PonyinNC: I agree that although the IPF does not "make the players better", it does signal to recruits how serious the program is. If we were in a recruiting battle with TCU, and the kid compares programs and has to choose between a) A school in DFW with a proven track record (a coach with 9 seasons with 10 wins or more in recent years) NFL caliber facilities (brand new stadium, IPF, weight rooms, sports medicine), with many players getting drafted to the NFL each year, at BCS Big 12 Conference; or b) an up and coming program from a school in DFW with decent facilities (fairly new stadium, no IPF but decent quality practice fields, okay weight rooms etc.) with players getting drafted into the NFL, at a non BCS AAC.ponyinNC wrote:Was Rick G. promised a cut of JJ's extension? Geez.
First, regarding the OOC schedule - yes, we should probably make it easier than 1 SEC, 3 Big 12 opponents as it was scheduled this year. I don't care about attendance - that was a ridiculous schedule for an AAC school. However, Rick Hart has already addressed this matter and talked about our scheduling going forward of 1 big-time game (Michigan/TAMU), 1 like-minded BCS school (Wake, Duke, etc), local rivals TCU and UNT, or an FCS school.
This solution is probably not what JJ wants - he would prefer 4 FCS schools I think, so he could start 4-0 no matter who he recruits. But I believe that Hart's plan is a good one, and in any given year we can end up 3-1, 2-2, or 1-3.
Second, regading the IPF - this is a RED HERRING. June is redirecting the argument from "why don't you recruit" to "I need an IPF to recruit". This is a politician/lawyer trick, and I am sure it is being directed by Leigh S.
Is the IPF a nice thing to have? Of course. Does it help recruit players? Somewhat, but not necessarily. Do we need it to compete? Heck no - just ask the many BCS schools going bowling this year who don't have or need an IPF. Too many to list here, but as long as the IPF is in the works, I am okay with it.
Bottom line IMHO - Jones has no one to blame for the recruiting woes but himself and his staff. Period.
You need every advantage you can get, and although the IPF won't make the players better, it does signal them that the program is committed to getting to the top, and being part of a non BCS program that is up and coming and on fire excites players since they will become part of the reason why a program does get invited to the BCS.