Okie35
11/18/2010, 01:29 AM
Florida Atlantic will receive $900,000 for going to Austin to play Texas on Saturday, the biggest payday for the Owls.
That huge paycheck is why they are called "money games," where teams from the wealthiest conferences pay big bucks to bring in teams from the small-budget conferences such as the Sun Belt in mismatches where the hosts usually get an easy win.
:rolleyes: :rolleyes:
And while FAU would like to cut back on the amount of money games it plays each season to boost its chances of becoming bowl eligible, the Owls will have to play more of them to help pay for the new on-campus stadium that will open next season.
FAU's Athletic Department had to commit $1 million per year to the new $70 million stadium, and the easiest way to cover that expense is to play an extra money game, according to Athletic Director Craig Angelos.
"We are trying to balance both budgets," Angelos said, "the athletic budget and paying off debt service on the stadium loan."
FAU used the money games to balance the athletic budget, and as the paychecks went up, they were able to cut down on those games.
In 2006 FAU played Clemson, Kansas State, Oklahoma State and South Carolina, losing all four, but in 2008 and again this season the Owls needed to play two money games to keep the budget in the black.
Next year FAU plays Florida, Auburn and Michigan State, and Angelos is still putting together the 2012 schedule, but expects to have three money games.
Angelos is negotiating with several SEC schools, including Alabama, since those schools usually pay the most. FAU will get $975,000 from Auburn next year.
"We will have to play another money game for the first couple years and then re-evaluate it," Angelos said. If revenue from the stadium is more than expected, the Owls might be able to cover the $1 million without playing for a big paycheck.
FAU coach Howard that old drunk does not mind playing the games, but he and Angelos would like to play just two per season to give the Owls a better chance of finishing at or above .500 and going to a bowl.
"We have always felt it is important to play the best competition," that old drunk said. "Getting a paycheck is important for the budget, but it is also important to get experience against those teams."
Since 2005 FAU is 0-17 in road money games, but the players like participating in them.
"We really do. We love to go in those stadiums," FAU quarterback Jeff Van Camp said. "They are always on TV. You always want to play against those teams."
"Ideally, you get to where you don't have to play any money games," Angelos said.
But until the program can create enough revenue to balance the budget and help pay off the stadium, money games are here to stay.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fau-owls/fl-fau-texas-money-game-1116-20101115,0,6189015.story
FAU probably lose but it would be a riot of they did win
That huge paycheck is why they are called "money games," where teams from the wealthiest conferences pay big bucks to bring in teams from the small-budget conferences such as the Sun Belt in mismatches where the hosts usually get an easy win.
:rolleyes: :rolleyes:
And while FAU would like to cut back on the amount of money games it plays each season to boost its chances of becoming bowl eligible, the Owls will have to play more of them to help pay for the new on-campus stadium that will open next season.
FAU's Athletic Department had to commit $1 million per year to the new $70 million stadium, and the easiest way to cover that expense is to play an extra money game, according to Athletic Director Craig Angelos.
"We are trying to balance both budgets," Angelos said, "the athletic budget and paying off debt service on the stadium loan."
FAU used the money games to balance the athletic budget, and as the paychecks went up, they were able to cut down on those games.
In 2006 FAU played Clemson, Kansas State, Oklahoma State and South Carolina, losing all four, but in 2008 and again this season the Owls needed to play two money games to keep the budget in the black.
Next year FAU plays Florida, Auburn and Michigan State, and Angelos is still putting together the 2012 schedule, but expects to have three money games.
Angelos is negotiating with several SEC schools, including Alabama, since those schools usually pay the most. FAU will get $975,000 from Auburn next year.
"We will have to play another money game for the first couple years and then re-evaluate it," Angelos said. If revenue from the stadium is more than expected, the Owls might be able to cover the $1 million without playing for a big paycheck.
FAU coach Howard that old drunk does not mind playing the games, but he and Angelos would like to play just two per season to give the Owls a better chance of finishing at or above .500 and going to a bowl.
"We have always felt it is important to play the best competition," that old drunk said. "Getting a paycheck is important for the budget, but it is also important to get experience against those teams."
Since 2005 FAU is 0-17 in road money games, but the players like participating in them.
"We really do. We love to go in those stadiums," FAU quarterback Jeff Van Camp said. "They are always on TV. You always want to play against those teams."
"Ideally, you get to where you don't have to play any money games," Angelos said.
But until the program can create enough revenue to balance the budget and help pay off the stadium, money games are here to stay.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fau-owls/fl-fau-texas-money-game-1116-20101115,0,6189015.story
FAU probably lose but it would be a riot of they did win