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sleepy sheep · Senior Joined: 01 Dec 2007 Posts: 943 Location: Boston

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/30/sports/ncaafootball/universities-chase-big-time-glory-in-fbs.html?pagewanted=1&hp

At least this article, unlike the Globe series, compares UMass to other schools that are upgrading too and doesn't limit the discussion to a UMass vacuum.

dennisdent · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 5:06 pm Post subject:

Excellent article, the writer did their homework. I like the quotes from Lombardi.

Max Page most be loving the attention from the NY Times--probably adding it to his bio right now.

m626t · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 8:38 pm Post subject:

this article is another example of why NYC is better than Bean Town.
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photoman · Senior Joined: 26 Apr 2003 Posts: 933 Location: Attleboro

InnervisionsUMASS · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 9:08 pm Post subject:

78 · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 10:30 pm Post subject:

Lombardi's comments at the end of the article are interesting. He states that there are already too many teams in FBS, and with more entering, the NCAA is going to have to make changes. Basically, establishing a top tier of teams and then lower tiers. (Although they really already do that with BCS and FBS, I guess.) His point though is will these universities who have spent the money to move up to FBS be happy when they end up being in the lowest division of FBS or however the NCAA decides to organize the teams?

Overall, I thought this was a good piece that provides a good overview of the FBS dilemma schools face.
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econalum · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 11:57 pm Post subject:

This article was fair. And as has been stated before, by myself, and others, if you are not in the 'Top 64' - where are you? Effectively, you are in a bigger $ losing FCS. And the gaps will grow wider.

And, while UNC-Charlotte had a quick Alum commitment of several $ millions, UMASS got a big yawn from our alums, both in donations, and season tix. This gets to the root of 'do alums care about UMASS football', and 'was there lingering demand ready to be plucked'? The answer - NO. There was not a ground swell. If W-L results improve, perhaps Season tix will come.

I think that this IS the difference between the modern North versus South. Northern teams drop football, Southern seek to move up. With support.

Next year is a new season - with Charlie having a couple more months for recruiting quality athletes.

The disconnect on this message board amounts to this. The consensus of this board seems to be, like McCutcheon, that 3 or 4 more years are needed to prove out this experiment. In reality, given the UBuffalo example, 15 or more may not be enough. But, will Swammy, and the governing bodies, give UM that long to be competitive (not in wins, but in fannies in chairs)?

We'll see. I think that UMASS will have to spend a lot more money and effort to build single game buys, than season ticket sales, as folks may attend the 1 or 2 games, but not buy the package.

Like climbing Mount Everest, it is a slow slog. And some fall by the wayside.
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SJGMoney · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 1:54 am Post subject:

^ Yawn
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UMass '87

Jackman · Senior Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 1978

CrooksisRhyming · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 5:24 am Post subject:

Jackman, I don't know what you drink, but if I ever get the opportunity, I'm buying.
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"Wherever I go, I’ll never be bashful about being from UMass, baby.” -Victor Cruz

wmmmfan · Sophomore Joined: 20 Aug 2010 Posts: 219

Jackman you are spot on with your comments, UMass has the least amount at risk of any team to have ever made this move.

The other point some people are missing and this article points out is the additional publicity and increased revenue from applications/admissions this move could generate.

Is there a specific fund individuals can donate to for the building going up at McGuirk? I don't think I've seen anything for it.

Berkman · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 8:20 am Post subject:

From what I was told in the past, there in no general fund drive for individuals to contribute to but I am sure that they will accept any funds you would like to contribute. Their main fund raising effort was geared to major donors.

lane one · Junior Joined: 17 Aug 2003 Posts: 676

If they start collecting money for a specific purpose, they must use it for that purpose. I suspect they want to get the major donor set up to get them most of the way there before taking smaller amounts. Right now, the best thing you can do is send a check to the athletic department, and ask it to be earmarked for football. They need to show a groundswell of support (in terms of # of donors and total $) from alumni to get the heavy hitters to donate what they need for facilities.

InnervisionsUMASS · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 10:50 am Post subject:

SJGMoney · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 1:18 pm Post subject:

^ And I want to point to it so people read it a third time. G-damn Jackman, that was well said
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UMass '87