You'll hear every excuse known to man.
1. It's raining.
2. It's cold.
3. It's cold and rainy.
4. It's a church night.
5. There's some high school game playing in Wheeling, WV.
6. Doc Holiday's holster is too tight.
7. Louisiana Tech didn't bring enough fans.
8. Students only sold out their sections and refused to sit anywhere else.
9. People are still tailgating in the West Lot.
10. Game is too early.
11. Game is too late.
12. I thought the game was yesterday.
13. I thought the game was tomorrow.
14. I couldn't find a free ticket.
15. Tickets were too expensive.

Etc.... Etc... Etc...

From what I'm hearing it's only going to be in the 20,000s. Lower end. Pretty damn sad for a supposedly strong fanbase. You won't hear me slam my alma mater very often as I support MU through thick and thin and will be there tomorrow cheering us on to our first CUSA Championship. I just hope and pray that many more decide to as well.

The Joan can get 40,000 in it...

(12-05-2014 10:24 PM)MU ATO Wrote:  You'll hear every excuse known to man.
1. It's raining.
2. It's cold.
3. It's cold and rainy.
4. It's a church night.
5. There's some high school game playing in Wheeling, WV.
6. Doc Holiday's holster is too tight.
7. Louisiana Tech didn't bring enough fans.
8. Students only sold out their sections and refused to sit anywhere else.
9. People are still tailgating in the West Lot.
10. Game is too early.
11. Game is too late.
12. I thought the game was yesterday.
13. I thought the game was tomorrow.
14. I couldn't find a free ticket.
15. Tickets were too expensive.

Etc.... Etc... Etc...

From what I'm hearing it's only going to be in the 20,000s. Lower end. Pretty damn sad for a supposedly strong fanbase. You won't hear me slam my alma mater very often as I support MU through thick and thin and will be there tomorrow cheering us on to our first CUSA Championship. I just hope and pray that many more decide to as well.

The Joan can get 40,000 in it...

No hunting going on there this weekend? That's a great excuse this time of year.

I loved what the fake Rakeem Cato said on Twitter about this. It went something to the effect of...

"We have fans talking about whether they are going to a championship game or not when UAB fans will never see their team play again."

Pretty strong for a Twitter account dedicated to jokes.

How long did it take after the 1970 tragedy for fans to stop appreciating the team again? I want to know how long we have to enjoy the passion after we win and get our football program back.

(12-05-2014 10:24 PM)MU ATO Wrote:  You'll hear every excuse known to man.
1. It's raining.
2. It's cold.
3. It's cold and rainy.
4. It's a church night.
5. There's some high school game playing in Wheeling, WV.
6. Doc Holiday's holster is too tight.
7. Louisiana Tech didn't bring enough fans.
8. Students only sold out their sections and refused to sit anywhere else.
9. People are still tailgating in the West Lot.
10. Game is too early.
11. Game is too late.
12. I thought the game was yesterday.
13. I thought the game was tomorrow.
14. I couldn't find a free ticket.
15. Tickets were too expensive.

Etc.... Etc... Etc...

From what I'm hearing it's only going to be in the 20,000s. Lower end. Pretty damn sad for a supposedly strong fanbase. You won't hear me slam my alma mater very often as I support MU through thick and thin and will be there tomorrow cheering us on to our first CUSA Championship. I just hope and pray that many more decide to as well.

The Joan can get 40,000 in it...

I think the crowd will be decent but definitely not as good as it could have been with decent weather. That being said, you have to consider that in any given game half the crowd is made up of women and children. The simple fact is that most women and young children are not going to go out in cold driving rain with 15-20 mph winds. Will I be there?....yes. Will my wife and my you children be there? No. As much as I would want them there with me, I'd rather my kids stay home and watch the game over taking a chance on being miserable or getting really sick.

