Week 1 Chat

[wscsuperfan]

St Thomas transitioned from D3 to D1 in 2021. They were allowed to make the jump directly to D1 rather than making a stop in D2 first. They are part of the Summit League in most sports.

For football, they joined the Pioneer League. The PL is a non-scholarship football league for D1 schools that want to keep a football program, but don't want the expense of trying to fund all the scholarships.

While the Tommies aren't at the SDSU/NDSU level of FCS, they are a very strong program. They regularly won titles in D3. Last year they were the Pioneer League champions. Prior to last night, they hadn't lost a home game since the 2016 playoffs.

St. Thomas had won 31 consecutive home games (dating back to 2016) before last night's loss to USF. They had also won 42 consecutive regular-season home games dating back to 2014.

[SW_Mustang]

St. Thomas had won 31 consecutive home games (dating back to 2016) before last night's loss to USF. They had also won 42 consecutive regular-season home games dating back to 2024.

Now THAT'S impressive! ;)

[Thunder]

That all being said - UST is an odd one given how they ended up there, and it's my belief they won't exist there forever. Going directly to the MVFC or even the OVC would have been a terrible option given the circumstances, and I wouldn't be surprised if they become a legit player in the coming years.

Interesting thought I had regarding St Thomas, does last night's result quicken the possibility of the Tommies trying to get into a scholarship football conference? I don't know a ton about the St Thomas alumni or political base, but I believe there is a fair amount of money there. I don't imagine losing to a D2 school is what many of the big boosters had in mind with the D1 move. Does this cause some big investment to add the necessary scholarships (men and women) to be an FCS contender?

[wscsuperfan]

Now THAT'S impressive! ;)

Sure is......not as impressive as say, dating back to 2014 :)

[SW_Mustang]

Interesting thought I had regarding St Thomas, does last night's result quicken the possibility of the Tommies trying to get into a scholarship football conference? I don't know a ton about the St Thomas alumni or political base, but I believe there is a fair amount of money there. I don't imagine losing to a D2 school is what many of the big boosters had in mind with the D1 move. Does this cause some big investment to add the necessary scholarships (men and women) to be an FCS contender?

I don't think so for two reasons - for one, the football program doesn't exist in a vacuum. UST has to make this transition for their entire athletic department. From what I'm seeing, getting basketball and hockey settled in is the big priority. I feel like the current state of the football program is more-or-less of a placeholder. It might get lost in current affairs, but UST had to make an unprecedented transition through the toughest period in college sports since WWII. The fact that they've kept it together to this degree is remarkable.

Secondly, it's just simply growing pains. I saw them play USD last year - they lost 42-0. It was abysmal. It's just going to take time to get some things figured out - and I think (hope) the boosters know that.

I don't know much about UST as an institution but what I do know is while the reported numbers seem to vary, they became the second-richest school in the Summit upon joining (behind Denver, and not by a whole lot). They have a well-respected b-school that is popular with working professionals in the Twin Cities, with an entrepreneurship program that is top 20 nationwide. I'm assuming they have a long list of alumni with deep pockets. Not to mention they have one of only three law schools in Minnesota, so they have a bunch of lawyers on the alumni list as well.

They got kicked out over enrollment and athletic achievement, sure - but I don't think they get booted without having that bonkers endowment.

[WBChargerDad]

St Thomas transitioned from D3 to D1 in 2021. They were allowed to make the jump directly to D1 rather than making a stop in D2 first. They are part of the Summit League in most sports.

For football, they joined the Pioneer League. The PL is a non-scholarship football league for D1 schools that want to keep a football program, but don't want the expense of trying to fund all the scholarships.

While the Tommies aren't at the SDSU/NDSU level of FCS, they are a very strong program. They regularly won titles in D3. Last year they were the Pioneer League champions. Prior to last night, they hadn't lost a home game since the 2016 playoffs.

Drake won the PFL last year. UST was 2nd.

[Tundra_Man]

Drake won the PFL last year. UST was 2nd.

Oh, my mistake. I thought I had heard they won the PFL last season.

[WBChargerDad]

Oh, my mistake. I thought I had heard they won the PFL last season.

Doesn't take away from what the win could mean for USF this year though!

[Umdfan35]

The University of St. Thomas is an excellent program, was asked to leave the MIAC because they dominated football, but they never were D3 national champs, played in the championship game in 2012, but lost. St. John’s has won it

[Peacockfan]

Just a heads up for anyone wanting to watch Concordia St Paul vs UIU. The GLVC Network is run through Hudl and they charge. Sadly, you cannot purchase a single game, it’s a monthly pass or year subscription. NSIC fan should feel lucky they are one of the few conferences that have a free streaming service

[SW_Mustang]

The University of St. Thomas is an excellent program, was asked to leave the MIAC because they dominated football, but they never were D3 national champs, played in the championship game in 2012, but lost. St. John’s has won it

I genuinely believe they will be a player in FCS in 10+ years.

[CollegeFBGuy]

The University of St. Thomas is an excellent program, was asked to leave the MIAC because they dominated football, but they never were D3 national champs, played in the championship game in 2012, but lost. St. John’s has won it

They wanted out and got exactly what they wanted, going from D3 to D1 without issue. The whole “got kicked out” was a good story to help their cause. They might be a factor if they can get into a scholarship conference

[WSUWarriorFan]

FCS Week 1 Imperial map came out and Sioux Falls has acquired some nice land. Fun to see a D2 school represented.
https://x.com/Reddit_FCS/status/1831065930413306190

[Millsy]

So now the question becomes, does USF hold onto that for the rest of the year since they will not be playing another FCS team, or if they get knocked off by a NSIC school, does that school get the land?

If part 2 holds, then there should always be a D-II school on the board.

[Stanger86]

So now the question becomes, does USF hold onto that for the rest of the year since they will not be playing another FCS team, or if they get knocked off by a NSIC school, does that school get the land?

If part 2 holds, then there should always be a D-II school on the board.

My interpretation is that USF will hold onto it all season

EDIT: Nope, it will go to whoever beats USF