Developing a brand - Oregon Style....can we do it?

[twistitup]

They have the support of Phil Knight and have developed an awesome brand despite being geographically challenged. I thought they would suffer by losing their head coach but they just reloaded.

We have the support of Jerry Jones and many other high rolling alum that support athletics...can we possibly develop a niche brand that attracts top athletes despite our location?

Jerry just made that huge contribution and it got me thinking about comparisons between us and Oregon....

[B501]

heard it here first, jerrydome 2.0 in LR! 

[ShadowTheHedgehog]

As long as we dont use Faded Glory or Starter uniforms

[gawntrail]

Yes.

[twistitup]

As long as we dont use Faded Glory or Starter uniforms

True....and no Dr Thunder

But all jokes aside I think it's possible that kids would want to come here is we work things right. I hope this new land turns into something very special

[hawginbigd1]

i truly believe oregon's success is all about the "swoosh" and as somebody mentioned starter or faded glory won't make that happen.

[EastexHawg]

The "brand" we need to develop is that of a winning football program.  Alabama wears the plainest uniforms this side of Penn State and they seem to recruit and succeed just fine.

A great coach with a great plan who knows how to select, develop, and utilize winners.  Being intelligent as heck and understanding how to strategize, call, and play the game according to your own keen mind rather than just following "the book" doesn't hurt, either.

Everything else is just window dressing.

[twistitup]

Everything else is just window dressing.

We need more window dressing

[ShadowTheHedgehog]

True....and no Dr Thunder

But all jokes aside I think it's possible that kids would want to come here is we work things right. I hope this new land turns into something very special

I think if we can win consistently and contend for the sec every few years, the combination of a winning program and the way it is being built will be very attractive for many players (and their parents).

[mr_v8horsepower]

We need nothing but the HOG and fall back uniforms!

[oldman1015]

The Wal Mart blue light specials?

[gawntrail]

The "brand" we need to develop is that of a winning football program.  Alabama wears the plainest uniforms this side of Penn State and they seem to recruit and succeed just fine.

A great coach with a great plan who knows how to select, develop, and utilize winners.  Being intelligent as heck and understanding how to strategize, call, and play the game according to your own keen mind rather than just following "the book" doesn't hurt, either.

Everything else is just window dressing.

We're not Bama.  We need to be something that sets us apart from Bama. 
We need to market our school to these recruits at the level in which THEY interact.  They can learn and appreciate our tradition once they are here.  But, we do need an edge to get them here.

[mr_v8horsepower]

Win with the Terry Don and Loyd Phillips kick ass attitude. CBB is rebuilding this HOG attitude!

[Torqued pork]

I think Bielema is doing a good job of enhancing our brand. He truly cares about our player and their future beyond football. All coaches say the right things, but Coach B has a track record to prove it. That means something in the cut-throat world of college football these days.

I'll leave the uniform porn to the experts here.

[EastexHawg]

We're not Bama.  We need to be something that sets us apart from Bama. 
We need to market our school to these recruits at the level in which THEY interact.  They can learn and appreciate our tradition once they are here.  But, we do need an edge to get them here.

Bama wasn't Bama until they hired Bear Bryant.  Then, they weren't Bama again until they hired Gene Stallings.  They certainly weren't Bama with Curry, Dubose, or Shula.  They became Bama again when they hired Saban.

Nebraska hasn't been Nebraska since Tom Osborne retired.  Remember the uniforms they wore when they were slapping SEC champions around like they were little girls?

Florida was only Florida when they had Spurrier and Meyer.  As for Meyer, Ohio State...well, you get the picture.

I can watch ESPN Classic games involving Alabama, USC, Ohio State, Texas, Nebraska, and other big time programs from the late 60s and I immediately recognize who I am watching from their uniforms. 

If you're a great coach you will win wherever you go.  You don't need gimmicks, you just need to know how to win and to get others to do understand and do it, too.

[Cresthog]

I think we do a pretty crappy job of getting our insane alumni coaching trees around.

Why can't we get Jimmy Johnson and Switzer to hang around the program at all? I guess I understand they coached other college teams but hell they both played here.

And as long as out brand is 180* different than the sissy high school football brand Oregon has made, I'm cool with it.

They also have a major advantage of being in an easy division. The stars really aligned perfectly for them. Washington down, Washington State, Oregon State, Stanford, Colorado, etc. wins are easy pickens for them.

[rickm1976]

The "brand" we need to develop is that of a winning football program.  Alabama wears the plainest uniforms this side of Penn State and they seem to recruit and succeed just fine.

A great coach with a great plan who knows how to select, develop, and utilize winners.  Being intelligent as heck and understanding how to strategize, call, and play the game according to your own keen mind rather than just following "the book" doesn't hurt, either.

