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Keeping Odom.

This whole thing is going to get thrown back into the cement mixer in 2 (or so) years when the top 30-50 split from the NCAA. I'm not sure why people are wetting their collective man panties about the BIG12 or PAC. Getting into that big-boi group that splits off when it happens is where we want to be.

I'll worry about the here & now and short future of the next 1-2 years in the MWC. We are setup NICELY to make runs at the CFP. Who gives a flying fck about the PAC?
 
To leave for the USU job? I thought Jay Hill was in negotiations for it?
I don't think Hill is going anywhere soon. He just had a heart attack during last season. He doesn't want the stress of being a HC, even at USU.

Being an OC at BYU is pretty low stress. The Board of Trustees is not known to fire coaches. He has great job security and is paid well.

Yes, Bronco is in the mix for USU. USU even reached out to Ken N. I'm not even going to try and spell his last name.
 
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As of this year and next year, it's a hell of a lot easier to be a UNLV having to go 12-1 or 11-2 and get the spot, instead of having to go 10-3 in a P conference, which will likely not be good enough anyways.

I am not sure why people do not see this. It'll probably change in 2027+. But for now, his best shot is at UNLV.
The conference is dog shit that’s why. It does nothing for realistically trying to win a Natty by staying in the weakest conference and simply dominating. This is football, not Gonzaga basketball like some people think we can replicate. Being in a P4 conference and stacking those payouts does far more than being the shiniest turd like we’re set up to be.
 
That doesnt surprise me. He seems to be above UNMs weight class... But also selfishly I dont want him to run off to some big job so quickly because Id prefer him to be available should the need arise.

Was looking at attendance numbers for MWC/PAC teams.

I don't know how much, if at all coaches concern themselves with that. But UNM playing a top 20 WSU team drew like 14k.

I mean on some level that has to be a little demoralizing right?

After 20 years of trudging out to every single UNLV game, I sympathize with diehard fans of struggling programs.

But 14k? And I believe that was paid attendance not necessarily butts in seats.
 
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It’s tough being a smaller program. We’re just feeder schools to the big boys, ultimately. This portal season is about to be crazy. I know some people were hoping we’d see a slow down in the madness but it seems to escalate each year 😂

The thing is though it works both ways. P4 poaches star G5 player. Same P4 school loses former 3-4 star backup/depth guy to G5 school.

The portal isn't hurting the G5s as much as I thought it would. It just feels like it because G5s tend to lose the high profile players.
 
The thing is though it works both ways. P4 poaches star G5 player. Same P4 school loses former 3-4 star backup/depth guy to G5 school.

The portal isn't hurting the G5s as much as I thought it would. It just feels like it because G5s tend to lose the high profile players.
Agree. It helps our school with overall depth and better talent but when we have a star player it’s hard to keep them locked down. I was shocked we hung onto Ricky last off season.
 
The thing is though it works both ways. P4 poaches star G5 player. Same P4 school loses former 3-4 star backup/depth guy to G5 school.

The portal isn't hurting the G5s as much as I thought it would. It just feels like it because G5s tend to lose the high profile players.
We lose high profile players but are able to remain competitive and even more so in some sense because those P4 kids who ride the bench get immediate shots at starting
 
I agree for the most part but I think with the success of the last two years, the 'floor' for attendance will go up a few thousand despite the less appealing conference schedule.

I mean aside from Boise I don't think people get anymore excited about playing USU vs UNM. Heck we can probably get more for a Hawaii game than SDSU.
BSU is the only team leaving that was a strong draw for UNLV football. SDSU, CSU, Fresno State and Utah State typically had smaller crowds than Wyoming, Hawaii, and unr who all bring a good following to UNLV games.
 
Arkansas intends to retain Sam Pittman so that's good.

Here's a list off the top of my head of P5 job openings as of today and what type of threat they might pose.

UNC- This is a job if they came knocking would worry me. But I think they go a different direction. I think the Tulane HC might be in play here. Also the Liberty coach could be in play. He's very familiar with the area. Dan Mullen another to watch for.

WVU- Does not concern me the way UNC job does. Programs been stuck in neutral for awhile.

