Knight_Light

Many times its due to the incoming coach "encouraging" current players to look elsewhere...as the incoming coach generally has 3 years or so to turn things around, coaches want extra scholarships to bring in their own recruits vs being stuck with players for 2-3 years that they don't want to use in their system. Since the 5/8 rule was rescinded...that makes it soooo much easier for coaches to "dump" players they don't want...and not have scholarship restriction numbers to deal with (i.e. old rule was max of 5 players in one year, 8 in 2 years...regardless how many available scholarships you had available).

Bull Daly will have to be put on suicide watch. It would be the death of USF football if they never get an OCS. I just dont see how it could survive without one with the cost of playing in RJS. We just cant draw enough fans to keep on paying rent for RJS. And you can bet that the new contract with Glazers wont be good for USF. So I am pretty sure that Harlan will see this and know that USF will need an OCS just to survive and keep up. RayJay = around $1 million per year OCS = around $1 million per month Everyone who has ever bought a home knows it's always cheaper to rent. Look, there are dozens of reasons why an OCS would be better than RayJay, but cost will never be one of them. Long term always makes sense to buy rather then rent, once you're certain what you want. BETTER ? Hell yes. CHEAPER? Hell no. Why do you know major programs are pouring hundreds of millions of $$$ into renovated and/or new on-campus stadiums? (Heck, or even minor or smaller programs at Div I and Div I-AA that have built new facilities too?) Because they know they will REAP the benefits (i.e. $$$) of the new facilities for decades (up to a Century or more) to come. In the SHORT RUN, yes, renting might be less...but the revenues (and more importantly, DONATIONS) that pour into new on-campus facilities for decades and decades to come will far outweigh any initial costs associated with building a new on-campus stadium. (let alone all of the other major benefits of having your own facility, on your own campus). Every study shows that alumni that VISIT/Comeback to their campus donate more $$$$ vs those that don't come back to campus...and the #1 activity/event to bring alumni back to campus for most schools is an ON-CAMPUS FOOTBALL GAME. Get alumni back to campus for decades...and centuries...the $$$$ will soon follow from them (much more so than those that never come back)

http://www.si.com/college-football/2014/12/06/tony-levine-fired-houston-cougars 8-4 (5-3), 7-5 (5-3) the last two years with all the losses except one by one score .... There must have been something else going on there. One of the main reasons why he was fired was because after UH spent almost $130 Million on their new40,000 seat on-campus stadium...Coach Levine still couldn't attract many fans or booster to games. Of course, even in Levine's first ever game as UH coach...believe they lost to a Div I-AA team where he fired his OC after just one game (at least one moving up to Div I-A), and they practically did the same thing this year (losing to UTSA at home in their stadium debut). UH went on the cheap by promoting their special teams coach as their new HC...but it didn't work.

They just might...but hopefully UCF will have at least their #1 RB (Stanback) and/or #2 RB Wilson (both missed USF game) back for the ECU game this Thursday. Losing WR JJ Worton for the season before USF game doesn't help either...as UCF's #1 problem generally on offense is turnovers...which keeps other teams in games when they shouldn't.

After spending 21 years there ... Are you implying that Skip Holtz built UConn's foundation to win the Big East and dominate USF because he took them to the FCS playoffs. That's reaching even for you, slick... Why? People bring up 100 years of football like it makes some huge difference. If what happened 10 years ago is such a factor on a team, then USF would be top 25 now, right? USF never got higher than 3rd in the Big East while other programs, that didn't have "the best recruits" in its back yard won the Big East. Saying its because they had football a long time is ridiculous. Leavitt didn't have any worse depth than UConn or UL, etc.. That is an excuse that others didn't use because they were too busy winning the Big East. Pretty sure when most people are talking about longevoty of a football program, it's not players and coaches they're talking about, it's boosters. By having a 100-year head start on us, they ougth to have 100-odd years of better boosters, and money talks. USF has had boosters for decades. And doesn't have the expense of an OCS. Don't buy it. For those that don't know, UCONN got a free stadium off-campus stadium from the State of CT, as it was a scaled down version of the NFL Stadium that the State tried to bribe the Patriots to move to Hartford when they were looking for a stadium. After the Pats decided to stay in Foxboro, State of CT offered to build a 40,000 seat stadium in East Hartford as UCONN was moving up from Div I-AA to Div I-A.

Bottom line...Jags have a horrible D...a terrible OL...and almost zero RB's...and very few healthy WR's (now if all of their WR's were healthy, thats probably their deepest/most talented unit). It was smart for the Jags to let Blake have experience now...they were never going to the playoffs with Henne...and odds are...Jags will finish 3-13 or 4-12...and still end up with a high draft pick in 2015 (assuming they didn't trade it away) While the Bucs are far from great...probably only a handful of Jags would start for the Bucs if they were on that roster...that's how depleted of talent Jax is right now.

