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Post by brandon on Dec 17, 2023 10:29:50 GMT -6
Great semi game at Montana. The Griz beat NDSU in 2OT. I remember when the Lions played there a few years back. And in Fargo. Would like to get one of the top FCS teams to come here. Maybe once we have a nicer stadium we can invite some of those type teams for a play in play. Crazy typically in the southeast is where you find the best football. Really not the case in FCS at the moment, look at the best the last few years. Think some of the Texas teams can help change that dynamic. Is UNA and UTC ready to make that leap? Cool side note. The stadium at Montana holds 25,000. Today the attendance was 26,544. Would love to see UNA in 2026 pack out the new stadium with 15,000 real UNA fans. Speaking of fans, and I'm sorry I'm getting a little off target... When the stadium is built, after all these years of complaining about Braly from all the fans that used that as an excuse not to show up, how much do we really expect the average attendance to go up between them and more students? There are some pretty big FCS schools that win, and don't have the average we have. If given what people have always said over the years about "If we had an on campus stadium." (Yes I understand it sounds like I'm being an ass hole, but it's a legit question) could we average over 10k? I think if we are winning plus what peaple always have said, we are capable of much higher... This is why I have, and maybe yall should as well, email Looney, Kitts and whomever else you can think of to go ahead and build it 15k+ instead of wasting money buy having to add on too quickly. After talking to my step son about it, the one who attends UNA currently, he said he is sure the student numbers will go up drastically at games. Too bad he will not be a student when it's done though. But I believe 15-18k should be the minimum... don't even waste time with 10k... Get those emails out...
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Post by roaringsince96 on Dec 17, 2023 13:22:11 GMT -6
Agree on the size. Anything built under 15,000 is too small. Think the new stadium will attract some non UNA fans along with some about to be UNA fans. Really need a game day atmosphere.
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Post by roaringsince96 on Jan 7, 2024 16:20:38 GMT -6
Whew Montana had no answers versus South Dakota State. South Dakota State had a couple of guys with the same last name on offense. We will have 3 Fletchers on offense next year….thats one more guy with the same name than South Dakota State. We got this!
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Post by unalions on Jan 8, 2024 10:44:41 GMT -6
I hope our staff was watching. The UAC doesn’t play up to the level of those two schools.
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Post by unafied on Jan 8, 2024 11:25:11 GMT -6
I hope our staff was watching. The UAC doesn’t play up to the level of those two schools. The thing is, I wonder if it's even possible for southern teams to get to that level? The number of players/talent available in the south vs. 20 years ago hasn't changed much, but a player that decides to go to Georgia Southern or Appalachian State is now playing at the FBS level. So guys from Alabama/Georgia/Florida that used to trickle down to a Jacksonville State... don't have to necessarily drop to FCS anymore. I'm not even saying that to be pessimistic, I just feel it's the best explanation for why southern teams are comparatively weaker at the FCS level. Especially now. I will say that, at least with the UAC, you have a group of schools that are almost all committed to having winning programs. That hasn't always been the case in other FCS conferences. Hopefully the rising tide will lift all the boats.
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Post by roaringsince96 on Jan 8, 2024 11:33:48 GMT -6
I hope our staff was watching. The UAC doesn’t play up to the level of those two schools. True statement. I am curious if the transfer portal has had any impact on those schools? We definitely are behind in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Our oline and dline must improve to compete at that level. Recruiting is so hard. Sanford being an established FCS program is located right in football recruiting central for Alabama. Then you have 6 FBS schools in state. Montana, South Sakota schools and North Dakota do not have those obstacles. Yes we are more populated, but not sure we have more opportunity against so many schools. Think we did a solid job in skill players again and hoping for some future line guys to step up and show out once in the program for a couple years.
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Post by unalions on Jan 8, 2024 12:36:00 GMT -6
I agree. The portal and location has really hampered southern FCS teams. It’s happening in D2 now, also. The only reasons a player would transfer from FBS to FCS is to “come home” or get more playing time. Since they don’t have to sit out anymore, those same reasons are valid for transfers to D2 also. No reason for a Janoris Jenkins or Tyreek Hill to transfer to D2 anymore. However, I noticed one of the SDSU linemen was a transfer from Valdosta State. That’s what we need to focus on, honestly. Pulling great players from D2.
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Post by brandon on Jan 8, 2024 15:05:24 GMT -6
I'm probably going to piss some people off... and I don't care.
While some of that is a hindrance, it's not the problem.
