Having Joe as HC drew a certain number of fans to each and every game, all by itself. The media had Joe to talk about during the pre-game build up, even when the team wasnt a Top Ten threat. Tail-gaters had innumerable stories to swap about Joe. They had a ton of Big Wins to replay in their mind and out loud. Joe's growing victory total was a unique draw all unto itself. Who he picked to start at QB and other positions began so many discussions and even more arguments. Nearly every PSU grad knew Joe from his/her undergrad years, and remembered him with fondness. We truly had a once in a lifetime situation to enjoy, win or lose. And each win was momentous unto itself.
Lets face it. Right now our new coaches are working hard as they build their reputation and determine their legacy. While it may or may not match what came before them, it still lacks much history, traction and trajectory, not to mention that "special" excitement Joe brought. So until things come together on the field, for many, watching from home or via "tape" delay is a good option.
Our future attendence will depend more on weather and quality of opponent than anything else.
My best guess is that Joe probably brought in 20k fans per game, all by himself.
Beyond wishful thinking, its pretty hard to predict how many fans will wind up attending PSU home games in the coming years. 100k? 90k? 80k? Even 70k? National trends will play a huge role in determining that number, and to buck them means you really have to have a "special" program, led by a special guy. Everything else is bells and whistles. Right now, Bama, OSU, MSU can claim that distinction. And perhaps a handful of other programs.
Only time holds the answer for Penn State.
Lets face it. Right now our new coaches are working hard as they build their reputation and determine their legacy. While it may or may not match what came before them, it still lacks much history, traction and trajectory, not to mention that "special" excitement Joe brought. So until things come together on the field, for many, watching from home or via "tape" delay is a good option.
Our future attendence will depend more on weather and quality of opponent than anything else.
My best guess is that Joe probably brought in 20k fans per game, all by himself.
Beyond wishful thinking, its pretty hard to predict how many fans will wind up attending PSU home games in the coming years. 100k? 90k? 80k? Even 70k? National trends will play a huge role in determining that number, and to buck them means you really have to have a "special" program, led by a special guy. Everything else is bells and whistles. Right now, Bama, OSU, MSU can claim that distinction. And perhaps a handful of other programs.
Only time holds the answer for Penn State.
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