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There is no doubt it would help him to make a splash on the road to open things up. He's a good guy. I'd like to see him catch a few breaks.

Even if we lose to the MAC schools this year, it will not seal a nail in Coach Fickell's coffin. A couple facts:

- We can't afford a buyout (we owe him $8-9M)
- He still has a great reputation across the state and Denbrock and Guidugli is tearing up recruiting in Illinois. We'll still recruit well.
- With 51 redshirt/true freshmen and 21 sophomores, UC has the 3rd youngest team in the country. We could tank again this year but there is still reason for us to turn things around in the next year or two.

Another 4-8 season (or worse) may result in pissing off some of the casual fan base, but quite frankly those fans will be back once UC starts winning again whether it is this year or the year following.

(08-17-2018 10:26 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  Even if we lose to the MAC schools this year, it will not seal a nail in Coach Fickell's coffin. A couple facts:

- We can't afford a buyout (we owe him $8-9M)
- He still has a great reputation across the state and Denbrock and Guidugli is tearing up recruiting in Illinois. We'll still recruit well.
- With 51 redshirt/true freshmen and 21 sophomores, UC has the 3rd youngest team in the country. We could tank again this year but there is still reason for us to turn things around in the next year or two.

Another 4-8 season (or worse) may result in pissing off some of the casual fan base, but quite frankly those fans will be back once UC starts winning again whether it is this year or the year following.

Great points Clifton!

(08-17-2018 09:31 AM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(08-17-2018 08:31 AM)Ragpicker Wrote:  The two games that will set the tone for this year and CLF, and probably determine if a bowl game is realistic is the Miami and Ohio U games. And yes, I know the Bobcats are a strong team. But both games are musts. He simply cant lose to two MAC schools with both being de facto home games.

I hate to use the word "must win" for a coach in only his second year at the helm for a program not called Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Clemson, etc. I agree that from a perception and momentum standpoint you want to beat other teams in Ohio and in particular in the same geographic region. But let me pose this Rag...what if the Cats get off to a slow start and lose one or both of these games but get hot in the latter part of the schedule and beat some quality teams in our conference? Do these initial "Ohio" games mean as much? I guess what I'm saying is should we as fans be most concerned with CLF's "body of work" for the entire season? If we finish 6-6 and qualify for a toilet bowl does it matter in the end how we got there? Honestly, in the prediction thread I picked the Cats to win both "Ohio" games. I know Miami should'a, could'a last year but I believe we are better on every side of the ball including our coaching and familiarity with schemes and personnel this year and until the Hawks and Ohio prove they can beat us....I think an eye opening/momentum buildling game ripe for the taking is the homer against Navy. We won't get torched on DEE like last year and we will be better prepared to handle their triple option IMO. In any event, maybe I'm in the minority but I will withhold final judgement until the season ends. Again, I'm a glass half full kind of guy and if we blow this season like a winter gale across the flat, wide open farm fields of northwest Ohio then I'll be the first guy on here to raise my hand to say I was wrong.

Good point and counterpoint. Every year in college football we see teams with head scratching losses early only to see them come together over 11 more games and go bowling. I do agree with Rag if his contention is that our fan base is fickle and early losses in this town lead to empty seats mid to late season in Nippert. A cold, half empty Nippert in November won't energize the team on the field. Winning early should mean better crowds in November, especially if the team is contending for or has clinched bowl eligibility.

(08-17-2018 10:40 AM)OKIcat Wrote:  

(08-17-2018 09:31 AM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(08-17-2018 08:31 AM)Ragpicker Wrote:  The two games that will set the tone for this year and CLF, and probably determine if a bowl game is realistic is the Miami and Ohio U games. And yes, I know the Bobcats are a strong team. But both games are musts. He simply cant lose to two MAC schools with both being de facto home games.

