Celebration Bowl

[3rd Coast Tiger]

Yup. This forum is one big argument about who the best JV team is. I'd rather Maine play in one Celebration Bowl type game than win 10 FCS title games. December in Atlanta? On ABC? 35,000 fans? Sign me up.

Hey ccd494, I had a cousin play for the Black Bears in the late 90's (#28) Peter Le Blanc (all the way from Houston, TX)...

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11750653_10204737656937282_5414353618823701731_n.j pg?oh=baac6b17e087f1dd017117c1d46a2acd&oe=56DF63B9

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Says the poster who sports a siggy w/ THE Ohio State University alumnus Kirk Herbstreit throwing a University of Texas "hook'em" sign AND there's an Oklahoma University sign in the background.

Penis envy much? I do believe THE Ohio State University would crush your division-I "fcs" squad w/ the GREATEST of ease. xlolx Or, god forbid University of Alabama crushing your paltry squad as well. "bowls are for losers...." KMSL! You'll be glued to the tv almost everyday watching the "bowls are for losers." And its very entertaining watching 25 pages of commentary regarding a "bowl game" that no one allegedly cares about. Mental illness is an outward reality during this time of year. lol Blasphemous much? xlolx

Yeah, I don't doubt that but I also remember going through nearly every SWAC and MEAC team like wet toilet paper.

I have a particular fondness for tOSU but that screenshot was Kirk H in Fargo predicting a 4 peat for NDSU. That is all.

[KPSUL]

My issue isn't fielding the team. I just feel at this level, play your regular season schedule, give your alums an opportunity to get to campus for home games 4/5 times per year and keep them engaged with the university, and that's plenty. If Maine makes the playoffs, schlepping around the cold weather states on a week's notice to play other small time programs makes no sense.

A one game trip somewhere warm where alumni might want to gather with a month's notice? THAT might move the needle.

Even though UNH has been fortunate to make the playoffs so many times recently, I definately get what your saying. I could live perfectly well without the current FCS playoff setting. Maybe we should go to a hybrid system with end of season interconference matchups between teams with similar win - loss records playing each other in sorta-like bowl games. The Celebration Bowl, if done a couple weekends earlier, could be included in this system. I guess I'm looking at the earlier bowl concept where there were perennial conference matchups between certain conference each year. i.e. The Rose Bowl was a game between a top Big Ten and PAC Ten team each year. The results of those games, combines with final rankings, could be used to pick an 8 team playoff field with quarters played on the field of the higher seeds, and maybe both the semi's and finals being played in neutral, but warmer locations. The whole thing could be done by the week before Christmas.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Even though UNH has been fortunate to make the playoffs so many times recently, I definately get what your saying. I could live perfectly well without the current FCS playoff setting. Maybe we should go to a hybrid system with end of season interconference matchups between teams with similar win - loss records playing each other in sorta-like bowl games. The results of those games, combines with final rankings, could be used to pick an 8 team playoff field with quarters played on the field of the higher seeds, and maybe both the semi's and finals being played in neutral, but warmer locations.

Just go down to club teams, like BU. Problem solved.

[ccd494]

Just go down to club teams, like BU. Problem solved.

I am 100% in favor of Maine dropping football. We are just pissing money away.

The advantage of the FBS playoffs is that, even if you are in the playoffs and not a "meaningless" bowl, you are still going to a destination like New Orleans or Dallas or Miami. Not Fargo or Durham or Normal, IL.

[PantherRob82]

Hey ccd494, I had a cousin play for the Black Bears in the late 90's (#28) Peter Le Blanc (all the way from Houston, TX)...

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11750653_10204737656937282_5414353618823701731_n.j pg?oh=baac6b17e087f1dd017117c1d46a2acd&oe=56DF63B9

Was that the 5 guys on the team who weren't white? xlolx

[Panther88]

Yeah, I don't doubt that but I also remember going through nearly every SWAC and MEAC team like wet toilet paper.

I have a particular fondness for tOSU but that screenshot was Kirk H in Fargo predicting a 4 peat for NDSU. That is all.

But I thought you said "bowls are for losers...." That's definitely a University of Texas "hook'em" sign, is it not? Kirk is definitely an Ohio State University grad, is he not? That is definitely an Oklahoma University tm, is it not? Why are you paying homage to FBS schools that fully support the bowl system in your siggy? Since "bowls are for losers...." And why will you be glued to your tube supporting schools that fully support the bowl system, again, since "bowls are for losers...?" Do you know the meaning of hypocrisy?

[PantherRob82]

But I thought you said "bowls are for losers...." That's definitely a University of Texas "hook'em" sign, is it not? Kirk is definitely an Ohio State University grad, is he not? That is definitely an Oklahoma University tm, is nit not? Why are you paying homage to schools that fully support the bowl system in your siggy? Since "bowls are for losers...." And why will you be glued to your tube supporting schools that fully support the bowl system, again, since "bowls are for losers...?" Do you know the meaning of hypocrisy?

So posting a picture of a graduate of a FBS grad is supporting FBS football?

[Panther88]

So posting a picture of a graduate of a FBS grad is supporting FBS football?

Do you think an FBS grad would post a picture of a UNI grad in their siggy on an FBS board? Forest, meet oak tree.

Do you think an Ohio State University grad would sport a UNI grad in their siggy on an FBS football board?
Do you think an Oklahoma University grad would sport a UNI grad in their siggy on an FBS football board?
Do you think an University of Texas grad would sport a UNI grad in their siggy on an FBS football board?

me-> xlolx s.....m......h..... xsmhx

[RootinFerDukes]

I am 100% in favor of Maine dropping football. We are just pissing money away.

The advantage of the FBS playoffs is that, even if you are in the playoffs and not a "meaningless" bowl, you are still going to a destination like New Orleans or Dallas or Miami. Not Fargo or Durham or Normal, IL.
Then why are you even here? Why do you care enough about maine to post on a message board?

[NoDak 4 Ever]

I am 100% in favor of Maine dropping football. We are just pissing money away.

The advantage of the FBS playoffs is that, even if you are in the playoffs and not a "meaningless" bowl, you are still going to a destination like New Orleans or Dallas or Miami. Not Fargo or Durham or Normal, IL.

Do you get excited when Maine get's into the tournament in hockey? 25% of all teams make that one.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Do you think an FBS grad would post a picture of a UNI grad in their siggy on an FBS board? Forest, meet oak tree.

Do you think an Ohio State University grad would sport a UNI grad in their siggy on an FBS football board?
Do you think an Oklahoma University grad would sport a UNI grad in their siggy on an FBS football board?
Do you think an University of Texas grad would sport a UNI grad in their siggy on an FBS football board?

me-> xlolx s.....m......h..... xsmhx

Don't you worry your pretty little head, I'm going to have to change it anyway soon because it will no longer be topical.

[3rd Coast Tiger]

Was that the 5 guys on the team who weren't white? xlolx

Bingo!

