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I don't see how they raise $160 million+ for the new football stadium and Hofheinz renovation.I realize they weren't counting on state funds, but I don't see them having the donor financial muscle either. Also, their plan/expectation that $85 million will come form naming rights is ludicrous.

I'm not sure how much state money is pumped into their athletic programs, but if it is significant, they will feel the pinch there as well.

As the article points out, it is all of the state Universities that face cuts. This is a time when our opponents will be asked to do more with less and hopefully we can take advantage and start producing wins in all sports in accordance with our bigger budget relative to our athletic peers.

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I didn't think that state money could be used for athletics. I need a ruling from Stallion

smupony94 wrote:I didn't think that state money could be used for athletics. I need a ruling from Stallion

I have no idea, you may be right. I would think they couldn't fund their athletic department purely through donations and student fees, but I could be wrong.

I wonder if this has the potential to actually hurt us -

Could state legislators demand that U of H be included in a BCS conference with UT so it can get get more BCS money and move closer to breaking even?

U of H is a huge state school and is starting to get some political backing for increase importance because of the % of minorities that are enrolled there.

The state of Texas is no different than the other 49 states when it comes to education budgets. Every state has a shortfall due to the recession. This is a big opertunity for private universities like SMU who aren't allready on the government dole. Of course, these problems shouldn't affect the biggest state funded programs like the univ. of Texas because these athletic programs are actually generating cash. Of the 120 or so athletic programs that include D1 football, only about 14 or so are "profitable". Without research, anyone can name multiple programs that are profitable... Texas, Ohio State, Florida, Alabama...

In any event, SMU should be well placed financially as the school doesn't rely on Tax payer $.

We scramble every year too - hate to tell you. UH has no chance of being added to a Big 12 conference. They add less then we do.

Problem is UH is just not a very good school. Not a very good value proposition.