Sorry, but if you think Power 4 programs don't already know about MAC stars, you're wrong. They don't need ESPN broadcasts, and in fact can see very little vs. sending a scout. If you'd like to eliminate that part of the MAC package, please return the approx. $1MM each team receives.
Akron's exposure/enrollment/retention problem cannot be extended to all other schools. Miami and Ohio are strong - Ohio has set freshman enrollment records for four straight years. BGSU is holding strong. Kent is doing okay. Toledo and Akron, admittedly, are not, but is that the fault of the MAC and/or ESPN night games?
I do agree that Akron faces some tough decisions. The one-year 3.4% increase in enrollment is the first small step in a long, hard recovery. In basketball, John Groce has benefitted greatly from Bud Wentz's largess, but even that success isn't selling out the JAR. If I were a board member, I would seriously question the logic and value of continuing to support a football program, especially in light of the continued budget reductions that destroy the program's competitiveness. In BBall, Akron would be a great addition to the A10. What to do about the white elephant stadium? Convert the tower into academic and administrative space and spend some money to enlarge the field for soccer.