Grayowl, I don't know how far back you go, or OG, Bytor. You are forgetting one big piece of history. Playing a tough schedule is EXACTLY what Howard did at Miami. Back then they were an independent so their whole schedule was against tough teams. Howard was at Miami when I was at FAU. I saw them in the OB beat FSU in '79. That was 25+ years ago. He hasn't changed the way he does things it seems. I remember reading in one newspaper somewhere back then that Miami had the toughest schedule in the country 2nd to none.

So to FAU2008 and who ever, this is not something new Howard came up with just for FAU. He's been doing this though out his career as a college head coach.

Yes, money is a big part of it. The program is young. Follow the team this year and see if playing Kansas, Oklahoma, Minnesota and Louisville did some good. I think you will see it did. It gave the young players a chance to see what level you have to play to be on top. You won't get that caliber of play against Kent State or Buffalo (no insult intended).

I don't have enough info to agree or disagree on Angelos. I will say one thing though, He is a lawyer and he seems to be keeping the coaches very well informed as to what they can do and not. FAU seems to stay away from any academically questionable students. No University High graduates from Miami. In that respect, knowing the rules of college sports and keeping FAU between the white lines, I know he is doing a good job.

Lastly, with as much financial pressure as their has been and everything else that comes along with growing pains, I just don't see Brogan having the patience to put up with what you described. Money is not plentiful enough to waste it on someone not doing their job. Brogan would have done something by now if it wasn't working. There is alot going on at FAU right now with Scripps, the Athletic village, now finding a new BBall coach and a hundred other things. Everyone is busy.

Grayowl, I so remember those days growing up in Miami in the fifties and watching the UF, FSU and even Miami suffer great punishments the gain the respect they have today. Someone asked me why does FAU have the letters on the helmet and not the Owl itself. I said that very few people know who the Owls are let alone FAU but they will, in time they will. Here is a pretty cool site that shows some history and even FAU has evolved once.

http://www.nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/

Grayowl is correct when he says a butt whoppin isn't what you want for your kids but I can assure you and O.G. can back me up on this that there is a bunch of kids on this team that are anxious to play the big guys and not to get waxed but for the legacy they leave behind for the next class to build on and that carries to the next class and the next. Someday the traditions are woven and cemented in stone and all that was here now will be something of the past but never forgotten. These kids are looking forward to playing Florida Mich. State and other big schools. They have something to prove not to the media or the coach's or the fans but to themselves. That is why they will play there hearts out and never quit. The Pipe do what is needed to make the this team known, and make all connected with this team proud to be an Owl. He will play the toughest schedules needed to do that see below:

http://www.collegefootballnews.com/sun_belt/2006_Pages/SunBelt_Team_Schedule.htm

I got carried away in the Matt thing but and made some comments about Angelous and after reading what Grayowl wrote was able to calm down and think, Yes we would all like to see more and we will. But I still like the soccer field turn dual football/soccer on campus idea

You are a wise one Gray Owl. Like Coach Schnellenberger has said it is easy to be part of a program that already has a history - it is even more special to know that you can take credit in helping to create a tradition. This is a very very difficult job for a few that are worthy. Kudos to those who are giving their blood, sweat, and tears to make it happen, they are a rare and admirable breed !

Nice cross section of ideas in this thread. Seems it was not too long ago when this board was considered a "homer" site for FAU fans. There goes that theory. Again.

Regarding the AD and how he is doing. I said it in the reply above, I am not privy to anything which may be in the works or why he manage they way he does. So I'll leave that one alone.

I remember Coach Howard and UM all too well as he was putting his vision into play. I was a Boz/OKlahoma fan back then too. Without repeating too much of what I've said in the past regarding start-up programs, I'll keep it short. I was at Rutgers when they went "Big Time" from D1-AA football back in the day. There were a lot of skeptics and supporters. Regardless of their on-field records, they are playing in the Big East. Long forgotten start-up past. I can also say that I remember when USF students were playing touch football where they now practice for games. Some skeptics didn't think they would survive with a football team in Tampa. Too many Gators and FSU fans to support a new team. Supporters obviously won out and look where they are currently playing 10 years later. The Big East.

This entire process takes time to build. It's a learning process by all involved. Including the admin and coaches. The kids don't expect miracles from playing with FAU. They are here because they believe in putting their name on something. Most players could have easily went somewhere else and followed in someone else's footstep but they chose to build something themselves.

I'm sure that it's hard to measure the positive talk around the campus. The negative will always stick out like a sore thumb among students. We went through this with our "Media" friend last year. The wins will eventually come on a regular basis. The attendance will be forgotten as an issue. The Oxley Center will be a centerpiece of the stadium and we will be laughing about all the "remember when" stories.

It just takes time.

I'm glad I read these last few threads. I've been a little frustrated with the Doherty thing. I know some of my posts have not been the most prophetic, but I think my disappointment showed itself as anger. >:(

Being a grad and still living in the area I have always been a big supporter of the university but the start up of the football program allowed me to get back involved on a personal level. Doherty brought the basketball program to a level that was worth supporting and the players showed that on the courts, this pulled the rug out from many of us.

This is not about Doherty or Schnellenberger, this is about FAU. It's about the guys and girls out there representing the university and building a history and legacy as strong as any other in the state.

I plan on being at the opening Football game as well as the opening Basketball game, regardless of all of this stuff…it's really a hell of alot of fun.

dusky256fc said

I'm glad I read these last few threads. I've been a little frustrated with the Doherty thing. I know some of my posts have not been the most prophetic, but I think my disappointment showed itself as anger. >:(

Don't ever let anyone steal your thunder. You bring a lot to this board with your insights. We all felt stung by that other "person who used to coach here". But we all got over it slowly too.
Like you said, It is about the students, athletes and coaches who are left at FAU. Let's continue to show our support for them.

Keep 'em coming.

Angelos did get us on ESPN 2 last year nationally televised.

ESPN "exposure" is overrated. And I'm not sure the school gets any money from the network.

Maybe it is, but any exposure FAU gets is good since the program is so young. If FAU gets a nationally televised game consistantly each year it could help win some recruiting battle.

Overrated…no way. Exposure is huge. Ask any program. Providence College benefited last year with a great recruiting class, not because of their head coach, who hasn't won an NCAA game in 7 seasons or a 30 year old facility to play their home games in. They sealed the deal with those recruits because of Ryan Gomes and exposure….of course, that also came with the success that season as well. But if FAU can get on national TV every year, you will see more and more talents kids sign. They want to be recognized, be seen, and there's nothing like a national TV audience to do that. That's also why I totally agree w/ Shnell on having the best possible schedule…to gain exposture and grab top talent for recruits. Exposure is key.

ESPNU is national TV, too, but no one (well, almost no one) sees it.

Some of you would be surprised at the low ratings even a Thursday night ESPN game gets - ratings that would not even save a UPN series from the chopping block.