This I know…
UM football will return to “elite” status one day. I’ll leave it to you to define elite. I would like to say that my prediction of a return from the abyss is based on tradition or idealism but it is not. My prediction is based on “follow the money”. UM has spent and is spending hundreds of millions of dollars rebuilding and expanding its athletic plant. Football is the cash cow. Success on the football field drives the entire AD.
Stadium revenues, royalties and donations all depend on football success. Basketball has not produced revenue since the Fab 5. Hockey breaks even and all other sports are supported by football generated revenues.
The UM AD has never accepted taxpayer money. It has always been self sufficient. Bill Martin will not allow that to change. He has to fill the new stadium and all the boxes and club seats.
Therefore, football will reach elite status again. When and with whom as the coach are the only questions? Martin has his reputation on the line with the RR hire and will give him time to succeed, but if by year 4 or 5, RR’s record looks anything like CW’s record RR will be gone.
Follow the cash.
November 23rd, 2008 at 5:19 PM ^
yeah, I think the same. we can't be bad for long also cause of how many alum who are really, really wealthy won't stand for it. remember when we put the halo up? that was taken down as soon as that same wealthy old alum base said to take it down or they won't give any more $$$. they (and hopefully myself someday) won't let this shit slide for long.