Here are some interesting numbers from 2006: 90/119; 46,249; and 20,373.

The first numbers, 90/119, represent where UC ranked in attendance for D1 football programs - 90th out of 119 total programs.

The next two numbers, 46,249 and 20,373, represent average attendance for all D1 programs in 2006 and UC's average attendance in 2006, respectively.

Clearly UC is working harder than ever to increase attendance at their games. New and more flexible season ticket packages. Outreach by players, coaches, and administrators. Coach Kelly's daily diary in the Enquirer and today's headlines suggesting a 5-0 start followed by big games with U of L and Rutgers. Above all, Coach Kelly clearly "gets" the whole PR thing - he's out and about, he's quotable, he promises to run an exciting offense, ...

With all of this going on, is it enough? Stated another way, if UC's efforts this year don't lead to increased attendance - say at least 25,000 per game (which would only move them up to number 82 in average attendance - just behind Marshall) - what will it take?

Is Cincinnati such a "major league town" that college football just won't draw here? (Note that Miami(OH) is ranked 110 out of 119) or will a good schedule and an exciting program put fannies in seats at Nippert?

I, for one, say go down to a game and check it out. Nippert might be old (9th oldest stadium in college football), but it has been dramatically improved over recent years and is a wonderful place to watch a game. Give the Bearcats and Coach Kelly a chance to prove that they can deliver a quality product - both from a results and an entertainment perspective - and then decide if its worth your time to go to more games. I'm guessing we'll all be pleasantly surprised.