As I rue the loss of our two good friends, I look back at what were the possible contributing factors. The one thing that stands out IMO is the lack of respect shown toward the Pac10 by the non-west coast Skyboxers, the majority of whom live far east of the Rockies. I know I am guilty only because of my unrelenting disdain for USC, borne of my roughly 46 years of experience with the ND-USC rivalry. In the recent debate over who might be the best team in the country at the end of the season, I came down hard on USC and frankly felt good about it. Truth be told, I wish USC only pestilence and famine, but that does not reflect my feelings in general about the Pac10 and western football. UCLA has been a favorite team of mine since I was a kid, probably because of the uniform colors and the fact that they are an archrival of USC. Also, I also follow BYU with interest because of my friendship with a close associate who is a BYU alum. I even confess to secretly wishing success for Ty Willingham, but I don't think it's going to happen. Finally, I recognize that many of the game's greatest players have their roots in west coast/Pac 10 football, which always is played at a high level of competitiveness. If we would look objectively at Corey's list of nonconference 2008 Pac10 schedules, we would see that the Pac10 is not afraid to travel the country to play competitive, meaningful OOC games. That is an attribute to be respected. In general, I believe that many of us because of our geographic orientations and loyalties have placed an unduly heavy burden on our minority west coast friends to defend and promote the quality of their region, and they have decided it's not worth the anguish to continue bashing their heads against a brick wall. I just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents' worth.
I have not posted a lot on this controversy, because I am not as well versed on all the factors as some... But I think that most of us Big 10 guys respect the Pac 10 a great deal...I know I do...we should because they've been kicking our ass in the Rose Bowl for years.
I know I appreciate the support, being a west coast/pac-10 guy...I have felt for a long time we are victim to late game times (to east coasters) and being punished for the style of ball being played out west...so thanks for the acknowledgment to the west coasters