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I started thinking a few years ago it was stupid for us to have higher academic standards than other D1 schools. It doesn't make SMU any better academically (notwithstanding the actual athletes and it obviously handicaps our success. A better football team would be great marketing for prospective students and would probably help SMU get better students.

I know Stallion's gripes about the model incessantly but who really wouldn't be for making our model even with Baylor/TCU/Oklahoma State/etc? I'm guessing 75% of ponyfans think we ought to scrap it...actually effecting change by us might be impossible but I who's actually against changing the model?

Baylor/Boston College/Wake Forest YES.

Oklahoma State/Dexter Manley NO.

Alaric wrote:I know Stallion's gripes about the model incessantly but who really wouldn't be for making our model even with Baylor/TCU/Oklahoma State/etc? I'm guessing 75% of ponyfans think we ought to scrap it...actually effecting change by us might be impossible but [...] who's actually against changing the model?

Dr. Gerald Turner and well over a third of the board, including Ray Hunt, Ruth Altschuler, and before he passed away, Bob Dedman. They matter; we don't. Next thread.

Bob Dedman was a powerful Jedi.

Eddie P wrote:Bob Dedman was a powerful Jedi.

Indeed...the force was strong with that one. He had to protect the Jedi from the Dark Side once, so he was understandably non-plussed on doing it again.

One good thing Bennet did before he left was get them to lower academic standards for Juco transfers. However recruits out of high school is another story.

OC Mustang wrote:

Alaric wrote:

Dr. Gerald Turner and well over a third of the board, including Ray Hunt, Ruth Altschuler, and before he passed away, Bob Dedman. They matter; we don't. Next thread.

Man, take your oxycontin. I never said we mattered, just asking what people thought. Especially when Stallion hammers away about the model. I just don't think there are too many here who really disagree with him.

Eddie P wrote:Bob Dedman was a powerful Jedi.

I met Bob Dedman at a non-smu fundraiser once. He told me that he invested in real estate primarily because real estate is the only thing they are not making more of.

KnuckleStang Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 5:21 pm Post subject:

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Baylor/Boston College/Wake Forest YES.

Oklahoma State/Dexter Manley NO.

We're not saying if they can't read let them in, but if they're an above average student with maybe a 2.0 maybe or even a 2.5 gpa consider them. Interview their parents see what type of environment they come from, see if they push academics. Also not really lowering the SAT/ACT scale but use the same sliding scale TCU uses.

I also would consider the per diem that they give the freshman. It might not be a lot for some but it differs with each D1 school and it makes a difference with parents and the athlete if he's getting say 200.00 to 400.00 a month cash to spend however then 150.00 to 200.00 only being able to spend at the school for eating after hours, laundry supplies etc. I know we considered it with two other kids in school and paying for one of them, I really focus on it because with my oldest son I didn't have to send him any money and every bit helps to the working class people. And trust me it is alot of gifted and talented athletes that will take that in consideration.

OC Mustang wrote:

Alaric wrote:I know Stallion's gripes about the model incessantly but who really wouldn't be for making our model even with Baylor/TCU/Oklahoma State/etc? I'm guessing 75% of ponyfans think we ought to scrap it...actually effecting change by us might be impossible but [...] who's actually against changing the model?

Dr. Gerald Turner and well over a third of the board, including Ray Hunt, Ruth Altschuler, and before he passed away, Bob Dedman. They matter; we don't. Next thread.

when you said "board," I thought you meant this board...pf.com

Dr. Gerald Turner and well over a third of the board, including Ray Hunt, Ruth Altschuler, and before he passed away, Bob Dedman. They matter; we don't. Next thread.

OC: Now that's interesting. You're actually saying that these guys don't want change. Right? If so, then you can honestly say that 20 years of losing is surely be design.

NavyCrimson wrote:

Dr. Gerald Turner and well over a third of the board, including Ray Hunt, Ruth Altschuler, and before he passed away, Bob Dedman. They matter; we don't. Next thread.

OC: Now that's interesting. You're actually saying that these guys don't want change. Right? If so, then you can honestly say that 20 years of losing is surely be design.

Alaric's question was sincere, and I regret being flippant in my answer.
But isn't it obvious that they don't want to change the model, and they are doing so only reluctantly? I mean, I think it is to me, and I think it is to a lot of others. That said, their desire to not change the model doesn't mean that they don't want to win. It isn't by design; they do want to win. However, they, by and large, only reluctantly accept the premise that SMU can not win with the existing model because they have 20 years of observation that is the case.

They don't perceive a move toward "the center" as being a moderation of university policy toward revenue sports in general and football in particular. They perceive it as counter to the movement both in the NCAA and universities in general. Has anybody ever wondered why university presidents despise a playoff? Not dislike or disdain...but despise? It isn't simply money; it's the notion that a university's mission should now be three-fold...athletics, teaching, and research... in open revolt of its present two-fold mission...teaching and research.

Net-net, most of us either have accepted the premise that the model has failed or thought it was screwy to begin with. I fall into the former category; Stallion falls into the latter. However, the Board, by and large, is populated by people whose haven't accepted that premise in the first place, or they are reluctantly doing so over a period of time. Turner is closer to the action, but by and large, with his history at Ole Miss, why should he trust an athletic department to not risk his job? If I were them (and I did serve on Board committees as a student...along with Dedman, Lyle, Alberthal, Altschuler, Blanton, Hunt, etc.), I would be the same way.

the most insightful comment on this thread is the comment by the father of an SMU player whose brother - a star JUCO at a position we desperately need help at-just committed to Kansas State. Reports are he never received an SMU offer which I believe was confirmed by Dad.

Check out the 5th paragraph in this blog post from Coaches Hot Seat. It is talking about Rick Neuheisal's thoughts on recruiting into the UCLA model. Sounds like similar complaints.

http://coacheshotseat.com/coacheshotseatblog/?p=31