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Cal Poly May Move to the FBS

Super Hornet said:
Other than Cow Poly and the Manure Pile, the Big West is a I-AAA conference. In addition, we've already been members for minor sports and been kicked out. The Big West doesn't seem to be interested, especially since it would mess up the UOP-UCD travel partner relationship. As far as the WAC goes, we're already members of the WAC in a few minor sports; one in particular is the best of the WAC. But for football? Not goint to happen anytime soon.

The Big Sky is great for Sac because it generates valuable regional publicity. We're already a great success in the Sky in certain sports (as much as eGriz tries to gloss over that). The WAC or the Sun Belt would over-extend us, plus it would relegate us to a near impossibility of winning a title. The Sky affords us that chance should we ever get good enough. The playoffs are equal opportunity, while the B(C)$ puts so many roadblocks in front of non-power-conferences that it's not really worth the effort.

As far as I'm concerned, the Sky is the place to be.

I disagree, on all fronts. Being in the WAC, you then have access to ESPN for football, men's and women's hoops. Plus, volleyball would stand to gain the greatest because the WAC sends usually 2-3 teams a year to the NCAA's....the tennis programs would benefit...so would softball, as baseball and gymnastics are already in. Plus, you have three schools that are within 150 miles of us. Talk about regional rivals.
 
I respectfully disagree with your disagreement. Access to ESPN will in no way outweigh the added costs of moving to 1A. Living in San Diego, I have a front row seat of what an awfully coached, underfunded and mismanaged football program can do to the athletic department and more importantly the entire university. SDSU's President has thrown millions of dollars at their football program that otherwise would have gone to student programs and facilities. Barring a miracle (or a donor with deep pockets), their program will either have to move down to 1AA or completely fold within the next few years.

Granted Sac State is not in a similar situation, however they easily could be given a hasty, unorganized effort to go 1A. If Sac State is to go 1A, they need a well thought out plan that can cover funding, recruiting, major facility improvements, a large gain in on-campus life and positive media coverage. This can only be done with the support of the community, current students, and alumni. Given the fact that there is not much student activity at ANY athletic events, it is a big reach to say going 1A will solve this problem. Also with Sac State hardly getting any local media coverage (at least when I was in Sac all I saw were ucd broadcastings on Comcrap, and not much time on the local news or even the Sac Bee (worst sports reporters ever)).

I am not opposed to the idea of Sac State moving to 1A, I just think they are not ready for the move at this time. There are large improvements that need to be made across the board in order for a 1A jump to be profitable, beneficial to the university/region, and most importantly, successful.
 
SDHornet said:
I respectfully disagree with your disagreement. Access to ESPN will in no way outweigh the added costs of moving to 1A. Living in San Diego, I have a front row seat of what an awfully coached, underfunded and mismanaged football program can do to the athletic department and more importantly the entire university. SDSU's President has thrown millions of dollars at their football program that otherwise would have gone to student programs and facilities. Barring a miracle (or a donor with deep pockets), their program will either have to move down to 1AA or completely fold within the next few years.

Granted Sac State is not in a similar situation, however they easily could be given a hasty, unorganized effort to go 1A. If Sac State is to go 1A, they need a well thought out plan that can cover funding, recruiting, major facility improvements, a large gain in on-campus life and positive media coverage. This can only be done with the support of the community, current students, and alumni. Given the fact that there is not much student activity at ANY athletic events, it is a big reach to say going 1A will solve this problem. Also with Sac State hardly getting any local media coverage (at least when I was in Sac all I saw were ucd broadcastings on Comcrap, and not much time on the local news or even the Sac Bee (worst sports reporters ever)).

I am not opposed to the idea of Sac State moving to 1A, I just think they are not ready for the move at this time. There are large improvements that need to be made across the board in order for a 1A jump to be profitable, beneficial to the university/region, and most importantly, successful.

First, SDSU is in the MWC, which has a crappy TV deal. That said, they are going to get some serious coin because of Utah going to the BCS this year. As long as they have their slice of bowl money coming in, SDSU is not going to drop their program. That would mean they would have to move to the Big West or WCC if they don't have football. That is not going to happen.

I believe the move to FBS will happen for Sac State. The question will be when?
 