[Sam_Kats]

I literally watched the intro for 5 minutes & I thought to myself "man, ESPN sure is trying REALLY HARD to make this game more important than it really is." How fantastic both schools are, the RB is a 1st rounder, what a great crowd we're expecting, yada yada yada. Things that a normal bowl game or regular FCS playoff game do not get.

Funny this thread started and some felt the same way. Oh well...

[ccd494]

Then why are you even here? Why do you care enough about maine to post on a message board?

Because I root for my school no matter what they participate in.

And yes, I celebrate when Maine makes the hockey tournament because it's a tournament against the best college hockey teams in the country. It would mean my school is going toe to toe with Michigan, Notre Dame, BC, Minnesota....

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Because I root for my school no matter what they participate in.

And yes, I celebrate when Maine makes the hockey tournament because it's a tournament against the best college hockey teams in the country. It would mean my school is going toe to toe with Michigan, Notre Dame, BC, Minnesota....

with 59 teams total? Union College is not Minnesota. there are a lot more Lake Superior States than Michigan's in DI hockey.

[BluBengal07]

Stadium size. I believe only one of those was played in a comparable sized stadium

We can play % of stadium sold. The NM Bowl, LV Bowl, Camelia Bowl all sold a higher % of their stadium. LV bowl could have sold 70K of in a bigger stadium

New Orleans bowl and Celebration were essentially even. Remember one of those was sold as a national title type game, the other one of the lowest bowl games around

coulda, woulda, shoulda.....

how was this game sold as a national title? just seemed like strong marketing with it being the first, our it's kind, in recent years. it's impossible to even be a national title anyways. there as a lot of marketing within the conference to support. it's expected to be bigger next year....

[ccd494]

with 59 teams total? Union College is not Minnesota. there are a lot more Lake Superior States than Michigan's in DI hockey.

60 teams, but who cares how many there are?

There may be more LSSUs than Michigans in college hockey, but there are zero Michigans in the FCS. Maine spends $1M+ a year to send a football team around the country with no hope of ever being at the pinnacle of the sport. If the financial outlay for football was the same as for women's soccer or baseball or field hockey, fine. But it isn't. It's the most expensive sport at the university, and the upside is finishing the year playing a home game against New Hampshire, then going to three other anonymous, cold campuses in December.

I'd be fine with Maine doing what the Ivies do, or even what the NESCAC does. But that isn't an option. You give me the choice of one bowl game somewhere warm that the fans will get to enjoy, or four playoff games being played who knows where, it isn't a tough decision.

[BluBengal07]

Stadium size. I believe only one of those was played in a comparable sized stadium

We can play % of stadium sold. The NM Bowl, LV Bowl, Camelia Bowl all sold a higher % of their stadium. LV bowl could have sold 70K of in a bigger stadium

New Orleans bowl and Celebration were essentially even. Remember one of those was sold as a national title type game, the other one of the lowest bowl games around


if that help you sleep.

how was this game sold as a national title? just seemed like strong marketing with it being the first, our it's kind, in recent years. it's impossible to even be a national title anyways. there as a lot of marketing within the conference to support. it's expected to be bigger next year....


Yeah, I don't doubt that but I also remember going through nearly every SWAC and MEAC team like wet toilet paper.

I have a particular fondness for tOSU but that screenshot was Kirk H in Fargo predicting a 4 peat for NDSU. That is all.

I only recall two SWAC opponents; Praire View and Mississippi Valley. these were practically the lowest teams of any conference during the time NDSU played them. let me know of others though. good to know you're super proud of these particular wins.

[clenz]

coulda, woulda, shoulda.....

how was this game sold as a national title? just seemed like strong marketing with it being the first, our it's kind, in recent years. it's impossible to even be a national title anyways. there as a lot of marketing within the conference to support. it's expected to be bigger next year....
They spent the entire game referencing how it was the "national title" for HBCU's.

[RootinFerDukes]

They spent the entire game referencing how it was the "national title" for HBCU's.
No they spent the entire game saying it was the "HBCU National Championship" half of the time and the other half of the time they simply called the game "The National Championship". They were trying so hard to make the game not appear as an FCS game.

[BluBengal07]

They spent the entire game referencing how it was the "national title" for HBCU's.

- thanks for watching the entire game. i missed it completely. lol.
- how does that impact ticket sales and capacity in the stadium during the game, if this is detail announced during the game?
- that's a failure on ESPN/ABC part with their lack of knowledge. thanks for the detail.


@RootinFerDukes
Wow, if that was the case.
that could go either way; good for FCS, bad for FCS, good for D1 HBCUs, bad for D1 HBCUs....

[clenz]

No they spent the entire game saying it was the "HBCU National Championship" half of the time and the other half of the time they simply called the game "The National Championship". They were trying so hard to make the game not appear as an FCS game.
Uh...isn't that what I said?

They also referenced every FCS stat they could to make it appear like they were two of the top FCS teams this year

[NoDak 4 Ever]

I heard them say FCS a **** ton.

[PantherRob82]

Do you think an FBS grad would post a picture of a UNI grad in their siggy on an FBS board? Forest, meet oak tree.

Do you think an Ohio State University grad would sport a UNI grad in their siggy on an FBS football board?
Do you think an Oklahoma University grad would sport a UNI grad in their siggy on an FBS football board?
Do you think an University of Texas grad would sport a UNI grad in their siggy on an FBS football board?

me-> xlolx s.....m......h..... xsmhx

If Kurt Warner said something about their team, yes.

[DeltaDevil662]

I literally watched the intro for 5 minutes & I thought to myself "man, ESPN sure is trying REALLY HARD to make this game more important than it really is." How fantastic both schools are, the RB is a 1st rounder, what a great crowd we're expecting, yada yada yada. Things that a normal bowl game or regular FCS playoff game do not get.

Funny this thread started and some felt the same way. Oh well...

I guarantee more people remember who Tarik Cohen is than the score of the JSU/SHSU. But hey at least it made it to ESPNU instead of streaming online and seeing SHSU get donkey stomped (worse than how they did my school by the way). Baby steps..

Almost 30 pages of people griping about a game they didn't care about

[DeltaDevil662]

Welp. Another reason to be mad

Celebration Bowl Draws Impressive Overnight Rating To Open Bowl Season Kendrick Marshall (http://hbcusports.com/author/kendrick/)
December 21, 2015
Football (http://hbcusports.com/category/football/)





The Celebration Bowl earned a solid rating on the first day of the college bowl season.
The North Carolina A&T-Alcorn State game drew a 1.9 overnight rating on ABC Saturday afternoon, according to Sports Media Watch. (http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2015/12/college-football-bowl-ratings-las-vegas-utah-byu-abc-overnights-up/)
The 1.9 rating was the second highest of the day, only trailing the Las Vegas Bowl featuring rivals Utah and BYU.

http://hbcusports.com/2015/12/21/celebration-bowl-draws-impressive-overnight-rating-to-open-bowl-season/

[REALBird]

Welp. Another reason to be mad

Celebration Bowl Draws Impressive Overnight Rating To Open Bowl Season

Kendrick Marshall (http://hbcusports.com/author/kendrick/)
December 21, 2015
Football (http://hbcusports.com/category/football/)





The Celebration Bowl earned a solid rating on the first day of the college bowl season.
The North Carolina A&T-Alcorn State game drew a 1.9 overnight rating on ABC Saturday afternoon, according to Sports Media Watch. (http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2015/12/college-football-bowl-ratings-las-vegas-utah-byu-abc-overnights-up/)
The 1.9 rating was the second highest of the day, only trailing the Las Vegas Bowl featuring rivals Utah and BYU.

http://hbcusports.com/2015/12/21/celebration-bowl-draws-impressive-overnight-rating-to-open-bowl-season/

Higher than the 1.4 rating of the FCS Championship game between NDSU/Illinois St. Damn!