UCF- Malzahn just stepped down, which was a huge favor to UCF as there is no buyout. UCF was paying Malzahn 5 million a year. They've been solid in the past. Florida is a great recruiting ground. I might actually put UCF above WVU in terms of concern if they came knocking. But in some ways feels like an odd fit for some reason.

Purdue- Hit about rock bottom this year. That would be another complete rebuild to undertake. I'd say no, but, Cignetti's success at Indiana shows you can get it done at mid tier P4 schools.

Am I missing any other P4 job openings?
 
Arkansas intends to retain Sam Pittman so that's good.

Here's a list off the top of my head of P5 job openings as of today and what type of threat they might pose.

UNC- This is a job if they came knocking would worry me. But I think they go a different direction. I think the Tulane HC might be in play here. Also the Liberty coach could be in play. He's very familiar with the area. Dan Mullen another to watch for.

WVU- Does not concern me the way UNC job does. Programs been stuck in neutral for awhile.

UCF- Malzahn just stepped down, which was a huge favor to UCF as there is no buyout. UCF was paying Malzahn 5 million a year. They've been solid in the past. Florida is a great recruiting ground. I might actually put UCF above WVU in terms of concern if they came knocking. But in some ways feels like an odd fit for some reason.

Purdue- Hit about rock bottom this year. That would be another complete rebuild to undertake. I'd say no, but, Cignetti's success at Indiana shows you can get it done at mid tier P4 schools.

Am I missing any other P4 job openings?
Only thing about the WV job is I believe there is a connection to the AD or President or something there. Doesn’t necessarily concern me that much, but sometimes that can make a job more enticing. Overall, I am not too worried as of now, but will see what other jobs may come open before I celebrate too much. It does concern me somewhat that no extension has been announced to this point. Hopefully one gets announced soon.
 
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Only thing about the WV job is I believe there is a connection to the AD or President or something there. Doesn’t necessarily concern me that much, but sometimes that can make a job more enticing. Overall, I am not too worried as of now, but will see what other jobs may come open before I celebrate too much. It does concern me somewhat that no extension has been announced to this point. Hopefully one gets announced soon.

Wasn't he re-upped one extra year.? But in terms of a 'Keep your hands off Barry' contract no.

WVU connection exists. And you're right it does mean something. I don't know after about a decade of middling ball I feel like WVU will attempt to make a 'name' hire. Maybe a Dan Mullen? Kick the tires on Jimbo? Reunite with Rich Rodriguez?

I'm sure they have their list compiled. I'm sure Odom's on it. Some of it will come down to booster support.
 
Wasn't he re-upped one extra year.? But in terms of a 'Keep your hands off Barry' contract no.

WVU connection exists. And you're right it does mean something. I don't know after about a decade of middling ball I feel like WVU will attempt to make a 'name' hire. Maybe a Dan Mullen? Kick the tires on Jimbo? Reunite with Rich Rodriguez?

I'm sure they have their list compiled. I'm sure Odom's on it. Some of it will come down to booster support.
Rich Rod, I could see both ways.

He burned some bridges when he left but he also went to WVU and was born in WV. Those things matter since they take pride in their own.

He's 61/62, so he still has another 10 years in him.
 
Next season, Purdue plays:
at Notre Dame
at Michigan
Illinois at home
Indiana at home
Ohio State at home
USC Trojans at home
at Washington

This year, Indiana played:
at weakened UCLA
Washington at home
Michigan at home
at Ohio State (their only L)

If I'm Odom, thinking to be the next Indiana Savior-type, I don't think that Purdue is where I'm looking.

 
The conference is dog shit that’s why. It does nothing for realistically trying to win a Natty by staying in the weakest conference and simply dominating. This is football, not Gonzaga basketball like some people think we can replicate. Being in a P4 conference and stacking those payouts does far more than being the shiniest turd like we’re set up to be.
The PAC is dogshit too bro. It also seems like you think the PAC is P4. It's not. Wake up.
 
Wasn't he re-upped one extra year.? But in terms of a 'Keep your hands off Barry' contract no.

WVU connection exists. And you're right it does mean something. I don't know after about a decade of middling ball I feel like WVU will attempt to make a 'name' hire. Maybe a Dan Mullen? Kick the tires on Jimbo? Reunite with Rich Rodriguez?

