goramblers2011 wrote:
While I do think the A-10 is a better conference (more $, more bids, etc.), the teams don't really get me excited like some Valley teams do. I think it is easier to sell LU fans on attending home games vs Bradley, ISUr, Valpo, UNI, SIU than the likes of Duquesne, La Salle, Richmond, Rhode Island. Only teams in the A-10 that would have me fired up to see against Loyola on a yearly basis are Dayton and SLU because of historical rivalries and the Midwest Catholic connection.
I don’t get excited to play Evansville, Missouri State, Indiana State or SIU (although it’s more intriguing to me now with Mullins), any more than I would be excited to play Duquesne or LaSalle. I’d be more exited to play Rhode Island and Richmond than any of the listed Valley teams.
I like watching Loyola play Bradley, UNI, ISU and recently Drake. But I’d definitely enjoy seeing us play SLU, VCU, George Mason and even Fordham (for no other reason than the Jesuit ties).
The only thing I’d really like about going to the A-10 is the “who is Loyola’s true rival?” question would finally be answered. Us vs. SLU twice a year and in a tournament would be unbelievably fun.