Everything else is just window dressing.

Bingo.

[gawntrail]

Bama wasn't Bama until they hired Bear Bryant.  Then, they weren't Bama again until they hired Gene Stallings.  They certainly weren't Bama with Curry, Dubose, or Shula.  They became Bama again when they hired Saban.

Nebraska hasn't been Nebraska since Tom Osborne retired.  Remember the uniforms they wore when they were slapping SEC champions around like they were little girls?

Florida was only Florida when they had Spurrier and Meyer.  As for Meyer, Ohio State...well, you get the picture.

I can watch ESPN Classic games involving Alabama, USC, Ohio State, Texas, Nebraska, and other big time programs from the late 60s and I immediately recognize who I am watching from their uniforms. 

If you're a great coach you will win wherever you go.  You don't need gimmicks, you just need to know how to win and to get others to do understand and do it, too.

Thank you for making my point.

[XX]

We could market ourselves with Harley's/Hawgs...with blondes on the back of the bikes. 

[gawntrail]

And as long as out brand is 180* different than the sissy high school football brand Oregon has made, I'm cool with it.

Who is the target demographic we should be focused on marketing our brand to?

[Hogfaniam]

Who is the target demographic we should be focused on marketing our brand to?

the big uglies

[PorkRinds]

I voted yes because I believe we can build a brand.  But I NEVER want us to do it Oregon style.  We need to keep our uniforms sleek and semi traditional.  I would HATE what nike would do with the razorback like they've done with the duck.  It would be hideous.

[EastexHawg]

Thank you for making my point.

What edge did Nebraska have?

[Hogfaniam]

I voted yes because I believe we can build a brand.  But I NEVER want us to do it Oregon style.  We need to keep our uniforms sleek and semi traditional.  I would HATE what nike would do with the razorback like they've done with the duck.  It would be hideous.

Like
<<<<?

[Hoggish1]

The "brand" we need to develop is that of a winning football program.  Alabama wears the plainest uniforms this side of Penn State and they seem to recruit and succeed just fine.

A great coach with a great plan who knows how to select, develop, and utilize winners.  Being intelligent as heck and understanding how to strategize, call, and play the game according to your own keen mind rather than just following "the book" doesn't hurt, either.

Everything else is just window dressing.

!

[reddogjcss]

We are branded! Razorback!

[DoctorSusscrofa]

The "brand" we need to develop is that of a winning football program.  Alabama wears the plainest uniforms this side of Penn State and they seem to recruit and succeed just fine.

A great coach with a great plan who knows how to select, develop, and utilize winners.  Being intelligent as heck and understanding how to strategize, call, and play the game according to your own keen mind rather than just following "the book" doesn't hurt, either.

Everything else is just window dressing.

What you say is true, but in fairness Bama developed their brand in an earlier era and managed to protect it into the modern era.  We developed our brand in an earlier era but not to the same level. And we've had two devastating periods since then (one when Hatfield left for Clemson and the program crashed, and one when BP crashed with the program riding on his back). Getting to Bama's level won't be as easy in 2015 as it was for Bama in the 1960's and 1970's. They're still there. We are having to climb back up.

[DoctorSusscrofa]

Bama wasn't Bama until they hired Bear Bryant.  Then, they weren't Bama again until they hired Gene Stallings.  They certainly weren't Bama with Curry, Dubose, or Shula.  They became Bama again when they hired Saban.

Nebraska hasn't been Nebraska since Tom Osborne retired.  Remember the uniforms they wore when they were slapping SEC champions around like they were little girls?

Florida was only Florida when they had Spurrier and Meyer.  As for Meyer, Ohio State...well, you get the picture.

I can watch ESPN Classic games involving Alabama, USC, Ohio State, Texas, Nebraska, and other big time programs from the late 60s and I immediately recognize who I am watching from their uniforms. 

If you're a great coach you will win wherever you go.  You don't need gimmicks, you just need to know how to win and to get others to do understand and do it, too.

They were Bama lite during those years. They were still a ghost of their former selves. They never really crashed like our program did twice.

[lilRockNDubb]

The "brand" we need to develop is that of a winning football program.  Alabama wears the plainest uniforms this side of Penn State and they seem to recruit and succeed just fine.

A great coach with a great plan who knows how to select, develop, and utilize winners.  Being intelligent as heck and understanding how to strategize, call, and play the game according to your own keen mind rather than just following "the book" doesn't hurt, either.

Everything else is just window dressing.

We don't have the history of Bama or Penn State or even USCw. The only history we have is the fact there's only 1 Hog and that's Arkansas. We have the coaching the resources and getting the talent. It's worked for Oregon Baylor and TCU. Why not?