I'm sure they have their list compiled. I'm sure Odom's on it. Some of it will come down to booster support.
April of this year he was extended. Sort of why I wasn’t expecting to hear anything on a contract extension until the season was done. I would expect to hear something one way or the other pretty soon though.

Unless of course we run the table and win a national championship 😬
 
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It is true that it is essentially a 2 league megaconference world.

Yes the ACC and the B12 are a notable step down.

But we are talking about UNLV here. We cannot concern ourselves with getting into the P2 leagues. It will not happen, at least not in the next 10 years.

B12 has a legit shot. And it would be a huge upgrade. Not just in competition, but more importantly in guaranteed media revenue. You need money to compete consistently at the highest level, and we don't have it.

The second part of that is that the B12 needs football teams, and that league is ripe for the taking (eventually). I think in terms of playoff potential UNLV in the B12 is much more reason to compete.

Oh yeah, it is the best basketball league in the country.


As for the Pac 12. It is out of the P4 whichever way you slice it, but it is a better league top down, by a significant amount, than the remaining MW. This year may not be obvious for that, but historically 100%. And yes they will be making more money than the "new" MW, even if they have to pay their own exit fees. They will be much more set up for success in football and basketball than the MW, and their SOS will be more forgiving with losses, much like we are benefitting from this year.

This isn't all moot.
 
Next season, Purdue plays:
at Notre Dame
at Michigan
Illinois at home
Indiana at home
Ohio State at home
USC Trojans at home
at Washington

This year, Indiana played:
at weakened UCLA
Washington at home
Michigan at home
at Ohio State (their only L)

If I'm Odom, thinking to be the next Indiana Savior-type, I don't think that Purdue is where I'm looking.

Hey, Good Luck to your team Friday. This is a Purdue Grad, originally from Indiana, who has lived in Boise for 42 years (two daughters graduated from BSU). Coach Odom's name keeps coming up for the Boilermaker job. I work with a former BSU player who is very close to the coaching staff at BSU and he has been told that Purdue has been in contact with your coach, not surprising with his success. If you win, probably not going to Purdue. If you lose, decent chance to Purdue. My co-worker always seems to be in-the-know on stuff happening in the Mountain West. Purdue football is at an all-time low and would take some unrealistic magic to come back to even low fan acceptance in a short time. Do you think this pinnacle climb would be attractive to Coach Odom? Purdue has a great fan base but the AD has been a joke for football with the basketball success.
 
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Arkansas intends to retain Sam Pittman so that's good.

Here's a list off the top of my head of P5 job openings as of today and what type of threat they might pose.

UNC- This is a job if they came knocking would worry me. But I think they go a different direction. I think the Tulane HC might be in play here. Also the Liberty coach could be in play. He's very familiar with the area. Dan Mullen another to watch for.

WVU- Does not concern me the way UNC job does. Programs been stuck in neutral for awhile.

UCF- Malzahn just stepped down, which was a huge favor to UCF as there is no buyout. UCF was paying Malzahn 5 million a year. They've been solid in the past. Florida is a great recruiting ground. I might actually put UCF above WVU in terms of concern if they came knocking. But in some ways feels like an odd fit for some reason.

Purdue- Hit about rock bottom this year. That would be another complete rebuild to undertake. I'd say no, but, Cignetti's success at Indiana shows you can get it done at mid tier P4 schools.

Am I missing any other P4 job openings?
Not now , but there are usually 8-10.
 
UNC and WVU need to get it done and hire somebody.
I think it would be better for their programs to get someone hired now, a coach that isn't distracted at all, to get a fast track on the upcoming season. No need to wait for anyone still playing games for a lesser conference now, that would be silly :)
 
It is true that it is essentially a 2 league megaconference world.

Yes the ACC and the B12 are a notable step down.

But we are talking about UNLV here. We cannot concern ourselves with getting into the P2 leagues. It will not happen, at least not in the next 10 years.

B12 has a legit shot. And it would be a huge upgrade. Not just in competition, but more importantly in guaranteed media revenue. You need money to compete consistently at the highest level, and we don't have it.

