A new and better FBS thread

[daddy daycare]

Nice writeup by Kolpack on the topic. Great title too

https://twitter.com/KolpackInForum/s...Cz2cOTl80qAAAA

But I’d say timing is much bigger than geography. Patience is the word right now. The sooner the NCAA dust settles, the sooner there will be movement.

Shocking development: college sports revolves around geography, even long before Joe Biden started in Politics.

[BigLakeBison]

I'm on record multiple times saying I wanted a group of midwest schools to become CUSA-North division in the recent alignment, and that while more is better I'm ok with just NDSU/SDSU jumping together. Really not sure what more I can do to say I support an FBS *as long as it has a good chance of success*. If the rumors of CUSA's finances are true they're a total dumpster fire and will probably collapse just like the WAC did a decade ago. I also understand that conference membership is so much more than just having a good football team, which some seem to have trouble seeing.

If I'm understanding correctly, you would be in favor of NDSU/SDSU joining CUSA together but not NDSU alone? I'm not disparaging that opinion just want to make sure I'm clear. I think for most of us fans we are somewhere around that general area as well. I believe that SDSU going with us would give us some protection in the event that CUSA falls apart as we would have a travel partner to band together with to find a new conference. I can definitely understand that logic. However, I believe that in terms of readiness to move, SDSU is likely 5 years and maybe even closer to 10 years away from being ready and/or willing to move. Weighing that into the equation, I would be willing to take the chance of moving alone but not necessarily in all circumstances. In order of my preference:

1. Move alone to MWC or AAC as all sports or football only members
2. Move alone to MAC as all sports or football only members
3. Move with SDSU (or other regional partners) to the MWC or AAC
4. Move with SDSU (or other regional partners) to the MAC
5. Move with SDSU (or other regional partners) to CUSA
6. Stay FCS and use funds that would have been put towards FBS on growing basketball programs
7. Move with SDSU (or other regional partners) to Independent Status (if possible)
8. Move alone to CUSA as football only member
9. Move alone to CUSA as all sports member
10. Stay in FCS and change little to nothing

[WhoRepsTheLurker]

Geography would not be an issue with the MW..It is a pretty spread out league already..However, there other factors that would be an issue. It is all stuff that could be worked out but the MW is not desperate and not of a mind to grab new members just to add. You would have to pay dearly to be football only. You probably won't have the votes for a full membership. You would no longer be on ESPN. Almost every football game is televised but most of them are played at night. Because the MW TV deals are primarily predicated on providing content for open time slots, your road games would likely start at 10 pm your time. Your home games would almost certainly start later to fill the slots the providers want. Just a lot of stuff to consider.

You don't add anything the conference doesn't already have so your pitch would likely have to have several strong concessions on your end. The conference has never taken any school directly from FCS. I am not saying it can't be done but nothing about this will be easy..

Getting the AAC will be just as tough but they are at least in an expanding mood..Better chance there.

Agreed on all fronts. The 10 pm kickoffs make me nervous. AAC or bust. Lots of fan-forum naysayers out there but most of them are clueless about what really matters.

The former president was interviewed on 1660, and MM wrote something off that that got all the haters titillated, but that's how he makes a living. If anyone happened to catch the new president on 1660 - during the baseball game - I think he gave good cause for optimism, but like I said, lots up in there air right now in the NCAA. Wouldn't be shocked if CUSA doesn't survive as an FBS conference. I give it 50/50 ...

[taper]

If I'm understanding correctly, you would be in favor of NDSU/SDSU joining CUSA together but not NDSU alone? I'm not disparaging that opinion just want to make sure I'm clear. I think for most of us fans we are somewhere around that general area as well. I believe that SDSU going with us would give us some protection in the event that CUSA falls apart as we would have a travel partner to band together with to find a new conference. I can definitely understand that logic. However, I believe that in terms of readiness to move, SDSU is likely 5 years and maybe even closer to 10 years away from being ready and/or willing to move. Weighing that into the equation, I would be willing to take the chance of moving alone but not necessarily in all circumstances. In order of my preference:

1. Move alone to MWC or AAC as all sports or football only members
2. Move alone to MAC as all sports or football only members
3. Move with SDSU (or other regional partners) to the MWC or AAC
4. Move with SDSU (or other regional partners) to the MAC
5. Move with SDSU (or other regional partners) to CUSA
6. Stay FCS and use funds that would have been put towards FBS on growing basketball programs
7. Move with SDSU (or other regional partners) to Independent Status (if possible)
8. Move alone to CUSA as football only member
9. Move alone to CUSA as all sports member
10. Stay in FCS and change little to nothing

