I'm talking about on the field performance, not just finances. We would have gotten pummeled by Bama, LSU, ugag, Auburn, Fla, UT, and the sec newer additions would have just piled on more recently. I don't believe a Vandyish record in the 70's to present would have resulted in the changessss necessary to compete in the great Land Grant factory world. Imo, those believing that everything would be sunshine and unicorns had we stayed in the sec are misinformed.
I think my original point is lost so I'll reframe it.
To improve, Tech has said it needs to improve recruiting. And of the Top Ten recruiting areas in the USA, three (GA, AL, and FL) are within easy distance of Tech. Moreover, there was a time when Tech was considered as a legitimate alternative school/team for many in the area. There were Wreck Tech parades, split families, etc. Tech was familiar to the SEC (key concept).
In marketing, there are two main things to think about. First is how a decision is made. Often, it starts with Awareness (What school? Oh I've heard of them), continues with Familiarity (I know them. They run the TO), leads to Consideration (Mom, I'm thinking about Auburn or maybe Georgia Tech), followed by Purchase (I signed) and finally, Post-Purchase Glow (We're glad you joined Tech. It was a good decision. Let's show you how to succeed in life).
The second major thing is Word of Mouth. By far, the most effective, least costly, method to sell is through WOM. That's why companies spend so much to develop positive WOM and specialized groups to promote positive WOM. Think "friends and family" and you'll see how WOM works. Cellular companies excel at it.
My original point is that Tech HAD this. We were very Aware in the 60's and 70's because we were still relevant and the nature of college football had not yet changed. Now, do we have strong awareness? I would say no. Tech is virtually unheard of in Alabama because the current generation of fans have never heard of Dodd, Kim King, etc. Do we have strong familiarity? Of those that are aware, it's possible that most have a negative view of Tech because of a) academic load and b) TO legacy. Of those that are familiar, what percentage would consider Tech? Historically, not that many as measured by recruiting. Of those that consider, how many would actually sign?
You get the idea. It's a measurable, linear process.
So, if you are going to recruit (i.e., sell) in the areas of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida ... you had better be focused on driving Awareness, Familiarity, Consideration ... and positive WOM. We did that, at virtually no cost, by scheduling schools like Auburn, Vandy (Ok, it's in TN), and Alabama. THEY promoted Tech through interviews, parades, news articles, etc. All free.
I'm NOT talking about joining the SEC. I am talking about kids who want to make a life decision and follow a typical customer journey. Ultimately, to overcome the lack of Awareness ... you have to raise money (which Tech sucks at) and pay for it yourself. It's Paid Media vs. Earned Media.
So, my theory is if you want to improve recruiting and do so at low cost, you have to become relevant in the areas you are targeting. And you do that by scheduling a few opponents and get that exposure for free. So, drop Gardner Webb and add Auburn. And by getting better players, we should play better on the field.
And I am not that worried about scheduling a school like Auburn. They are a good 8-5 team most years. And a good historical rival. They are not Alabama.
Anyway ... my two cents.