Incorrect. That 2-for-1 series with UCF/Texas with the first game of the series set for Opening Day of UCF's BHNS back in 2007 was set up by ESPN...specifically to showcase that first game ever played on-campus at UCF with the 2005 National Champion Longhorns. UT wasn't even looking for a game in FLA but ESPN helped convince them of it (UCF agreeing to play 2 games in Austin obviously helped).

Correct (I think, if I understand your statement correctly). Its just somewhat confusing at UCF where some folks donate more $$$$ to either secure better parking and/or to jump over others with more priority pts for better seating. Almost all the West Side Booster sections sell out where the 2nd level East Side (facing the sun) are generally the last booster tix to sell (season tix or single game tix).

Post above showed minimum donations for Golden Knight Club Lots...the rest of the campus is "free, first-come, first-serve parking". But yes, the grass lots are the most valued by many (tailgate on grass, right behind your car), while others want to tailgate with the masses on Memorial Mall and choose to park in the lots closest to that area...while others grab their favorite spot on the other side of campus...and/or just walk to others who have premium tailgate parking areas. UCF didn't want to charge "per game" parking because it would probably spill game day traffic/parking into nearby neighborhoods/businesses, which everyone wanted to avoid. Gold Lots are for Golden Knight Club Members (Boosters) while the Blue and Red Parking Lots are free on game day areas (plus some other grass areas on that side of campus)

It varies...as parking is a big issue at UCF. We are located on the aisle in a booster section but donate double the minimum amount to secure better parking. Many others do the same...as they have upgraded their parking passes but kept their original seats. Closest grass lots to the stadium require $1,750 donation or purchase 2 club seats for $2,500 donation, while the grass softball lot donation is $1,000 Down the road closest asphalt lot by Memory Mall is for donors less than $1,000 (minimum is $250...but those with highest priority/$$ are guaranteed best losts) ...while some Garages are $100-$500 donations...as many pay well over the minimum, which helps them with seat selection/priority points. Its normally the upper level East Side Seats in Booster sections that "add on extra costs" for being in booster sections (season tix is $210...or $35 per game). Here's the minimal level for seating areas...many which are sold out (especially West Side) so plenty of boosters are donating higher $$ vs the minimum that's required (higher priority pts, higher selection availability and better parking). And minimum parking donation levels:

Really? Then why was everyone huddle underneath the grandstands when it rained about 20 mins prior to kickoff? Also, it rained all morning long at campus (Booster lots opened up at 8 AM) as the heaviest rain at UCF ended around Noon...but it was far from a beautiful day...as rain/clouds were always in the area, but the heavy cloud cover made it the "coolest" afternoon tailgate party ever in Sept (maybe temps were in the low 80s?) It certainly put a damper on early arrivals...but glad the rain stopped for the afternoon (some light rain hit around 4 pm at our tailgate...but dissipated quickly). K_L, we're mainly talking about the "announced" attendance ... about how all available tix apparently weren't sold for this game? That is a pretty sweet Fiesta Bowl sign, though ... Was there a special lighting of it or anything? No...its just has a permanent lighted location in the upper corner (at least for this year). Whenever it gets taken down, it will be a collectors item since Tostitos is no longer the title sponsor of the Fiesta Bowl. Also, no, the Bethune game didn't sell out (think they had 42,000 gone by last Thur/Fri), as I think the most expensive seats (those in upper booster sections on the East side) were probably the last ones left...as they are just priced too high....but they have to...since season tix holders pay $250-$1,000 and not all tix sell in some of those sections. UCF normally draws well on Parents Weekend (help sell a ton of North End Zone seats) but I think all UCF fans (most didn't get to go to the Fiesta Bowl or the Game in Dublin), even though the team was 0-2, were dying for ANY home game...first in almost 300 days...plus it was nice to finally get to host Bethune again...something UCF hasn't done in quite some time. (NOTE: Back when UCF was in Div II, they played then Div I-AA Bethune on a regular basis...and when UCF moved up to I-AA, UCF started to dominate the series and Bethune then dropped the game).

Really? Then why was everyone huddle underneath the grandstands when it rained about 20 mins prior to kickoff? Also, it rained all morning long at campus (Booster lots opened up at 8 AM) as the heaviest rain at UCF ended around Noon...but it was far from a beautiful day...as rain/clouds were always in the area, but the heavy cloud cover made it the "coolest" afternoon tailgate party ever in Sept (maybe temps were in the low 80s?) It certainly put a damper on early arrivals...but glad the rain stopped for the afternoon (some light rain hit around 4 pm at our tailgate...but dissipated quickly).

