(12-15-2015 09:45 AM)uccheese Wrote:  I don't think this is a decision the staff is making now and I don't think it was a decision any of the previous staffs made either. They offer the good local kids. They try. They have a combination of 3 things working against them.

1. Most kids like to go away to college.
2. This area is oversaturated with other D1 football teams also offering them
3. UC football and maybe even UC in general seem to have a better reputation all across the country than they do right here. Not sure root of that one, but it's pretty accurate.

I know a couple of guys who know/follow local high school athletics. The common feeling is that UC has always been a mid-major in football, even in the BE. They tell me the 2 BCS games were flukes. That a kid going to a lower tier P5 school is better than going to UC, even if UC were the top 1 or 2 G5 schools. I do not think the local mindset will ever change

(12-15-2015 09:44 PM)bearcatmill Wrote:  

(12-15-2015 09:45 AM)uccheese Wrote:  I don't think this is a decision the staff is making now and I don't think it was a decision any of the previous staffs made either. They offer the good local kids. They try. They have a combination of 3 things working against them.

1. Most kids like to go away to college.
2. This area is oversaturated with other D1 football teams also offering them
3. UC football and maybe even UC in general seem to have a better reputation all across the country than they do right here. Not sure root of that one, but it's pretty accurate.

I know a couple of guys who know/follow local high school athletics. The common feeling is that UC has always been a mid-major in football, even in the BE. They tell me the 2 BCS games were flukes. That a kid going to a lower tier P5 school is better than going to UC, even if UC were the top 1 or 2 G5 schools. I do not think the local mindset will ever change

I think that's how most casual fans in this area view UC: minor league. College athletics is all about perception and being the worst P5 is likely better than being a powerhouse G5. It's not right, it's not fair, but it's how things are now. G5 schools are left chasing that brass ring until the P5 eventually breaks away and forms some kind of new association that is a puppet regime run by the TV networks and apparel providers even more so than it is now. Sadly I fear that UC football will continue to fade into apathy for many in the Tri-State until they get that P5 invite (which I believe is not coming).

That being said, I will still continue to buy season tickets and support the Bearcats as much as I possibly can. That will never change in my book.

(12-16-2015 09:12 AM)Jchuges7 Wrote:  

(12-15-2015 09:44 PM)bearcatmill Wrote:  

(12-15-2015 09:45 AM)uccheese Wrote:  I don't think this is a decision the staff is making now and I don't think it was a decision any of the previous staffs made either. They offer the good local kids. They try. They have a combination of 3 things working against them.

1. Most kids like to go away to college.
2. This area is oversaturated with other D1 football teams also offering them
3. UC football and maybe even UC in general seem to have a better reputation all across the country than they do right here. Not sure root of that one, but it's pretty accurate.

I know a couple of guys who know/follow local high school athletics. The common feeling is that UC has always been a mid-major in football, even in the BE. They tell me the 2 BCS games were flukes. That a kid going to a lower tier P5 school is better than going to UC, even if UC were the top 1 or 2 G5 schools. I do not think the local mindset will ever change

I think that's how most casual fans in this area view UC: minor league. College athletics is all about perception and being the worst P5 is likely better than being a powerhouse G5. It's not right, it's not fair, but it's how things are now. G5 schools are left chasing that brass ring until the P5 eventually breaks away and forms some kind of new association that is a puppet regime run by the TV networks and apparel providers even more so than it is now. Sadly I fear that UC football will continue to fade into apathy for many in the Tri-State until they get that P5 invite (which I believe is not coming).

That being said, I will still continue to buy season tickets and support the Bearcats as much as I possibly can. That will never change in my book.

We had chances to change that- winning the Orange and Sugar Bowls would have done wonders for our local perception.

Additionally- not getting skull dragged by UNC and VaTech the last couple of years would have been nice too.

The AAC doesnt help our image one but either.