[FargoBison]

That may be partially true (and was literally true this year for Nebraska, Minnesota, and San Jose State), but college football fans, rightfully or wrongfully, seem to watch those meaningless bowl games in relatively large numbers, despite the fact most of them are played on non-holidays/non-weekends and many of them are played on weeknights (including some before the holiday period when many people take off from work). TV ratings have proven time and time again college football fans will watch bowl games, including minor bowl games, more than Division I-AA/FCS playoff games if everything else (day of week, time of day, competition from other college football and NFL games, and network televising the game) is equal. That's the reality, no matter how good a Division I-AA/FCS team may be.

In all seriousness, I'd bet Appalachian State received more visibility for playing in (and dramatically winning) the minor Camellia Bowl on Saturday night than they did for winning any of their three Division I-AA/FCS national championship games between 2005 and 2007.

Doubt it, if anything it was probably on par with it. But App State got other national TV games in those title runs. Lets be real here, if you are in a bowl game it isn't going to be a big deal unless you are facing a decent P5 opponent. Most of these bowls are just G5 vs G5...the P5 tends to keep to itself more and more.

[clenz]

- thanks for watching the entire game. i missed it completely. lol.
- how does that impact ticket sales and capacity in the stadium during the game, if this is detail announced during the game?
- that's a failure on ESPN/ABC part with their lack of knowledge. thanks for the detail.


@RootinFerDukes
Wow, if that was the case.
that could go either way; good for FCS, bad for FCS, good for D1 HBCUs, bad for D1 HBCUs....
I've said before and i'm sure I'll say it in the future - IDGAF what the SWAC/MEAC want to do. If they want this then so be it. Good for them for finding a way to make this happen. I don't think the quality of play in those two conferences is on par with the FCS outside of the NEC, PFL and botom of the Big South - HOWEVER, that doesn't mean it isn't entertaining football. That game, quality vs watching a game like UNI/NDSU aside, was entertaining to watch. I watch a good number of FCS playoff conference teams that is bad football. I watch a lot of FBS games that is bad football. I watch a lot of HS football that is just god awful. Doesn't make some of those games any less entertaining to watch.

I know Panther88 is trying to paint me into some sort of weird "I hate the HBCU" corner, but it's not the case. I feel I've gone back and forth with you (and Panther88 honestly) enough on HBCU's that my stance on them should be pretty clear. I'm not afraid to ask questions that might upset people in the HBCU world because I want to understand things that as an "outsider" I'd not no real way of knowing without asking. It's also why I'm not afraid to point things out that seem funny to me. I'm not tied to any history/tradition of the HBCU world. I don't do it to be an ass, simply trying to understand. Hell, I enjoy interacting with @HBCUGameday on twitter. I don't follow it from my account, but the AGS account does so I see most of their tweets and will interact from my personal account. Whoever it is that runs it is pretty good to debate/talk with, honestly. Doesn't instantly break the "You don't get it because you're not one of us" crap that I get from other people that see me interacting with that account....or this site.

I don't hate the idea of a bowl as much as most people here. I've said this on other threads that I wouldn't hate the idea of UNI playing a 1 off bowl game. Maybe it's due to the complete futility in the playoffs...probably is. Maybe it's because I'm sick of seeing the same teams in the playoffs and future playoff opponent pool will almost always be the same. Though a game like the Celebration pool doesn't always solve that problem, I realize. I don't believe the two best teams always make the title game. I certainly agree that planning for 1 game in a nicer location - though Detroit, Boise, etc... aren't always nicer locations - than trying to figure out potential road trips to places like Normal, Fargo, Cedar Falls, Cheney, etc...

It's good for the MEAC/SWAC. So be it. I'd just prefer that they stop selling the game as a marquee match up of two top FCS programs and looking at raw stat numbers that put offense/defense rankings high in the FCS, yet that is due to the level of competition. I don't mind it being tied to the FCS, if done in the correct context. I'd assume it's the same is true for the non-D1 HBCU's and selling it as the HBCU title game. It's not truly the title game for HBCUs.

Bowl games are meaningless to anyone not affiliated with the schools participating, that's a fact.

Hell, the FCS title game is meaningless to me, once again, this year. UNI isn't in it so I don't give a damn who wins. I didn't care who won any game other than the UNI games. The fact it's for an NCAA title rather than a committee title doesn't have the same "oomph" for me as it does people who hate the FBS playoff system.

I see, as I was typing this is spurts, the ratings for the game came out. Ratings looked good. I think that had a lot to do with being ABC vs ESPN/2/U. I got a rating recorded for watching it, but not for the UNI/NDSU game because I don't have cable.

[Big Dawg]

I heard them say FCS a **** ton.

You're welcome LOL

They also mentioned NDSU's dominance over FCS...you didn't hate that part, did you? LOL

[citdog]

Was a pretty entertaining game. The quality of play is what one would expect but entertaining nonetheless.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

You're welcome LOL

They also mentioned NDSU's dominance over FCS...you didn't hate that part, did you? LOL

I only saw the first third or so. Went to an actual championship game later.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Welp. Another reason to be mad

Celebration Bowl Draws Impressive Overnight Rating To Open Bowl Season

Kendrick Marshall (http://hbcusports.com/author/kendrick/)
December 21, 2015
Football (http://hbcusports.com/category/football/)





The Celebration Bowl earned a solid rating on the first day of the college bowl season.
The North Carolina A&T-Alcorn State game drew a 1.9 overnight rating on ABC Saturday afternoon, according to Sports Media Watch. (http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2015/12/college-football-bowl-ratings-las-vegas-utah-byu-abc-overnights-up/)
The 1.9 rating was the second highest of the day, only trailing the Las Vegas Bowl featuring rivals Utah and BYU.

http://hbcusports.com/2015/12/21/celebration-bowl-draws-impressive-overnight-rating-to-open-bowl-season/


Higher than the 1.4 rating of the FCS Championship game between NDSU/Illinois St. Damn!

When you consider real estate on the TV (ABC vs. ESPN), both of these games are just about a wash TV-wise.

However, for the MEAC and SWAC they wouldn't have had the team in the FCSNCG anyway. A first-round loss to, say, New Hampshire wouldn't have gotten a 1.9. It would have gotten ESPN3 ratings, i.e. a pittance.

So for the MEAC and SWAC the game served its purpose well.