While UCF has 3 of those since 2007 (played for 2 others), UCF also added something to their score board after their game back on Jan 1, 2014:

Their home opener. I'll take the under... 44,510 reported attendance And not a sellout ... And that's announced They do not provide actual attendance which will be lower That number is legit, go look at the pictures and videos from the game. The weather was far from perfect, threat of rain all day You're either playing dumb or don't know how the announced attendance thing works. That number is rarely, if ever, legit as far as butts in seats is concerned ... and here's a vid from the BCU half time show: FAirly good amount of aluminum showing, and also, if I'm not mistaken, there appears to be a whole lot of BCU's garnet color in the stands over there. Honestly, I would have thought the first home game after the best season in the program's history would have been a sellout in a 45K seat stadium .... and also, to be fair, this wouldn't even be being discussed here if one of our fan's hadn't tried to make the stupid comparison with our atttendance. Are you seriously taking the 1 video from HALFTIME when people are hitting the restroom and getting food/drinks? I didn't comment on USF's attendance problems, it's mostly your own fans that are concerned. 11K actual attendance is getting close to program killing type numbers After rain all morning from basically 8 AM - Noon when many boosters/students arrived on campus...to threatening weather all afternoon long (and rain shower about 25 mins prior to kickoff), it was great to see a nice crowd show up for the game. Other shots: North End Zone (which many times has the largest amount of empty seats...but Parents Weekend help sell most of them in advance) Bethune's Amazing Band needed 7 buses to make the trek to UCF: It took about a quarter...but finally UCF students filled in all of their sections: While it was halftime...this had to be a record for fans staying in their seats watching the halftime entertainment (Bethune's bad)

Wow, shocking to see attendance that low in the big house Thats what was left about a 2 hour storm delay with 7 mins to go in the game and Michigan losing 26-10. Interesting stat: Last time Michigan drew less than 100,000 to a home football game? Oct 25, 1975!

I was considering purchasing those tickets from you until I checked last minute flight prices. The cheapest I found was $580 round trip. That's just too much for me at this point in time. Many of my friends are Wisconsin graduates and it would be nice to see them again(I haven't been home to visit in nearly 3 years). Just out of curiosity, how much are you selling the tickets for? Allegiant Air flies non-stop from St Pete to Rockford, IL (about 70 miles from Madison, WI) for about $400 (leave Thur, return Sun) or for $330 out of Sanford (north of Orlando). NOTE: I think Rockford, IL is slightly closer to Madison as Milwaukee is.

Those going/staying in Madison have to hit State Street Brats...great bar/tavern joint. (And yes, they enjoy visiting fans to stop by and hang out inside and out). Bartenders during UCF visits offered us free shots for making the trip. http://www.statestreetbrats.com/ NOTE: For post-game...its been known for players' families to hang out there as well...good people.

And? They are coming off a BCS bowl win season and this is their first home game. They also have perfect weather, unlike the slop we had to play in. UCF would be drawing poor crowds too if they had the same success we've had the last 4 years. Lots of Bethune fans as well. That too. Them as well as FAMU travel well in the state and have a huge grad base. Actually Bethune doesn't have that many grads...as Bethune is a small/tiny private school (approx only 3,500 students). Yes, a school that is 110 years old doesn't have many graduates... Correct...especially "tiny ones" like Bethune Cookman...who only has approx 15,000 TOTAL Alumni. Heck, UCF is now pumping out approx 11,000 grads per year. FAMU, obviously a public Univ, has approx 75,000 alumni.

And? They are coming off a BCS bowl win season and this is their first home game. They also have perfect weather, unlike the slop we had to play in. UCF would be drawing poor crowds too if they had the same success we've had the last 4 years. Lots of Bethune fans as well. That too. Them as well as FAMU travel well in the state and have a huge grad base. Actually Bethune doesn't have that many grads...as Bethune is a small/tiny private school (approx only 3,500 students).

True...but I've always found its better to be involved (maybe at a lower level...but at least you are supporting your team), as your voice is actually heard (many more opportunities to speak to those in charge) vs if you don't support, don't show up, etc... Also, recruits are at every football and basketball games (usually on unofficial visits) and you always want to give them the best impression possible...because if you don't show up...more empty seats will leave a lasting impression on them. Stay involved...much easier to make change and/or get your voice heard than if you don't.

that game was at home. thank god army beat ucf the week before or we would have been their first win in like 20 games. that game was embarrassing to watch FYI...Army has never played UCF. Army's opponent prior to USF in 2004 was Cincinnati, which Army beat to end their 19 game losing streak (Army was 5-49 in their previous 54 games prior to UC and USF in 04. After beating USF in '04, Army lost their next 11 games).

Disagree...as I think your new AD knows what he has to do after watching 3 straight home games in front of 142,000 empty seats. (Hint: Answer isn't staying at RJS)

City wanted to build a combo complex with stadium and practice facilities for the Steelers and the Panthers...as the Panthers wanted the Old Pitt Stadium land to build a new on-campus arena (old arena was actually inside the small stadium).

Some of the fan base is not twenty years old and in perfect health. As well any and all fan bases...and many of those watch games at home (not many have been trying to RJS...so no loss there). Bottom line is its hard to buld a future fan base when less than 10% of your student body shows up to your home game (like last weekend), because every study shows, if they aren't hooked on school athletics while a student...they won't become hooked as alumni (even if the team wins). Its all about the student-environment...that's how you build a future fan base...and without them...you are way behind the 8 ball...so yes, stadiums should actually be built for students...as those hooked will fill it as paying alumni.