Can a University have both an Elite Football and MBB Program

[CloneSolo]

Just thought I would get some chatter going on this. With two inspiring, talented, and passionate coaches leading the Football and MBB teams, I thought this became an interesting topic. First, I want to say, I hope they BOTH succeed and coach at Iowa State for a long time.

I just find it interesting that your perenial top football programs USC, Alabama - or basically any SEC school excluding Kentucky, Nebraska, etc really don't possess a elite counterpart in MBB. And vice versa, with your high octane MBB programs like KU, UCONN, Syracuse, etc.

I know some will point out the Texas, Florida, and a few other examples, but for the most part these are the exceptions and not the rule. These schools also possess a lot more financial resources and alumni than my alma mater and most other institutions.

I tried to do some brainstorming (tough today after the Jason Aldean concert last night). Is it the fault of the fans for not supporting both programs equally? Is that financially the fans/alumni can only afford to support one program so naturally they sway to the one that is performing the best (cough, cough EIU)? Does tradition actually harm a program like Nebraska in basketball and Kentucky in football? Is it the administration's fault for not supporting each programs equally? or does it take special coaches who don't mind sharing the spotlight with another -- don't have to be the brightest light in town.

Thoughts.....

[Cyhart]

Well, there are only so many elite schools in one sport, so I dont know if the fact that schools like Florida, Texas, and Ohio State who are elite in 2 sports are an "exception".
Its hard to be elite in one sport, so the fact that they are elite in more than one is pretty impressive.

[rholtgraves]

I will say yes

[CloneSolo]

Well, there are only so many elite schools in one sport, so I dont know if the fact that schools like Florida, Texas, and Ohio State who are elite in 2 sports are an "exception".
Its hard to be elite in one sport, so the fact that they are elite in more than one is pretty impressive.

Totally forgot about Ohio State. But becoming elite for them in both basketball and football required substantial NCAA rules violations. If that is what it takes to become elite, I don't want it. I know, I might get crucified on this "honor before victory", but I would rather lose than win like that. However all being said, I would rather have both honor and victory if that is a choice.

[isuno1fan]

Given the choice, you pick FB everytime.

That said, I wish success for all the athletic programs at ISU.

[Cyclonestate78]

Well, there are only so many elite schools in one sport, so I dont know if the fact that schools like Florida, Texas, and Ohio State who are elite in 2 sports are an "exception".
Its hard to be elite in one sport, so the fact that they are elite in more than one is pretty impressive.

I take exception to you including Ohio State considering they have had major NCAA violations in both their basketball and most recently their football program. It makes me sick to think that a former ISU guy like Gene Smith is running the show at that cesspool.

[jdoggivjc]

I was going to say UCLA in the early-mid 1980s because they actually had a decent football program back then (5 conference titles, 7-0 in bowl games, including 3-0 in Rose Bowls and Fiesta and Cotton Bowl wins), but surprisingly, UCLA basketball sucked during that time period.

[2forISU]

UF, UCLA, and Texas

[theyork]

Just thought I would get some chatter going on this. With two inspiring, talented, and passionate coaches leading the Football and MBB teams, I thought this became an interesting topic. First, I want to say, I hope they BOTH succeed and coach at Iowa State for a long time.

I just find it interesting that your perenial top football programs USC, Alabama - or basically any SEC school excluding Kentucky, Nebraska, etc really don't possess a elite counterpart in MBB. And vice versa, with your high octane MBB programs like KU, UCONN, Syracuse, etc.

I know some will point out the Texas, Florida, and a few other examples, but for the most part these are the exceptions and not the rule. These schools also possess a lot more financial resources and alumni than my alma mater and most other institutions.

I tried to do some brainstorming (tough today after the Jason Aldean concert last night). Is it the fault of the fans for not supporting both programs equally? Is that financially the fans/alumni can only afford to support one program so naturally they sway to the one that is performing the best (cough, cough EIU)? Does tradition actually harm a program like Nebraska in basketball and Kentucky in football? Is it the administration's fault for not supporting each programs equally? or does it take special coaches who don't mind sharing the spotlight with another -- don't have to be the brightest light in town.

Thoughts.....

we will never need to worry about this because isu will never be an elite football program. playing the likes of oklahoma and texas teams will never allow it unless the population of iowa explodes to match that of the two aforementioned states. sorry but it just won't happen. not in my lifetime anyway.

basketball has a reasonable chance. we were at the top at one point. just need to hang on to the good coaches we get.

[Cyhart]

I take exception to you including Ohio State considering they have had major NCAA violations in both their basketball and most recently their football program. It makes me sick to think that a former ISU guy like Gene Smith is running the show at that cesspool.

I hadn't even considered that. I havent kept up to date with all of their violations, but I seriously doubt things like the "tatoo scandal" helped them build the kind of athletic program they currently have.
Im no OSU fan, so not trying to defend them, just sayin'.

[Cyclonestate78]

I hadn't even considered that. I havent kept up to date with all of their violations, but I seriously doubt things like the "tatoo scandal" helped them build the kind of athletic program they currently have.
Im no OSU fan, so not trying to defend them, just sayin'.

I know. Free tats will hardly build you a dominant program but I highly doubt that is the only dirty stuff going on at Ohio State.

[CycloneNC2015]

If you look at the few schools that are elite in two "big" sports you will notice they are schools that rake in the cash. I think money has alot to do with it.

Also, there is alot of luck involved. Florida, Texas, tOSU may be elite in the two big sports now but they havent always been. Its just a matter of chance that they are good at the same time. Florida pre-Spurier was anything but elite. Pre-2000 I wouldnt have considered UTerus' football program elite. tOSU's BBall program was definately not elite mid-80's till the early 2000's.

[Cyclonepride]

Absolutely they can.

[jdoggivjc]

UF, UCLA, and Texas

UCLA was never dominant at football and basketball at the same time, and I wouldn't say that Texas isn't dominant at basketball per se. They've certainly been better than average, perhaps even very good. But they've only had one Final Four appearance in the last decade (2003), two Elite Eights (2006, 2008), and one additional Sweet Sixteen (2004). Oh - and zero conference championships.

Like I said, very good. But not dominant - especially during every basketball season it seems like we keep talking about how much underachieving Barnes and Texas does.

[besserheimerphat]

Wasn't it the 2000-2001 school year when ISU's football, men's and women's basketball teams all finished the regular season ranked in the top 25? I know that doesn't qualify as "elite," but it's still pretty impressive.