Both the Celebration Bowl and the FCSNCG are BFD's to different constituencies. One is not bigger than the other. And I suspect ESPN/ABC is likely pleased with the numbers they pull in both games.

[CHIP72]

Doubt it, if anything it was probably on par with it. But App State got other national TV games in those title runs. Lets be real here, if you are in a bowl game it isn't going to be a big deal unless you are facing a decent P5 opponent. Most of these bowls are just G5 vs G5...the P5 tends to keep to itself more and more.

Based on the 1.4 rating for the Ohio/Appalachian State bowl game, my best guess, based on looking at ratings for both the 2014 bowl games and 2015 regular season games, is the game had a TV audience of roughly 2.2 or 2.3 million people. I'm pretty sure that is a higher rating than any DI-AA/FCS championship game Appalachian State played in between 2005 and 2007.

In addition, my best guess on the TV audience for the Celebration Bowl, again based on past ratings relative to the total TV viewing audience, is that it had between 2.5 and 3 million viewers, probably closer to the higher number.

Incidentally, the following two links are my frame of reference for the TV audience estimates:

*Post-2014 season bowl game ratings and TV audiences (http://www.forbes.com/sites/prishe/2015/01/15/reviewing-the-2014-15-bowl-season-highest-bowl-game-prices-attendances-and-tv-ratings/)
*2015 college football game ratings and TV audiences (http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/college-football-tv-ratings/)

The latter link will probably be updated in the next few days to show the TV audience size for Ohio/Appalachian State and possibly for Alcorn State/North Carolina A&T.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Perspective here.



THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
NFLN
8:27 PM
5995
2.0






NBA BASKETBALL
TNT
8:14 PM
2416
0.9






NBA BASKETBALL
TNT
10:47 PM
1533
0.7




On cable, anything not named "NFL football" pretty much pulls in 1.5M/2M on a Thursday. A great ratings program (like an NFL game) gets 6M and a 2.0 18-49 demographic.

ESPN is not looking for one-time ratings blockbusters with bowls. They are engaged in a long-tail approach, 750,000 here, 1.5 million there. In that sense, the Celebration Bowl fits in well with the Las Vegas Bowl. Camellia Bowl, the FCSNCG, etc. Another excuse to get 3 hours more of sports viewership.

The CFP games will do better than NFL games, most likely. But that's all. The rest are a part of a different approach.

[AshevilleApp2]

Are the teams and conferences that played in the game happy with the results? That should be the answer to any arguing.

[FargoBison]

Based on the 1.4 rating for the Ohio/Appalachian State bowl game, my best guess, based on looking at ratings for both the 2014 bowl games and 2015 regular season games, is the game had a TV audience of roughly 2.2 or 2.3 million people. I'm pretty sure that is a higher rating than any DI-AA/FCS championship game Appalachian State played in between 2005 and 2007.

In addition, my best guess on the TV audience for the Celebration Bowl, again based on past ratings relative to the total TV viewing audience, is that it had between 2.5 and 3 million viewers, probably closer to the higher number.

Incidentally, the following two links are my frame of reference for the TV audience estimates:

*Post-2014 season bowl game ratings and TV audiences (http://www.forbes.com/sites/prishe/2015/01/15/reviewing-the-2014-15-bowl-season-highest-bowl-game-prices-attendances-and-tv-ratings/)
*2015 college football game ratings and TV audiences (http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/college-football-tv-ratings/)

The latter link will probably be updated in the next few days to show the TV audience size for Ohio/Appalachian State and possibly for Alcorn State/North Carolina A&T.

Still lower than App State's playoff game against Montana in 2009.

My other point which you missed is App got one ESPN game, NDSU meanwhile is getting three. App's one game could get bigger ratings but 3>1.

[Big Dawg]

I only saw the first third or so. Went to an actual championship game later.

Stay mad, bud LOL

If you really want us to include ourselves with the rest of FCS, contact our new AD and set up a match-up. We will be gracious hosts...you can even go to an FSU game while you're down here..it's a win-win for you guys LOL

[number1]

Stadium size. I believe only one of those was played in a comparable sized stadium

We can play % of stadium sold. The NM Bowl, LV Bowl, Camelia Bowl all sold a higher % of their stadium. LV bowl could have sold 70K of in a bigger stadium

New Orleans bowl and Celebration were essentially even. Remember one of those was sold as a national title type game, the other one of the lowest bowl games around
I don't care how you try to dress it. 35,000 for a game between a small school from Mississippi with 4000 students, and a school from North Carolina is great.

[clenz]

I don't care how you try to dress it. 35,000 for a game between a small school from Mississippi with 4000 students, and a school from North Carolina is great.
That wasn't the attendance. It may have been tickets sold

How many tickets were each school/conference forced to buy? I'd guess 10K, but I could be wrong. That seems like a pretty standard "bowl" number.

If you'd read other posts I've made today you'd be a better picture of what I'm saying.

[Panther88]

Are the teams and conferences that played in the game happy with the results? That should be the answer to any arguing.

For the most part, yes, App of Asheville. We're pleased. 35K for a first time bowl game between 2 D-I FCS schools is phenomenal. And showcased in front of a national audience on a national non-cable station to boot? What other D-I FCS schools can say they've done likewise? In fact, what other D-I FCS entities can say they've played in front of a 2015 crowd > 30,000 fans? lol xlolx Lastly, congrats to AppSt bolting for D-I FBS and stardom. :)

[number1]

The SWAC Championship Game had 40,000 fans(no doubts about that at all), so 35,000 for the Celebration isn't that hard to believe.

[Panther88]

That wasn't the attendance. It may have been tickets sold
How many tickets were each school/conference forced to buy? I'd guess 10K, but I could be wrong. That seems like a pretty standard "bowl" number.
If you'd read other posts I've made today you'd be a better picture of what I'm saying.

Valid. I purchased 2 tix but did not attend, clenz. I'm quite supportive of entities I believe in. Did you purchase a ticket to the D-I FCS title game in Frisco, Tx or any of the prior regional qualifying games?

[Schism55]

Lol @35K.
If you watched that game at all, half that at THE very most.

[Panther88]

The SWAC Championship Game had 40,000 fans(no doubts about that at all), so 35,000 for the Celebration isn't that hard to believe.

number1, I alluded to that in my previous post regarding any D-I FCS squads playing in any type of game w/ > 30,000 tix sold/fans fall 2015. I'm overly eager to see what attendance #s are for fall 2015.

Most won't admit but the D-I "FCS" designation is the bastard step-child of the ncaa (football wise). The FBSers are their only concern regarding notoriety, exposure, $$$$, et al positive factors.

[clenz]

Valid. I purchased 2 tix but did not attend, clenz. I'm quite supportive of entities I believe in. Did you purchase a ticket to the D-I FCS title game in Frisco, Tx or any of the prior regional qualifying games?
I'm not sure what that has to do with anything, actually. I don't know what you paid for the Celebration bowl tickets, but the cheapest ticket for the title game right now is $180, before fees are added, on stub hub.

I've said it, in this thread, the game was actually enjoyable to watch. I think the attendance number was completely bunk (as as nearly every bowl game).

