A new and better FBS thread

[BigLakeBison]

At this point how much of your acceptance of the MAC is just from wanting us to shut up?

Oddly enough our points of view are pretty similar, I just let the zealots spew their stuff without wasting the breath to call them out

After reading these threads for the past few years and especially this past year, I would agree that a majority of Bison fans would prefer to play an FBS schedule vs. FCS. However, the arguments center on how much to risk to achieve that. Some feel like it is worth risking a lot to get to FBS. These would be the zealots you speak of. Others feel like we shouldn't risk much at all because they don't perceive us being in a desperate situation. The reality is much like politics, it's a good thing we have a bit of both. My feeling is that more and more fans are moving their "risk threshold" higher and higher with each passing day and each school that leaves for the FBS. Getting left behind like we did in D2 has it's own risks and I think Bison fans are becoming more aware of those everyday. I tend to agree with your belief that something is brewing. Can't point to anything specific, just a general tone from Bison 1660, the local media, the athletic department staff, even the questions posed to the potential presidential candidates indicate that it is a topic of merit that will be addressed.

[NDSU92]

After reading these threads for the past few years and especially this past year, I would agree that a majority of Bison fans would prefer to play an FBS schedule vs. FCS. However, the arguments center on how much to risk to achieve that. Some feel like it is worth risking a lot to get to FBS. These would be the zealots you speak of. Others feel like we shouldn't risk much at all because they don't perceive us being in a desperate situation. The reality is much like politics, it's a good thing we have a bit of both. My feeling is that more and more fans are moving their "risk threshold" higher and higher with each passing day and each school that leaves for the FBS. Getting left behind like we did in D2 has it's own risks and I think Bison fans are becoming more aware of those everyday. I tend to agree with your belief that something is brewing. Can't point to anything specific, just a general tone from Bison 1660, the local media, the athletic department staff, even the questions posed to the potential presidential candidates indicate that it is a topic of merit that will be addressed.

Yep, like all divisive issues, there's really a spectrum and everyone falls somewhere on that spectrum. It's not black/white FBS or FCS only. I agree that most people have been moving towards the FBS side of the spectrum.

Hell I used to think we should've gone CUSA when the S was hitting the fan four months ago. I've moved further away from that now that the dust is settling and I think there is actually a legit chance for us to get into a good conference.

[Professorbum]

Yep, like all divisive issues, there's really a spectrum and everyone falls somewhere on that spectrum. It's not black/white FBS or FCS only. I agree that most people have been moving towards the FBS side of the spectrum.

Hell I used to think we should've gone CUSA when the S was hitting the fan four months ago. I've moved further away from that now that the dust is settling and I think there is actually a legit chance for us to get into a good conference.

I remember this. The good ol' days when you were 100% correct. :-)

The $hi+ is still on the fan, btw.

[daddy daycare]

At this point how much of your acceptance of the MAC is just from wanting us to shut up?

Oddly enough our points of view are pretty similar, I just let the zealots spew their stuff without wasting the breath to call them out

I don't honestly feel the MAC is that good of a product but either. See TV and stadiums full of bleachers. Tuesday night crap. etc. Run the table and there's a small shot at a decent bowl...at quick glance this year's bowl games were basically a joke too. But it is what it is...seems like a half assed fit geographically, not perfect of course. But if FBS is the deal I'd rather that than the new CUSA.....MWC is a stretch.

[taper]

There's something really ironic about going to the MAC. Geography isn't that bad, we'd be a great academic fit as a R1 Very High Research, BB is a manageable step up, definitely more stable overall than the Summit, and having an all-sports conference has advantages. We'd be by far the lowest enrollment in the conference but competitive in endowments and money overall.

The ironic part is it's at best a lateral move for football and possibly a step down. Tuesday MACtion sucks. The media deal is about equal to what we have now. MAC attendance is about equal or less to what we already do. The MAC would be an upgrade for nearly everything except football.

[NDSU92]

There's something really ironic about going to the MAC. Geography isn't that bad, we'd be a great academic fit as a R1 Very High Research, BB is a manageable step up, definitely more stable overall than the Summit, and having an all-sports conference has advantages. We'd be by far the lowest enrollment in the conference but competitive in endowments and money overall.

The ironic part is it's at best a lateral move for football and possibly a step down. Tuesday MACtion sucks. The media deal is about equal to what we have now. MAC attendance is about equal or less to what we already do. The MAC would be an upgrade for nearly everything except football.

You guys aren't wrong. The Tuesday night football would kill me. Complete idiocy.

The good news I think is that I agree that MAC would be a step sideways and I don't think it would take long to be in the conference driver's seat. Then things really get interesting, IMO.

And it would force us to play better basketball

[Professorbum]

There's something really ironic about going to the MAC. Geography isn't that bad, we'd be a great academic fit as a R1 Very High Research, BB is a manageable step up, definitely more stable overall than the Summit, and having an all-sports conference has advantages. We'd be by far the lowest enrollment in the conference but competitive in endowments and money overall.

The ironic part is it's at best a lateral move for football and possibly a step down. Tuesday MACtion sucks. The media deal is about equal to what we have now. MAC attendance is about equal or less to what we already do. The MAC would be an upgrade for nearly everything except football.

In terms of quality of football, it'd probably be a wash. We'd beat up on most of the teams, but NIU and WMU would always play us tough, just as SDSU and UNI do. Not because of a sense of rivalry, but just because they are historically good football programs. But the best thing about the MAC (or any FBS conference, imo) is the ability to compete against OOC FBS teams. I think we make some money in that realm, draw in new fans, and solidify existing external interest in the program. I also think we regularly crack the top 25 and sometimes the top 15.

Like you said, basketball would be an upgrade. I think baseball might be decent too.

[23Bison]

The MAC at very least would get us IN. Interpret that how ever you want.

[Kevin]

When’s the last time a team from the mac moved to a better division?

MWC still looks like the best stepping stone.

[ByeSonBusiness]

When’s the last time a team from the mac moved to a better division?

MWC still looks like the best stepping stone.

Marshall and Temple were previously members off the top of my head. UCF was a football member as well.