Mora is right

[Kolumbo]

Last time I checked all of us taxpayers are funding this program. NIL is just another way for the big boys to further distance themselves. You have so many people in the northeast who are alumni of private schools. Telling them they can't criticize the program unless they donate is really not the best strategy to build a fan base.

 

[Patman]

Can we ask that our seat donation go to the NIL, or is this more money they want for this Mickey Mouse team? That's $800 for my upper seatbacks. What was that money used for? Like an earlier poster said, we don't have the alumni base or passion to compete with more prestigious schools in football. Paying money to get some kid to attend Uconn when they are already getting paid with a free education is so distasteful. Let him go to JMU or Syracuse. If we have kids who bleed blue and are in-state then we can defeat anyone!

NIL money can't come from the school

 

[Duncan Idaho]

I just checked the On3 database for coaches salaries in 2023 and it shows that Mora would be the 6th highest paid coach in the AAC, and his current salary is higher than the coaches at Navy, UAB, North Texas, Charlotte, Rice and FAU. It appears you were referencing 2022 salaries, however to be fair I don't think Mora would be the lowest paid coach in the AAC today, looks more like middle of the pack-ish. Is that high enough given our current status and revenue issues? Hard to say but certainly one issue among many we are facing.

Half the AAC came from the CUSA this year.

 

[DoctorWho85]

I've said it in another thread. I believe NIL is great for the kids, but overall needs to be regulated. The kids deserved to get paid, but schools like Houston and Texas who have billionaire donors, can throw as much money into a sludge fund to buy up all the talent. There should be a maximum limit on how much anyone can earn on NIL through the school. Getting money off of things like podcasts, youtube channels, twitch streams should be outside of the realm of this obviously, but NIL for players by the school should be limited to say 50k per year (just a number I'm throwing out).

 

[Get a Job]

I've said it in another thread. I believe NIL is great for the kids, but overall needs to be regulated. The kids deserved to get paid, but schools like Houston and Texas who have billionaire donors, can throw as much money into a sludge fund to buy up all the talent. There should be a maximum limit on how much anyone can earn on NIL through the school. Getting money off of things like podcasts, youtube channels, twitch streams should be outside of the realm of this obviously, but NIL for players by the school should be limited to say 50k per year (just a number I'm throwing out).

NIL for players by the school is already limited to $0.00

 

[Stinger92860]

They have someone:

can I donate and ask for the money to be used for football only?

 

[huskymedic]

can I donate and ask for the money to be used for football only?

It would appear so:

Here’s an existing option:



Since Coach Mora has been banging the drum they have seen a significant uptick in UConn Football donations in two weeks.

Jared Guy Thomas is the Executive Director for the BleedingBlueNIL Collective.

 

[UConnJim]

I just checked the On3 database for coaches salaries in 2023 and it shows that Mora would be the 6th highest paid coach in the AAC, and his current salary is higher than the coaches at Navy, UAB, North Texas, Charlotte, Rice and FAU. It appears you were referencing 2022 salaries, however to be fair I don't think Mora would be the lowest paid coach in the AAC today, looks more like middle of the pack-ish. Is that high enough given our current status and revenue issues? Hard to say but certainly one issue among many we are facing.

I wrote in last year's AAC. This year, the AAC took a big step back in football with the loss of Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF. And, don't you think all of the new AAC schools are going to increase their investment in football to compete? Of course they are. And, are we trying to get into a P5 conference? Yes, so we need to be spending at the top of the G5.

People don't seem to recognize is how UCF, Houston, and Cincinnati lapped UConn in football. The donor base was mobilized and they invested in football. All schools were getting the same media dollars.

 

[Punkbo]

If Mora is right (as the title of this thread suggests), we’re better off taking whatever NIL money we raise and using it to pay the players on the basketball team. We’ll never have enough money to support a full football roster and be competitive with the southern schools.

 

[UConnJim]

If Mora is right (as the title of this thread suggests), we’re better off taking whatever NIL money we raise and using it to pay the players on the basketball team. We’ll never have enough money to support a full football roster and be competitive with the southern schools.

And if the football schools break off and form their own basketball tournament, what does UConn do?

 

[uconnfan68]

And if the football schools break off and form their own basketball tournament, what does UConn do?

Join the other 200+ schools.

 

[Blades]

 

[Scoe]

There’s no question the state has the money, there are just far too many excuses, and no one wants to speak up. Of course the NIL is a challenge but is doable.

