San Jose State football coach Fitz Hill defended his program Wednesday, two days after the advisory Academic Senate recommended that the university de-emphasize the sport and leave the Western Athletic Conference.

``Does this program cost the university money?'' Hill asked, rhetorically. ``My question would be, what does it cost to be nationally televised? What is the value of being on national TV? You're on TV for close to four hours. We are San Jose's school.''

One Spartans game was televised nationally, the opener against Grambling State on ESPN2, and five were shown as regional telecasts last season.

According to Hill, the football program costs $3 million over revenues, although the accounting is complex.

Hill said he has not spoken with any members of the Academic Senate, which includes faculty, students and administrators. Nor has he talked to Paul Yu, chosen Tuesday to be the university's president. Yu, who earned three degrees at the University of Michigan, was ``an excellent choice,'' Hill said.

``They got 105,000 in that stadium every week,'' Hill said, referring to Michigan. ``Now, we're only getting 10,000 a game, but name me another event on campus that draws 10,000.''

Hill proudly pointed to a framed sheepskin on the wall in his office. His Ed.D from Arkansas makes him one of only two head football coaches, out of 117, in Division I-A with a doctorate.

``I was on scholarship the whole time I was playing college football,'' said Hill, who also is one of five African-American head football coaches in Division I-A. ``I was a first-generation college student. Athletics have been an economic opportunity for the social disadvantaged. I had a talent that let me get my college education paid for.''