ISU - BU rivalry ?

[tpguy1]

Do you guys think that the current love affair we all have for the MVC has taken a front seat to our rivalry? It seems to me there is a lot less bad blood between us since we all started pulling more for the sucess of the Valley as a whole, especially OOC games.

Two or three years ago, I couldn't see myself pulling for BU to win, but sure have changed my tune the last couple of years.

Your thoughts?

[amckillip]

I think thats a pretty fair assessment. I think it's had to calm just a little bit because it's imperative to each team that the other is strong as far as post season success is concerned. I don't think it's any different in the case of how much we want (and expect) to beat ISU head-to-head, but I do root for them in non-con games. Though once it comes to MVC games I don't really care...

[numbr_9]

OOC, I root for all valley teams. Would love for everybody to be undefeated coming into the conference season.

Once the valley season starts though ... then I root for BU and whoever plays ISU. :-)

[mike radigan]

Why shouldn't we root for each other? Sure, when we play each other it's a different story, but the rest of the time it helps all of us to succeed as a conference.

[tornado]

Why shouldn't we root for each other? ....

Of course, because when we beat ISU there's always the downside that it hasn't been helping our RPI very much.

[Double D]

Do you guys think that the current love affair we all have for the MVC has taken a front seat to our rivalry? It seems to me there is a lot less bad blood between us since we all started pulling more for the sucess of the Valley as a whole, especially OOC games.

Two or three years ago, I couldn't see myself pulling for BU to win, but sure have changed my tune the last couple of years.

Your thoughts?

TPguy,

I think that is a factor. I also think that over the last decade or so you have always had one team better than the other, that will dampen a rivalry.

I grew up in the Bloom-Normal area in the 80's as a Bradley fan so I know first hand about this rivalry, believe me.

But, here is the biggest difference today v. the old days. IMO we have alot more access to one another today than we did back then we talk online as fans, we have a better knowledge of the players and coaches because of the information that is availble. A lack of information makes it much easier to "dislike" someone or a school. While I think B-N and Peoria are two differenct places and ISU and BU are certainly different types of school. "Knowing" the other makes it much more difficult to assume that "they" are bad people or poor sports or cheaters, etc.

[DannyCooksey]

Of course, because when we beat ISU there's always the downside that it hasn't been helping our RPI very much.

I don't think that'll be an issue this season. We'll help you a bit after we beat UIC at RA in a couple weeks.

[amckillip]

I don't think that'll be an issue this season. We'll help you a bit after we beat UIC at RA in a couple weeks.

Yeah cuz we'll get to beat you twice(if the past is any indication), so in the end that does help us...

[Da Coach]

Do you guys think that the current love affair we all have for the MVC has taken a front seat to our rivalry? It seems to me there is a lot less bad blood between us since we all started pulling more for the sucess of the Valley as a whole, especially OOC games.

Two or three years ago, I couldn't see myself pulling for BU to win, but sure have changed my tune the last couple of years.

Your thoughts?

I think you are right. But I think the higher level of civility between fans of the 2 schools is a good thing. Most of the animosity arose back when there was a genuine hatred between Dick Versace and Bob Donewald. The personalities of Jim Molinari, Jim Les, Porter Moser, and Tim Jankovich are/were too nice to allow those days to return.

[Les is More]

Why shouldn't we root for each other? Sure, when we play each other it's a different story, but the rest of the time it helps all of us to succeed as a conference.

I couldnt agree more. when any of the "bottom" teams are winning, it makes the conference that much stronger.

[BUBraves06]

I never want ISU to be good, but maybe that's just me. Not that I wouldn't give them props for a good win or anything, but they are our rival, and I don't want them to succeed.

[tpguy1]

I never want ISU to be good, but maybe that's just me. Not that I wouldn't give them props for a good win or anything, but they are our rival, and I don't want them to succeed.

Anybody that knows me, would know that is how I felt about BU. I was probably the worst BU basher on Redbirdfan.com. I'm changing.............who knows you might get bitten by the bug too someday.

I remember the day I told my daughter not to bring the word "Bradley" up again when looking at schools. (it was a joke) She then went to U of I (I could have puked)

[audacious_aficionado]

i will root for isu and all the other mvc schools until conference play. i want all the mvc teams to be rated as high as possible when we beat them twice.

[Chico]

I will never forget how BU fans were treated in B-N ever since isu was allowed to join the MVC. I haven't been back since the Versace years. Never heard a crowd so vulgar toward another coach, team or opposing fans. They were a Division 1 team with Division 3 fans. Hope things have changed. Go whoever plays isu.

[Big Mike]

I will be for all Valley teams until conference starts! After that it"s BRADLEY and whoever helps them........oh yeah......once the Valley season starts I never pull for isu!