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September 2010, Sports Business
ESPN Outlines Perfect Program Elements
ESPN's Mark Schlabach cites the elements necessary to build the ideal football program. Academics, fans, facilities, town, game atmosphere, cheerleaders, mascot, athletic director and coach are described along with the college that best exemplifies that element.
Academics: Northwestern
If you're looking for balance between academics and on-field success, the Wildcats might be the choice. FBS schools such as Duke and Vanderbilt have traditionally had the highest graduation rates, but Northwestern might have the best balance. The Wildcats had the fourth-highest graduation rate among FBS schools in the most recent report released by the NCAA (for freshmen entering school in 2002). Also, Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald was tied with Air Force's Troy Calhoun for having the highest Academic Progress Report average among active FBS coaches since 2003. On the field, Fitzgerald led the Wildcats to 17 victories and back-to-back bowl appearances the past two seasons.
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