[Arctic Hog]

We could market ourselves with Harley's/Hawgs...with blondes on the back of the bikes. 

LOL, the whole "blondes on the back of Harleys" thing didn't work out so well recently!

[hawginbigd1]

What edge did Nebraska have?

They did have the edge of a great coach and staff, and with that they "were" one of the top programs in the country. Their success bred success by them being the game of the week on most weekends back when you had from 2(60's , 70's, and 80's) to 10 (80's and 90"s) college football games a week on television. Now with UCA being on television half the time and everyone else, Nebraska is not the football "hot bed" it once was. Precisely why i think they were stupid in getting rid of their coach. They still have the belief that they are a football power house and they just aren't. Does anybody really want to go to Nebraska? Some might say that about the hill, but i believe we have way more to offer than Nebraska.

[SwineGrind]

What prevents us from creating a brand similar to Oregon is history.  You witnessed the backlash due to the anthracite jerseys. There is a majority of established fans present that will not allow growth. They want what always was and not what could be. Some are afraid of growth as if it is an xrated Viagra commercial.

[OneTuskOverTheLine™]

 I believe CBB has stated that he is trying to build Arkansas into an "Uncommon" brand. This guy has a plan that is proven to work and will continue to use it.

[Vantage 8 dude]

Frankly I believe the Hogs already have a "brand". While not the flashy "star wars" type unis of someone like Oregon (thank goodness for HUGE favors) or the historical achievements of a 'Bama, Meechegan or some other programs, I can promise you that a TON of people recognize the Hog. Everywhere in the world I've had the privilege of going-and that would include most parts of the States, the Far East, Australia, Europe. etc. I've   never failed to have someone come up to me and comment on my Arkansas gear that I might be wearing. The general consensus these folks have offered is they love the uniqueness of our mascot and program. They may not fully understand the history or tradition behind our "Woo, Pig, sooie..."; however, they certainly enjoy hearing my wife and me call the Hogs and show our spirit.   

[panhandlepig]

  I don't think we need to develop a brand. We just need to market the brand we already have better. And keep anymore scandals away from our brand...that will help.

[EastexHawg]

What prevents us from creating a brand similar to Oregon is history.  You witnessed the backlash due to the anthracite jerseys. There is a majority of established fans present that will not allow growth. They want what always was and not what could be. Some are afraid of growth as if it is an xrated Viagra commercial.

So our fans are the reason we didn't make the four team playoff this year?  If that's the case I wonder why the administration keeps sending me letters of intent and ticket applications.  I guess maybe they don't realize I am/we are the problem.

[Boardon Hamsay]

Voted

[SwineGrind]

So our fans are the reason we didn't make the four team playoff this year?  If that's the case I wonder why the administration keeps sending me letters of intent and ticket applications.  I guess maybe they don't realize I am/we are the problem.

Of course we are the reason that we didn't make it. Instead of buying tickets you should have been recruiting? Really? The OP referenced Oregon. The fan base is obviously willing to do what ever it takes to make it even if it involves shifting the image of the team.....because let's face it.....they have nothing to lose.

I never blamed our fan base for a lack of wins.

[Dwight_K_Shrute]

He is not saying do we do not have a brand.  Of course we do.  Every school is a brand.  Some are just more developed than others.

It's a clearer message, better brand awareness, affinity etc.

It's not surprising that the founder of Nike, a company that excels at branding, at building maintaining and advancing the brand is also behind Oregon's ascension as a top of mind college football brand.

Oregon has done it through style of play, creative and constantly changing uniforms, and winning at the highest level.

Arkansas has a very good chance of advancing it's brand.  For one there is only one Razorback.  We have the recognizable and often talked about hog call.  We have a good face and voice of the program in Bielema.  Just have to start winning on a consistent basis.

With some programs the stadium is iconic and tied closely with the brand.  Listen to the talking heads talk about Oregon and they will invariably mention Autzen.

What helped Boise build it's brand?  The smurf turf. 

Bama = Bryant Denney
LSU = Death Valley.
tOSU = The Horseshoe

Notice in the top brand schools there isn't a secondary stadium.  Just one iconic venue. 

Also in building the brand you need people with a vision and plan.  I think Jeff Long is very smart and has that vision and plan.  Some decisions may be unpopular or seem silly but are very important.  Partnering with Nike is a smart move.  Never hurts to have class leaders on your side.  Little things like having a consistent pantone may not seem like much but they forward that consistent brand message.

All this work though is for naught if the program does not win consistently, but one feeds the other.  Having that strong brand helps you win on a regular basis and winning builds the brand.  It's a continuous feedback loop.

[jesterzzn]

What is Oregon's brand?  Seriously?  That they wear gaudy uniforms and their basketball court comes with seizure warnings when shown on TV?  They developed a gimmick which became a trend (sorta).

