(01-23-2015 09:24 AM)army56mike Wrote: I don't know the answers, but I would be shocked on Kent dropped.
It appears there are several teams that feel the economic drain of FBS football, compared to the income/benefits. It is being questioned by adminstrations. Kent only averages 13,544 per home game. Only the top 3 teams in the MAC outdraw Liberty. Stats for 2014-2015 year from NCAA.
The MAC teams seems to be content to as the lower tier league and status quo. Read some of the comments from posters on their board. It's like they accept the reality that Ohio, Michigan and others P5 will get the best athletes and the economic support and marketing glory. Maybe the hill is to steep and high to climb to change that perception. I personally hope that LU does not become affiliated with a conference that is satisfied with status quo or being the accepted lesser quality offering. At least the SBC, with all it's changes/moves scrambles to do the best it can. There is also a reason that the SBC has been repeatedly raided while the MAC has not.
Would these teams provide a spike in attendance for LU home games. Sure. These teams would be a major upgrade over the past weak home schedule of LU. With Kent's lowly listing of #10 in attendance in the MAC, one has to wonder what is the upside if any, for the current position of the program, and if the benefit outweighs the cost.
Per game Cap Cap%
Ohio Mid-American 123,090 20,515 24,000 85.48 6
Buffalo Mid-American 122,418 20,403 29,013 70.32 6
Toledo Mid-American 117,286 19,548 26,244 74.48 6
Central Mich. Mid-American 97,838 16,306 30,255 53.90 6
Massachusetts Mid-American 96,527 16,088 17,000 94.63 6
Miami (OH) Mid-American 95,438 15,906 24,286 65.50 6
Bowling Green Mid-American 91,365 15,228 24,000 63.45 6
Kent St. Mid-American 81,263 13,544 25,000 54.18 6
Western Mich. Mid-American 78,124 15,625 30,200 51.74 5
Eastern Mich. Mid-American 75,127 15,025 30,200 49.75 5
Northern Ill. Mid-American 67,813 13,563 31,000 43.75 5
Ball St. Mid-American 56,332 9,389 22,500 41.73 6
Akron Mid-American 55,019 9,170 30,000 30.57 6