[Panther88]

I'm not sure what that has to do with anything, actually. I don't know what you paid for the Celebration bowl tickets, but the cheapest ticket for the title game right now is $180, before fees are added, on stub hub.
I've said it, in this thread, the game was actually enjoyable to watch. I think the attendance number was completely bunk (as as nearly every bowl game).

I'm sure the price will drop drastically during game week, for unsold seats. Will you or others support it and purchase, if possible? :)

[clenz]

I'm sure the price will drop drastically during game week, for unsold seats. Will you or others support it and purchase, if possible? :)
Those tickets are already sold. The NCAA has all of the money they are going to get from the fans. That's secondary market.

So, will I support the secondary market for the game?

No.

[Panther88]

Those tickets are already sold. The NCAA has all of the money they are going to get from the fans. That's secondary market.
So, will I support the secondary market for the game?
No.

Did you support any of the 1st round/2nd round games? xconfusedx Those #s were... ****ty. Tix sold/butts in the seats, 897 for a 1st round game is ****ty, along w/ the other few who had less than 1500 souls/tix sold.

Some talk of support and others put their walk behind their talk.

[WileECoyote06]

That wasn't the attendance. It may have been tickets sold

How many tickets were each school/conference forced to buy? I'd guess 10K, but I could be wrong. That seems like a pretty standard "bowl" number.

If you'd read other posts I've made today you'd be a better picture of what I'm saying.

Unlike other bowls, the schools weren't forced to buy any tickets. They received an allotment equal to 200K worth of tickets, and were allowed to sell those tickets and keep the profits. Any unsold tickets were returned without penalty.

This deal sweetened the payout considerably.

[clenz]

Unlike other bowls, the schools weren't forced to buy any tickets. They received an allotment equal to 200K worth of tickets, and were allowed to sell those tickets and keep the profits. Any unsold tickets were returned without penalty.

This deal sweetened the payout considerably.
Wasn't aware of that.

That is a very nice deal for the schools.

Again, I can't say it's a bad set up for the MEAC/SWAC.

It works for them.

[KPSUL]

Just go down to club teams, like BU. Problem solved.

You might want to actually read the posts before you comment. I don't have a clue as to what point your trying to make relative to mine.

[Panther88]

You might want to actually read the posts before you comment.

He's preoccupied w/ litigation. Give him a pass. lol

[Big Dawg]

One last question for those who are against this game?

Would you rather a 9-2 BCU team get an at-large bid(their losses were to Miami and NCA&T)? Or another 6-5 team?

[BluBengal07]

One last question for those who are against this game?

Would you rather a 9-2 BCU team get an at-large bid(their losses were to Miami and NCA&T)? Or another 6-5 team?

xconfusedx not a necessary goal dude. xcoffeex

[Big Dawg]

xconfusedx not a necessary goal dude. xcoffeex

Regardless, I'm curious

[major095]

Wasn't aware of that.

That is a very nice deal for the schools.

Again, I can't say it's a bad set up for the MEAC/SWAC.

It works for them.


It would work for nearly any fcs school. NDSU for all their championships if given the opportunity to receive 200k from ticket sales and then the majority allotment of the 1 million dollar payout (800k for the swac team) would have to pause and think about that long and hard. A million is a million is a million. What else do they have to prove in the FCS playoffs? Nothing. taking the money, their athletes would still get the extra practice time, they'd get a game on network tv, a real bowl experience compared to what they get in the playoffs, a trip to atlanta as opposed to frisco. who exactly isn't signing up for that?


One last question for those who are against this game?

Would you rather a 9-2 BCU team get an at-large bid(their losses were to Miami and NCA&T)? Or another 6-5 team?

They're not going to answer that b/c just like you and I know, they know too. My take for the swac is that for now they shouldn't participate in the playoffs. I want them in but it has to make sense. They have reduced the conference schedule to 7 games from 9. They need to schedule regional fcs teams and beat them. most of the swac has shown a willingness to do this...well to schedule them. still working on the beating them part. If they play and win during the regular season but aren't in the playoffs the feeling will be that the best teams aren't in the playoffs and they will be forced to change the playoff structure or risk the champ being view as illegitimate.
Many here talk about the competition, but if that's the only thing you consider then it makes sense that you're on here instead of an actual athletic administrator. The financials have to work as well... ask SC State and all the Louisiana FCS schools that have had their budgets slashed by the good governor.

[PantherRob82]

It would work for nearly any fcs school. NDSU for all their championships if given the opportunity to receive 200k from ticket sales and then the majority allotment of the 1 million dollar payout (800k for the swac team) would have to pause and think about that long and hard. A million is a million is a million. What else do they have to prove in the FCS playoffs? Nothing. taking the money, their athletes would still get the extra practice time, they'd get a game on network tv, a real bowl experience compared to what they get in the playoffs, a trip to atlanta as opposed to frisco. who exactly isn't signing up for that?


But NO ONE is offering that. ESPN is not going to offer that to any other conferences.

[3rd Coast Tiger]

I don't care how you try to dress it. 35,000 for a game between a small school from Mississippi with 4000 students, and a school from North Carolina is great.

"Those numbers are great but..."
"It is impressive however..."
"I agree with you still..."
"You get no argument from me just..."

[3rd Coast Tiger]

My take for the swac is that for now they shouldn't participate in the playoffs. I want them in but it has to make sense. They have reduced the conference schedule to 7 games from 9. They need to schedule regional fcs teams and beat them. most of the swac has shown a willingness to do this...

We have Houston Baptist and Sam Houston scheduled for 2016 as our two non-conference opponents. We've also historically scheduled SLC schools (Texas State - before the left for the glitz and glamour of the Sun Belt, Sam Houston, McNeese, Nichols) for our non-conference games as well.

[REALBird]

Most of the SWAC/MEAC schools are likely playing on the road in the first round of the FCS playoffs.

Most of the SWAC/MEAC schools likely lose on the first weekend of the playoffs to a team on the road, that they have no historical or geographic rivalries with in FCS.

Most of the SWAC/MEAC schools already play in "Classic" games such as this all over the US in cities from DC, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Chicago, etc,, so if you know you can sell the tickets and get the people to come to the game, why wouldn't you do it again on a larger stage ABC.

Add in the ticket allotments that they get to keep, the $1 million dollar payout that gets spread out amongst the conference, TV exposure, etc. It's a pretty good setup.

As an Illinois State fan who's team has possibly turned the corner and can contend for the FCS championship yearly, the game and the payout has no interest to me. I would hope our school admins would pass on any similar offer and continue playing for the FCS championship. But if I was a school from the Patriot or Ivy league and ESPN approached me with a chance to do something similar as the MEAC/SWAC bowl game, as mentioned in another thread. Hmmmmmm..............

