I am not sure of their hockey following. Minnesota obviously has a lot of support for hockey, but there are plenty of schools to scratch the "hockey itch" down here as well. Now part of UND's problem is they want to have a Top Tier Hockey program... That costs some serious scratch.... If you are willing to be a more mid level hockey program and funded appropriately, could you pull it off??? I am trying to think of a FCS level school that has pulled off a hockey program and a football program successfully.... UND is probably the closest. (And in all honesty, UND right at this second is an above average football program).
The weather in Fargo keeps the undesirables out.....
...Which is why I live near the Twin Cities.
Hail the BISON!!!
The Foundation by which NDSU’s success was built upon was a D1 university next to a state with a large population and only one D1 university.
I’m not sure how anyone thinks having more competition for resources (talent) is a good thing for NDSU.
Liberty got one to go FBS without a conference invite a few years ago. With the mitigating factors of being kicked out of the MIAC, history of strong athletic performance across all sports, a Summit invite, plenty of money, and the NCAA probably not wanting to grant the Summit another membership size waiver I'd say they have a good chance. I haven't heard of any schools protesting, the NCAA generally turns a blind eye to everything unless someone complains. Just look at how many FBS teams either don't meet attendance or fake that they do.