This article was written by CanesGirlNC exclusively for Canespace...
Now that the 2008 football season is history and we wait for National Signing Day to see who might make it to our future Legends of the Fall lists, I was curious to see how the different conferences fared in their bowl appearances. The Big 12 had two teams make the BCS so I used them as a comparison to the ACC.
But before we get to that here's a question: While bowl games used to be a symbol of success, with the only current requirement for “bowl eligibility” now being a season record of .500 or higher, the question is has it become a symbol of mediocrity?
One of the newest bowls to enter this equation is the St. Petersburg Bowl. The what? The St. Petersburg Bowl. This bowl, with its payout of $1 Million per team was added for the 2008 - 2009 season along with the Eagle Bank Bowl. Why? Bowl games are lucrative and fans want to see post season play. Just how badly fans want to see post season play was discovered when Miami played Penn State in that infamous game on January 2, 1987 when, for the first time, college football was extended beyond New Year’s Day. Speaking of lucrative, enter the Bowl Championship Series who proclaims that is the best way to crown a national champion by hosting 5 bowls: The Orange, Rose, Fiesta, Sugar and the National Championship title game to be rotated between these venues every year. It has a most sought after and lucrative payout - at least $17 million per team this past season going to the participating team’s conference to be divided as that conference deems appropriate.
But don’t try and sell that to Utah. Their attorney general is investigating the bowl system for a possible antitrust violation. ACC commissioner and BCS coordinator John Swofford defended the BCS: "We've attempted to make every effort to make certain that any structure of the BCS is within the antitrust laws. Our legal people are comfortable that the BCS structure is," Swofford said during a Football Writers Association of America meeting. "Obviously if there are any aspects of it that we should be doing differently, we would adjust that." Swofford is opposed to a playoff system. Cha Ching.
The BCS is now managed by the commissioners of the 11 of Division 1-A conferences and representatives of the bowl organizations. Oh, and let’s not forget the athletic director of the aggressive leprechaun, who gets a say also. The champions from these conferences go to the BCS automatically and so does Notre Dame as long as it is 8th or higher in BCS rankings. This season, the first team in each conference to qualify receives at least $17 million for participating - win or not - and that money is distributed in that team's conference as that conference decides.
If a second team from a conference qualifies like Oklahoma and Texas from the Big 12, the payout for the second team is significantly less. Notre Dame’s AD negotiated a great contract for the angry elf: no longer receiving a full BCS payout should it make it to a BCS bowl game it is guaranteed $1.3 million in years it does NOT make a BCS bowl. If and when they make it back to a BCS bowl, a $4.5 million payout is theirs and theirs alone. Add that to the $398,000 it made playing Hawaii and it’s not a bad day’s work.
This past season the ACC had 10 of its 12 teams playing in the post-season, more than any other conference. The Emerald Bowl paid $750,000 to UM and $850,000.00 to Cal according to its bowl structure. For the ACC that is $250,000.00 less than if the Canes had been invited to the newly ordained St. Petersburg Bowl. Not to mention closer and less expensive to go to. However, Georgia Tech was paid 3.25 million for their appearance against LSU who received 2.4 million.
Then there are the expenses: renting practice fields, hotel, food, flight, insurance for all players and coaches. Miami was allotted 1.2 million from the ACC to travel to San Francisco, an amount AD Kirby Hocutt vowed not to “exceed”. Bowls also allot a certain number of tickets per school to sell. If the tickets are not sold sometimes there is a proviso the schools have to buy a certain percentage.
This year the Emerald Bowl offered to buy back any tickets that UM didn’t sell as it was basically a home game for Cal. Not including Virginia Tech’s Bowl Appearance, the ACC’s estimated bowl payouts were $13.4 million. Add in the Hokie’s BCS payout and it is somewhere between $30 and $31 million. Let’s say all ten teams that went to a Bowl game were given 1.2 million as an expense account like Miami. The ACC would net approximately 18 million.
Compare that to the Big 12: The Big 12 had both Texas and Oklahoma in BCS bowls. So when Kansas (1.2 mil), Mizzou (2.25 mil), Oklahoma State (2.13 mil), Nebraska (2.5 mil), Texas Tech (3 mil) made their respective bowl appearances, it brought approximately 11 million to their conference in addition to Texas and Oklahoma’s contribution ($17 million and approximately $5 million). This is slightly over what the ACC made bowl wise.
So you may be asking yourself: "What does this have to do with recruiting?" Well, everything. While the allure of playing in high caliber prime time bowl games is appealing to recruits, the money associated with these games is just as alluring to the schools and coaches that recruit them.
