In coming years, there will be (and in some states, currently is) pressure to eliminate student fees for college education supplementing athletic departments. If subsidies come under attack, school that have real, legit support can still have life, but those schools that are 75-80% subsidized might be in trouble for the long term.
In reviewing the NCAA athletic department financials from USA Today, Marshall was among the best of G5 schools in having the least of its athletic department expenditures subsidized. Marshall fans have generally supported fairly well at our level - last three football games not withstanding. I think that's why its very important for the department to really look at the overall fan optimism, customer engagement and gameday experiences, and marketing efforts - the status quo isn't working. We have to keep people engaged, and supportive because, I agree, the day is ultimately coming where organically generated revenue and donations will be the only way collegiate athletics survive.