My opinion of CUSA has dramatically dropped the last few months. At the start of this realignment I would have liked 5-7 midwest schools to go CUSA but would be ok with just the xDSUs. Right now I wouldn't touch CUSA with a 10 foot pole. They're complete trash and IMO won't survive as an FBS conference if WKU and Mid Tenn leave. Since a list is apparently the thing to do now:
1. NCAA admits reality and splits D1 football into 3 subdivisions. Pro feeder league, competitive college, and "hey, did you know we have football?" We'd be in the middle tier with most of the G5 and upper 1/4th-ish of the FCS.
2. NCAA enforces its own existing rules about the 15k FBS attendance. Around 20 solid programs rejoin FCS and all complaints about the championship being watered down end.
3. 5-12 midwest schools join/form an FBS conference. Don't really care which as long as we go as a group.
4. NDSU/SDSU to the MAC. I know this isn't perfect for football but it is a step up and we're actually a great culture fit with the MAC other than enrollment size. Geography isn't that bad. MAC basketball might be enough to entice SDSU to come with.
5. NDSU/SDSU to the MWC. I almost didn't even list this as I think it's effectively impossible.
6. Stay FCS and see what happens. WAC is brewing something that's worth watching.
7. Basically anything else. Going alone or indy is failure. Football affiliate only invite isn't coming from anyone. AAC or Sunbelt just isn't going to happen. CUSA has a high chance of collapsing.

One thing that never gets mentioned is that NDSU would have one of the lowest enrollments of any public school in FBS. We're tiny but punch way above our weight in football. Enrollment's dropped every year since our peak in 2014 and we're about half the typical G5 public. If you want an FBS conference to notice you get the enrollment up and start winning in MBB.

[KSBisonFan]

If I'm understanding correctly, you would be in favor of NDSU/SDSU joining CUSA together but not NDSU alone? I'm not disparaging that opinion just want to make sure I'm clear. I think for most of us fans we are somewhere around that general area as well. I believe that SDSU going with us would give us some protection in the event that CUSA falls apart as we would have a travel partner to band together with to find a new conference. I can definitely understand that logic. However, I believe that in terms of readiness to move, SDSU is likely 5 years and maybe even closer to 10 years away from being ready and/or willing to move. Weighing that into the equation, I would be willing to take the chance of moving alone but not necessarily in all circumstances. In order of my preference:

1. Move alone to MWC or AAC as all sports or football only members
2. Move alone to MAC as all sports or football only members
3. Move with SDSU (or other regional partners) to the MWC or AAC
4. Move with SDSU (or other regional partners) to the MAC
5. Move with SDSU (or other regional partners) to CUSA
6. Stay FCS and use funds that would have been put towards FBS on growing basketball programs
7. Move with SDSU (or other regional partners) to Independent Status (if possible)
8. Move alone to CUSA as football only member
9. Move alone to CUSA as all sports member
10. Stay in FCS and change little to nothing

I've stayed out of this mess, but this is a good list. #6 needs to have more attention IMMEDIATELY if we aspire to the FBS. We need to be building our basketball (men's and women's) exposure to be considered for an FBS conference to overcome the geography hurdle. Taper mentioned this, as well. I'm hoping the new president can lead us in this direction. There needs to be a complete change in how we approach basketball, and it starts with scheduling. Unfortunately, I have zero confidence in Richman and ML to get this done.

[BigHorns]

My opinion of CUSA has dramatically dropped the last few months. At the start of this realignment I would have liked 5-7 midwest schools to go CUSA but would be ok with just the xDSUs. Right now I wouldn't touch CUSA with a 10 foot pole. They're complete trash and IMO won't survive as an FBS conference if WKU and Mid Tenn leave. Since a list is apparently the thing to do now:
1. NCAA admits reality and splits D1 football into 3 subdivisions. Pro feeder league, competitive college, and "hey, did you know we have football?" We'd be in the middle tier with most of the G5 and upper 1/4th-ish of the FCS.
2. NCAA enforces its own existing rules about the 15k FBS attendance. Around 20 solid programs rejoin FCS and all complaints about the championship being watered down end.
3. 5-12 midwest schools join/form an FBS conference. Don't really care which as long as we go as a group.
4. NDSU/SDSU to the MAC. I know this isn't perfect for football but it is a step up and we're actually a great culture fit with the MAC other than enrollment size. Geography isn't that bad. MAC basketball might be enough to entice SDSU to come with.
5. NDSU/SDSU to the MWC. I almost didn't even list this as I think it's effectively impossible.
6. Stay FCS and see what happens. WAC is brewing something that's worth watching.
7. Basically anything else. Going alone or indy is failure. Football affiliate only invite isn't coming from anyone. AAC or Sunbelt just isn't going to happen. CUSA has a high chance of collapsing.

