All this talk about Grambling’s funding situation has some readers wondering just how the athletic budget is constructed. In today’s TDR mailbag, we’ll discuss the financial windfall of the annual Bayou Classic rivalry game against Southern — and how quarterback Greg Dillon shapes up among GSU’s all-time greats.
1. Nick, what is the actual payout that GSU and Southern each receive from the Bayou Classic each year, after expenses? – Darrell
I have been fond of calling the New Orleans game a million-dollar event, and that’s not hyperbole. In fact, it’s worth more than that to Grambling — and was the sole reason that GSU football was the only athletic program not to lose money in 2006, the most recent revenue numbers available.
That season, in budget numbers submitted to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, Grambling earned $1.2 million from the Bayou Classic — even though a stumble against Southern that year in New Orleans snapped what was then a two-game winning streak for the Tigers. The 2006 figures break down into $461,980 for Classic ticket sales, and $760,865 from sponsorships and other revenue sources.
That makes its own annual argument for a cash-strapped institution like Grambling to skip the playoffs. And it’s getting more valuable every year: In 2005, the Bayou Classic brought in $1.082 million. In 2004, it was $892,652, according to accounting reports submitted to the state.
2. Greg Dillon earned the starting job after winning every SWAC game, including the Bayou Classic and the SCG in Birmingham — and he seems like he’s just now getting comfortable in the position. How do you think he will shape up, all time? — Mike
It’s a good question. You have to start with another question: Who is, in fact, the best quarterback ever at Grambling? Not an easy proposition.
Is the standard statistical brilliance (Bruce Eugene, owns nearly every record at Grambling)? Is it national recognition (Doug Williams, Heisman finalist and Super Bowl MVP)? Completion percentage (Henry Johnson, between 1959-60, was successful on a record 59 percent of his throws)? Championships at Grambling (James “Shack” Harris, won SWAC titles in each of the four seasons he played at Grambling in late 1960s)?
As for Dillon, we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg. Not only is he a sophomore, he assumed the starting role midseason and had to learn on the fly. This year, Dillon has an entire offseason to prepare and grow, not to mention the added confidence that the job is firmly in hand. I think 2009 will allow us to better evaluate Dillon — and where he fits in the legacy.
I’ll tell you this: I haven’t covered a player at Grambling who has accomplished more in such a short span, and that’s a credit to the former walk-on’s steely resolve. He’s determined to become a better player every time he takes the field. That’s makes Greg Dillon fun to watch — and difficult to count out.
PREVIOUS MAILBAGS:
TDR mailbag: Non-conference scheduling, Legends Hall of Fame
TDR mailbag: ‘Conditional’ NCAA certification; offensive playcalling
TDR mailbag: Non-conference foes, the draft, a Thursday night game
GET IN THE GAME:
Got questions?: Send them to tdr@thederisoreport.com for future publication.
Watch our new Grambling football video: I thought you knew!
Every school would love to have an annual game guaranteed that has the pay out, prestige, and
bowl like status of the Bayou Classic regardless of their season outcome.
The national television exposure and bowl like status is taken for granted by many. That's why I would like for the players on the winning team to receive a Bayou Classic ring.
I would also like to see each school bring home a little more money.
A bird in the hand is better than…a chance at the play-offs.