In all the hub-bub about football driving things and even the idea that a school like Louisville is in a worse place than MU, I'm wondering if the consolidation of the "top" 16 x 4 football programs in superconferences might lead some schools to give up on football, sensing that they are going to be left on the sidelines of those superconferences, and ultimately having no shot at serious football revenue.
If Louisville, Cincy and Villanova (and even UConn or Rutgers) can't get somewhere where their football programs will be king, might they consider just dropping the sport, opting to lower the overall cost of their athletic programs by realizing that their overall revenue will undoubtedly take a hit?
Much of this realignment scenario talk, admittedly, sails over my head (especially 'cuz I don't give a s**t about football), but I've found myself wondering this over the weekend.
This definitely could be the case with some colleges, take the fball money and invest heavy into bball facilities etc which will help recruiting. Also if the BCS schools break from the NCAA or BBall schools break from the NCAA things such as providing financial and other benefits to players could help BBall only schools as they dont have to fund as many atheletes. This could get real crazy and end up in the courts.
I can see if smaller schools would give up football, but I can't imagine schools like Louisville, Cincinnati, and USF would give it up.
The state just invested 50 million in infrastructure upgrades to Rutgers stadium. Giving up football is not an option for them.
In the short term, ego won't allow it and schools will not give up football. Check back in 10 or 12 years and I'm sure there will be some football programs that downgrade a level or two.
Some may give up football, but I think this is the perfect chance for the NCAA to start planning a football playoff for non BCS schools. If it's popular, it may eventually put an end to this ridiculous BCS crap(ala NIT/NCAA tourney).