Ranked seventh in the nation, seems like the biggest post-season aspirations for South Carolina State have proven smaller than the Bulldogs’ talent and national appeal. But there’s one aspect of their tournament future that very few people considered.
How big of a commitment should the Bulldogs make to hosting an opening-round game?
(Pough) added that the school, which has been hit by the economy, was cautious about overbidding. Because the first round takes place on Thanksgiving weekend – when students are gone and when many FBS schools are playing rivalry games, like USC-Clemson – attendance can suffer. Pough said his eyes were opened last season when Appalachian State, which averaged more than 20,000 fans per game, drew 13,712 for its first-round playoff game.
“You don’t want to obligate yourself to a big number (for a bid) in these times,” Pough said. “We were as aggressive as I could see us being under the circumstances.”
Nothing would excite the Bulldog faithful and black college observers around the world more than a playoff game in Orangeburg. And there’s every reason in the world to believe that Bulldog Nation can pack the house for an opening round game with a chance for SC State to advance.
But the question of economics is a legitimate one, even in the happy days of a MEAC championship and an NCAA playoff berth. If the Bulldogs secure the highest playoff berth in school history, and not enough people come out to see it, does it make the kind of future impact necessary for the next MEAC champ with national appeal? Or even for SC State’s next playoff run?
South Carolina State’s championship journey will have a lasting impact on the Bulldogs’ effort to break through on the national mid-major scene. And of all the black college football programs, SC State is best positioned to make a jump into the BCS realm. But the 1000-mile journey of BCS relevance begins with the single step of their upcoming playoff game.
And the hope is that State alumni and fans leave a big enough footprint to start the program off on the right foot.
