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Let's say, for the sake of argument, that Dennis Franchionne leaves TCU after this year to take another head coaching gig -- at Arizona State, Missouri, Notre Dame -- wherever. Let's also say, just for argument's sake, that Cavan gets fired.

A telling indication of where our program stands will be in the pool of candidates considered for each position. TCU can offer a better record. We can offer living in Dallas, as opposed to Fort Worth. TCU can offer Conference USA, we can offer the nicest stadium in Dallas. TCU can offer easier admission requirements, we can offer a better education.

But if TCU entertains big-name candidates who have been head coaches at top programs or even mid-level programs (like New Mexico was before he bolted for Fort Worth) and we fool around with high school coaches and Div. II experiments, then we're in a deeper hole than we all believe. Let's hope the coaches who consider the SMU job are similar to those who consider coaching in Fort Worth. That will show where the SMU coaching job ranks in the eyes of the coaches themselves.

We also offer a chance to turn a program around and a HUGE TV market. But poor fan support.

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Go Red, Go Blue, Go Mustangs, S M U

[This message has been edited by SMUPonyFan (edited 11-16-2000).]

Although SMU has not been able to develop a local fan base since Doak Walker days, we missed a big opportunity this year with the new stadium to start building that fan base. Dallas unfortunately is a city that only seems to get up for a big time winner. The Cowboys are down this season and maybe next year too. If we could give the city a winning program on a consistant basis, I think out of 3 million people in the metroplex we ought to be able to develop a large enough fan base to keep Ford Stadium full every game. A larger marketing effort on a weekly basis would help too. We need to start doing what is necessary to WIN!

Unfortunately, you're right. We could trot out a championship Tiddly Winks team and the sheep in this city would be there in droves, buying tickets and t-shirts, and announcing that they've been fans all along.

Here's a really clear indication of how serious TCU is. (An article from the Forth Worth Star-Telegram)

Worth reading. Then call/write your favorite SMU supporter and challenge them to beat the little frogs.

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