After watching last night's national championship, my goal for Rutgers is to be like Northwestern

[kennyschiano]

Northwestern offense when they had dan persa (spread, athletic), tough defense taking after their coach, play hard, play tough, play smart, do things the right way on and off the field. Play in a new year's day bowl (although have better result).

We are not the deep south and we are not ohio state or michigan or oregon or USC. It is a whole different world and different culture.

Just accepting reality and hoping for the best - and to be northwestern would not be so bad at all!

 

[ClassOf02]

Actually I think most people would say we should try to emulate Wisconsin or Michigan State.

I think we have a different opportunity than pretty much any other school given the rabid way "our people" get behind a winner. Maybe our goal should be to have other fledgling programs aspire to "be like Rutgers."

 

[PhilaPhans]

The question here is this:

For the meantime, that's fine, but do we have the ABILITY after a half-decade or so at or near the top of the B1G (however long that takes) to expand our donor base and following to the point where we start climbing into those upper echelons? I know we're light years behind in financial situations, but do we have the ability to make it up to the top in the future with sustained success in our location?

 

[kennyschiano]

The question here is this:

For the meantime, that's fine, but do we have the ABILITY after a half-decade or so at or near the top of the B1G (however long that takes) to expand our donor base and following to the point where we start climbing into those upper echelons? I know we're light years behind in financial situations, but do we have the ability to make it up to the top in the future with sustained success in our location?

I think the "location" and "money in NJ" thing is overplayed. A round of solid golf in the midwest costs $50 bucks. The same round in NJ costs $100. I don't think people have the expendable income. That's a 200% difference. Incomes in NJ are higher but not 100% higher. The money runs out.

People in other parts of the country (i.e., the deep south) have nothing else going on. Michigan has Stephen A. Ross money (and a long history), Ohio State has Les Wexner money (and a long history), Oregon has Phil Knight money. Unless you have a massive donor or are in the "middle of nowhere its all about college football land," it is tough to make that step.

 

[Mr_Twister]

Northwestern is a good. Being a Michigan State or Iowa would be better. Under-appeciated but respected outside of the conference, capable of competing with the best, with a solid fan base and occasionally national recognition.

 

[greenknight]

How about we just be RUTGERS everyone else is already taken

 

[miketd1]

I don't think competing for a Big Ten championship in my lifetime is out of the question. I'm actually amazed that I can say that, considering how far we've come in the last 15 years.

As far as a national championship -- I don't thinks so.

But hey, crazier things have happened.

 

[dollarbill]

I don't think competing for a Big Ten championship in my lifetime is out of the question. I'm actually amazed that I can say that, considering how far we've come in the last 15 years.

As far as a national championship -- I don't thinks so.

But hey, crazier things have happened.

Some of us have fewer years left. $$$$

 

[mildone]

I don't think competing for a Big Ten championship in my lifetime is out of the question.

I think I'd probably have to change my diet if I want to see that in my lifetime. I'll get started. Tommorow.

 

[PhilaPhans]

How about we just be RUTGERS everyone else is already taken

While I may sound like a Volunteer saying this, "What's a Rutgers?" I don't think we know yet what we want to be as a university/athletics combo.

 

[e5fdny]

While I may sound like a Volunteer saying this, "What's a Rutgers?" I don't think we know yet what we want to be as a university/athletics combo.

Very fair point IMO.