Great response!
“Tech has an on-campus stadium and the students show-up as there’s less to do in the Lubbock area (this is not a slam, it’s just true).”
I agree so I don’t take that as a “slam”. (Not that I would anyway. We can disagree and debate without taking offense.) Lubbock is a college town and that’s a real advantage to attracting local alumni and fans to games. Overall, I’m not sure there is a clear winner in the “big city” vs “college town” competition because they each bring good and bad issues.
I still think it’s a part-time vs full-time student support problem, which obviously will change over the years with UH building so many dorm rooms on campus. And frankly, my view may be jaded by the poor shape UH was in when the SWC dissolved, as you mentioned. That said, in good years and bad, Tech still manages to fill its stadium with distance fans even when playing crappy FCS teams like Central Arkansas, UTEP, Texas State, etc. So not only do we have to travel hours and pay for tickets, but we also have to stay at least one night in Lubbock (assuming it’s a night game) before returning home, which is a blast but also expensive during game weekends. I guess I’m disappointed that despite UH’s local fan base and recent badassness (yes, I insist that’s a real word), UH fans haven’t done anything to dispel the belief of Big 12 fans (especially former SWC alumni) that UH fan support is still very weak. Does that make sense?
And I agree with all the points made in your third paragraph. Especially about Khator. She’s a badass.