The second part of that is that the B12 needs football teams, and that league is ripe for the taking (eventually). I think in terms of playoff potential UNLV in the B12 is much more reason to compete.

Oh yeah, it is the best basketball league in the country.


As for the Pac 12. It is out of the P4 whichever way you slice it, but it is a better league top down, by a significant amount, than the remaining MW. This year may not be obvious for that, but historically 100%. And yes they will be making more money than the "new" MW, even if they have to pay their own exit fees. They will be much more set up for success in football and basketball than the MW, and their SOS will be more forgiving with losses, much like we are benefitting from this year.

This isn't all moot.
I am not so sure that the PAC is all that much of a jump over the MWC in football. My expectation is that Washington State and Oregon State continue to drop in relevance with all their money being used up, which leaves the PAC with BSU as the leader of the conference. From what I have seen of Fresno State, Utah State, Oregon State, Washington State, CSU and SDSU, they are up and down programs that have had good and bad years. Currently SDSU is a dumpster fire ever since getting into their new stadium, Fresno State seems to come up a little short of having a good team every year, CSU has had some good and some bad years, but with the exception of BSU, none of them seem to be a team that can carry the conference which is still one team short.

The MWC has UNLV which is currently carrying the future MWC, but they also have Air Force which is typically a good team with an exception being this year which they finally turned around at the end of the season. Hawaii also turned the season around, but still needs to get a new stadium in order to be competitive not just on the field, but also in recruiting and NIL money. Wyoming is also typically a competitive bowl elgible team that has had a really bad year. SJSU has had some good teams, but they do have a problem with getting fan support which is needed to keep the program relevant. The struggles will come with New Mexico which doesn't seem to get any fan support, unr which has of the last few years signficantly dropped off, and Texas El Paso which has a good market, but has been horrible in football to a level similar to UNLV of the past.

I think both conferences have a few good teams with a bad bottom end, so in reality, UNLV will be playing a similar in conference schedule with the exception of losing the Boise State games. My expectation is that Washington State and Oregon State will be at a similar level to Wyoming and SJSU in the future.
 
I am not so sure that the PAC is all that much of a jump over the MWC in football. My expectation is that Washington State and Oregon State continue to drop in relevance with all their money being used up, which leaves the PAC with BSU as the leader of the conference. From what I have seen of Fresno State, Utah State, Oregon State, Washington State, CSU and SDSU, they are up and down programs that have had good and bad years. Currently SDSU is a dumpster fire ever since getting into their new stadium, Fresno State seems to come up a little short of having a good team every year, CSU has had some good and some bad years, but with the exception of BSU, none of them seem to be a team that can carry the conference which is still one team short.

The MWC has UNLV which is currently carrying the future MWC, but they also have Air Force which is typically a good team with an exception being this year which they finally turned around at the end of the season. Hawaii also turned the season around, but still needs to get a new stadium in order to be competitive not just on the field, but also in recruiting and NIL money. Wyoming is also typically a competitive bowl elgible team that has had a really bad year. SJSU has had some good teams, but they do have a problem with getting fan support which is needed to keep the program relevant. The struggles will come with New Mexico which doesn't seem to get any fan support, unr which has of the last few years signficantly dropped off, and Texas El Paso which has a good market, but has been horrible in football to a level similar to UNLV of the past.

I think both conferences have a few good teams with a bad bottom end, so in reality, UNLV will be playing a similar in conference schedule with the exception of losing the Boise State games. My expectation is that Washington State and Oregon State will be at a similar level to Wyoming and SJSU in the future.
The fascination people have over the PAC is weird. They're the same exact thing as the MWC. Maybe slightly better. I mean slightly, as in no huge gulf in between. Like comparing a Honda to a Toyota. The media deal has yet to be finalized so I'm not sure how people project the PAC deal to be such a huge gulf in difference. And also, we are not only getting the lump sum but also 1.6MM-1.8MM per year for 2 years which will offset any of that anyways. And by that point, the whole thing is going to be blown up. The SEC and P4 conferences are already having death throes over the playoffs.
 