IVY/Patriot League champ playing in Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium. The Ivies wouldn't give a crap about the money, but a nationally televised game to show the world Ivy Football and their name in lights on ABC/ESPN. Sure I can see them doing it as well

All in All.......entertaining game. I have friends who were alums of both schools so it was fun to watch the banter back and forth on social media, and the respect between the two schools.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

The MEAC and SWAC have said that they root more for attendance figures and $$$$ than competing for a national championship. That may be fine (necessary?) for them, but I do not want the Patriot League and Ivy League to get involved with that game at all, not least because they don't need to root for attendance figures and $$$$.

What I don't understand is why MEAC and SWAC posters are dying to get on here to have me root for numbers. If you want congratulations for getting 35,000 people to pay for tickets and ESPN to cut you a big fat check, sure, I guess, congratulations. What I don't understand is that the numbers seem to trump everything else. Nobody ever cut Lehigh a check for winning the Division II National Championship in 1977 but I'm a lot more proud of that run to the championship than numbers on a spreadsheet.

[Bisonator]

It would work for nearly any fcs school. NDSU for all their championships if given the opportunity to receive 200k from ticket sales and then the majority allotment of the 1 million dollar payout (800k for the swac team) would have to pause and think about that long and hard. A million is a million is a million. What else do they have to prove in the FCS playoffs? Nothing. taking the money, their athletes would still get the extra practice time, they'd get a game on network tv, a real bowl experience compared to what they get in the playoffs, a trip to atlanta as opposed to frisco. who exactly isn't signing up for that?

No way in hell would I want that. A real bowl experience compared to the playoffs? Are you ****ing serious?? And Atlanta sucks. I'd take DFW any day. To each their own. If that's what flips your skirt so be it. I'm guessing NDSU does just fine money wise on their playoff runs with the ancillary benefits.

[clenz]

The MEAC and SWAC have said that they root more for attendance figures and $$$$ than competing for a national championship. That may be fine (necessary?) for them, but I do not want the Patriot League and Ivy League to get involved with that game at all, not least because they don't need to root for attendance figures and $$$$.

What I don't understand is why MEAC and SWAC posters are dying to get on here to have me root for numbers. If you want congratulations for getting 35,000 people to pay for tickets and ESPN to cut you a big fat check, sure, I guess, congratulations. What I don't understand is that the numbers seem to trump everything else. Nobody ever cut Lehigh a check for winning the Division II National Championship in 1977 but I'm a lot more proud of that run to the championship than numbers on a spreadsheet.
It's just a difference in institutional set up.

Hell, WKU just won a bowl game in front of 25 people in a baseball stadium yesterday. I'd bet most of their fan base likes that more than their FCS title.

I used to get worked up about it, but it's different strokes. Playoffs and trying to win a title/titles is a way of life for most of the FCS. There are a few places that the game takes a "back seat" to the pageantry/environment that goes with it. That's perfectly fine for them.

As I said, I see the draw of getting a fan base focused on one final game, even if not a national title game, in a destination city with all kinds of money tied to it (even if the balance sheet doesn't look as pretty as the "announced pay out"...as is the case with every bowl). I get that. I also grew up a hardcore Michigan fan. Maybe that's why I get it more than others here that didn't grow up a hardcore FBS fan. Is the Citrus Bowl the bowl I want Michigan in every year? No. BUT, the draw of getting to leave the upper-midwest for a few days in late December/early January for Florida, Texas, California, etc... does sound pretty nice (yes I realize Frisco is Texas, but you get my point).

[UNIFanSince1983]

Here is the thing. I would get excited about UNI whether they were participating the playoffs or some Bowl game somewhere.

I am sure everyone feels the same. Right now it appears to be a divide between the people who are in the playoffs and those who participate in a bowl. Guess where the divide is the people who's team participates in the playoffs is in favor of that. The team who participate in the bowl are in favor of that.

I think a National Championship would be awesome for UNI and would love that. However, if we were in a bowl game instead of playoffs you can guarantee I would be fully behind it.

[clenz]

Here is the thing. I would get excited about UNI whether they were participating the playoffs or some Bowl game somewhere.

I am sure everyone feels the same. Right now it appears to be a divide between the people who are in the playoffs and those who participate in a bowl. Guess where the divide is the people who's team participates in the playoffs is in favor of that. The team who participate in the bowl are in favor of that.

I think a National Championship would be awesome for UNI and would love that. However, if we were in a bowl game instead of playoffs you can guarantee I would be fully behind it.
It's very strange to watch the UNI fan base since about 2005 when that title game run happened and the following 3 years and the fan base since Troy Dannen took over as AD.

There has been a concentrated push by UNI to grow the fan base and create a though of "equality" through the state of Iowa with the University of Iowa and Iowa State. Previous administrations were happy to play second fiddle to UI/ISU. They were just happy to ever be mentioned and didn't mind being called D2, step child, etc... Dannen, as much as he pandered to Iowa/Iowa State at times, really created a culture of "we are equal" and believed we should be taken more seriously by those two, and their fans. I think in doing so, intentionally or unintentionally, a small match was lit in the "I wouldn't hate to be FBS" mentality of UNI fans. As we've fought more and more with trying to break the stigma in the state of Iowa it's become clear that UI/ISU will never see UNI as "equal", BUT there would be more respect for UNI as a Sun Belt team than MVC/MVFC.---Note, no UNI fans would be happy in the Sun Belt--- That sentiment seems to be growing at a slightly faster rate than it had previous to 2011ish and exponentially quicker than prior to 2008. Will it ever go anywhere? I'd doubt it. There is also a stronger sentiment that maybe it wouldn't be a terrible idea for UNI try to get another school or two and make a group push to improve athletic budgets, facilities, etc... and make a push for something "bigger".

83 is right, though. The teams who get to the playoffs love the playoffs. The teams who don't, hate them.

[UNIFanSince1983]

It's very strange to watch the UNI fan base since about 2005 when that title game run happened and the following 3 years and the fan base since Troy Dannen took over as AD.

There has been a concentrated push by UNI to grow the fan base and create a though of "equality" through the state of Iowa with the University of Iowa and Iowa State. Previous administrations were happy to play second fiddle to UI/ISU. They were just happy to ever be mentioned and didn't mind being called D2, step child, etc... Dannen, as much as he pandered to Iowa/Iowa State at times, really created a culture of "we are equal" and believed we should be taken more seriously by those two, and their fans. I think in doing so, intentionally or unintentionally, a small match was lit in the "I wouldn't hate to be FBS" mentality of UNI fans. As we've fought more and more with trying to break the stigma in the state of Iowa it's become clear that UI/ISU will never see UNI as "equal", BUT there would be more respect for UNI as a Sun Belt team than MVC/MVFC.---Note, no UNI fans would be happy in the Sun Belt--- That sentiment seems to be growing at a slightly faster rate than it had previous to 2011ish and exponentially quicker than prior to 2008. Will it ever go anywhere? I'd doubt it. There is also a stronger sentiment that maybe it wouldn't be a terrible idea for UNI try to get another school or two and make a group push to improve athletic budgets, facilities, etc... and make a push for something "bigger".

83 is right, though. The teams who get to the playoffs love the playoffs. The teams who don't, hate them.