I witnessed first hand the difference with a Thanksgiving trip to South Dakota.
The analogy I will use is simple, you can't ride two horses with one ass...
In those very small populated states, their schools are the only schools they give a crap about. They put their (fans, alum, etc.) Put their time and money in those schools. They ain't trying to bandwagon hope for popularity. Meaning, they ain't rooting for SDSU and Missouri.
While in the South, you usually find an alum of say UNA that wants to tell everyone what UNA needs to do, but only spend their money in Tuscaloosa or Auburn.
That's the major problem.
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Post by unalions on Jan 8, 2024 15:25:12 GMT -6
I'm probably going to piss some people off... and I don't care. While some of that is a hindrance, it's not the problem. I witnessed first hand the difference with a Thanksgiving trip to South Dakota. The analogy I will use is simple, you can't ride two horses with one ass... In those very small populated states, their schools are the only schools they give a crap about. They put their (fans, alum, etc.) Put their time and money in those schools. They ain't trying to bandwagon hope for popularity. Meaning, they ain't rooting for SDSU and Missouri. While in the South, you usually find an alum of say UNA that wants to tell everyone what UNA needs to do, but only spend their money in Tuscaloosa or Auburn. That's the major problem. Why would that piss anyone off? That's the reality and has been the major program for any G5, FCS, or D2 school in the South for a long while. South Dakota and SDSU are the biggest programs in their entire state. Same for UND, NDSU and Montana, Montana State, etc. The smaller remote states don't have to deal with FBS powerhouses in their backyard. I don't know of (m)any southern non-P5 teams that have "solved" this issue. Bama and Auburn don't even have any pro teams to deal with in the state either. It makes it extremely tough for the smaller schools in every division. Heck, Jax State moved up and had a good season making a bowl game in their first FBS year. Still only averaged 20K in average home attendance. Liberty's attendance actually went down this year to 19K even as they went undefeated in the regular season and got into a NY6 bowl game. Of course, CUSA played on Tues/Wed for a month of the season which affects attendance. Meanwhile, Bama averaged 100K and Auburn 88K.
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Post by brandon on Jan 8, 2024 15:44:03 GMT -6
I'm probably going to piss some people off... and I don't care. While some of that is a hindrance, it's not the problem. I witnessed first hand the difference with a Thanksgiving trip to South Dakota. The analogy I will use is simple, you can't ride two horses with one ass... In those very small populated states, their schools are the only schools they give a crap about. They put their (fans, alum, etc.) Put their time and money in those schools. They ain't trying to bandwagon hope for popularity. Meaning, they ain't rooting for SDSU and Missouri. While in the South, you usually find an alum of say UNA that wants to tell everyone what UNA needs to do, but only spend their money in Tuscaloosa or Auburn. That's the major problem. Why would that piss anyone off? That's the reality and has been the major program for any G5, FCS, or D2 school in the South for a long while. South Dakota and SDSU are the biggest programs in their entire state. Same for UND, NDSU and Montana, Montana State, etc. The smaller remote states don't have to deal with FBS powerhouses in their backyard. I don't know of (m)any southern non-P5 teams that have "solved" this issue. Bama and Auburn don't even have any pro teams to deal with in the state either. It makes it extremely tough for the smaller schools in every division. Heck, Jax State moved up and had a good season making a bowl game in their first FBS year. Still only averaged 20K in average home attendance. Liberty's attendance actually went down this year to 19K even as they went undefeated in the regular season and got into a NY6 bowl game. Of course, CUSA played on Tues/Wed for a month of the season which affects attendance. Meanwhile, Bama averaged 100K and Auburn 88K. I know when I say it to some, they get defensive
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Post by roaringsince96 on Jan 8, 2024 21:00:18 GMT -6
It’s also true Brandon and I don’t get it. When I graduated from North Alabama in 1996 that is my school. Alumni and family should be excited about their school. I am kind of the opposite I guess because it excites me when our little brothers in Tuscaloosa and Auburn aren’t doing as well as North Alabama. Ready for us to be the winningest program in the state…..again. I wear my UNA watch proudly daily. My tag on front and back of my truck and all our cars have UNA license plate. We waive our flag out front of our house. We definitely stand out in Hartselle, only a few others that represent.
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Post by unafied on Jan 9, 2024 8:53:24 GMT -6
I suspect, like me, a lot of folks have family ties to an SEC school. Due to that I was a fan of one growing up (along with UNA), and old habits are hard to kill, of course.
