Fresno State felt the pinch from an $800,000 budget shortfall due to slow football ticket sales last season, a solid hit to an athletic department that counts on gate receipts as its third-largest source of revenue and is committed to keeping pace with its Mountain West rivals and the escalating costs of college athletics.
It could be in a similar position this year.
Coming off a disappointing 3-9 finish, season-ticket renewals are down for a 2016 season that holds more promise but also includes a home schedule that lacks a marquee nonconference opponent, with games against Sacramento State and Tulsa.