Reality takes some getting use to

[uhgrad2002]

So, it turns out that just maybe the reason Matt Rodgers was not the starter at the beginning of the season goes beyond simple coach's stupidity. Well, maybe if they knew a little more than some people thought they did about that, they know a little more than some people think they do about other things. Not a knock on Rogers, either. Hopefully we will see in a few weeks that he is getting the offense under control, and maybe IU will turn out to be a better team that they are getting credit for. At any rate, I hope they stick with Rodgers now. I certainly cannot see how putting that other guy back in (if he even is let back on the team) could help things after what happened. If Rodgers gets the game to slow down for him and figures out how to mix his running in effectively, he may be ok.The attendance was a disappointment, but perhaps it should not have been. Most people are "team fans" more than they are "sports fans". If their team is not involved, they are not going to leave the house. The people that were interested because of the new stadium probably either went to the first ever game, will go to a game with some relevance to them or will go "someday". As for having a Big Ten team come -- Saturday's attendance is close to what Can't State has gotten when they hosted BCS schools (20,000 for Minnesota, 16,000 Saturday and 10,000 at Browns Stadium against BC). Part of the problem may be too much to choose from. Think about how many FBS schools are within driving distance, plus excellent smaller school programs, pro teams, other attractions. Not to mention TV. What Akron wants to do is not so easy. I attended The University of Hawaii in the late 70's/early 80's when they were looking at a similar situation. They joined the WAC (when it included BYU and a number of other good programs), played in the brand new Aloha Stadium, and usually hosted at least one prominent program (USC, Arizona State are a couple). Thirty years later they are still looking to join the big boys. In an area with something like 700,000 population with a lot of supposed sports fans and not nearly the competition for fans that we have, they average 41,000 in a 50,000 seat stadium playing teams like Boise State and Wisconsin this year, and Notre Dame, Michigan, USC, etc,,, in years past.It is going to take some time, lots of work and some luck. If UA manages to catch lightning in a bottle by uncovering a superstar or a magical squad, great. That could generate a lot of interest in a hurry. But failing that, I think we have to look toward the natural audience and play up the positives. Marketing needs to be active and keep targeting students. Not only can that put some bodies in the seats now but it can build a base for the future. Also target alumni -- they have a natural tie to the University. Encourage them to come back to campus. To the outside, keep marketing the new stadium, the excitement of football and that it can be a family affair. Go for the people that would like to take their kids to a game but can't afford the Browns or don't want their kids to see what goes on in the stands there. Make this not just the University's team but Greater Akron's team.And for God's sakes, some of you out there - quit trashing the MAC! I have never been able to understand that anyway. Year after year the MAC has a quarterback rated among the top QBs in the country, the play is usually pretty wide open and high scoring and most games have meaning in the standings right down until the end of the season. But even if you don't like the MAC, do you really think trashing the league is going to help entice those who are not yet Akron fans to give it a try?OK, the bubble has burst. Nine games, a league title race and bowl eligibility remain. Lets have some fun out there. Hey - UA!

[Spin]

I went last week, but couldn't afford to go this week too. We can sit and compare our new house to every other stadium in the world, but does it REALLY matter? Is it the best thing to happen to Akron in many many years? Is it the best college venue in northeast Ohio? Nicer and more comfortable than the Horseshoe? Not the same atmosphere, but definately nicer. I rank it right up there with, or better than Canal Park. They replace the old pit with a first class facility, and some people complain because it's not the Taj Mahal. I don't get some people. Like winning the Lotto and complaining about the tax...And I stand up for the MAC on other forums against the Buckeye honks. In case someone wasn't paying attention, a MAC team beat Michigan State last week, and two others stayed within 4 points of B10 teams. We were in the Indiana game until Rogers started throwing wounded ducks at the Hoosiers (why couldn't he throw a spiral in the second half? Was he injured?). That put our defense on the field over and over with little rest and a short field. If our "starter" wasn't such an Ahole, that game might have been different. Anyway, the years of watching B10 teams run up 70+ on us are gone. The MAC is catching up to the bottom half of the Big Ten. I smell a bowl win this year, we came within a hair last year.I think the attendance will come when we start bringing in recruits and more big teams. The practice facilities and new on-campus stadium will only help with recruiting. We'll get a footballo version of Zeke Marshall type talent and that will set it off. This is a football hotbed, we just need to do something to grab the attention of the people who live and breath with the program 150 miles down the interstate. It's all about perception.JD, still haven't decided yet. I respect him as a coach and a man, I like him. But he has to win. A new stadium, along with the success of the basketball and soccer programs, he needs to win. JD has already scored at least one highly rated recruit from the sweater vest, I hope he's here to coach him.To sum it up, patience. OSU wasn't built in a day.

[goodthts]

To sum it up, patience. OSU wasn't built in a day.

I cannot be patient any more. Years of Owens era teams almost winning and almost having great years was the first straw. Then, we had a miraculous 2005 that made us all hopeful for the future. Four years and no bowl berths later due to failed recruiting, (?) missed opportunities, and come from behind losses was the second thing. Now, we have a first rate facility with a third rate team. Either our ability is no better than the early 1990's OR we have bad decision makers in place throughout the coaching, training, recruiting ranks in the program.Even though I am a season ticket holder, I WILL NOT watch the Zips go through another sub-.500 season of could've, should've, would've. I was done with the Browns last year.I am done with the Indians as of this year.Please Univ of Akron Football, do not make me give up my allegiance and support to you.**Anyone up for a nice game of quality soccer?**

[Spin]

I see your point, been there too.But you gotta admit, it's awful hard to recruit a BCS quality player to play in a sewer with no hot water in the showers in November and nails on the wall for lockers. Where you practice outside in November.Like I said, it's all about perception. Building in OSU's shadow is hard enough, let alone trying to sell THOSE facilities...IMO we overachieved in 2005, with the Spread O and the 3-3-5 D and a wing and (answered) prayers. And catching lightning in the bottle is harder the second time. You gotta change how you are percieved before you can recruit. And it's all paying off already.

[Z.I.P.]

What Akron wants to do is not so easy. I attended The University of Hawaii in the late 70's/early 80's when they were looking at a similar situation. They joined the WAC (when it included BYU and a number of other good programs), played in the brand new Aloha Stadium, and usually hosted at least one prominent program (USC, Arizona State are a couple). Thirty years later they are still looking to join the big boys. In an area with something like 700,000 population with a lot of supposed sports fans and not nearly the competition for fans that we have, they average 41,000 in a 50,000 seat stadium playing teams like Boise State and Wisconsin this year, and Notre Dame, Michigan, USC, etc,,, in years past.

Bruddah,The Warriors are the only football program within 2000 miles! Two newspapers each write multiple articles about the football team 365 days a year. They have a 50,000 seat stadium that hosted the Pro-Bowl for thirty-plus years. They host a Pac-10 team at least once a year (USC returns next season). Well, except for that and some more, UH and UA have a lot in common. But, on the other hand, the Manoa campus is falling apart. While the media focuses on athletic success, students at Manoa wait to use the bathroom at home because of the condition of those on campus.Good to hear from another (even former) subject of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Don't be afraid to post here. ZipInParadiseHonolulu