 

[SwingDog]

I can help out. Generally, there are 2 types of NIL. There is NIL money for top stars from brands like Nike, Gatorade,… that is going to top players based on the star’s ability to market the brand. Think Paige Bueckers or Caleb Williams. That is not what Mora is talking about as that only impacts a very few players. Then, there is NIL cash that is being being paid by collectives, small and medium businesses, individuals,… that is basically paying the players for some “use” of NIL but is basically a payout. I don’t think large corporations are a big part of this. That is what Mora means when he says NIL.

At most large universities, they have a well developed booster club outside of university oversight that has been raising money for years for things like facilities, athletic scholarships, coaching salaries, … Many are now involved in NIL. To my knowledge, I don’t think UConn has a booster club, as historically the AD has been the fundraiser. With NIL it has to be an outside organization that is raising the money.

Thank you for such an informative explanation!

 

[Rdkid]

If Mora is right (as the title of this thread suggests), we’re better off taking whatever NIL money we raise and using it to pay the players on the basketball team. We’ll never have enough money to support a full football roster and be competitive with the southern schools.

I’m sure our bball players are doing just fine.

 

[Rdkid]

NIL money can't come from the school

Technically, it can’t. But in the Bleeding Blue category (service/charity/appearances), the program decides what players are involved. It is not some free-for-all. It is an articulated strategic plan. Unless it is a ridiculous pot that can provide for all, your bag is earned based upon talent and/or performance. I guess a specific entity could request a specific player (even a benchwarmer), but the HC has say. I have heard of small southern towns putting together this type of support for their hometown kids for a specific school.

 

[gioff2323]

Just stupid. We bemoan the fact that we’ve lost nearly every skill player in last 12 months, we’re playing qb2, rb4 and a few smurfs at wr and then we say, get aeay from pedestrian O. Losing makes fans crazy, I get it, but the dissonance from this place is insufferable.

The simple fact is that this program and its stakeholders are not committed and absolutely not unified in committing to p4/5 football. Never will be. It’s insane, but factual.

 

[uconnric]

Jim is right but it’s also not the full picture. For YEARS, G5 teams have succeeded while we have failed. Teams like Buffalo, Boise, Miami OH, have all put together winning teams that play good football. They’re cold region schools in mid tier conferences with less money and name recognition than us but they WIN. It’s not completely about the money it’s about incompetence in the locker room and a culture of accepting losing. And at the end of the day, that’s on Mora, Dave, and the staff.

Recruit better, coach better, care more, and we can win.

To blame the situation on Mora and AD Dave is just ridiculous, but you always try to get your cheap shots in.

 

[JMick]

To blame the situation on Mora and AD Dave is just ridiculous, but you always try to get your cheap shots in.

Are wins and losses not a product of the coaching and athletic department?

Nothing he said was a cheap shot. It's just reality. They're the ones responsible for the results on the field. I think Dave has had to make some really tough decisions and they all haven't worked out, but he seems to work hard and has the best intentions. That doesn't change the fact that football has mostly failed under him. I don't think it's all his fault but it is his responsibility

 

[Blades]

We bemoan the fact that we’ve lost nearly every skill player in last 12 months, we’re playing qb2, rb4 and a few smurfs at wr and then we say, get aeay from pedestrian O.

Exactly... you just proved the point. These portal guys who bailed on Mora and Charlton weren't stupid. Why would any RB with speed or decent WR want to play in Charlton's ridiculous "rugby scrum" offense when it was obvious to anyone with a brain that passing the ball down field and spreading it out, was not in has game plan. Even after Zion Turner ( who he didn't trust to pass) was benched and put 3rd on the 2-deep.

 

[Patman]

Technically, it can’t. But in the Bleeding Blue category (service/charity/appearances), the program decides what players are involved. It is not some free-for-all. It is an articulated strategic plan. Unless it is a ridiculous pot that can provide for all, your bag is earned based upon talent and/or performance. I guess a specific entity could request a specific player (even a benchwarmer), but the HC has say. I have heard of small southern towns putting together this type of support for their hometown kids for a specific school.

right but it can't come from ticket sales and state funding.

Reality is it will take private interests, individual or corporate.

 

[Brochacho]

Are wins and losses not a product of the coaching and athletic department?

Nothing he said was a cheap shot. It's just reality. They're the ones responsible for the results on the field. I think Dave has had to make some really tough decisions and they all haven't worked out, but he seems to work hard and has the best intentions. That doesn't change the fact that football has mostly failed under him. I don't think it's all his fault but it is his responsibility

I agree with this, just that while its his responsibility, my question is what else is he supposed to do. Big 12? We were in a great spot until the P12 imploded. Rutgers offered Diaco HC so he extended him. Donors pushed for Edsall. Mora anchored the program to Charlton. Not much he can do.
-

 

[Patman]

It's a narcissistic take to think that people's opinions shouldn't be gatekept by how much money they have or choose to spend on a football program? Really? GoFY

You took it to yourself, yes. Once you realize he isn't talking about you, unless you're sitting on a million dollars, it is obvious.

 

[NEforceUConn]

Stop boneyard beeoching. You wanna help? Then create a boneyard collective. I’ll donate $500. Let’s get another 49 folks to commit and pick a position for $20k. Average P5 player is getting 3k a year for NIL.

Ok so for a senior, who remembers that a UConn bb player scammed people, if I want to donate $500+ for FB NIL I do it on:

Bleedingblueforgood.org. ?

Have to wait for Jan 1 because of tax reasons.

Ps. Not sure why one of the mods or one of the really respected posters don’t post:

“If you got it and can spare it the time is now for UConn FB”. Clock is ticking.

Maybe that’s inappropriate, but it is now or never for the next 5 years horizon.

Pss. Giddyup $500 x 50 = $25k ( not $20k)

 

[BlueandOG]

Stop boneyard beeoching. You wanna help? Then create a boneyard collective. I’ll donate $500. Let’s get another 49 folks to commit and pick a position for $20k. Average P5 player is getting 3k a year for NIL.

In for $500

 

[JMick]

You took it to yourself, yes. Once you realize he isn't talking about you, unless you're sitting on a million dollars, it is obvious.

Oh yeah I'm sure he's only talking about millionaires. Give me a break.

 

[BlueandOG]

It appears that NIL payments for our program is distasteful for many of this board’s avid football supporters. Likely generational as well (most of us middle-agers & above seem to be at best holding our noses - and we’re the ones with the $). What does this say about support for football in this new age? Rubber is hitting the road.

Bleeding Blue for Good is not a secret. It has not been for all of ‘23.

If you want to see winning UConn sports, hold your nose and give something.

Communication and an articulated plan from the coach and athletic department would help. Not a haranguing from the coach from the podium when he’s 2-9 and his team is disheveled to put it kindly. He can go to charm school after UMass, cuz yeah, he’s got a game to coach - and coach better than he has. And a loss Saturday will be a giant nick in the kutz for hope.

I am middle age. I hate NIL. However, I am $1k deep into BBFG. Have to get with the times or die.

 

[BlueandOG]

It takes the average person in Connecticut 20-25 years to make one years worth of Jim Moras salary. Maybe he can step up too?

No. He earns his money. In fact, we need to give our head football coach more money. If we take from him we cannibalize the system

 

[temery]

Stop boneyard beeoching. You wanna help? Then create a boneyard collective. I’ll donate $500. Let’s get another 49 folks to commit and pick a position for $20k. Average P5 player is getting 3k a year for NIL.

We've got something in the works. I'm talking with them early next week.

Worth noting: we tried to collect money for them in April and the response was underwhelming. Something like $4k, and $1k of that was mine.

Post Championship NIL Fundraiser

As it’s a non profit I’m assuming it also qualifies for company matches if our employer does them? Yes it does

the-boneyard.com

 

[billybud]

Total crap. There have been 18 semifinal games in the CFP era. There have been only 5 games decided by 10 points or less (two last year), 7 by 11 to 21 points, and 6 by >21 points. The Cincinnati game was decided by 21 points which is in the mid range of CFP playoff games.

Do you remember these games?
Oregon 59, FSU 20
Alabama 30, Michigan St. 0
Alabama 24, Washington 7
Clemson 31, Ohio St. 0
Clemson 30, Notre Dame 3
Alabama 24, Clemson 6
LSU 62, Oklahoma 28
Georgia 34, Michigan 11

Only 3 teams that year held Alabama to fewer points than Cincinnati (27):
Auburn 24
LSU 20
Georgia 18 (Championship game)

Alabama scored more points against:
Miami 44
Florida 31
Ole Miss. 42
Texas A&M. 38
Miss. St. 49
Tennessee. 52
Arkansas. 42
Georgia. 41

Cincinnati clearly belonged as they had 9 players drafted in that year's NFL draft, which was 3rd most of any school.

Propaganda...when you fail ro address Cincinnati's woeful offensive performance against Alabama...6 freekin' points.

6-7 Florida put up 29...6-7 Auburn put up 22...non IA Mercer put up 14

Cincinnati's offense turned to mush against Bama....

How many teams scored fewer points than Cincinnati against Bama ? Let's list them...

2-10 New Mexico State..scored 3 less than the Bearcats.