OT Michigan

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This is off topic, but what effect do you think the economy in Michigan will have on the University of Michigan and Michigan State? If the state shrinks in population and if the car economy crumbles, do you think that will have a negative effect on both universities? Will it have a negative effect on the competitiveness of the sports teams? Thanks.
 

it could have some negative impact

but I doubt there will be much.

Look at it from these two angles. 1.) Their economy has sucked pretty hard the last twenty years or so even without the latest disaster. And yet, they've still dedicated solid resources to both schools (academically and athletically). 2.) The backwards ass SEC has always spent disproportionately on their athletic programs mostly because there is little else for them to be proud of.

Look for these two factors to play a big role in keeping Michigan's athletic depts moving.
 

The economy poses two factors for Michigan--does population shrink thereby leaving less talent and can you continue to sell out the stadium which brings in tons of cash to fund the programs, pay salaries, etc.

Michigan and I will add Ohio are both rust belt states that have been having their issues for a long time. The population of Detroit has been shrinking for a long time. The economy in Michigan has sucked for a long time so this isn't a new problem for them. Through it all Michigan has remained one of the top programs in the country and the passion their fans have for Michigan football means they will continue to have 100,000+ fans at every game until they fall flat on their face for a while.

Sun Belt states have been growing at a much faster pace than midwestern states--albeit a lot of that is aging population so it has little impact on college athletics--and it is one reason SEC schools have been getting better and the Big Ten hasn't been doing as well.

I don't think this trend, or the economic problems in Michigan/Ohio, spell doom for Big Ten schools or Michigan in particular. What it does mean is that the proportion of top talent that is produced in Florida, Texas, etc has increased versus where it was 30 years ago and for a team like Michigan to be competitive they have to go out of state more for their talent. That is already happening with Dick Rod. Michigan has a brand that is seen as prestigious which attracts talent, the reputation for the quality of the education is second to only Northwestern in the conference and top 30 in the country which attracts athletes, and everybody wants to play in front of 100,000 fans every week.

My hunch is that they will battle right through the tough economic times.
 

Michigan has pretty much been the greatest football program in the history of college football, considering the duration of their excellence. I think those days are over.

They will be good again. And they may even win an NC someday. But from here foraward they are going to be "on again-off again" just like everyone else is. Just a prediction.

Michigan and Notre Dame benefitted from the fact that Detroit and Chicago was basically the center of the universe in the 50's and 60's. No need to recruit nationally when Ford is already recruting parents.

The effect that huge migration had has almost completely worn-off. And I boubt the US will ever see a migration of working-class people like that again.

The migration of Northerners to the Sunbelt isn't the same thing because most people don't move there for better opportunities... most move there to spend more time being a slacker. Rarely are these the type of people whose offspring are going to be exceptional at anything.
 




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