When UNA has played that school in Olympic sports, I've certainly wanted the Lions to win. If the day comes we play them in football, I don't see why it wouldn't be the same.
I don't think there is a problem of being a fan of multiple teams. The problem comes when (like Brandon said) the majority of your fan dollars, or even donations, goes to a school you didn't even attend. I'm pretty opposed to NIL stuff as it is, but for example, I would never give to an NIL fund of any SEC school - they certainly get enough from others.
One thing that really grinds my gears is seeing people at UNA events wearing Bama/Auburn/Tennessee/whatever stuff. That is an absolute slap in the face to the school and I wish we could turn them away at the door, lol.
All WE can do is support the program the best we can and lead by example.
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Post by brandon on Jan 9, 2024 12:12:27 GMT -6
I suspect, like me, a lot of folks have family ties to an SEC school. Due to that I was a fan of one growing up (along with UNA), and old habits are hard to kill, of course. When UNA has played that school in Olympic sports, I've certainly wanted the Lions to win. If the day comes we play them in football, I don't see why it wouldn't be the same. I don't think there is a problem of being a fan of multiple teams. The problem comes when (like Brandon said) the majority of your fan dollars, or even donations, goes to a school you didn't even attend. I'm pretty opposed to NIL stuff as it is, but for example, I would never give to an NIL fund of any SEC school - they certainly get enough from others. One thing that really grinds my gears is seeing people at UNA events wearing Bama/Auburn/Tennessee/whatever stuff. That is an absolute slap in the face to the school and I wish we could turn them away at the door, lol. All WE can do is support the program the best we can and lead by example. I'm not opposed to being a fan or rooting for another school. I'm a lifelong Florida State fan one because of my uncle was in the Navy and was stationed in Jacksonville and my first college football game to attend was an FSU game. And second my Era Bobby Bowden was like Bear Bryant. That being said, I'm a simple person, and believe in simple economics. If you put pen to paper, a small amount to Alabama, Auburn or whoever is a considerable amount to UNA. The value of fan entertainment for the money at UNA is 1000× better than the other schools. Like I said, I have no problem with being a fan, but don't be negative on what's happening or whatever with UNA when your not trying to be the solution. (Not calling anyone out on here, just a blanket statement)
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Post by unafied on Jan 9, 2024 13:26:23 GMT -6
I suspect, like me, a lot of folks have family ties to an SEC school. Due to that I was a fan of one growing up (along with UNA), and old habits are hard to kill, of course. When UNA has played that school in Olympic sports, I've certainly wanted the Lions to win. If the day comes we play them in football, I don't see why it wouldn't be the same. I don't think there is a problem of being a fan of multiple teams. The problem comes when (like Brandon said) the majority of your fan dollars, or even donations, goes to a school you didn't even attend. I'm pretty opposed to NIL stuff as it is, but for example, I would never give to an NIL fund of any SEC school - they certainly get enough from others. One thing that really grinds my gears is seeing people at UNA events wearing Bama/Auburn/Tennessee/whatever stuff. That is an absolute slap in the face to the school and I wish we could turn them away at the door, lol. All WE can do is support the program the best we can and lead by example. I'm not opposed to being a fan or rooting for another school. I'm a lifelong Florida State fan one because of my uncle was in the Navy and was stationed in Jacksonville and my first college football game to attend was an FSU game. And second my Era Bobby Bowden was like Bear Bryant. That being said, I'm a simple person, and believe in simple economics. If you put pen to paper, a small amount to Alabama, Auburn or whoever is a considerable amount to UNA. The value of fan entertainment for the money at UNA is 1000× better than the other schools. Like I said, I have no problem with being a fan, but don't be negative on what's happening or whatever with UNA when your not trying to be the solution. (Not calling anyone out on here, just a blanket statement) Yeah I knew what you meant. There's a lot of fairweather fans out there that abandon UNA whenever we lose a game or 2 so that they can pay more attention to the SEC or whoever else. You need casual fans, so you don't want to be too hard on them. It would just be nice if the ratio of hardcore to casual fans was something like 80/20.
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Post by roaringsince96 on Jan 9, 2024 18:36:02 GMT -6
FBS is sooooo commercialized. The money that is used to pump up the fans for the power 5 teams is ridiculous. FCS can’t compete with that monster. Winning would definitely help our fan base. 2016 was as strong as the fan base has been in quite sometime. 2017 started out hopeful but as pointed out earlier as soon as our season tanks that join the bandwagon fans.
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