(09-14-2019 12:45 PM)AllTideUp Wrote: Competing with an in-state program is never in the interest of a major program. The only exception is when the in-state program has achieved parity then it doesn't really matter.
It's a matter of resources. If a school like Arkansas scheduled Arkansas State then that's money, time, and attention that goes to a competitor.
Within a single state, all the schools are competing for a share of the same resource pie. It's one thing to write a check or provide some exposure to a program from another state. It's another to do the same for a program that relies on the same financial base.
There are obviously caveats to that economic dynamic, but in general, that's an applicable principle.
Ancient thinking.
First the limited resource pie? Oddly AState and UArk each announced record athletic fund-raising years, in the same year, in consecutive seasons. The guy donating to AState probably isn't donating to UArk no matter what.
What happens if Arkansas State defeats Arkansas?
The Red Wolves aren't going to win recruiting battles vs. Arkansas. They are STILL in the SEC, they are STILL getting better TV exposure, they are STILL playing in front of the larger crowds. They STILL have better bowl access.
Some years ago AState and UArk met in the women's NIT. The Red Wolves bid big and got home court, they sold out the 10,000 seat arena and routed the Lady 'Backs and the two schools went head-to-head on three in-state recruits after the game and Arkansas signed all three on the heels of the rout.
I doubt UALR is going to beat Arkansas for any baseball recruit despite the Trojans romping to a 10 run win at Arkansas.
If you are a coach or AD the only downside is fans are much more likely to demand accountability.
When Arkansas lost to ULM (who finished in a three way tie for second in the Sun Belt) and to a 3-9 Colorado State the spin was "it's their Super Bowl" "We can't get up for those games because we've got the SEC facing us".
Lose to an SEC cellar dweller "Life is tough in conference play".
Fans generally accept it and move on unless it really piles up.
Meanwhile AState loses to Central Arkansas and boosters want so $%&(# answers to what is happening to make sure that doesn't happen again. Those same people barely noticed a much worse performance the week before because it was against a MWC team.
No G5 is beating a P5 for fans or recruits or TV exposure or bowl access as the result of an in-state win over the P5.
But yeah AD's and coaches have a lot harder time brushing off those loses and face greater accountability and who REALLY wants more accountability?