One thing that never gets mentioned is that NDSU would have one of the lowest enrollments of any public school in FBS. We're tiny but punch way above our weight in football. Enrollment's dropped every year since our peak in 2014 and we're about half the typical G5 public. If you want an FBS conference to notice you get the enrollment up and start winning in MBB.

This is exactly how I see things also.

To extend an earlier analogy:
- MWC/AAC are ribeye. AAC is a half step lower, and less likely to happen
- MAC/SBC are flank steak. MAC makes more sense, and more likely.
- MVFC is pretty good hamburger
- CUSA/Indy is pig slop, and could ruin the program

[El_Chapo]

Coldpack is a dumbass.

Geography DONT MEAN SHIT.

SO San Diego State would FLY to Fargo every OTHER YEAR
they would normally fly to Wyoming or Colorado State....so what is 1-1.5 hours. more fucking hour In a plane?

[BigLakeBison]

My opinion of CUSA has dramatically dropped the last few months. At the start of this realignment I would have liked 5-7 midwest schools to go CUSA but would be ok with just the xDSUs. Right now I wouldn't touch CUSA with a 10 foot pole. They're complete trash and IMO won't survive as an FBS conference if WKU and Mid Tenn leave. Since a list is apparently the thing to do now:
1. NCAA admits reality and splits D1 football into 3 subdivisions. Pro feeder league, competitive college, and "hey, did you know we have football?" We'd be in the middle tier with most of the G5 and upper 1/4th-ish of the FCS.
2. NCAA enforces its own existing rules about the 15k FBS attendance. Around 20 solid programs rejoin FCS and all complaints about the championship being watered down end.
3. 5-12 midwest schools join/form an FBS conference. Don't really care which as long as we go as a group.
4. NDSU/SDSU to the MAC. I know this isn't perfect for football but it is a step up and we're actually a great culture fit with the MAC other than enrollment size. Geography isn't that bad. MAC basketball might be enough to entice SDSU to come with.
5. NDSU/SDSU to the MWC. I almost didn't even list this as I think it's effectively impossible.
6. Stay FCS and see what happens. WAC is brewing something that's worth watching.
7. Basically anything else. Going alone or indy is failure. Football affiliate only invite isn't coming from anyone. AAC or Sunbelt just isn't going to happen. CUSA has a high chance of collapsing.

One thing that never gets mentioned is that NDSU would have one of the lowest enrollments of any public school in FBS. We're tiny but punch way above our weight in football. Enrollment's dropped every year since our peak in 2014 and we're about half the typical G5 public. If you want an FBS conference to notice you get the enrollment up and start winning in MBB.

I think the lists allow people to provide some nuance and not deal solely in absolutes. I think many of us are close. We differ in how we see things playing out outside of NDSU control and that’s fine. But I think it helps illustrate that staying FCS is low on most all of our lists.

[BigLakeBison]

I've stayed out of this mess, but this is a good list. #6 needs to have more attention IMMEDIATELY if we aspire to the FBS. We need to be building our basketball (men's and women's) exposure to be considered for an FBS conference to overcome the geography hurdle. Taper mentioned this, as well. I'm hoping the new president can lead us in this direction. There needs to be a complete change in how we approach basketball, and it starts with scheduling. Unfortunately, I have zero confidence in Richman and ML to get this done.

Basketball scheduling is the first thing that increased funding should be used for. Bringing in better ooc opponents would do wonders for attendance and enthusiasm. That takes money. I’m not a huge Richman fan but that situation will likely work itself out over time. If our scheduling improves, he will need to improve or they will be looking for someone new.

[daddy daycare]

Coldpack is a dumbass.

Geography DONT MEAN SHIT.

SO San Diego State would FLY to Fargo every OTHER YEAR
they would normally fly to Wyoming or Colorado State....so what is 1-1.5 hours. more fucking hour In a plane?

Common sense is all it takes to understand the importance of geography from professional sports to college to high school.

MWC is about as likely to happen as a BIG10 invite, none. It would've been done a long time ago.