Should MAC schools throw together "Heisman Marketing" campaigns?

[psc2009]

I figure that if any fan base can answer this, then it would be the Zips after the Charlie Frye campaign a few years ago. Now, Temple has started a web site for Bernard Pierce, a sophomore running back that had one really good year, but it was still just one good year.

All of my thoughts are here: http://themacdaily.com/index.php?news&nid=480

But, the gist of my opinion is that it's too much, too soon and that he's not ready. Honestly, I still don't think that UA should have gone all out like it did in '04, largely because of the pressure that put on Frye. Hopefully, that makes sense.

[g-mann17]

No MAC player prior to his Junior season should be put on a Heisman watch list, and very few Sophomores across the country should even be considered.

As far as MAC Schools campaigning for Heisman Candidates, I say why not. If the Heisman has gotten to the point where players outside of the major conferences don't have a shot then it is no longer doing what it was intended to do. Which is to honor the best Division 1 player (and that includes FCS schools) in college football for that season.

In all honesty, I'm starting to agree with a statement I read earlier this month. ESPN has ruined college football.

[GP1]

I figure that if any fan base can answer this, then it would be the Zips after the Charlie Frye campaign a few years ago. Now, Temple has started a web site for Bernard Pierce, a sophomore running back that had one really good year, but it was still just one good year.

All of my thoughts are here: http://themacdaily.com/index.php?news&nid=480

But, the gist of my opinion is that it's too much, too soon and that he's not ready. Honestly, I still don't think that UA should have gone all out like it did in '04, largely because of the pressure that put on Frye. Hopefully, that makes sense.

Right conclusion...wrong reasoning.

In 2004, launching Heisman campaigns was the trendy thing to in marketing departments. It actually showed how lazy and uncreative so many in college football marketing are. If you follow the trend, you are not very creative. Heisman campaigns do nothing of substance ($). We had some good crowds in 2004, but that was a result of giving out thousands of free tickets more than the Heisman campaign.

Temple should be focusing on developing a brand name. One good year doesn't build your brand. Look what happened to us in 2005. Part of building that brand should be the theme of, "Hey! Look at us. We don't suck any more. In fact, we have a pretty good thing going here." It's OK to use players in your marketing, but my advice would be to use several. That tells people you have a lot of good players worth watching, not just one. Use the fact Temple plays in an NFL stadium, which is part of their brand now. Use the fact they have a solid coach who stayed after last year and is now part of the brand.

[skip-zip]

No MAC player prior to his Junior season should be put on a Heisman watch list, and very few Sophomores across the country should even be considered.

As far as MAC Schools campaigning for Heisman Candidates, I say why not. If the Heisman has gotten to the point where players outside of the major conferences don't have a shot then it is no longer doing what it was intended to do. Which is to honor the best Division 1 player (and that includes FCS schools) in college football for that season.

In all honesty, I'm starting to agree with a statement I read earlier this month. ESPN has ruined college football.

g-mann....I think you took the words right out of my mouth.

[Zipsrifle]

I think it is more about getting people to notice the program than the player for the MAC. If a MAC school can boast a "Legitimate" Heisman candidate, that will get some interest generated in the program. Every year the MAC schools say "Hey, look at us, we have a solid football program over here, you should check it out" and we all know the result. Saying there is a "Heisman" candidate is something that breaks that mold. If that players name gets mentioned a couple of times on ESPN, people will want to check it out.

As for a MAC player winning the Heisman, we all know it isn't going to happen. Besides, I don't think the Heisman goes to the best college football player anyway. It goes to a "Marquee" player on a good, well known team. As for picking the best players, I leave that for the NFL to figure out.

[scottditzen]

Nice article.

Actually there should be a Heisman Marketing campaign at Akron.

Not for any one player, but simply marketing the fact that John Heisman coached here!