When it comes to business, and the business of big-time college football, perception of success can mean everything. The big power conferences are perceived as such because, among other things, they are able to fill their stadiums and get TV ratings for big games.
The life of a small, non-power conference can reflect failure as much as success. For years, the Mid-American Conference has attracted around 10,000 people to its title game on a regular basis at the cavernous Ford Field in Detroit. Last year’s game between Northern Illinois and Bowling Green attracted 15,110 to the 65,000-seat stadium, and the visual looked awful on national TV.