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Terry Allen knew that creating a buzz in the Missouri State football program -- on the field and in the grandstands -- would not be an overnight process.

After three seasons as Bears head coach, Allen remains in search of a breakthrough season on the field. But is winning enough to put fans in the seats, especially once basketballs start bouncing across campus?

"Winning is important," Allen said. "We're doing our best to achieve that. Winning is first and foremost.

"How do you create a buzz? Having success is a big part of it. But having consistent success is the biggest thing."

The recently concluded spring practice left Allen feeling that a turnaround could be coming. He has built primarily with high school recruits who are maturing into upperclassmen.

"I'm excited about next fall," Allen said.

Football has been stuck in neutral for years at MSU. The school has not been to the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) playoffs since 1990 and has posted only three winning seasons since 1996.

Attendance at the 16,400-seat Plaster Sports Complex has averaged 10,100 per game over the past 10 years and 9,938 the past five. Last year's team, which finished 4-7, averaged 10,045, but only 5,202 in two games after basketball practice began.

http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dl ... 9905170357

If coach Allen wants to create a buzz, they need to start winning games.

The MSU folks that visit the message boards have certainly drank the kool-aid for this season. My school hasn't been around the conference for long but it seems like at this time every year the MSU fans start to think this is their year to break out of the bottom half of the league. Maybe this is the one?

EQguy wrote:The MSU folks that visit the message boards have certainly drank the kool-aid for this season. My school hasn't been around the conference for long but it seems like at this time every year the MSU fans start to think this is their year to break out of the bottom half of the league. Maybe this is the one?

This is exactly right. WIU fans do this as well.

pantherrob82 wrote:

EQguy wrote:The MSU folks that visit the message boards have certainly drank the kool-aid for this season. My school hasn't been around the conference for long but it seems like at this time every year the MSU fans start to think this is their year to break out of the bottom half of the league. Maybe this is the one?

This is exactly right. WIU fans do this as well.

There is nothing wrong with being optimistic each year and wanting your team to do well. The Bears have struggled through the years, but with the right combination of players and coaches they can turn things around. This just shows me they have not given up on their team through the tough years.

How many years has coach Allen been at MSU? I'm thinking three. He's just now getting to a point where the players recruited are all his. Give him another year to see what he can do. Frankly, I expected more from him than I have seen so far when he took the job.

skinny_uncle wrote:How many years has coach Allen been at MSU? I'm thinking three. He's just now getting to a point where the players recruited are all his. Give him another year to see what he can do. Frankly, I expected more from him than I have seen so far when he took the job.

Correct, he has coached the team for 3 seasons thus far. He took the reigns prior to the '06 season.
2006: 2-9
2007: 6-5
2008: 4-7

skinny_uncle wrote:How many years has coach Allen been at MSU? I'm thinking three. He's just now getting to a point where the players recruited are all his. Give him another year to see what he can do. Frankly, I expected more from him than I have seen so far when he took the job.

Last year they had injuries with alot of key players. They had a good recruiting class this year, but that will not been seen for a few years.

Picked up Michael Keck, a transfer from Missouri, a 4 star D-End recruit ranked #2 in Missouri in 2007. Also, two O-Linemen from Butler Community College, 3 star rankings by Rivals.

A new athletic director that could bring some much needed dollars and support into the program. If they can put it all together this year it could translate into at least a winning season.