Andrew wrote a great column and follow up Buzz post on how he views the Big 5 in light of Villanova's dominating win over Penn on Tuesday. (I also strongly urge you to read the comments on Andrew's column). I tend to agree that with every blowout loss to a Big 5 rival Penn makes itself less and less relevant in the city. But I don't think that means the end of the Big 5 is here, even for Penn. A couple of upset wins and the Quakers wouldd be right back in the thick of things.
Others seem to agree. Jonathan Tannenwald writes on Soft Pretzel Logic that after three Big 5 teams made the NCAA tournament last year, the rivalry is not on the decline. However, he does see Penn basketball interest decreasing. I too believe that. All you have to do is look at the fact that the Red and Blue Crew did not make any rollouts for the Villanova game. Instead the Penn Band did.*
Mike Kern doesn't really discuss the end of the Big 5, but his recap takes a look at the series through a decidedly more Villanova-centric lens than Andrew or even Jon did. His main point on the Big 5 is also valid. Namely, the Wildcats are in something of a no-win situation since either they win like they're expected to or they lose and 'Nova fans overreact. Simply put "...it's unlikely any other program in Villanova's position would continue playing so many of these games."
The Villanovan, on the other hand, did not even use the words "Big 5" in its recap of the game, save for the headline.
*Disclaimer: I am a member of the band.
Tags: basketball, Big 5
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December 4th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Can you guys chase down the $$$ associated with renting out the Palestra?
YoYo
Former Palestra Denizen
December 5th, 2008 at 11:42 am
While Penn fans have lost interest because of a down year, and the Red and Blue Crew is MIA, I kind of think this is an absurd assumption that the Big 5 is on the decline. I'd love to see all the games in the Palestra, but I don't believe that makes the rivalries and the games any less significant. Last year was the most exciting and passionate Big 5 seasons I've ever seen - and anyone who attended the St. Joe's - La Salle game or one of the three SJU - Temple thrillers will most certainly agree. And the Holy War is the Holy War (tickets on stub hub are going for no less than $75, if that's any indication). And after three made the Tourney last year, any could go this season, even La Salle is gonna be pretty nasty this year.
December 11th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
[...] past week we’ve had some great discussion on this blog about both the current state of the Big 5 especially Penn basketball and coach Glen Miller. Today though, let’s examine some teams a [...]