Leaderboard

To not try this kid on the defensive line is criminal.

Due to construction at Ford Field, the 2017 MAC Media Day will be held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Don't you have to be erm, healthy, to be tried anywhere?

I thought I'd pull this out. I think you've just made the one point that many of us just doesn't realize is as much of an impact on our attendance as it truly is. Within Two hours of Akron: We have 5 D-1 NCAA programs (OSU, Kent, Toledo, Bowling Green, Pittsburgh), 5 pro-teams (Cavs, Browns, Steelers, Indians, Penguins). As much as some will say this is "making an excuse" it really isn't. Our market is over-saturated with sports choice. And if most people were to rank the top-5 of the teams available within their area to go to a game/follow on a regular basis...it will be a mix of 3ish pro-teams (Browns or Steelers, Cavs, Indians or Penguins) and a college team or two, one being State Ohio University for almost everyone. So this is probably the biggest factor impacting our fanbase. If we were to expand it to 3 1/2 hours....watch out the numbers increase to like 13 NCAA D-1 Programs (Cincinnati, Penn State, Ohio University, Marshall, Michigan State, Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Temple), and 10 Pro Teams (Lions, Tigers, Pistons, Reds, Bengals).

Yes, this is a big factor. We are fortunate not to have as many FBS programs nearby. Only one other program within 2 hours. Only four within 3-1/2 hours. And no pro teams of any sport within 3 hours. I can't quite explain it, other than to acknowledge our eternal optimism. Our attendance has stayed strong, even when our in-state rival's hasn't, even after a 12-0 season, probably because they have to endure the memory of their bowl collapses all year long. That is one good thing about not going to a bowl, no big build up, just to be crushed. Seriously, we will see what happens if we ever start winning and then fall on hard times. For now, Ames is just the place to be on Saturday for a ton of us. It isn't about wins, it is about loyalty and having a good time. As the publisher of our best fan site says, "We aren't Cyclone fans because it is easy. We are Cyclone fans because it is awesome." And we really believe it. Looking forward to the Info Bowl in Akron. Like I said, if we win the first two games, we will have a big crowd making the trip. You should have seen what happened for the Big 12 tournament a few years ago in Kansas City. It was the first time in a long time that we made it to the championship game. We beat Kansas on Thursday and the crowd was probably 50% KU, 35% us, and 15% others. By Saturday night, it was 90% us. Most paying $150+ for tickets. The announcers said something about hoping the last person in Ames turned the lights out. And we had thousands outside in the Power & Light District enjoying on big screens. Our fans are loyal, but also hungry for some wins. When Matt Campbell starts winning, we will go crazy. And if we start the season with 3 wins, we get to return to Ames for Texas on a Thursday night and are currently only a 3 point underdog for that game.

Current D1 (FBS) Offer list for each commit: Timothy Scippio - Akron, FAU Rich Hall - Akron, FAU Keyondre White - Akron, Army, BG, Buffalo, FAU, Illinois, Louisville, Minnesota, USF, Syracuse, UAB Te'Corey Tutson - Akron Ramon Fields - Akron Devanier Floyd - Akron Ronald Beasley - Akron Daishawn Brimage - Akron, CMU, Kent Logan Hawkins - Akron, Army, Ball State, EMU

Yeah. It's funny how division/conference title mattered when State Ohio University was on the bubble and needs it to matter, and then suddenly how it doesn't matter when State Ohio University is on the bubble and needs it to not matter. There's a few on this board (me included) that believe that any excuse will be made for several programs in D-I football because of $$$$$$.

I'm probably in the minority, because I'd rather be at a Zips football game than doing most things, it's not hard to get me to a home game. I don't need wifi, beer, scrolling tickers, flashing lights, dancing bears, etc. I'm most interested in the game. I'll take a good opponent and decent weather. Those two factors increase my entertainment value. There has only been one thing (a head coach) in the history of me watching Zips football that made me think of not coming to a home game, and that guy is long gone. I'm pumped for this season, I wish it were here this weekend. ?