I hate to use the word "must win" for a coach in only his second year at the helm for a program not called Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Clemson, etc. I agree that from a perception and momentum standpoint you want to beat other teams in Ohio and in particular in the same geographic region. But let me pose this Rag...what if the Cats get off to a slow start and lose one or both of these games but get hot in the latter part of the schedule and beat some quality teams in our conference? Do these initial "Ohio" games mean as much? I guess what I'm saying is should we as fans be most concerned with CLF's "body of work" for the entire season? If we finish 6-6 and qualify for a toilet bowl does it matter in the end how we got there? Honestly, in the prediction thread I picked the Cats to win both "Ohio" games. I know Miami should'a, could'a last year but I believe we are better on every side of the ball including our coaching and familiarity with schemes and personnel this year and until the Hawks and Ohio prove they can beat us....I think an eye opening/momentum buildling game ripe for the taking is the homer against Navy. We won't get torched on DEE like last year and we will be better prepared to handle their triple option IMO. In any event, maybe I'm in the minority but I will withhold final judgement until the season ends. Again, I'm a glass half full kind of guy and if we blow this season like a winter gale across the flat, wide open farm fields of northwest Ohio then I'll be the first guy on here to raise my hand to say I was wrong.

Good point and counterpoint. Every year in college football we see teams with head scratching losses early only to see them come together over 11 more games and go bowling. I do agree with Rag if his contention is that our fan base is fickle and early losses in this town lead to empty seats mid to late season in Nippert. A cold, half empty Nippert in November won't energize the team on the field. Winning early should mean better crowds in November, especially if the team is contending for or has clinched bowl eligibility.

And that is the crux of the issue. I won't ask why because it's too rhetorical...

Pfft.. even if we beat those teams history has shown we will still empty seats in mid to late season. The 2011 team went 11-2 and we had about 25,000 people on a sunny, 68 degree day game against UConn on Senior Day.

(08-17-2018 10:49 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  Pfft.. even if we beat those teams history has shown we will still empty seats in mid to late season. The 2011 team went 11-2 and we had about 25,000 people on a sunny, 68 degree day game against UConn on Senior Day.

So how can this ever change - especially after the renovations/upgrades to Nippert?

(08-16-2018 06:39 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  From his twittersphere:

Quote:Paul DaughertyVerified account
@EnquirerDoc
I have been a sports columnist at the Cincinnati Enquirer since 1994. I provoke honestly and always have the backs of the fans

PDik

==============================================
Keep Daugherty away from UC Sports.. We don't need one of his articles filled with nasty, snarky comments.. He is not a friend or even fair toward UC...

(08-17-2018 10:56 AM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(08-17-2018 10:49 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  Pfft.. even if we beat those teams history has shown we will still empty seats in mid to late season. The 2011 team went 11-2 and we had about 25,000 people on a sunny, 68 degree day game against UConn on Senior Day.

So how can this ever change - especially after the renovations/upgrades to Nippert?

1. Start winning again... a lot...consistently.
2. Playing meaningful games in November; specifically, conference championships on the line.
3. Playing more meaningful games in a P5 conference. If an Oklahoma or Clemson was visiting Nippert in November...heck even a Kansas State or Duke, and UC was in the hunt: instant sellout.

We've come a long way but I agree with CliftonAve, late season attendance is a real downer after witnessing our early season atmosphere for sellouts in the not too distant past.

Solid progress. But we're not yet where we want/need to be.

(08-17-2018 10:49 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  Pfft.. even if we beat those teams history has shown we will still empty seats in mid to late season. The 2011 team went 11-2 and we had about 25,000 people on a sunny, 68 degree day game against UConn on Senior Day.

Austin Peay - 23,300
Akron - 25,000
NC State - 28,400
UofL - 40,970
WV - 48,100
UCONN - 27,900
Average - 32,200

2011 record : 10 - 3 including win over Vandy in Liberty Bowl.
A good year. 😎

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(08-17-2018 03:09 PM)Bearcatdh58 Wrote:  

(08-17-2018 10:49 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  Pfft.. even if we beat those teams history has shown we will still empty seats in mid to late season. The 2011 team went 11-2 and we had about 25,000 people on a sunny, 68 degree day game against UConn on Senior Day.

Austin Peay - 23,300
Akron - 25,000
NC State - 28,400
UofL - 40,970
WV - 48,100
UCONN - 27,900
Average - 32,200

2011 record : 10 - 3 including win over Vandy in Liberty Bowl.
A good year. 😎

Sent from my Moto E (4) Plus using CSNbbs mobile app

9 - 3 before the bowl game.

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(08-17-2018 03:11 PM)Bearcatdh58 Wrote:  

(08-17-2018 03:09 PM)Bearcatdh58 Wrote:  

(08-17-2018 10:49 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  Pfft.. even if we beat those teams history has shown we will still empty seats in mid to late season. The 2011 team went 11-2 and we had about 25,000 people on a sunny, 68 degree day game against UConn on Senior Day.

Austin Peay - 23,300
Akron - 25,000
NC State - 28,400
UofL - 40,970
WV - 48,100
UCONN - 27,900
Average - 32,200

2011 record : 10 - 3 including win over Vandy in Liberty Bowl.
A good year. ?

Sent from my Moto E (4) Plus using CSNbbs mobile app

9 - 3 before the bowl game.

Sent from my Moto E (4) Plus using CSNbbs mobile app

That's one of the problems with our fan base: 9-3 is a good year but most of the people who call themselves UC fans act like that type of season is pedestrian. How many times has this university seen 9-3 or better? How many teams each year go 9-3 or better? Why does record even matter- why can't just be fans and show up to games. There are only 6-7 home games in any given year. Its a short season-- let's enjoy.

(08-17-2018 03:18 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  

(08-17-2018 03:11 PM)Bearcatdh58 Wrote:  

(08-17-2018 03:09 PM)Bearcatdh58 Wrote:  

(08-17-2018 10:49 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  Pfft.. even if we beat those teams history has shown we will still empty seats in mid to late season. The 2011 team went 11-2 and we had about 25,000 people on a sunny, 68 degree day game against UConn on Senior Day.

Austin Peay - 23,300
Akron - 25,000
NC State - 28,400
UofL - 40,970
WV - 48,100
UCONN - 27,900
Average - 32,200

2011 record : 10 - 3 including win over Vandy in Liberty Bowl.
A good year. ?

Sent from my Moto E (4) Plus using CSNbbs mobile app

9 - 3 before the bowl game.

Sent from my Moto E (4) Plus using CSNbbs mobile app

That's one of the problems with our fan base: 9-3 is a good year but most of the people who call themselves UC fans act like that type of season is pedestrian. How many times has this university seen 9-3 or better? How many teams each year go 9-3 or better? Why does record even matter- why can't just be fans and show up to games. There are only 6-7 home games in any given year. Its a short season-- let's enjoy.

I for one like to see the program in contention for a division and league championship each year. A program that is usually in the mix.
By the way, last year's attendance for a 4 - 8 team averaged 28,800.
The last two home games with Temple and UConn averaged 23,000. The previous 4 games averaged 31,000. 😎

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(08-17-2018 03:18 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  That's one of the problems with our fan base: 9-3 is a good year but most of the people who call themselves UC fans act like that type of season is pedestrian. How many times has this university seen 9-3 or better? How many teams each year go 9-3 or better? Why does record even matter- why can't just be fans and show up to games. There are only 6-7 home games in any given year. Its a short season-- let's enjoy.

Now we're getting somewhere. See, it's the Paul Dik Syndrome! Who cares, right? Could it be fans in the burbs don't want to travel to the urban core? Are they intimidated? Unfamiliar places? Do any of the bars surrounding campus throw a pregame party? What was the one in CowTown - Heiney Gate? I got it - freegin' get an Octoberfest or micro brew pregame event during some home games and that will bring folks out! Ribs? Adrifrigginaticos. How about early bird free parking? Incentives for more students to attend? Senior Citizen/Retirees busing and direct drop off/pick up service. Veterans? See Rag - marketing/advertising/sponsorships!

