The Boulder Daily Camera is reporting Colorado is negotiating with Ohio State to fill the open date on the Buckeyes' 2011 schedule.
Sources have told the Camera that CU officials are on the verge of adding Ohio State to the 2011 schedule. If the proposed deal is finalized, the Buckeyes would host the Buffs in Columbus next fall.
CU would receive a payout in the neighborhood if $2 million for traveling to the Horseshoe. Ohio State would not make a return trip to Boulder.
During a recent conversation with boosters in Texas, CU athletic director Mike Bohn said he was negotiating with a Big Ten school to be added to the 2011 non-conference slate. The Buffs are scheduled to play Cal at Folsom Field next season, but that will likely be a Pac-12 conference game if CU is able to leave the Big 12 after the 2010 season.
According to sources from both schools, the proposed Ohio State-CU football deal could also include an agreement to play a men's basketball series.
The Buckeyes have October 15 open in 2011 and the deal would, beyond giving the CU athletics department some much-needed cash for the impending Dan Hawkins contract buyout, help facilitate Colorado's move to the Pac-10 to begin play next season.
UPDATE 6:50pm: Gene Smith released the following statement, confirming the ongoing negotiations (yet disputing the $2m figure):
"We are trying to finalize an agreement on a game for 2011. We hope to have an announcement on that within the next month. As everyone knows, both schools are working on their conference schedules for 2011. I will say that the figure is not 2 million. Details will be released later."
Comments
I love this move. I think it will be harder for people to say our OOC is still weak if we have two BCS schools on the schedule.
Yeah, it's a win-win for us, really. Though a return trip would be nice if nothing more than an excuse to see Denver/Boulder, if Gene Smith doesn't need to grant one, then why do it?
Oh, they'll find a way. But it will absolutely help Big Ten perception to beat BCS schools out of conference, even if they're crappy. (BTW: does Ohio State have any SEC school besides Tennessee scheduled in the future? It sure would be nice to officially get that monkey off the back, even if it's already off after the Rose Bowl.) This is the type of game that needs to be on the schedule instead of a second MAC team or a 1-AA team.
@James:
Well the plan this year is to get to the NC. I don't think we will ever see another BCS Championship Game without an SEC team in it so if we can get there we'll for sure play an SEC team.
I agree, but unfortunately, it's easier said than done.
Because of CU's impending move to the Pac-10, this provided a situation where they wouldn't need/demand a return visit from the Buckeyes, like any other BCS program would in this situation.
Then, if you're Smith and the choice is an extra home game against a MAC school, or taking a road visit to a BCS school, the logic is simple if money is the motivator (and it is).
I would love to see OSU in Denver! I live in a suburb outside of Denver and got really excited. My hopes were dashed at the 'not make a return trip' . . . . doh! But still something too look forward to!
Crush.
RE: SEC teams.... awhile ago I read that OSU wanted to schedule Bama, Georgia and a few other SEC schools..... None of them were willing to grant a return game in Columbus. Tennessee was the lone exception.
I would love to see the Buckeyes in Boulder too! Live in Dnver for years and would love a great game and to serve CU a slice of humble pie...
Poor grammar sucks..Lived in Denver...
So I'm gonna throw out one of those questionable comments but it is the University of Colorado. Not sure why they initial it backwards but schools out that way do it.
haven't they had a few of those pies to themselves for the past decade or so?
Ack! Thanks for the heads-up.
Didn't Colorado and Dawkins get blown out by Toledo? They did. @ toledo. bob davie can vouch.
it's a west of the mississippi thing. university of denver is DU, university of kansas is KU, etc. isn't this way with every school west of the mississippi, but this is a trend
WE WILL SEE A BCS TITLE GAME WITHOUT AN SEC SCHOOL! Can't stay on top forever people!
I wish we had 2 BCS teams every year on the OOC schedule. One can be elite, but why can't the other be middle-of-the-pack or lower?
The Buckeyes used to do this practically every year. Just tired of seeing Miami (OH), Toledo, Ohio, Bowling Green, Kent State, etc. OSU rules the state, no doubt. No Ohio team has beaten them since 1921. I'd make an exception for Cincy, since they are Big East, but other than that, no.
I think the problem with the SEC is beating one in a bowl game as the Bucks are 7-2-2 all-time vs. SEC opponents (current alignment) during the regular season. I reg. season would help, but there needs to be a marquee bowl win.
God, I can't believe South Carolina won two years in a row when the suck so bad in bowls. *facepalm*
Love it! My buddy played there during the '90's on the team that won with the Hail Mary! He hates Michigan and ASU, but likes the Bucks! I guess he'll be adding us to the list!
I have always suggested that as a second "marquee" game we play a so-so program. Like Kansas, Wake Forest, Virginia, Maryland, Pitt, BC, New Mexico. etc.
I hope the New Mexico reference was a joke.
I hope the New Mexico reference was a joke.
Nope, I would love to see us play them. Normally they are tough!