Yeah my entire point was that people love whatever their team has, and wants that to be the best. It is the same as when I try and tell Iowa fans that the Rose Bowl is still just an exhibition game. They don't feel like that they feel like it means something. I disagree as they aren't playing for a National Championship so the game is mostly pointless.

[clenz]

Yeah my entire point was that people love whatever their team has, and wants that to be the best. It is the same as when I try and tell Iowa fans that the Rose Bowl is still just an exhibition game. They don't feel like that they feel like it means something. I disagree as they aren't playing for a National Championship so the game is mostly pointless.
Yep. I think it was this thread where I said that I don't care about the game between NDSU/Jax. It's not a UNI game so my "care" level is quite low. It's probably on par with the bowl games. I'll watch what I can of it - I make a point to watch as many bowl games (at least part) as I can.

I'll watch/support UNI no matter what game they are in - playoffs, bowl, playing a D3 for a scrimmage.

It's all about what makes sense for the school.

[walliver]

In FBS, 50% of teams go to bowl games. Most are in destination cities and fans have 2-4 weeks to take time from work and make travel plans. Alumni/fan events can be set up, and everyone has a big party.

In FCS, 24 teams participate. 16 of those teams will play with only 5-6 days notice on Thanksgiving weekend in front of relatively small crowds (and increasingly against local teams). From week to week teams that advance on the road will have only 6-7 days to make arrangements. Many venues will only have a handful of tickets available for visiting fans. Eventually, 2 teams will participate in a bowl-like national championship game.

I enjoy the playoffs, but I can also see why fans would prefer a bowl game.

[3rd Coast Tiger]

83 is right, though. The teams who get to the playoffs love the playoffs. The teams who don't, hate them.

I don't hate the playoffs. I just hate the NCAA commandeering your stadium after you put in bid hopefully to win it while you round up the volunteers to help host the game and they keep 70% of the gate; take over your gift shop where you get to sell no university paraphernalia; only NCAA sanctioned gear. I guess the NCAA is broke and need the money.

Yes, I know they use some of those funds to cover travel costs for the visiting team but we're talking about a 501(c)(3) organization!

[clenz]

I don't hate the playoffs. I just hate the NCAA commandeering your stadium after you put in bid hopefully to win it while you round up the volunteers to help host the game and they keep 70% of the gate; take over your gift shop where you get to sell no university paraphernalia; only NCAA sanctioned gear. I guess the NCAA is broke and need the money.

Yes, I know they use some of those funds to cover travel costs for the visiting team but we're talking about a 501(c)(3) organization!

I completely agree with that. It's a topic that has been hit, ad nauseam, on this board. Couple that with the regionalization where there was a possibility that there would have been 4 MVFC rematches on one side of the bracket this year and it's easy to see why some fans are starting to turn against the playoffs.

[UNIFanSince1983]

The playoffs are also getting to the point where they are watered down. There are too many teams. Teams get in that don't deserve to. I guess it isn't entirely different from the FBS Bowls or even the NCAA basketball tournament.

[3rd Coast Tiger]

I completely agree with that. It's a topic that has been hit, ad nauseam, on this board. Couple that with the regionalization where there was a possibility that there would have been 4 MVFC rematches on one side of the bracket this year and it's easy to see why some fans are starting to turn against the playoffs.

I know it has been tossed around here (been an AGS member since 2005).

I've been to other NCAA sanctioned national championships:
Football (Frisco, TX)
Final Four (here in Houston)
Bowling (Texas Southern hosted)
Indoor Track & Field (College Station)
Outdoor Track & Field (Baton Rouge and Austin)

[DFW HOYA]

The playoffs are also getting to the point where they are watered down. There are too many teams. Teams get in that don't deserve to. I guess it isn't entirely different from the FBS Bowls or even the NCAA basketball tournament.

A 24 team I-AA playoff reflects 19.2% of the subdivision.
A 68 team basketball tournament reflects 19.4% of the subdivision.
The current bowl structure? 64% of I-A teams go to a bowl.

[KPSUL]

A 24 team I-AA playoff reflects 19.2% of the subdivision.
A 68 team basketball tournament reflects 19.4% of the subdivision.
The current bowl structure? 64% of I-A teams go to a bowl.

I think your 19.4% figure includes the 3 conferences that don't participate in the playoffs. I think if you strip the teams out of the equation, the figure is more like 25%.

[DFW HOYA]

I think your 19.4% figure includes the 3 conferences that don't participate in the playoffs. I think if you strip the teams out of the equation, the figure is more like 25%.

They're part of the discussion, though there are some hardliners on this board who would variously drop the Patriot, Northeast, Pioneer, and probably the Big South from the discussion if they could. It's not a true playoff if you're left with five major conferences in the discussion.

Wait a minute, isn't that what I-A does with its playoff?

[UNIFanSince1983]

They're part of the discussion, though there are some hardliners on this board who would variously drop the Patriot, Northeast, Pioneer, and probably the Big South from the discussion if they could. It's not a true playoff if you're left with five major conferences in the discussion.

Wait a minute, isn't that what I-A does with its playoff?

Don't worry we would let the highest rated of you automatically into our New Years Six Bowls. ;)

A lot of what I am saying though has more to do with even some of the last at large teams. They don't realistically have a shot at a NC. They have proven throughout the season they were only average so why do they deserve to be in?

To be fair with the Bowl system all those games are exhibitions. In reality they only have 3.13% of their teams that get to compete for a National Championship. Although that does go up if you remove the G5 teams who can never make the playoff realistically.

I don't know the best way to handle it, but I think 24 is too many teams. I don't think a 6-5 team should ever get in. Heck I think a 7-4 team should very rarely get in.

[KPSUL]

They're part of the discussion, though there are some hardliners on this board who would variously drop the Patriot, Northeast, Pioneer, and probably the Big South from the discussion if they could. It's not a true playoff if you're left with five major conferences in the discussion.

Wait a minute, isn't that what I-A does with its playoff?

I wasn't making a qualitative judgement about conferences, I'm merely pointing out you used the wrong denominator. You were obviously trying to show the relative difficulty, based on the number of teams eligible for participation, of being selected for various college playoff competitions. It makes sense to include only teams that are eligible. I suppose all the MEAC except the conference champion could be selected, so adding them back in would result in 23%.

All of the conferences you listed get an autobid, so no the 24 team FCS tournament is not even remotely like the FBS 4 team playoff. Actually, its closer to the NCAA Div 1 B-ball tournament in terms of inclusion.

[Professor Chaos]

Don't worry we would let the highest rated of you automatically into our New Years Six Bowls. ;)

A lot of what I am saying though has more to do with even some of the last at large teams. They don't realistically have a shot at a NC. They have proven throughout the season they were only average so why do they deserve to be in?

To be fair with the Bowl system all those games are exhibitions. In reality they only have 3.13% of their teams that get to compete for a National Championship. Although that does go up if you remove the G5 teams who can never make the playoff realistically.

