as someone who worked at two SWAC schools on opposite ends of the spectrum...the Bayou Classic means too much financially for SU or GSU to ever give up.....no FCS school can play on free TV (98% of homes in America)...
It was not a remark at the fact the SWAC not participating in the playoffs, it was more a reference to the fact that the teams that do actively compete for a national championship do not actively seem to care too much about their role in the subdivision.
And if you are lucky, the playoffs may lead to four straight weeks on ESPN or ESPN2. Doesn't hurt and if you get enough attention -- you may land two dates on ESPN2 during the regular season the following year, which is more readily available than ESPNU and without tape delay.
as for recruiting, Grambling doesn't suffer much in the recruiting department as they can get into anyone's household....we lost a kid to Appalachian State but anyone will tell you Appalachian State didn't become a household name until the Michigan win....
No denying that, but Appalachian State is truly on the map now. I don't see why they come into play, but they are the three-time defending Division I national champion. That sounds like a pretty nice honor to have. And while Grambling may be able to get into "anyone's" household in football, can the same be said about other sports? Also, App St seems to find quite a few "diamonds in the rough" -- perhaps it doesn't matter if you are getting into anyone's households, but the RIGHT households. Most of their coaches have been there 12-15+ years.
the playoffs may be a sell to some but the average high school kid on the street looks at name recognition
Some kids on the street also look at what teams you play. The SWAC schools for the most part have not played the higher profile FBS teams. Grambling may have done so more than anyone else (Pac-10 and Big East schools in the last few years), but all the major FCS conferences actually have teams that have competed and won against FBS conferences. That's got to stand for something.
They also look at facilities -- I can only imagine the boost TSU will get when they "upgrade". Their current facilities aren't attractive, but if they get the deal with the Dynamo -- that'll be huge.
I guess you didn't see this one huh?
You had over AGS 182 posters vote on it...
So far 8 pages and 75 responses...
I made a remark. Surprised 89 Hen was the perpetrator on that one. C-Leb, how many "Div I" players did Johnnie Cole bring in this year?
A question worth asking now -- while I am not afraid to respond when proven wrong, will TSU fans be willing to eat crow when they begin to tumble this year? We know the DallasCowgirl won't because she'll make her annual exodus to following Jerry's team.