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There has/should be a plan in place. NO way we are losing everybody coaching wise. All of these players are going to commit only to decommit? I just dont see it. Our coaches know and so does Harper whats going to happen. I think after Boise St game we have new contact for Odom and the rest that are staying. I could only imagine what Odom could do with P4 inclusion with influence and money.
 
The fascination people have over the PAC is weird. They're the same exact thing as the MWC. Maybe slightly better. I mean slightly, as in no huge gulf in between. Like comparing a Honda to a Toyota. The media deal has yet to be finalized so I'm not sure how people project the PAC deal to be such a huge gulf in difference. And also, we are not only getting the lump sum but also 1.6MM-1.8MM per year for 2 years which will offset any of that anyways. And by that point, the whole thing is going to be blown up. The SEC and P4 conferences are already having death throes over the playoffs.
I am not so sure that the PAC is all that much of a jump over the MWC in football. My expectation is that Washington State and Oregon State continue to drop in relevance with all their money being used up, which leaves the PAC with BSU as the leader of the conference. From what I have seen of Fresno State, Utah State, Oregon State, Washington State, CSU and SDSU, they are up and down programs that have had good and bad years. Currently SDSU is a dumpster fire ever since getting into their new stadium, Fresno State seems to come up a little short of having a good team every year, CSU has had some good and some bad years, but with the exception of BSU, none of them seem to be a team that can carry the conference which is still one team short.

The MWC has UNLV which is currently carrying the future MWC, but they also have Air Force which is typically a good team with an exception being this year which they finally turned around at the end of the season. Hawaii also turned the season around, but still needs to get a new stadium in order to be competitive not just on the field, but also in recruiting and NIL money. Wyoming is also typically a competitive bowl elgible team that has had a really bad year. SJSU has had some good teams, but they do have a problem with getting fan support which is needed to keep the program relevant. The struggles will come with New Mexico which doesn't seem to get any fan support, unr which has of the last few years signficantly dropped off, and Texas El Paso which has a good market, but has been horrible in football to a level similar to UNLV of the past.

I think both conferences have a few good teams with a bad bottom end, so in reality, UNLV will be playing a similar in conference schedule with the exception of losing the Boise State games. My expectation is that Washington State and Oregon State will be at a similar level to Wyoming and SJSU in the future.
UNLV is traditionally bad, we hope that is in our rear view, but it may be one coach poaching away and a not so great hire (which has been all of them except for 2 in the past 30 years) away from falling back to earth. AFA is typically solid. Lower ceiling, but can be good. UNM has been trash, one mediocre year and they may lose their coach, Wyoming similar to AFA but has been bad. SJSU has kept it going now with 2 coaches which is good (though their fans don't care good or bad). Hawaii has been bad for years, but may be finally trending upward. They also have major hurdles for recruiting, though they have a solid local pool. Reno has been trash, UTEP is trash.

SDSU has been garbage, but they were a top 2 team in the conference not that long ago. They also have as much if not more potential than UNLV They have probably the best recruiting advantage. Fresno is never bad, they have been down a little, but this year they had to deal with a last minute coaching change and rolled with an interim all year. They crush the rest of the league in attendance. They can average our record crowds. CSU is a bit of an anomaly, but a good market, nice new stadium and they have potential. USU is the same as Fresno in terms of last minute coaching change. They have been middle of the road recently, but usually solid. WAZZU was having a good year before falling down the stretch, OSU kinda of the same but fell off a cliff much earlier. Saying that the PAC are going to be Wyoming is a bit of a stretch. They have pretty strong fan bases, and yes they are probably going to drop from what they are used to, but that is assuming a lot.

The MW teams that moved are usual top to middle teams in general, the remaining MW are usually bottom to middle with a few exceptions both ways.

We laugh at metrics, but they have better TV value historically. Which is why they broke off. We will probably have the second best viewership this year in conference, but that is definitely an outlier historically. I think they will be getting near double base media value. Our bonuses will narrow that some. But they for sure will be netting more annually.

It is not going to be the same type of life changing money the B12 could be, but when you are scraping by and you need as much money to extend your coach, it matters.
 