I don't know the best way to handle it, but I think 24 is too many teams. I don't think a 6-5 team should ever get in. Heck I think a 7-4 team should very rarely get in.
But if we didn't let in 24 teams could you imagine how many more teams would be in the weight room pumping iron because they were pissed they got snubbed?!?!? What a frightening thought to go into the next year with for all those poor teams that made the playoffs comfortably.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

If the Ivy sent their 7-3 champion or the MEAC sent their 9-2 champion they would have replaced Western Illinois for sure and another 7-4 team. Thus solving the issue of "playoff dilution".

Ironically the issue of "playoff dilution" comes from the Ivy not participating and the MEAC pulling out. If all the eligible conferences accepted an autobid, a 24 team playoff would be great.

[JROCK]

FCS Early Post Season Numbers /Thanksgiving weekend/1st Round of FCS Playoffs

Bayou Classic 63,000
SWAC Championship- 40,000
Montana 14,575
Northern Iowa 7,062
Coastal 6751
Chattanooga 4,888.
William and Mary 4,395
New Hampshire 3,303
Sam Houston 3,098.
Dayton 997


(You guys probably need to ask the SWAC AD for help marketing a game and your playoffs.....You're failing miserably)

[Herder]

Did 16 of the 20 teams in the fcs tournament, not playoff smh, play either of the teams? How do you know if "16 of the 20 teams in the fcs playoff could have curbstomped either of these teams?" I'm sure you're spot on like being spot on w/ nfl Carolina panthers being undefeated this fall. :D Crystal ball or pure emotionaism? You choose.

Why don't you pretend to be more informed and look @ the outward structuring and posturing of the division-I football P5/non-P5/bowl game invitees/THE ACTUAL college football playoff scenarios w/ ou/clemson-mich st/alabama. There you will find your answers to the questions you may have, like, why is university of missouri sitting @ home while other division-I schools are "bowling" this season. While you're at it google "college playoff" and read vehemently what is returned to you in the first 5 pages lol. Division I "fcs" does NOT exist to mainstream america; it only exists to you keyboard "thumpers" and obviously there are only 5K-7K of you total in avg who attend your precious tournament games. What has changed recently, in terms of notoriety for "fcs" ball, besides Coastal Carolina bolting the "fcs" for FBS? :D When will NDSU bolt the "fcs" for FBS stardom? :D This is a football board, right? :D

The CB competitors would not be ranked in the top 75 of the FCS, let's be honest. This game is akin to the Sunbelt and MAC champions playing each other in a seudo national championship game. Would Alabama, USC, and Ohio State not bash the hell out of the MAC and Sunbelt for suggesting that they are playing for ANY sort of title when they reside in the FBS subdivision?

Play your game, but the TV announcers need to be set straight and make sure they do not refer to this game having any FCS national significance outside if HBCU circles and these 2 conferences.

[UNIFanSince1983]

FCS Early Post Season Numbers /Thanksgiving weekend/1st Round of FCS Playoffs

Bayou Classic 63,000
SWAC Championship- 40,000
Montana 14,575
Northern Iowa 7,062
Coastal 6751
Chattanooga 4,888.
William and Mary 4,395
New Hampshire 3,303
Sam Houston 3,098.
Dayton 997


(You guys probably need to ask the SWAC AD for help marketing a game and your playoffs.....You're failing miserably)

If numbers are all we cared about then yes we would...

[DFW HOYA]

If numbers are all we cared about then yes we would...

It's sports. Numbers matter..even those 997 at Dayton.

[UNIFanSince1983]

It's sports. Numbers matter..even those 997 at Dayton.

Not saying numbers don't, but to claim that all that matters is the attendance of the game is short sided.

Especially when you are comparing apples to oranges.

[DeltaDevil662]

If the Ivy sent their 7-3 champion or the MEAC sent their 9-2 champion they would have replaced Western Illinois for sure and another 7-4 team. Thus solving the issue of "playoff dilution".

Ironically the issue of "playoff dilution" comes from the Ivy not participating and the MEAC pulling out. If all the eligible conferences accepted an autobid, a 24 team playoff would be great.

BC was a Co-champion of the MEAC. So much for that theory.

[RootinFerDukes]

sorry to bump this old thread but i'm watching viceland right now and they have a "vice world of sports" documentary on the bayou classic, specifically its half-time band shows. It's certainly worth watching.

[Bisonoline]

FCS Early Post Season Numbers /Thanksgiving weekend/1st Round of FCS Playoffs

Bayou Classic 63,000
SWAC Championship- 40,000
Montana 14,575
Northern Iowa 7,062
Coastal 6751
Chattanooga 4,888.
William and Mary 4,395
New Hampshire 3,303
Sam Houston 3,098.
Dayton 997


(You guys probably need to ask the SWAC AD for help marketing a game and your playoffs.....You're failing miserably)

Yeah thats a lot of people to watch crappy football. They giving away free food or beer?

[POD Knows]

Yeah thats a lot of people to watch crappy football. They giving away free food or beer?
[/B]

Oh man, this is such low hanging fruit, so many really politically incorrect things I could post, must resist the urge, must resist.

[unknown3]

Yeah thats a lot of people to watch crappy football. They giving away free food or beer?
[/B]

Seems more like interest for one product vs no interest for another to me. Probably why they're on abc and most others are lucky to get on espn3.

[Panther88]

Oh man, this is such low hanging fruit, so many really politically incorrect things I could post, must resist the urge, must resist.

Be you, POD. Do what you do best and exact your special gift and skillset. The world needs to see it. lol

[POD Knows]

Be you, POD. Do what you do best and exact your special gift and skillset. The world needs to see it. lol

Nope, not going to take the bait.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

FCSD board so...great choice.

[Panther88]

Nope, not going to take the bait.

Just an appetizer. :D

[POD Knows]

Just an appetizer. :D

Not even a whiff :D

[Bisonoline]

Seems more like interest for one product vs no interest for another to me. Probably why they're on abc and most others are lucky to get on espn3.

I guess if they like crappy football have at it. My bet is its more about band crap and the party.

[Panther88]

Not even a whiff :D

lol

[Hanca]

One last question for those who are against this game?

Would you rather a 9-2 BCU team get an at-large bid(their losses were to Miami and NCA&T)? Or another 6-5 team?

9-2 BCU as long as no MEAC officials at any playoff game. Richmond plays MEAC team frequently with MEAC crew and has had Meac crew for playoffs. They are so bad, not biased, just bad

[superman7515]

I don't see what the problem is. None of the fans made the choice to have their schools compete in the playoffs, none of the fans made the choice to have their schools leave the playoffs. If your alma mater left, you'd still support the school, despite the false protestations that may be replied to that claim. Sometimes you get dealt a hand you don't care for, but you play through making the best of what you have and hope to get better cards in the future. The only way to know if it works is to wait a few years and see how it goes, but as the President's haven't shown any interest in taking the fans into account prior to the decision, the best they can do is enjoy the games, and if they happen to have bands and barbecue to go with it, I ain't mad at ya.

[PAllen]

9-2 BCU as long as no MEAC officials at any playoff game. Richmond plays MEAC team frequently with MEAC crew and has had Meac crew for playoffs. They are so bad, not biased, just bad

This.