Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
Skip navigation

Just a thought - FAU as Independent?

Post

Just a thought - FAU as Independent?

I've been thinking about this and wondered what it would take for FAU to become Independent in football? Hear me out…If we do happen to get passed up by any BCS super-conference and we end up in what essentially would be Div 1AA or Div 2 I think it would benefit FAU to become Independent so we could have a fighting chance at being relevant in college football at the highest level. We could schedule whoever we wanted, including money games, but we could also maybe get some bigger names to come visit us. And this might be a way to attract a higher profile coach (and keep him here) since they wouldn't be playing against SBC opponents and would have the chance to play bigger teams consistently.

Now, I imagine it is very difficult to be Independent because you don't get any money from a conference or guaranteed bowl games, but honestly now it is not THAT difficult to get a bowl invite now.

I know we probably don't have the money or support for this, does any one know more about this? Is it feasible / logical?

Like I said, just some random thoughts…
Back to the top

Post

Re: Just a thought - FAU as Independent?

On the surface I COMPLETELY agree with this.  I just wonder if its feasible as far as money goes.

I think it would be a great selling point for Leach…who dreams much bigger than the New Orleans Bowl.

Teambeer is the most knowledgeable FAU sports fan I know, way smarter than me.
Back to the top

Post

Re: Just a thought - FAU as Independent?

Article that addresses the potential issues…

College football: Being an independent presents many challenges | Deseret News

It seems scheduling and relying on football to generate athletic dollars for all the other programs are the challange. 

Teambeer is the most knowledgeable FAU sports fan I know, way smarter than me.
Back to the top

Post

Re: Just a thought - FAU as Independent?

I kinda like the idea but if this were such a great option, I tend to think many other teams would be doing it.   

FAU Class of '87
Back to the top

Post

Re: Just a thought - FAU as Independent?

walty12 said

On the surface I COMPLETELY agree with this.

Sums it up perfectly.  It sounds great, but realistically I think it would be very difficult to do financially.  It would be a huge gamble that would probably end one of two ways:

it works and we end up playing some big teams, upsetting one or two, and filling the stands.

it fails and it bankrupts our athletic department.

Interesting idea, but I don't think we'd be able to find the support fanwise.

FAU - We got Bowls!
Back to the top

Post

Re: Just a thought - FAU as Independent?

But compared to being relegated to the new D2 it would be a much better option. If we are in the new D2, we NEVER even 2/3 fill the stadium let alone sell it out. I feel we lose money for sure if we get locked out of the new deal!
The stadium is built, as University President and Athletic Director, I now spend 100% of my time on 1) the new coaching hire and 2) making sure we DON"T get left out, no matter how many flights I have to take, or how many meeting I have to go to, or how many calls I have to make. We are at an ALL IMPORTANT crossroads in college football and with the new stadium to pay for WE MUST NOT BE LEFT BEHIND!
Back to the top

Post

Re: Just a thought - FAU as Independent?

BeastOwl said

I kinda like the idea but if this were such a great option, I tend to think many other teams would be doing it.
Back to the top
Control functions: