Tuesday---Dec 28th, 2010

The Springfield Republican counts down the top 10 local stories of 2010. Number ten on the list is the tragic death of UMass Band director George Parks.

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Ron Chimelis points out the fact that FBS football does not protect a school from financial losses as per the story I linked to yesterday.

UConn's lost on the Fiesta Bowl does not tell the whole story. The Huskies will get some of the loss back in increased season ticket sales as well as more support in the state legislature.

Ticket problems are endemic to all bowl teams lately. Even Michigan has not sold all its allotment. This is more a change in technology than anything else. Fans can now buy tickets from sites like StubHub and get a significantly better deal than through the schools. Athletic departments are losing the monopoly on ticket sales. In my view, that means the current bowl parameters may have to be revised. Maybe lower ticket prices, lower guarantees will help. Or less bowls.

Semi-related article: How the Holiday bowl lost its luster.

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The Sports Network beaks down the Hens before the National Championship game.

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Keepers College Football Ratings (on title page) has Delaware by 6.92 over the Eastern Washington Eagles.