<a href='http://www.collegefootballnews.com/mac/2004_Previews/Central_Michigan_Preview.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.collegefootballnews.com/mac/200...gan_Preview.htm</a>
Thanks! I just posted a link on the CMU sites, also. I generally agree with the analysis, although I think CMU has a little more depth than is suggested. Agree at least five wins is a success, although I'm greedy (starved?) enough to want at least six.
One item of note for MAC QBs: James King will be rushing the passer a lot more this season. :monty:
Isn't it interesting that there is no mention of the November 6th game being played at Ford Field. Who is not doing their job?
The Ford Field development was pretty recent and I think only in the local media, so it may have been overlooked. Either way, it's technically a road game for CMU.
That's the point, I think there is a chance that this game could be overlooked, and this is the first venture by the MAC ( The plan of playing in NFL Stadiums to bolster attendance ), in what could be a great devise to ward off the attempt by the NCAA to reduce the status of the Conference by implementing the 15,000 avg.attendance rule. My question: What can other member schools do to make this and other games, such as the Patriot games a success? Is it unreasonable to ask state member schools to work together to donate some money or time to arrange for underprivileged youths to attend these games? Does anyone have any ideas that could be useful to help make the games profitable and perpetual?
Well, the local media (Detroit area) have printed stories about the game already, which should help. I'm hoping also that the ticket prices aren't too inflated. I think this would be an excellent venue for potential recruits to attend.
As for fans, CMU has an active alumni chapter in SE Michigan, so I think there will be solid interest. I don't know about EMU, but if the Hur...er...Eagles
are having a better season, it would help.
Central Michigan average home attendance for the 2003 season was 13,683. By rescheduling Eastern Michigan at Ford Field for the 2005 season, they could 1) Serve as the home team and gain the spike in attendance, and thus ward off the NCAA wolf at their door. 2) Create a more urgent effort towards making the November 6, 2004 game a success. 3) Work more closely with Eastern Michigan to develop a plan that could jump start good attedance as well as help it to evolve into something special on an annual basis. I have to believe that Commissioner Chryst would be willing and able to lend his support to put a project like this over the top.
Last year was the first year Central Michigan has failed to meet ANY requirement for football membership in Division I and then 1A in 20+ years. And we don't think last year's average home attendance means the NCAA wolf is knocking on the door. We expect our average home attendance to be over 15,000 in 2004. I don't think anyone up here is even spending five seconds worrying about that one. The rumor in the north country is that or AD was offered the opportunity to play a "home" game against EMU at Ford Field and he turned it down. The offer may have been for our 2005 game but I am not sure of that. He is supposed to have said he did not want to deny CMU fans a home game in Kelly/Shorts stadium. If the rumor is true, I support his decision to keep our home games in Mt. Pleasant. But I will admit things can always change. If the 2004 game at Ford Field turns out to be a big success who knows what could happen in 2005.