Sources: BCSfootball.org, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, AP, Orlando Sentinel, Wikipedia, ESPN
Whoa!
Posted by: MDCane | January 26, 2009 at 07:06 PM
Nice article CanesGirlNC
Posted by: MDCane | January 26, 2009 at 07:10 PM
2nd?
Posted by: DZ8 | January 26, 2009 at 07:10 PM
3rdish
Posted by: DZ8 | January 26, 2009 at 07:10 PM
Alright Bryce, no more exscuses, come on down.
Posted by: miamihurricane34 | January 26, 2009 at 07:10 PM
Where's my money
Posted by: 8th Man in da Box | January 26, 2009 at 07:11 PM
This got me pumped up:
"As a student at UMASS during Whipple's yrs I can attest to this guy being "something else" when it comes to the offense.
He's a genius and a an Ivy league grad from Brown. A&M's Leach takes a back seat to this guy.
He run's a pro-set - west coast offense on steroids with a little - Hybrid A-11 - thrown in.
It's called "The WhipLash Offense."
Bryce Brown (all our RB's) should love it. The hole's that he opens up for running backs on obvious passing downs are unbelievable.
The Running backs will reap-off huge gains and along with the WR's will lead or at the very least challenge for the top spots in the ACC, if not the country, in O stats and scoring.
His offense is the perfect antidote for a Defensive Conference like the ACC. His Offense will do for UM what GT's O does for GT.
The WhipLash is totally unpredictable.
The typical pro set or spread O's have about 36 possible scenarios per play, while The WhipLash has approximately 2500, yes I said 2500, scenarios per play.
Now, how deep will he go I don't know. At UMASS he kept it at about 10% or 250 possible scenarios per play. That folks will make it next to impossible for the defensive Coordinators to know what will happen next.
Get ready for loads of points, boy's and girl's. I know it's hard to see right now with what you've been through lately but, I can assure you - you will score more points in your first 6 games next season than in all 13 combined this last season, guaranteed! And with a reasonable defense You guy's will be hard to beat. If not dominate.
You don't know how lucky you are, yet. But once you see this guy's "show" you will know that you've got something special.
Wait till you see how he use's the field on 3rd or 4th and 1 or less he'll set up in a "tight 2 back" and with 10 or less seconds on the play clock "bam" they all of a sudden spread way out maybe 5 WR's to the strong side
and then he'll either run it up the middle for 20 yrds or throw a slant to the weak side TE that goes all the way, man it's going to be fun.
Man, I can't believe it.
The Whip's at the U."
Posted by: SuperCooper | January 26, 2009 at 07:12 PM
Sucks to write a great article while the Space Cadets head's are far far away
good stuff CgNC
peace
Posted by: solarcane | January 26, 2009 at 07:17 PM
Jacory for Heisman, I am calling it right now.
Posted by: SuperCooper | January 26, 2009 at 07:17 PM
What the Hell is a "Hybrid A-11"? Now don't get me wrong, I've heard of the A-11 offense, but uhhhh...how do you hybridize the A-11. I thought the A-11 was already a hodge-podge of different offenses already...
Posted by: CaneRock | January 26, 2009 at 07:18 PM
ESPN has reported.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3860196
Posted by: bhamcanesfan | January 26, 2009 at 07:18 PM
super who wrote that? Whipple's son?
peace
Posted by: solarcane | January 26, 2009 at 07:20 PM
Jacory for Heisman, I am calling it right now.
Posted by: SuperCooper | January 26, 2009 at 07:17 PM
U sir, have been VAULTED!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 26, 2009 at 07:22 PM
good job Canesgirl!!!
Posted by: canechic | January 26, 2009 at 07:22 PM
"Wait till you see how he use's the field on 3rd or 4th and 1 or less he'll set up in a "tight 2 back" and with 10 or less seconds on the play clock "bam" they all of a sudden spread way out maybe 5 WR's to the strong side"
yea Shannon's gonna OK this play, our kids couldn't walk from the huddle to the line of scrimmage in 30 seconds on 4th and 1 last year.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | January 26, 2009 at 07:23 PM
Take five mintes away from the now way over OC search and hyperventilating over 17 year old recruits and:
READ THE ARTICLE!
CGNC has outdone herself in writing this feature (if that's possible?).
Great job CGNC!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 26, 2009 at 07:24 PM
Jacory for Heisman, I am calling it right now.
Posted by: SuperCooper | January 26, 2009 at 07:17 PM
U sir, have been VAULTED!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 26, 2009 at 07:22 PM
I look forward to next December.
