egregiousbob

As to whether NIU win is biggest in MAC history, I believe Miami had some biggies in the early to mid-1970s and early 80s. They beat LSU in Baton Rouge, for instance.

How do you explain the continued success of other Ohio schools in attracting large freshman classes during this period?

I don't think I'd call what Kent, Ohio Univ. and BGSU are doing "cannibalizing." Clearly, they are winning. OU's last 3 freshman classes have set school records for size and academic rankings. BGSU has grown and Kent is holding its own and is much larger than UA and Toledo, which are shrinking. One place where Akron is really struggling is student experience.

Yeah, that approach will certainly pay off the debt. You strike me as someone who is totally decoupled from reality. What color is the sky in your world?

I see he still hasn't showered or received his assortment of UA apparel items. Perhaps they'll turn on the lights for next week's show.

Wrong again. The taxpayers don't build dorms -- universities issue bonds and pay that debt from revenue generated by the dorms. State has zero to do with this -- in fact, law prohibits state from building/renovating dormitories, etc.. The dorm rooms might be full but there are relatively few of them compared to the state's "residential" campuses. The core problem - and it is serious - is that the number of undergraduates at UA has continued to fall over nearly a decade -- even during times when the high school graduation numbers were strong. Other Ohio universities are seeing robust enrollment numbers again - UA is not. That is the problem.

Here's how successful MAC programs do it. Represent the brand, project class... https://miamiredhawks.com/news/2024/8/26/football-holds-weekly-press-conference.aspx As the for the Belichick rejoinder...when SCHMO Coach wins more than 2 games a year he can dress how he wants.

This should anger every Akron alum and fan. Yes, OSU's football budget dwarfs Akron's. But it doesn't cost anything to project honor and professionalism in everything you do. That approach influences your players, fans, prospective students, everyone. But this coach shows up for his first "press conference" looking like he hasn't showered or shaved in days. He's a mess. And he doesn't even take the few minutes needed to change into some Akron gear before going on camera. Akron's football coach looks like a schmo. The AD should have a few choice words with him.

I believe the 9K includes Mansfield. GP1's post above marks the first time I have agreed with him. Other Ohio schools are seeing enrollment increases. Why not Akron? It's doing a lot of the wrong things. But that Cleveland Browns deal (1MM marketing investment by the school, I figure) will really move the needle...

Concern going forward is that much of the grunt work of recruiting is traditionally handled by graduate assistants. If I'm not mistaken, budget cuts have eliminated GAs this year. Additionally, if enrollment declines or remains flat for 2024-25 (which seems likely), more budget cuts are in the offing. At some point, you just can't compete by rubbing two sticks together.

I think 5 wins needs to be the baseline expectation. I could see 3 or 4 leading both parties to move on.

Let's let facts be facts. Rivals recruiting rankings: 2023 6th, 2024 6th. 247Sports rankings: 2023 11th, 2024 10th I have not been overly impressed thus far. He seems low energy to me.

The best back in the MAC? You sound like Bud Wentz. At least 8 other backs had better yards-per-carry stats. Peny Boone of Toledo averaged 7.2 yards per carry vs. Lingard at 4.1 or so.

High school coverage drives clicks. UA sports do not, apparently. That's the ugly reality of digital media.

It's actually <14K.

You might like the logo featured in on-campus light-pole banners that focus on a student wearing an Auburn sweatshirt. Does the University Marketing team understand that the "UA" logo on her sweatshirt represents a school in Alabama?

Scarborough hire was entirely on the board and, in particular, the board president. Idiots.

You're 10K plus high on the Akron enrollment number.

This claim is based on what? It's silly to believe other schools - particularly Kent, Ohio, Toledo and Miami - aren't improving their talent levels on par with Akron. This sounds like a Baghdad Bob post...or Professional Zip.

Student activities fees pay for athletics. They are separate from tuition, of which the State of Ohio only pays 4% currently. (Used to be 40%). So student fees are not taxes. Moreover, it is against the law for tax dollars to be used for on-campus athletics facilities. Even student rec centers.

So based on this alleged "shell game," you want to give every Ohio taxpayer free tickets to UA games. Got it. That'll solve the fiscal crisis.

I don't think there's anyone who is more wrong more often. Taxpayers do not pay for athletics or athletic facilities on university property in Ohio.

Taxpayers don't pay for athletics in Ohio. The funds come from student fees, ticket revenue, sponsorships and donations. They do not pay for on-campus sporting facilities either. The scoreboard has zero taxpayer money behind it.

Not even remotely true. First of all, financial strength and enrollment are two separate issues. Unfortunately, Akron is in crisis in both areas. The Board of regents recently issued a report on the financial position of Ohio's state universities. The strongest financially were OSU, Miami, Ohio University, BGSU, and Wright State, as I recall. Cincinnati has a ton of debt but is not in crisis in any respect. Strongest enrollment trends are at OSU, Cincinnati, OU, and BGSU. OU has had record freshman classes in each of the past three years and is projecting additional growth this fall. Worst enrollment trends are Akron, Toledo and Central State.

Kraft MAC and Cheese Conference