Sunday, November 15, 2009

Utah State's Attendance Problem Resolved? Almost.

The NCAA FBS requirement that a team maintain a 15,000 attendance minimum is over a two year running period.  Last year, Utah State averaged 14,736 over the season.  This happened even though in-state games against BYU and Utah greatly inflated their attendance numbers.  In order to bring the two-year rolling average for 2008-2009 over 15,000 Romney Stadium needs 76,320 fans to spin the turnstyles this season.  Here is what has happened so far:

Southern Utah 18,427
Nevada 15,103
La Tech 14,229
San Jose State 13,276

USU needs Boise State to bring in 15,285 fans this Saturday to bring the 2 year rolling average at Romney Stadium to 15,000 for 2008-2009.  USU will need to maintain this level consistently to remain eligible for the FBS.

After a one-man brainstorming session, I have a three part strategy for the Aggies in the future that will help:

1.  Win some football games.  (OK, Captain Obvious contributed to this one.)
2.  Recruit locally: You got Jordan's Alex Hart and a couple of other high school stars.  Tanner Hinds is still uncommitted.
3.  Schedule Smartly

Corollary #1 to #3, this year's best attended game was against Southern Utah.  Last year both BYU and Utah brought a lot of fans to Romney.  Learn something from this.   Try to get at least one home game against Utah, BYU, Weber State or Southern Utah every season. In 2011-- no Utah and BYU is in Provo--this means one thing: get Weber State to Logan in 2011.
Corollary #2 to #3, it's a long drive from Salt Lake to Logan.  Avoid the ESPN mid-week games.
Corollary #3 to #3, consider the weather.  Please, no evening games in November.
Corollary #4 to #3, have a schedule that gives you a realistic shot at a winning season.



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