Posted by: SuperCooper | January 26, 2009 at 07:24 PM
Super...thanks for your many, many contrbutions here. We appreciate U!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 26, 2009 at 07:26 PM
"Wait till you see how he use's the field on 3rd or 4th and 1 or less he'll set up in a "tight 2 back" and with 10 or less seconds on the play clock "bam" they all of a sudden spread way out maybe 5 WR's to the strong side"
I think Carlos will wet his pants in excitement! LOL
Posted by: canechic | January 26, 2009 at 07:27 PM
I just read the article CGNC wrote, and I think it raised up a good point. More so then some other schools, going to a big time bowl game helps us out because of the big pay day. Especially the BCS games.
Posted by: SuperCooper | January 26, 2009 at 07:28 PM
Can he call time outs with less than two minutes on the clock?
After he proves he can do that then I'll worry about the A1 stuff.
Posted by: DZ8 | January 26, 2009 at 07:28 PM
Super...thanks for your many, many contrbutions here. We appreciate U!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 26, 2009 at 07:26 PM
No problem 86. Always fun talking Canes. Only eight more months till we kick FSU's azz all over national TV (yes, I am drinking the kool aid hard). May even be joining the 12 % club this year :)
Posted by: SuperCooper | January 26, 2009 at 07:31 PM
While strolling through the VAULT I found this gem:
Marve will be a 4 year starter with a ring and 3 ACC championships.
Posted by: nycanes25 | July 18, 2008 at 05:02 PM
NOT so much...
Posted by: 86Cane | January 26, 2009 at 07:31 PM
I think Carlos will wet his pants in excitement! LOL
Posted by: canechic | January 26, 2009 at 07:27 PM
I think he already HAS!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 26, 2009 at 07:33 PM
Where's my money
Posted by: 8th Man in da Box | January 26, 2009 at 07:11 PM
As soon as U send me a check for $1000 I will give you your $100.
Posted by: 86Cane | January 26, 2009 at 07:34 PM
can anyone tell me when the spring game is?
Posted by: 1caneinatlanta | January 26, 2009 at 07:35 PM
CGNC good article. Except it didn't have any recruiting in it, except at the very end... sort of.
And maybe that is why Shalala is "reportedly" opening the vault for Whipple. With an offense we can score points. If we score more than the opponent we can win. If we win enough we go to a BIG PAYDAY Bowl game. Then the money can go to tree huggers anonymous or whatever...
Cokers protestations of a too tough ACC is being replaced with Shannons reality. Give me this and I will do that.
Posted by: DZ8 | January 26, 2009 at 07:35 PM
Two weeks ago we didn't need any gimmic "pistol" offense or wild azz stuff.
We are the U we don't need that crap they said.
Now we are gonna win the NC with plays that creamed the best junior college talent players in the nation a few years ago.
How bout for just once we let the coach call a half dozen games, then comment on what he brings to the program?
peace
Posted by: solarcane | January 26, 2009 at 07:35 PM
Really solar?
This is Canespace... All comments/All the time.
Posted by: DZ8 | January 26, 2009 at 07:39 PM
At least now we can start worrying about the DC position.
Posted by: SuperCooper | January 26, 2009 at 07:40 PM
Two weeks ago we didn't need any gimmic "pistol" offense or wild azz stuff.
We are the U we don't need that crap they said.
Now we are gonna win the NC with plays that creamed the best junior college talent players in the nation a few years ago.
How bout for just once we let the coach call a half dozen games, then comment on what he brings to the program?
peace
Posted by: solarcane | January 26, 2009 at 07:35 PM
Na, I like dreaming big.
Posted by: SuperCooper | January 26, 2009 at 07:41 PM
Really solar?
This is Canespace... All comments/All the time.
Posted by: DZ8 | January 26, 2009 at 07:39 PM
Marve will be a 4 year starter with a ring and 3 ACC championships.
Posted by: nycanes25 | July 18, 2008 at 05:02 PM
DZ I'm sure you get my drift
peace
Posted by: solarcane | January 26, 2009 at 07:42 PM
CGNC, bravo darling. Great research.
Super, The Whip is going to be serious. Now if Tubbs can help Shannon land the other Nix, or someone better, I'll be a very, very happy Cane. Give me that TCU guy for SC coach and the fun will really begin.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | January 26, 2009 at 07:43 PM
And throw in Orson Charles and Sheldon Richardson for extra gravy.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | January 26, 2009 at 07:46 PM
Solar.maybe we should follow Truth's advise and wait until the 8th game.............. or at least the 2nd half of spring game
Posted by: JLF | January 26, 2009 at 07:46 PM
super,
no doubt! this is promising news no harm in dreaming big brother.