(12-06-2014 12:05 AM)MUHERD76 Wrote:  

(12-05-2014 10:24 PM)MU ATO Wrote:  You'll hear every excuse known to man.
1. It's raining.
2. It's cold.
3. It's cold and rainy.
4. It's a church night.
5. There's some high school game playing in Wheeling, WV.
6. Doc Holiday's holster is too tight.
7. Louisiana Tech didn't bring enough fans.
8. Students only sold out their sections and refused to sit anywhere else.
9. People are still tailgating in the West Lot.
10. Game is too early.
11. Game is too late.
12. I thought the game was yesterday.
13. I thought the game was tomorrow.
14. I couldn't find a free ticket.
15. Tickets were too expensive.

Etc.... Etc... Etc...

From what I'm hearing it's only going to be in the 20,000s. Lower end. Pretty damn sad for a supposedly strong fanbase. You won't hear me slam my alma mater very often as I support MU through thick and thin and will be there tomorrow cheering us on to our first CUSA Championship. I just hope and pray that many more decide to as well.

The Joan can get 40,000 in it...

I think the crowd will be decent but definitely not as good as it could have been with decent weather. That being said, you have to consider that in any given game half the crowd is made up of women and children. The simple fact is that most women and young children are not going to go out in cold driving rain with 15-20 mph winds. Will I be there?....yes. Will my wife and my you children be there? No. As much as I would want them there with me, I'd rather my kids stay home and watch the game over taking a chance on being miserable or getting really sick.

got your flu shots?

How about these excuses?

* I have to work. I'm in retail and can't get a Saturday off this time of year. Shockingly, I wasn't able to catch the game last Friday either.

* I can't afford to make it. Due to an unfortunate $1600 in surprise expenses in October/November, I'm currently trying to figure out how to supply an adequate Christmas for my two children for around $100. I'd have a very difficult time justifying spending nearly that same amount for what, in the end, amounts to a 3-4 hour window of entertainment.

...but I suppose all of that makes me a lesser fan.

Don't get me wrong...I love my Herd, as I have for more than 20 years. But family and other real life issues will take precedence every time.

I don't think he's talking about people like you EdM, but those who are perfectly capable of coming, but choose not to.


I saw the AD call out the fans on Twitter about this.

(12-06-2014 02:31 AM)EagNBran Wrote:  I don't think he's talking about people like you EdM, but those who are perfectly capable of coming, but choose not to.


I saw the AD call out the fans on Twitter about this.

I'm sure you're correct, but I get tired of the attendance trash talk at all levels. I hear all the pot shots taken at fans for not making it to the games, and rightfully or not, I take those personally. When I didn't have the financial burdens that I have now, I made it to almost every game I could. It makes me wonder how many are out there in situations like mine. Should I spend $80-$100 to go to a football game? Or should I pay for nearly a week of groceries? My point is that maybe people actually have perfectly legitimate reasons to miss games...even the big games. In my case, no matter how much I want to go, I simply can't justify spending that kind of money when there are so many more important issues that need addressed. Its the same reason I don't buy a $15 book at Books a Million, or a $60 game for the Xbox, or a $10 meal at Chipotle (random examples, I know). My wants, even Herd sports, simply aren't as important.

We all face our difficulties. Marshall is in one of the poorest states in the entire country, and people really have to fight to make ends meet, and like it or not, it hampers the school's ability to put butts in the seats. It just frustrates me to hear people trumpet their ability to attend every game as if it makes them superior. I would love to have that gift. Unfortunately, we're not all so blessed.

Word on the street is we have only sold around 18000 tickets! Better hope for a huge walk up crowd!

Ed, what if someone gives you free tickets? Then would you go today?

At the moment (8:27 on Saturday morning) it is absolutely nasty here. It's been cloudy and raining for literally 7 days straight. We have, no lie, not seen the sun in 7 days. There'll be steady rain up to and through the game as the temperature drops throughout the day (starting now). It's nothing but a gray foggy cold rainy mess here right now. Unlike other places, in Huntington, it can stay like this (steady rain) for days.

There wouldn't be a big turn out with weather like this anywhere, not P5s not the NFL - no where. It's just nasty here. Don't blame people (especially with kids - some of you need to think about that - before bashing your fellow Marshall fans) for staying home.

