I realize that they are chasing the "almighty" TV dollar, but I can't help but feel bad for their players, coaches, students, and fans.

Northern Illinois seniors playing their final home game in front of an essentially empty stadium.

Other than some quick lining of the pockets, I can't see how this actually helps MAC football. It doesn't look high profile, or make the league seem "big time" with the empty stadiums. I don't think a lot of kids are sitting at home thinking, "Man I'd love to go play at NIU on a Wednesday in front of empty stands, just so I can be on ESPN."

If I ran the MAC, I would focus on my local fan bases and how to fill the stadiums on Saturday afternoons. NIU, WMU, Akron, etc... are never going to have a national following. I know that's probably what the MAC hopes will happen with the ESPN exposure, but its really just throwing up a prayer and basically killing off local support.

Just some random thoughts on slow Wednesday evening.