<p>"Today, the Flutie Effect also casts its shadow on smaller campuses. This bowl season, for example, Brigham Young University and Utah each were invited to bowl games. But rival Utah State University stayed home in Logan because of its 1-11 season.</p>
<p>Utah State's Aggies now are studying the results of a recent survey of high school seniors that suggests football — make that winning football — might be an effective billboard for a growing regional university. In the survey, college-bound students were familiar with Utah State, but they were more aware of instate state schools with better teams.</p>
<p>But if all things academic are fairly equal, and the other schools have nationally known football programs, "then maybe putting money into the [football] program to try and turn it around is something to discuss," said John Devilbiss, Utah State's public relations director."</p>
<p>Coureur, it goes even farther than that. There are now smaller schools that are starting football programs to attract highschool players who want to continue playing. By getting some of those hunks to come, it attracts even more kids. There was a NYTimes article on some schools who have added football teams for that very reason. THey have found that the results are much more cost effective and immediate than doing anything else in terms of increasing the number of applicants. For some smaller schools who are hurting in male applicants, this is particularly an effective move.</p>
<p>My little guy was suddenly interested in going to his brothers Parent's weekend when he saw that the school was playing Miami of Ohio. Why? Ben Rothelsberger (sp) is someone of interest to him, and that he went to Miami of Ohio put that school on his map. How else would a 13 year old hear of a school like that one?</p>
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How else would a 13 year old hear of a school like that one?
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The first time I heard of it was when I read P.J. O'Rourke's bio. Ben & P.J. are both a tribute to their school.</p>
<p>So many people pooh-pooh football programs. Not me. They add a tremendous amount to a campus. If run well, (and by that I mean ethicallly, not just $$$) they bring a festival atmosphere on game day & help mold the character of the young men playing. Not every football program is a drain on the college's bottom line. Some are huge money-makers and fund the entire athletic progam of the college with $$$ to spare for non-sports scholarships or capital improvements.</p>
<p>Of course, a big chunk of the college-age population does not give a hoot about football. That's fine. Just don't apply to Ohio State or Michigan & then complain about the football fever. Check out Sarah Lawrence.</p>
<p>It is true. Recently Appalachian State University, a mid-size public in our state system won the Div. 1-AA National Football Championship for the second straight year. Our local newspaper reported that applications had increased dramatically. Some students who were interviewed said they had not even considered ASU seriously until the football program had so much success and brought so much attention to the school. It made them take a closer look and they liked what they saw. This newfound interest has also increased slectivity at ASU.</p>