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UNLV is traditionally bad, we hope that is in our rear view, but it may be one coach poaching away and a not so great hire (which has been all of them except for 2 in the past 30 years) away from falling back to earth. AFA is typically solid. Lower ceiling, but can be good. UNM has been trash, one mediocre year and they may lose their coach, Wyoming similar to AFA but has been bad. SJSU has kept it going now with 2 coaches which is good (though their fans don't care good or bad). Hawaii has been bad for years, but may be finally trending upward. They also have major hurdles for recruiting, though they have a solid local pool. Reno has been trash, UTEP is trash.

SDSU has been garbage, but they were a top 2 team in the conference not that long ago. They also have as much if not more potential than UNLV They have probably the best recruiting advantage. Fresno is never bad, they have been down a little, but this year they had to deal with a last minute coaching change and rolled with an interim all year. They crush the rest of the league in attendance. They can average our record crowds. CSU is a bit of an anomaly, but a good market, nice new stadium and they have potential. USU is the same as Fresno in terms of last minute coaching change. They have been middle of the road recently, but usually solid. WAZZU was having a good year before falling down the stretch, OSU kinda of the same but fell off a cliff much earlier. Saying that the PAC are going to be Wyoming is a bit of a stretch. They have pretty strong fan bases, and yes they are probably going to drop from what they are used to, but that is assuming a lot.

The MW teams that moved are usual top to middle teams in general, the remaining MW are usually bottom to middle with a few exceptions both ways.

We laugh at metrics, but they have better TV value historically. Which is why they broke off. We will probably have the second best viewership this year in conference, but that is definitely an outlier historically. I think they will be getting near double base media value. Our bonuses will narrow that some. But they for sure will be netting more annually.

It is not going to be the same type of life changing money the B12 could be, but when you are scraping by and you need as much money to extend your coach, it matters.
Simply fact is if UNLV doesn't stay as good as they are now, then it really wouldn't matter which conference we would be in because the past history would have had UNLV at the bottom of both conferences. As for the upside, SDSU doesn't have an upside that is within a mile of UNLV. With the money, facilities, and connections that exist in Las Vegas, UNLV has an upside that is miles above any other team in the MWC or PAC. It appears Odom is finding that money through connections to the Las Vegas business world, in specific the hotel/casino industry, which is quickly turning UNLV into something special.

UNLV has a window they have never had before in football, and they need to take advantage of this window now.
 
If Odom has a serious offer, and he decides to stay anyway, it signals to me there has to be some type of wink and nod that we are B12 bound. I can't believe he would look forward to what the conference will become and not bolt if the opportunity presents itself.
 
I'm hearing this might be a one and done season for Bronco in NM.
I just looked at their recruiting ranking. I had to scroll pretty far down to find it. They signed 2 (two) players with an average rating in the very low 60. If he is going to stay then he needs to hit the transfer portals hard. That or he may have quit a long time ago.
 
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Simply fact is if UNLV doesn't stay as good as they are now, then it really wouldn't matter which conference we would be in because the past history would have had UNLV at the bottom of both conferences. As for the upside, SDSU doesn't have an upside that is within a mile of UNLV. With the money, facilities, and connections that exist in Las Vegas, UNLV has an upside that is miles above any other team in the MWC or PAC. It appears Odom is finding that money through connections to the Las Vegas business world, in specific the hotel/casino industry, which is quickly turning UNLV into something special.

UNLV has a window they have never had before in football, and they need to take advantage of this window now.
I agree, but SDSU has been there before on more than one occasion. They are also in so Cal which is better recruiting grounds built in. Their brand new stadium is nice, and they can fill it up. They have a shared practice facility, but also are in San Diego, where it is objectively nicer, especially when training in the summer time.

I love what has been happening, and you can make the argument with Arroyo's ability to recruit that we are here to stay with any coach.

But 2 years is a tiny sample size and we cannot realistically extrapolate if we are being real here.

I agree about the window, and my goal is of course keeping Barry, but parlaying this success into a B12 invite in the next 4 years. We cannot afford to wait until the NEXT contract. Our window would be closed. We need to make us as attractive as possible now. Let's use that P4 free pass.
 
Big12? Some of you are so small minded. We're NFL bound, bi**hes.
Isn't UNLV going to break off and start their own league to compete with the NFL?
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