Weber State beating Cal Poly was really no surprise . Cal Poly would have been a middle of the pack team this year if they were in the Big Sky Conference, Saturday proved it. Cal Poly has some great players but did not deserve the hype and high ranking they received all season. To have them ranked 3rd most of the season without having beaten any playoff contenders, above Montana who had beaten them and Weber State who beat Montana was ridiculous. The most shocking stat from the game was the 6,900 that showed up . I know that the excuse was that the students were home for Thankgiving but for such a hyped team that was ranked third in the nation, almost upset Wisconsin the previous week to only be able to draw 6,900 from the local market is not good. If Sac State was in the same position even on Thanksgiving weekend I would be suprised if we didn't at least double that number. If the WAC, MWC or whatever had any doubts about the potential of the SLO market that should answer it.
 
First, SDSU is in the MWC, which has a crappy TV deal. That said, they are going to get some serious coin because of Utah going to the BCS this year. As long as they have their slice of bowl money coming in, SDSU is not going to drop their program. That would mean they would have to move to the Big West or WCC if they don't have football. That is not going to happen.

Yes, the Mountain West has an awful TV deal. They went the way of trying to create their own channel dedicated to their conference. I don’t know why but they did. The channel doesn’t have access east of the Mississippi but worst of all, it doesn’t broadcast in HD! :o
With Utah going to a BCS game, SDSU will only see $500,000. That’s right only $500,000 from a bowl game that will pay out $9 million. That’s only 5.55% of the pie. The SDSU football program was $600,000 in the red for the 2007 season. So considering they have had record LOW attendance figures this past season, and have to pay rent to the tune of $50,000 per game to the City of San Diego (SDSU did not and does not have enough foresight to build their own football stadium) the $500,000 in BCS payout will in no way cover the operating costs for the 2008 season. So counting on possible BCS money for financing a football program at the 1-A level is not the way to go.
However, my original post was prior to the SDSU faithful paying up about $1.2 million to buyout the remaining 2 years on the lucrative Chuck Long contract. So the program will have to shell out another $30,000 to $50,000 to find a new head coach. So yes you are correct in a sense that the SDSU football program has new life, however its continued life hinges on the success of the next head coach.
Here are a few links to articles where my numbers came from:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/aztecs/20081113-9999-1s13azfoot.html
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20081114-9999-1n14azfoot.html
 
The Hornets are in the drivers seat with respect to any move to the FBS. The question is will they make the drive. Demographics, lets see , SLO has approx population of 50,000 and the county has approx 270,000. Sac county has 1.4 million and 2.2 million in the Metro ( according to economic develop ). Sheer numbers make it a no brainer. Does Sac State have the vision and commitment to make the drive ? Can they , will they commit to marketing and fund raising to make it happen ?
 
Unfortunately, demographics mean nothing if the university can’t get students to attend the games. Attendance was dismal this season, and unless something is done, its not going to magically improve. The university and student organizations need to focus their efforts on getting students more interested in Hornet athletics. Any move up will probably require us to start averaging at least 10K per game, and a new arena.
 
SJHornet said:
Unfortunately, demographics mean nothing if the university can’t get students to attend the games. Attendance was dismal this season, and unless something is done, its not going to magically improve. The university and student organizations need to focus their efforts on getting students more interested in Hornet athletics. Any move up will probably require us to start averaging at least 10K per game, and a new arena.

ho-hum the students. They are fickle, start winning consistently and they will jump on board. Get the Greeks involved more, alumni and the City. The Surge and Gold Miners averaged 15K+ fans/game.

If we can get some play makers and start winning, I don't see why these same fans wouldn't become Hornet's fans. Sans the students.

Start the game at 4 or night and you would probably do better at the gate. Or night early in the season and day once it cools down.
 
Actually, the students turned out in force for A) the season opener against HSU and B) the UNC game after the ucd win. GCM is right, if the team consistent wins, the students will be there, as well as other fans.

I agree with games in Sept thru mid-Oct should be at night and then day games after that.
 
Perhaps a season follow up questionaire for Coach Sperbeck is in order? I would like to ask him if he would consider 6 p.m. starts when for the early season home games.
 
Kadeezy said:
Perhaps a season follow up questionaire for Coach Sperbeck is in order? I would like to ask him if he would consider 6 p.m. starts when for the early season home games.

Sounds good to me.....
 
Great idea. It would be great to see where he thinks changes need to come and what positions he'll be recruiting for.
 

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