Not that the fans overlap greatly, but playing two NCAA FBS games in the same county at the same time is a recipe for low attendances. That, and everybody's at home watching Glee.
Seriously. This is embarrassing.
We've sold out 40 percent of fall Saturday tradition for $8 million split 13 ways and see 500 in the stands. And everybody here that's taking great joy in our stands being full on Nov 2 is due a comeuppance on Nov 22 in a game that could mean everything.
ESPN could save a channel and put a camera in a weather balloon, show both games at once, and the crowds won't look any smaller.
I invite you to check out the webcasts from the last couple of Saturdays of MAC Play. Or Miami's Homecoming. You'll see the same crowds you see tonight. When the cold weather comes, what fans there are check out. Playing in secrecy on Saturdays for 50 years got this conference nowhere. ESPN is giving you a stage, it's up to you to do something with it. NIU/Toledo and Ohio/Temple certainly did last week.
Plus, the advent of the 12-game schedule allowed MAC schools to schedule one more early season game. That game helps to compensate for the cold weather games that no one attends no matter the day of the week. Coaches like the exposure, players like the exposure and as a fan I kind of like it (I'm a hero come Saturdays when I'm free for the kids). Getting paid is not a bad concept either.
The crowds are embarrassing but I think people understand. The question that should be asked is how can MAC teams put on a better show in the stands because these games are here to stay.