If you are more interested in football success then Oregon's had nothing to do with their uniforms.  Their 'secret' is that they developed a pay for play system for funneling recruits through handlers, and it worked...almost.

Can we do that?  Of course we can.


Random thought, I still have my Memphis Maniax hat.  Damn all those XFL teams had some slick unis...Oh well, never mind me and my random tangents.

[Fayettechill14]

Sure we can. Promote old-school brawn and power, on and off the field. Be the poster child for tough, strong (mentally and physically) men. No flash or flair.

[Torqued pork]

What is Oregon's brand?  Seriously?  That they wear gaudy uniforms and their basketball court comes with seizure warnings when shown on TV?  They developed a gimmick which became a trend (sorta).

If you are more interested in football success then Oregon's had nothing to do with their uniforms.  Their 'secret' is that they developed a pay for play system for funneling recruits through handlers, and it worked...almost.

Can we do that?  Of course we can.


Random thought, I still have my Memphis Maniax hat.  Damn all those XFL teams had some slick unis...Oh well, never mind me and my random tangents.

This × 2.

[EastexHawg]

I never blamed our fan base for a lack of wins.

You just blamed them for "backlash" and not allowing "growth".  But...maybe you weren't discussing the fans' outdated beliefs in terms of affecting success on the field, just our "look". 

If so, what exactly is the point? 

[jkstock04]

Can we? I think so. Will we? Zero chance unfortunately.

[ICEman]

John McDonnell made a national and an International brand with the Track and Field team during his time at the helm. He routinely attracted the Edward Chesereks and Galen Rupps of their era to the Ozarks.

[SwineGrind]

You just blamed them for "backlash" and not allowing "growth".  But...maybe you weren't discussing the fans' outdated beliefs in terms of affecting success on the field, just our "look". 

If so, what exactly is the point?

Same ole argument seeker.
No point. You win. We are hung up on tradition accept it or not. I'm not here to force my opinion.

[scorekeeper]

He is not saying do we do not have a brand.  Of course we do.  Every school is a brand.  Some are just more developed than others.

It's a clearer message, better brand awareness, affinity etc.

It's not surprising that the founder of Nike, a company that excels at branding, at building maintaining and advancing the brand is also behind Oregon's ascension as a top of mind college football brand.

Oregon has done it through style of play, creative and constantly changing uniforms, and winning at the highest level.

Arkansas has a very good chance of advancing it's brand.  For one there is only one Razorback.  We have the recognizable and often talked about hog call.  We have a good face and voice of the program in Bielema.  Just have to start winning on a consistent basis.

With some programs the stadium is iconic and tied closely with the brand.  Listen to the talking heads talk about Oregon and they will invariably mention Autzen.

What helped Boise build it's brand?  The smurf turf. 

Bama = Bryant Denney
LSU = Death Valley.
tOSU = The Horseshoe

Notice in the top brand schools there isn't a secondary stadium.  Just one iconic venue. 

Also in building the brand you need people with a vision and plan.  I think Jeff Long is very smart and has that vision and plan.  Some decisions may be unpopular or seem silly but are very important.  Partnering with Nike is a smart move.  Never hurts to have class leaders on your side.  Little things like having a consistent pantone may not seem like much but they forward that consistent brand message.

All this work though is for naught if the program does not win consistently, but one feeds the other.  Having that strong brand helps you win on a regular basis and winning builds the brand.  It's a continuous feedback loop.

Here's a thought... real grass and let it grow to around six inches. Start watering the field starting on Thursday so that by Saturday the field would be nice and muddy....The HOG PEN! Couple that with our big mean Oline and backs that run fast like little piglets.

[TexHog188]

Winning is it's own kind of brand.  If we continue to pound people with a physical brand of football + win 11+ games every year, that will become our brand.

As long as Jeh ray does not insist on a hog jumping through a star, I'll be fine with just winning.  I'm okay if the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders what to cheer in Fayetteville though.

[Torqued pork]

Phil Knight wasn't just funding the Duck's weekly fashion show, he was also pumping millions into their facilities while the rest of PAC was allowing their facilities to fall far behind.

There is more to Oregon's success than their power ranger unis.

[sasnakrafan]

Here's a thought... real grass and let it grow to around six inches. Start watering the field starting on Thursday so that by Saturday the field would be nice and muddy....The HOG PEN! Couple that with our big mean Oline and backs that run fast like little piglets.

I like where you're going but I'd do the reverse. Little to no grass and water the field (no field turf) days before. Pull a Jarrel Williams and play mud football. No other university would sacrifice their practice fields to mimic ours unless it is for a pivotal game. That would be a pig pen and we can designate a defensive star Pig Nasty!