, Bryant, Fields, etc.). In these cases, the portal doesn't seem so bad (except for the kid that committed to a school based on likelihood of an opportunity to start - only to find out an unexpected transfer is coming in). I don't know that there's been much focus on starters transferring to another school (I don't pay as close attention as I should though). This is the area I'd think mid-level schools are most exposed- losing their starters.

I wonder, if California's approach to paying athletes for their likeness spreads across the country, will the transfer portal become more of a marketing conduit, where a players choice focuses both on the sport as well as the size/viewership of the commercial market? Is it possible CA will lose athletes to the midwest simply because more people are able to watch games on central time?