You know what they say about being at the bottom, there is only one way to go...well, maybe just stay at the bottom.

faualum said

FIUpanther said

To all those still in doubt, FIU is keeping the same logos, same colors, same name, etc. just getting better! GO PANTHERS!

That is true because it can't get any worse.

They really should change their name to Miami State University. It sounds much better.

The MSU Panthers.

That and considering they're the only major school actually IN the city of Miami

owlcountry said

faualum said

FIUpanther said

To all those still in doubt, FIU is keeping the same logos, same colors, same name, etc. just getting better! GO PANTHERS!

That is true because it can't get any worse.

They really should change their name to Miami State University. It sounds much better.

The MSU Panthers.

Nope… nobody wants a name that makes it sound like they are #2, which is what "State" implies. Look at how MTSU wants to change their name to the "University of Middle Tennessee", for example (politics are in the way). Troy purposefully dropped the "State" from their name recently as well.

FIU is doing the right thing by following UCF and USF and mandating that they are only referred to as FIU and not Florida International University. This helps create a unique brand identity that does not have any negative or little sister connotation. FAU would be wise to do the same thing.

Not sure if I agree.  Florida State is solid, so is Penn State, Lousiana State (LSU).

As far as FAU, I'm not sure if we should throw our hat into the ring of Florida teams with initials for sports.  FSU, FIU, USF, UCF, and now FAU? I feel like we get lost in the jumble.

FSU however goes by both, I think building a name recognition that transcends the initials is the real goal…Like how USC is also referred to as Southern Cal.

We can be FAU and Florida Atlantic.

SeminOWL2006 said

Not sure if I agree.  Florida State is solid, so is Penn State, Lousiana State (LSU).

Exactly. I don't think dropping "State" from your name helps whatever problem you're having.

They just need to "Take a bad song and make it better," as the Beatles would say.

I agree. Ohio State and Arizona State don't seem to be suffering identity problems, either.

grayowl said

I agree. Ohio State and Arizona State don't seem to be suffering identity problems, either.

And Ball State Rules!

Lm77 said

Nope… nobody wants a name that makes it sound like they are #2, which is what "State" implies.

Florida State… Louisiana State… Ohio State… Arizona State… Oregon State… Mississippi State… Michigan State… NC State… Fresno State… Washington State.

The list goes on.

Those schools seem to do just fine being, in your mind "#2".

It's all about branding, winning and tradition.

If a school is "Name-of-the-State State", there is no prestige loss. But schools named for a city, then "State,"  are no longer in vogue (Memphis State, Troy State, etc.).