(08-17-2018 03:44 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(08-17-2018 03:18 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  That's one of the problems with our fan base: 9-3 is a good year but most of the people who call themselves UC fans act like that type of season is pedestrian. How many times has this university seen 9-3 or better? How many teams each year go 9-3 or better? Why does record even matter- why can't just be fans and show up to games. There are only 6-7 home games in any given year. Its a short season-- let's enjoy.

Now we're getting somewhere. See, it's the Paul Dik Syndrome! Who cares, right? Could it be fans in the burbs don't want to travel to the urban core? Are they intimidated? Unfamiliar places? Do any of the bars surrounding campus throw a pregame party? What was the one in CowTown - Heiney Gate? I got it - freegin' get an Octoberfest or micro brew pregame event during some home games and that will bring folks out! Ribs? Adrifrigginaticos. How about early bird free parking? Incentives for more students to attend? Senior Citizen/Retirees busing and direct drop off/pick up service. Veterans? See Rag - marketing/advertising/sponsorships!

Based on FC Cincinnati's attendance figures, the argument suburban fans don't want to travel to Clifton no longer holds water IMO.

Hineygate in CTown...

(08-17-2018 03:50 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  

(08-17-2018 03:44 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(08-17-2018 03:18 PM)CliftonAve Wrote:  That's one of the problems with our fan base: 9-3 is a good year but most of the people who call themselves UC fans act like that type of season is pedestrian. How many times has this university seen 9-3 or better? How many teams each year go 9-3 or better? Why does record even matter- why can't just be fans and show up to games. There are only 6-7 home games in any given year. Its a short season-- let's enjoy.

Now we're getting somewhere. See, it's the Paul Dik Syndrome! Who cares, right? Could it be fans in the burbs don't want to travel to the urban core? Are they intimidated? Unfamiliar places? Do any of the bars surrounding campus throw a pregame party? What was the one in CowTown - Heiney Gate? I got it - freegin' get an Octoberfest or micro brew pregame event during some home games and that will bring folks out! Ribs? Adrifrigginaticos. How about early bird free parking? Incentives for more students to attend? Senior Citizen/Retirees busing and direct drop off/pick up service. Veterans? See Rag - marketing/advertising/sponsorships!

Based on FC Cincinnati's attendance figures, the argument suburban fans don't want to travel to Clifton no longer holds water IMO.

I'm just spitballin' but is professional soccer a unique niche that more folks are willing to travel to see compared to our beloved football Cats? Or, is high school football where burb folks are spending their time and energy? Again, I don't live there so I'm in the dark on this.

Could the folks in the Marketing And Fan Development Division of the Athletic Department use some "suggestions" to build marketing/advertising partnerships to bring more folks out and students? Here they are straight from the gobearcats web page:


Brittany Booth
TITLE: Associate AD/Marketing & Branding
EMAIL: brittany.booth@uc.edu
PHONE: 513-556-0838


Luke Willman
TITLE: Assistant AD/Marketing & Branding
EMAIL: luke.willman@uc.edu
PHONE: 513-556-1081


Nisha Jaga
TITLE: Director/Marketing & Branding
EMAIL: nisha.jaga@uc.edu
PHONE: 513-556-1052

Deborah Dixon (No Picture)
TITLE: Assistant Director/Marketing & Branding
EMAIL: dixond9@ucmail.uc.edu
PHONE: 513-556-2449


Brad Howard
TITLE Creative Services Director
EMAIL brad.howard@uc.edu
PHONE 513-556-0630

Lots of Folks in UC Athletics Marketing/Fan Development Division

The marketing team just need the Bearcats to win 4 out of the first 5 games and the attendance will be fine. Attendance is not an issue anymore. Just win games, compete for a divisional championship and all is fine.

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Who? I found his stories boring and tries to hard to be provocative without being smart. Barely read him when I did get the paper many years ago.

I didn't have much respect, but I know a few people who worked at the Enquirer and they said he would sit on his butt at home to "cover" the Masters. Could be bothered to even cover that in person...and you are a sports writer?!

I don't care, and I definitely wont click the link. Just go away with the Enquirer, no one cares.