We are about due to land a winner.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | January 26, 2009 at 07:47 PM
Yes DC is VERY important. But really we can just let Shannon run it himself. What we really need to hire is an offensive assistant for Whipple. Obviously we will have an explosive, dynamic offense this year so Whipple will be a hot head coach candidate next year. We need to make sure we have someone lined up to replace him. Maybe we can get Chudzinski to be the TE coach for a year...
Posted by: DZ8 | January 26, 2009 at 07:47 PM
CGNC good article! it's all aboUt the money
Posted by: JLF | January 26, 2009 at 07:48 PM
Guess who I am going to meet?
WHO:
Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
Keith Brooking, Atlanta Falcons
Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles
Mike Furrey, Detroit Lions
Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
Amani Toomer, New York Giants
*Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals
*Will not be present due to Super Bowl.
The winner of The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP program will be announced at a press conference during the build by Frank Bifulco, chief marketing officer for The Home Depot, and Michael Haynes, vice president of player development for the NFL. The winner will receive a $25,000 donation to the charity of his choice and a trophy.
heh, heh, heh, heh, heh...
Posted by: 86Cane | January 26, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Solar, I don't think The Whip is a gimmick offense like Oscar's. I think he's developed a full-bore system that is very sophisticated. If that description above is correct. Then throw in four or five years in the NFL under Whisenhunt and Reid and I must say I don't see anyone being ready for him.
Jacory for Heisman indeed. And Bryce and Lamar and Travis Benjamin and Taylor Cook.
And now I believe we all see why AJ Highsmith was being recruited as a QB...Shannon knew Marve wasn't going to be around long and hedged his bets with a versatile player in this class.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | January 26, 2009 at 07:50 PM
JLF,
It's great to be optimistic, and excited.
I'll catch all kinds of hell for saying maybe we should watch a couple games against a quality opponent before we bet the house.
I been there done that so many times on here I'll wait and see.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | January 26, 2009 at 07:50 PM
Where did UMASS rank in NCAA stats when Whipple was there?
Posted by: SOUP | January 26, 2009 at 02:53 PM
This is what I found so far
1999
RANK AVG.
RUSHING 27 196.4
PASSING 33 238.8
TOTAL 23 435.18
SCORING 25 33.1
2000
RANK AVG.
RUSHING 50 170.36
PASSING 36 232.36
TOTAL 32 402.73
SCORING 45 28.36
2001
RANK AVG.
RUSHING 115 88.18
PASSING 53 211.91
TOTAL 94 300.09
SCORING 111 16.18
2002
RANK AVG.
RUSHING 38 166.08
PASSING 50 203.92
TOTAL 45 370
SCORING 38 27.25
2003
RANK AVG.
RUSHING 63 148.77
PASSING 37 231.62
TOTAL 46 380.38
SCORING 48 28.31
Posted by: JLF | January 26, 2009 at 07:51 PM
Ocala...get your camera ready, we are going to need it!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 26, 2009 at 07:51 PM
JLF...good work there my friend. That's the way to bring it!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 26, 2009 at 07:53 PM
I'd loved to have been a fly on the wall when Shannon explained to Whipple what he was looking for in a OC.... and to hear Whip's response.
Just for kicks, what do you think he said????
Posted by: 8th Man in da Box | January 26, 2009 at 07:53 PM
How but some more good news?
Malcome Bunche is a Cane per the the rivals main board. Huge pickup for our O-line.
Posted by: SuperCooper | January 26, 2009 at 07:53 PM
How but some more good news?
Malcome Bunche is a Cane per the the rivals main board. Huge pickup for our O-line.
Posted by: SuperCooper | January 26, 2009 at 07:53 PM
*bout, lol
Posted by: SuperCooper | January 26, 2009 at 07:53 PM
Solar you are right. I want to see us show some consistency and keep defenses off balance
Posted by: JLF | January 26, 2009 at 07:54 PM
DZ8, Shannon's staff and team are too young for him to double-dip. That's what got Schiano into trouble this year and last year, even though they got hot at the end. And he's been there what seven years.
If Shannon truly evaluates himself he must know that he's too young a HC to split duties, no matter how good a DC he is. It's like being married and having a demanding mistress. Someone gets the short end of the stick. And if you're smart it better not be your wife. haha HC is the wife in this one.
Posted by: Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer | January 26, 2009 at 07:54 PM
chi,
I'm just hoping he can call plays that score more points than we give up.
I don't care how he does it, where he learned it, LOL!
I know you will "whip" yourself into a frenzy before the first game, but thast's part of the fun of being here.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | January 26, 2009 at 07:56 PM