[Goose]

In the social media era, I wonder if a half-empty stadium is more a liability now than in the past when it comes to recruiting.

Pretty sure it is. However, from a social media point of view I think the fact that the student body doesn't care much about football is a much bigger problem. Yes, it's great to play before thousands of screaming fans. However, Stanford has always been a bit "Chardonnay" and that didn't kill recruiting. I think the fact the student body today doesn't care is much more of a problem. Back "in the day" even Nerds cared about beating USC. Today, they don't even know there's a game and social media highlights that fact. Athletics just isn't a "big deal". It isn't hostility. It is just total ambivalence. This creates an atmosphere that is not attractive to student athletes. It is OK if the old folks don't show up, but if your peers don't, that is unacceptable.

[Goose]

In the social media era, I wonder if a half-empty stadium is more a liability now than in the past when it comes to recruiting.

Pretty sure it is. However, from a social media point of view I think the fact that the student body doesn't care much about football is a much bigger problem. Yes, it's great to play before thousands of screaming fans. However, Stanford has always been a bit "Chardonnay" and that didn't kill recruiting. I think the fact the student body today doesn't care is much more of a problem. Back "in the day" even Nerds cared about beating USC. Today, they don't even know there's a game and social media highlights that fact. Athletics just isn't a "big deal". It isn't hostility. It is just total ambivalence. This creates an atmosphere that is not attractive to student athletes. It is OK if the old folks don't show up, but if your peers don't, that is unacceptable.