Very true, but let's remember the sample is only from one type of fan (think of it as sampling only those at a Trump rally about the presidential race).

As has also been discussed, there are 4+ fan segments: "Zealots" - the 50 - 60 folks on this board, the "Actives" - those that consistently go to games (read season ticket holders and such) and closely follow the team, "Occasionals" - go to a game every year or two...perhaps, but track the team as able, "Observers" - follow as able on TV, scores in the paper, etc., but do not make an effort to follow the team - but will do so when on TV and able.

The segments get larger as one moves out. The segment's total donation to the university also gets larger as you move out (more people donating). Knowledge of the team's success (or lack thereof) also diminished as one moves to the outer circles.

What is interesting is that last night the team had a good win -- on national TV. We play each of the next three weeks on national TV - should win 2 of 3...at least. We then play in the MACC (on TV) and, win or lose, a bowl game (again, national TV). To the "occasionals" and "observers" such a presentation of the team connotes success. As I have outlined previously, many of these "outer two" groups think that Frank already has won a MACC during his tenure. Their response when told "no, he has not" is along the lines of, "Wow, I'm surprise. He will. I mean we are always on TV and playing in bowl games. That is so fun for Ohio."

Not taking a stance on the situation (I've clearly presented my thoughts multiple times in the past), nor questioning the perspective of others (Monroe, I used your post only because it led into what I wanted to post), simply presenting information and reminding all that this board is only a small sample of rabid and vocal fans and we sometimes think we represent the "whole."

By the way from a marketing perspective, the "Actives" and "Occasionals" are who brands pay most attention to (barring a catastrophe, they always have the "Zealots"). And it is the "Actives" and "Occasionals" who Schaus monitors most closely.

Monroe there was a surge in season tickets following the Potato Bowl win which marked the start of the regular 24,000 crowds on Saturday in Peden Stadium. I see a MACC helping more so in recruiting at least initially than an attendance bump. Aside from briefly in 2012, Ohio's been out of of the picture for the NYD game discussions so not tacking on needless losses like Texas State that muddle the W/L record would help. Win that Texas State game and this team is 7-2.

Yes Monroe, numbers are general - basic marketing and logic say the inner circle is couple of hundred as even those not on this board can fall in the Zealot category. Next out - few tens of thousands (given our average attendance). Outer two circles - hundreds of thousands.

You contend that a MACC will "spark" a pick-up. Since my experience is that many in the outer two segments already think Frank has a MACC - an actual win would create only negligible business and/or brand value with the vast, vast majority of "fans." Again, just my take.

cc--Yes; only an OHIO MACC will let us know the answer, whether there's a spark in emotional involvement of our fans and actual paying attention to the play on the field in a significant way.

Jeff and L.C.--Your logic doesn't strike me as relevant. L.c.--NIU has won championships. We haven't for 47 years. My theory is that we are sui generis--one of a kind unique for the nature of OHIO (great alumni and fan devotion to the University plus no title for so long). Jeff--we haven't won a MACC for so long. Until we do, we can't know the answer.


I hope we win a MACC and that it sparks widespread OHIO-side enthusiasm and audience participation.

You can see how great it is a la The Cavs and The Tribe.