"The Clash" breaks even

[TG1996]

http://bgsufalcons.cstv.com/sports/m-fo ... 06aaf.html

I like a lot of what Greg Christopher has to say. While the trip to Cleveland wasn't a windfall for us immediately, it didn't hurt anything (or at least not too bad) and the long-term effects of bringing BGSU to a large alumni base in NE Ohio could prove to be immeasurable.

I like some of his theories on future scheduling, too. While much of it may be idealistic, it doesn't hurt to reach for the stars. Get 2 BCS teams and 2 non-BCS teams on the schedule, trying to do one of each at home, hopefully, and good things can fall into place from there.

A question I did have, however, is about the games already scheduled for the future. The article seems to allude to a game at Pittsburgh next year, yet nationalchamps.net (taking them with a grain of salt, of course) lists it in 2008. Selfishly, I'm hoping for the latter ('08), as that would make for a good road trip while scoring points with the future Mrs. TG in the process with a side trip to Fallingwater south of Pittsburgh.

[Schadenfreude]

It's interesting to see the numbers. I've never seen those $150,000 guarantees mentioned, that I recall.

While I see Christopher is not saying we wouldn't play in Cleveland ever again... on the other hand, he's kind of implying it (and I'm a little disappointed).

A "home run type situation" is tough to imagine without Ohio State. I can't see Michigan ever agreeing to play us at Ohio Stadium. Penn State is almost as difficult to imagine (the Lions have played Temple in Philadelphia on more than one occasion).

The one other Big Ten team I've thought could make sense in Cleveland from our point of view is Michigan State. I would guess they might -- might -- come down in bigger numbers than the Badgers brought. So that means maybe, instead of breaking even, we make a little bit of money.

But, supposedly, Toledo has been begging them for years to play at Ford Field, and they haven't gone for it. Much better for them to bring Idaho into Spartan Stadium and be done with it, I guess.

Money aside, it was a hell of a time, Sitting there in the stands, it sure felt like a success.

[Warthog]

About the Pittsburgh game, it is also not listed in the weekly press notes. It only shows the FIU and Boise games for next year in the 'Fututre Schedules' section. But if the AD says we are playing Pittsburgh, I would bet that it is gonna happen.

I think the whole Big Ten-MAC issue that Christopher mentions is huge. And I mean in regard to the entire landscape of college football. First off, the NCAA forces this 12 game schedule on everyone. Then it allows teams with 6-6 records eligible for bowl games. Since the big boys need more games, the MAC schools raise their price to come take a beating. The Big Ten doesn't want to pay so they can go ahead and schedule Eastern Washington or Portland St or Maryland-Eastern Shore at a much cheaper price and it a guaranteed win. And gets them one step colser to being bowl-eligible and a big payout. Why would they ever pick playing a MAC team when A) there is a chance they could lose, and B) it costs more money? It's like the NCAA and the Big Ten are stacking the deck against us.

[cbjhack]

Interesting quotes and I agree with his contention about some MAC AD's getting gready.

One thought I have had for some time is for Ohio State to play each of the Ohio schools in either Cleveland Browns Stadium or Paul Brown Stadium. Rotate a different stadium each year by playing BG, UT, KSU, UA in Cleveland, and then Miami, UC, and OU, along with possibly Marshall or a school like Kentucky in Cinci. It would not only serve the Ohio schools well from a finanical standpoint, but it would also serve OSU well from a recruiting standpoint for athletes and non-athletes alike.

I think if OSU and UT have a good game in Cleveland in a few years, it will happen more frequently.

Of course, when you have $300 million in debt on a renovated stadium to pay off and you can not only make more money for yourself, but also your opponent, what incentive is there to leave your 100,000 seat stadium for the 70,000 seat stadium two hours away? Other than doing it as a courtesy. About the only way it would happen is if Lerner or Mike Brown get involved and offer a deal that would make OSU jump to the offer. Like perhaps moving one of the Browns-Bengals games to Columbus. Add a few beer portables so you can sell beer, and you have a match made in heaven for all involved.

[Falconfreak90]

Good stuff from AD Christopher. I like the following quotes...

"I want more home games here. I want to play at least five and if we can swing it financially, six home games every year." Of the four non-Mid-American Conference games each year, Christopher wants to play two teams from non-BCS conferences and two from BCS conferences.

"I would like to think that would position you going into the Mid-American Conference schedule, having some level of success as far as wins and losses, to put yourself in a position to go to a bowl game," Christopher said, adding he would be involved in scheduling of games.

I like this guy's thinking. I still feel the game vs Wisky at CBS was a blast and would love to see us there again some time.

GO FALCONS!!

[The Niz]

I didn't have much time to go through the article very thoroughly; was there any mention on how the city of Cleveland profited from our visit? I know for a fact the Rock Hall had an explosive day on that Saturday! It'd be interesting to know how the city made out from our little excursion, if they did quite well who knows, maybe we may even be asked to return...

[Bleeding Orange]

I know I did my part with my bar tabs!

[BGDrew]

I know I did my part with my bar tabs!

I supported a Giant Eagle with my 4 case purchase.