there is less parity in CF than you think Let's trace the "money" shall we? Why college football is more cutthroat and competitive than the NFL. - By Michael Oriard - Slate Magazine if this tells you anything it should tell you. 1. dont worry too much. It should be comforting to know that LSU generates the kind of revenue it does for CFB and the university. 2. regardless of how you love or hate Miles or GC, the UNIVERSITY will do what is neccesary to protect this. it would be great if those two guys were a part of it since they are already on board. Coaches are a part of the machine, a very intergal part but just a part.
Ordinarily, I'd agree to this without reservation. However, with LSU's current dire financial straits with the state, I think you'll see the university be much more cautious in throwing around money than it used to, and may be willing to wait until the wheels start to fall off before shelling out a lot of money. I don't know if people realize how deep the university's money troubles go right now. LSU is talking about laying off a lot of people and eliminating a good number of majors and study programs. LSU is in survival mode and will be for a number of years since they can't count on any state funding (thank you, Louisiana state legislature!), so I'm willing to bet you will see a much more frugal AD unless you see a big uptick in private/TAF contributions, and that's far from a sure thing in this economy. The GC situation is the biggest symptom of the problem, though I think it's a short-sighted cost-cutting move that has the potential to hurt in the long run.
Not only that, but the powers that be will be satisfied with just MAKING it to a bowl; regardless if they win or lose or whether or not it's a 2nd tier bowl, just for the added income. Couple that with the share of money they receive from the SEC and they'll be reluctant to shell out money to buy out anyone's contract.
The economy HAS to be affecting universities in other states too. I heard things are not too good in Michigan and Ohio...as far a economics.
Your agreement isnt required, the man has the facts listed. He did the research. It wasn't an opinion based article, true some of it was, but the dollars and cents are a given. The schools that generate the big money regardless of the economy will succeed. In fact these schools are better situated to over come the effects of an adverse economy. The bad economy effects everyone thats true but it doesnt effect everyone equally. these guys that you say are slow to pull the trigger may find the trigger pulled on them if they are. People tend to watch their money pretty closely, rich or poor, especially in tough times. This would include weighing losses versus income and buy outs verses revenue. You guys need to get an even bigger picture. LSU ball is big business and big business isnt hurting as much as they let on. Look at the banks that got all the bail out money, they are giving out big bonuses right now. sometimes being conservative with your overall money might mean spending alot to get a move in the right direction, for what its worth. Low investment = low gains, etc...
I think we're lucky enough to have a self sustaining athletic department that at times, like now, have propped up the university financially. With that said, everybody in the country is hurting.
I don't know if anyone posted this info, but Dandydon posted this link in his blog today. LSU football program valued at $89 million - Covering The Louisiana State University Community (LSU) -- Tigerweekly.com The LSU football program is worth 89 million dollars. But what I'd really like to see is what percentage of their budget is spent on recruiting. I really think that the NCAA should allow letters of intent to be signed anytime during an athlete's senior year. I bet huge sums of money could be saved in travel costs alone for coaches who have to fly around guarding their recruits and showing interest etc. If this years commitments were already signed soon after the recruits committed so early, LSU would have probably saved 90% of what they spent after July. I wonder what that figure was? The university presidents really need to band together and quit letting the networks call all the shots.
its hard for me to beleive that the value is about 1/10th that of a successful nfl team. particularly when the lsu football's annual profit is inline with the nfl average. perhaps this valuation doesnt include the stadium.
i think the stadium itself would have value. certainly to replace it would cost $500 mil or so. thats gotta be why nfl franchises are valued so high since they dont make tons of income.