(12-06-2014 08:26 AM)herdftblfan1 Wrote:  Ed, what if someone gives you free tickets? Then would you go today?

I know this wasn't directed at me. I'm a huge Marshall fan, but with two small kids (under 4) I would not go for 4 free tickets and 75 spending money. Seriously it's just that nasty right now. Would consider it if I didn't have kids.

(12-06-2014 12:05 AM)MUHERD76 Wrote:  

(12-05-2014 10:24 PM)MU ATO Wrote:  You'll hear every excuse known to man.
1. It's raining.
2. It's cold.
3. It's cold and rainy.
4. It's a church night.
5. There's some high school game playing in Wheeling, WV.
6. Doc Holiday's holster is too tight.
7. Louisiana Tech didn't bring enough fans.
8. Students only sold out their sections and refused to sit anywhere else.
9. People are still tailgating in the West Lot.
10. Game is too early.
11. Game is too late.
12. I thought the game was yesterday.
13. I thought the game was tomorrow.
14. I couldn't find a free ticket.
15. Tickets were too expensive.

Etc.... Etc... Etc...

From what I'm hearing it's only going to be in the 20,000s. Lower end. Pretty damn sad for a supposedly strong fanbase. You won't hear me slam my alma mater very often as I support MU through thick and thin and will be there tomorrow cheering us on to our first CUSA Championship. I just hope and pray that many more decide to as well.

The Joan can get 40,000 in it...

I think the crowd will be decent but definitely not as good as it could have been with decent weather. That being said, you have to consider that in any given game half the crowd is made up of women and children. The simple fact is that most women and young children are not going to go out in cold driving rain with 15-20 mph winds. Will I be there?....yes. Will my wife and my you children be there? No. As much as I would want them there with me, I'd rather my kids stay home and watch the game over taking a chance on being miserable or getting really sick.

You didn't even mention the worst possible outcome: that moment in the third quarter where your wife gives you that look that says "I've had enough. Either we're leaving now, or you're walking home."

And you, being the dedicated fan that you are, hang your head and hand her the keys. That walk home is going to suck. Best to just nip that in the bud and leave the family at home.

(12-06-2014 08:26 AM)herdftblfan1 Wrote:  Ed, what if someone gives you free tickets? Then would you go today?

I bet he would if you could get his employer let someone else work for him and he still get paid. I sounds like one of the obstacles to his attending is work. Free tickets won't help that.

(12-05-2014 10:24 PM)MU ATO Wrote:  You'll hear every excuse known to man.
1. It's raining.
2. It's cold.
3. It's cold and rainy.
4. It's a church night.
5. There's some high school game playing in Wheeling, WV.
6. Doc Holiday's holster is too tight.
7. Louisiana Tech didn't bring enough fans.
8. Students only sold out their sections and refused to sit anywhere else.
9. People are still tailgating in the West Lot.
10. Game is too early.
11. Game is too late.
12. I thought the game was yesterday.
13. I thought the game was tomorrow.
14. I couldn't find a free ticket.
15. Tickets were too expensive.

Etc.... Etc... Etc...

From what I'm hearing it's only going to be in the 20,000s. Lower end. Pretty damn sad for a supposedly strong fanbase. You won't hear me slam my alma mater very often as I support MU through thick and thin and will be there tomorrow cheering us on to our first CUSA Championship. I just hope and pray that many more decide to as well.

The Joan can get 40,000 in it...

You're not going to get old people to sit in the cold rain to watch a game ever, especially if it's on TV. That's probably 5,000 season ticket holders not going to the game. Throw in Charleston v. So. Charleston in the State HS Football championship and you lose a lot of families whose kids go to those school choosing that game over CUSA championship that's probably a couple thousand more and completely understandable. Most people put their kids first.

