It's both a short and long term play in regard to staying elite
Short term they're fine - dominate a league with a bunch of misfits playing football while still excelling in other sports
Long term it's very problematic, and likely, catastrophic
You simply cannot fall that far behind your peers if you wish to compete and stay elite
You have a passion for FSU sports and I appreciate that.
However, I wonder why you don't seem to have the same passion for FSU academics and why FSU is falling significantly behind your peer Florida Universities.
In the State of Florida there are now 3 AAU Research Universities:
The University of Florida
The University of Miami
The University of South Florida
Why do you think these other schools have passed Florida State. Although not a requirement, the B1G schools pride themselves on their Academic and Research Prowess. Additionally, Notre Dame has recently joined the ranks as an AAU school. I do not think the lack of AAU membership will in itself keep the B1G from acceptance but it may still play some part.
I enjoy college sports but I am proud of Pitt for what they have accomplished both in sports and academically.
Pennsylvania has 4 Universities that are AAU Research Universities:
University of Pennsylvania: US News Global Ranking #14
University of Pittsburgh: US News Global Ranking #50
Penn State University: US News Global Ranking #96
Carnegie Mellon University: US News Global Ranking #134
Florida State has some catching up to do from an Academic and Research perspective with many of its peer ACC or B1G schools.
How did the University of South Florida attain AAU status before FSU.
Are the FSU alums up in arms about this fact and vehemently complaining to the FSU Administration and Board of Directors.
HAIL TO PITT!!!!