Its a little different situation now with an upcoming new deal coming with the Big Ten Network. Each team is going to get an estimated 50 MILLION dollars from the network! 50 Million, that fat money is going to cover any fans NOT buying season tickets this fall. As far as the budget goes its unprecedented.
Actually, this truth may cause Barta to keep Kirk beyond next year, because simply the funds are guaranteed to be there. It's not like back in the day. People not getting season tickets isn't going to put the program in jeopardy, it just won't look good with fans disguised as empty seats.