(12-06-2014 08:36 AM)49erlew Wrote:  

(12-06-2014 12:05 AM)MUHERD76 Wrote:  

(12-05-2014 10:24 PM)MU ATO Wrote:  You'll hear every excuse known to man.
1. It's raining.
2. It's cold.
3. It's cold and rainy.
4. It's a church night.
5. There's some high school game playing in Wheeling, WV.
6. Doc Holiday's holster is too tight.
7. Louisiana Tech didn't bring enough fans.
8. Students only sold out their sections and refused to sit anywhere else.
9. People are still tailgating in the West Lot.
10. Game is too early.
11. Game is too late.
12. I thought the game was yesterday.
13. I thought the game was tomorrow.
14. I couldn't find a free ticket.
15. Tickets were too expensive.

Etc.... Etc... Etc...

From what I'm hearing it's only going to be in the 20,000s. Lower end. Pretty damn sad for a supposedly strong fanbase. You won't hear me slam my alma mater very often as I support MU through thick and thin and will be there tomorrow cheering us on to our first CUSA Championship. I just hope and pray that many more decide to as well.

The Joan can get 40,000 in it...

I think the crowd will be decent but definitely not as good as it could have been with decent weather. That being said, you have to consider that in any given game half the crowd is made up of women and children. The simple fact is that most women and young children are not going to go out in cold driving rain with 15-20 mph winds. Will I be there?....yes. Will my wife and my you children be there? No. As much as I would want them there with me, I'd rather my kids stay home and watch the game over taking a chance on being miserable or getting really sick.

You didn't even mention the worst possible outcome: that moment in the third quarter where your wife gives you that look that says "I've had enough. Either we're leaving now, or you're walking home."

And you, being the dedicated fan that you are, hang your head and hand her the keys. That walk home is going to suck. Best to just nip that in the bud and leave the family at home.

When I had Marshall Football Season Tix I sat behind a couple and the wife did that at every game. End of third quarter she looked at her boyfriend/husband and said it's time to leave. He left every time.

(12-06-2014 12:05 AM)MUHERD76 Wrote:  

(12-05-2014 10:24 PM)MU ATO Wrote:  You'll hear every excuse known to man.
1. It's raining.
2. It's cold.
3. It's cold and rainy.
4. It's a church night.
5. There's some high school game playing in Wheeling, WV.
6. Doc Holiday's holster is too tight.
7. Louisiana Tech didn't bring enough fans.
8. Students only sold out their sections and refused to sit anywhere else.
9. People are still tailgating in the West Lot.
10. Game is too early.
11. Game is too late.
12. I thought the game was yesterday.
13. I thought the game was tomorrow.
14. I couldn't find a free ticket.
15. Tickets were too expensive.

Etc.... Etc... Etc...

From what I'm hearing it's only going to be in the 20,000s. Lower end. Pretty damn sad for a supposedly strong fanbase. You won't hear me slam my alma mater very often as I support MU through thick and thin and will be there tomorrow cheering us on to our first CUSA Championship. I just hope and pray that many more decide to as well.

The Joan can get 40,000 in it...

I think the crowd will be decent but definitely not as good as it could have been with decent weather. That being said, you have to consider that in any given game half the crowd is made up of women and children. The simple fact is that most women and young children are not going to go out in cold driving rain with 15-20 mph winds. Will I be there?....yes. Will my wife and my you children be there? No. As much as I would want them there with me, I'd rather my kids stay home and watch the game over taking a chance on being miserable or getting really sick.

Having season tix and a wife and kids, this is so correct.

I got a suggestion for you guys. Stop giving an airborne intercourse about the attendance today. Everybody knows you would have a great crowd if the weather wasn't so bad.

You have a great team, had a great season and carried the conference all year and gave us something to be proud of. Go out or sit in front of the tube and enjoy your first chance at an outright CUSA title. Win today and you can play a B10 school in a bowl game and with a chance to finish the season ranked. That's all that matters, if you win this will be a great day for Marshall regardless of what the stands look like.

We have been given a dose if humble pie the last three years. Some people just do not realize how good they have it. Marshall has been much worse off that us before with their awful tragedy and should appreciate an opportunity as this. What do I know, however....

I was offering to buy the guy tickets if that helps get him there. I would do that for most anyone. Giving you 75 dollars in spending money, though, as well? No. To me that's taking advantage of someone. Four tickets cost about 150 bucks.