Big City, Little Lights

I read an interesting story on ESPN about 'major' college programs that share a city with NFL teams getting together to compare notes on expanding fan bases.  In the article, they discussed Georgia Tech, but Tech didn't participate in the round table of ADs and Marketing Directors that got together.  Apparently, these programs all feel they have struggles with attracting fans. After getting emails from Tech to buy their four tickets and a hot dog package, I'd say they are looking to the wrong place.

After looking at the list, I'd suggest they have problems attracting top flight football players:

Arizona State (Pac-12)
Boston College (ACC)
Cincinnati (Big East)
Houston (Conference USA)
Maryland (ACC)
Miami (ACC)
Northwestern (Big Ten)
Pittsburgh (Big East)
Rutgers (Big East)
San Diego State (Mountain West)
South Florida (Big East)
TCU (Mountain West)
Temple (MAC)
Tulane (Conference USA)
Washington (Pac-12)

Besides TCU, only one of these programs have had sustained success in the past 20 years, and it has been 10 years since they were much of a factor in the national discussion (Miami). 

So, is the problem attracting fans or players?  Would filling Raymond James Stadium substantially change talent level of the players going to South Florida?  Washington has world class facilities in one of the most beautiful settings in the world, so what gives?  Is going to college in a college town as big a deal for blue chip football players as it is for the average college student?

TD