Just thinking, does our recent success in basketball keep the Coogs fresh in people’s minds so it helps with interest in football. Also, could it subconsciously get some AP/Coach’s Poll voters/CFP voters to rank us a bit higher because of the basketball success (assuming we have some big wins this year)?
In terms of what you’re saying, probably not. In terms of a raised profile, keeping our brand out there, etc. Absolutely the biggest thing is keeping the city excited for the University.
There’s some crossover of football fans to basketball but it’s miniscule. Just look back two seasons when basketball forum posters were posting in the football board cajoling people to come to the games.
the national picture for football wont change because of basketball success.
BUT it’s always good to have our name out there year round.
In terms of setting ourselves up for possible realignment, success in basketball and football are extremely important. I should emphasize consistent success. Building the brand, having our name on the national attention span and local news are huge.
Yep, in terms of direct financial benefits, you are correct. In terms of raising the PR profile and brand of the school in general, a good basketball coupled with a good football program will go very far. I think the PAC schools and a few Big 10 schools are good examples of this. Even our track and field program is having this effect, especially as we have been competitive against the SEC.
IMO, it’s not important to compare the value of basketball to football at UH. What’s important to Cougar grads and fans is that we are nationally competitive in all sports.