The bottom line is the RAC makes this rivalry what it is....it's the building, the fans, the right size, it's on campus, and it's loud.....it's what makes college basketball the most attractive of the sports to take in live and even the Seton Hall fans realize that visiting the RAC and taking in the game here is the real deal.
As far as smack talk, there have been upsets in the past and the typical story is what makes this RU rebuild or version better....???
It's really just taking the time to not place all the eggs in one basket....RU has taken a longer term approach, there isn't an end all-be all for one game....the fan base is getting back into the flow and these types of games are probably not going to be "one-offs", once the 2018 and 2019 recruits start arriving and the program gets on more stable ground....Once the RAC is back, RU becomes the "event" for recruits to attend.....on campus, loud arena and winning program....
Add the finances in and at some point, RU will take charge in the state and region....The key is revenue, revenue, revenue.....add excellent coaching, a game plan/system and the identity is there.
The amount of anxiety on the SHU side is enormous right now, almost a desperate amount of need to stick around....this year will be a good year for them, after that, we're going to find out more.......it's going to be fun to watch the transition take place....it will not be immediate, but a gradual climb/build and take over.....that's as clear as I can make it.....