I know this thought will run counter to the view that we need to act like a big boy if we want to compete with them, but all I'm reading today is that we are a program without funding and leadership, and a program that would be a lower tier opening if the head coaching job opened up.
All of the discussion, much of which I agree with, begs the question of why any kid, and their parents, would want to be a part of a program that has no chance of success. We are destined to suck.
I think the answer to how to compete is to differentiate. If we try and emulate Ohio State or Penn State, they will destroy us. They have more money, more resources, higher profile coaches, and more passionate fans. Where we can try and differentiate is by being a place that attracts the right kind of kids, where everyone they associate with the program does the right thing, and where there is a real feeling of brotherhood and striving for something greater.
We have the whole 'F.A.M.I.L.Y.' thing, which I personally think is tacky, but I think we need to double-down on the idea that we are different and that we act with the utmost integrity. That means identifying guys like Ruhann Peele or Dre Boggs and not bringing them into the program, even if we think they can help on the field. It means getting guys committed to working hard on the field and in the classroom. It means attracting kids that want to be part of something unique. If we try and be Penn State or Ohio State, at best, we will mostly be subpar versions of them.
I generally am supportive of Flood (although not with infinite patience...but with an understanding that this is a tough job and all things considered (lack of experience and lack of resources) that he has done an OK job), but it is time to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. He can't be responsible for guys 24/7, but enough bad things have happened on his watch to ask the question of whether he is bringing in the right kids or running a tight enough ship. I firmly believe that a lot of kids with 200 miles of Rutgers would like to come here, but no one wants to go to a 2nd class operation...it is time to double-down on securing the foundation of the program by committing to excellence in everything we do...from the administrators to the coaches to the players. That doesn't necessarily cost money, but does require competence, vigilance, and a commitment to be great. I think it is the only way forward as we will always be poor relative to most of our division, we will likely always have a smaller stadium, and less fans. Stanford was able to pull it off, despite bad fan support. Northwestern has done well at times despite limitations. Notre Dame (and yes, I despise them) is very competitive despite aspirations of integrity (and they have more margin of error than others).
Thoughts? Am I a fool?
All of the discussion, much of which I agree with, begs the question of why any kid, and their parents, would want to be a part of a program that has no chance of success. We are destined to suck.
I think the answer to how to compete is to differentiate. If we try and emulate Ohio State or Penn State, they will destroy us. They have more money, more resources, higher profile coaches, and more passionate fans. Where we can try and differentiate is by being a place that attracts the right kind of kids, where everyone they associate with the program does the right thing, and where there is a real feeling of brotherhood and striving for something greater.
We have the whole 'F.A.M.I.L.Y.' thing, which I personally think is tacky, but I think we need to double-down on the idea that we are different and that we act with the utmost integrity. That means identifying guys like Ruhann Peele or Dre Boggs and not bringing them into the program, even if we think they can help on the field. It means getting guys committed to working hard on the field and in the classroom. It means attracting kids that want to be part of something unique. If we try and be Penn State or Ohio State, at best, we will mostly be subpar versions of them.
I generally am supportive of Flood (although not with infinite patience...but with an understanding that this is a tough job and all things considered (lack of experience and lack of resources) that he has done an OK job), but it is time to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. He can't be responsible for guys 24/7, but enough bad things have happened on his watch to ask the question of whether he is bringing in the right kids or running a tight enough ship. I firmly believe that a lot of kids with 200 miles of Rutgers would like to come here, but no one wants to go to a 2nd class operation...it is time to double-down on securing the foundation of the program by committing to excellence in everything we do...from the administrators to the coaches to the players. That doesn't necessarily cost money, but does require competence, vigilance, and a commitment to be great. I think it is the only way forward as we will always be poor relative to most of our division, we will likely always have a smaller stadium, and less fans. Stanford was able to pull it off, despite bad fan support. Northwestern has done well at times despite limitations. Notre Dame (and yes, I despise them) is very competitive despite aspirations of integrity (and they have more margin of error than others).
Thoughts? Am I a fool?
