Next Round of Realignment

[Millsy]

That was squashed recently: The NCAA announced new FBS requirements. Here are the biggest hurdles for FCS programs (texasfootball.com)

Thanks, I didn't realize it had been rescinded.

Personally, I think it would be a mistake for these schools to go to the FBS division. You go from FCS where you are competing for a National Championship almost every year, the FBS, where you have to have a winning record just to get into some minor bowl in Mobile or Detroit. Would these teams even get a sniff at the 12 spots for that play for the FBS championship? It would take a pretty special team, probably a once in a generation or two team to squeeze their way past a Power 5 team.

[wscsuperfan]

Of course Northern will win another game.

Probably against Wayne......this is the way

:)

[Stanger86]

Will Northern ever win another football game?

Fear not, the Mustangs are on the schedule.

[Purple Mav Man]

Thanks, I didn't realize it had been rescinded.

Personally, I think it would be a mistake for these schools to go to the FBS division. You go from FCS where you are competing for a National Championship almost every year, the FBS, where you have to have a winning record just to get into some minor bowl in Mobile or Detroit. Would these teams even get a sniff at the 12 spots for that play for the FBS championship? It would take a pretty special team, probably a once in a generation or two team to squeeze their way past a Power 5 team.

What you’ve just said is why I have zero interest in MSU moving up.

Compete for titles at D2 - or be a jobber at D1? Seems pretty simple to me.

[NSU4LIFE]

What you’ve just said is why I have zero interest in MSU moving up.

Compete for titles at D2 - or be a jobber at D1? Seems pretty simple to me.

Will this increase enrollment?
Will this increase alumni/private donations?
Will this increase consistent campus revenue?

The folks making these decisions have much different discussions than we do on the boards.

[Purple Mav Man]

Will this increase enrollment?
Will this increase alumni/private donations?
Will this increase consistent campus revenue?

The folks making these decisions have much different discussions than we do on the boards.

Much different. I’m a fan, not an administrator:) And those are all questions that need to be considered above wins and losses. But a lot of times, donations are tied to those wins. Not always of course.

I think the answer to at least 2/3 of those though, is no.

[crixus]

Augustana couldn't raise the huge amount of extra $$$ to run it's athletic budget. SDSU cannot, they suckle on the taxpayer teat to fund their D1 budget, same at USD. Great article here.

SDSU, USD rely heavily on state money and student fees to subsidize Division I athletics (dakotanewsnow.com)

As a Jackrabbits fan (going back before the FCS era), I appreciate the link. I don't live in South Dakota and didn't realize the financial situation there. Go Jacks!

[njmav1]

Thanks, I didn't realize it had been rescinded.

Personally, I think it would be a mistake for these schools to go to the FBS division. You go from FCS where you are competing for a National Championship almost every year, the FBS, where you have to have a winning record just to get into some minor bowl in Mobile or Detroit. Would these teams even get a sniff at the 12 spots for that play for the FBS championship? It would take a pretty special team, probably a once in a generation or two team to squeeze their way past a Power 5 team.

This seems to be the prevailing opinion here. But what if- in exchange for that, those programs move up to a conference that a) provides more media revenue and b) provides the school with some more exposure to draw more students? Would it be worth it if it doesn't add a huge burden to the overall budget?

[NorthDakotaDragon]

Thanks, I didn't realize it had been rescinded.

Personally, I think it would be a mistake for these schools to go to the FBS division. You go from FCS where you are competing for a National Championship almost every year, the FBS, where you have to have a winning record just to get into some minor bowl in Mobile or Detroit. Would these teams even get a sniff at the 12 spots for that play for the FBS championship? It would take a pretty special team, probably a once in a generation or two team to squeeze their way past a Power 5 team.

I would have agreed with that statement prior to a 12-team playoff, but don't forget the highest ranked G5 champion has an auto bid to the CFB Playoff. NDSU/SDSU joins the MW and goes 12-0 11-1 and there is a real possibility they are in the dance playing the 5-seed. Will they ever win a natty? Almost a 0% chance. But you have a clear path every single season to get a shot on the biggest stage in college football. FCS football is an extremely watered down product from what is was 10 years ago. I would say 80%-90% of the league is top end D2 talent now. The premier remaining FCS schools should take every action possible to go up with the big boys. FCS should backfill with the top D2 programs, D2 should backfill with the top D3/NAIA programs, etc... Realignment is a good thing. Will make for a more competitive product across the board.

[Augieholic]

FCS football is an extremely watered down product from what is was 10 years ago. I would say 80%-90% of the league is top end D2 talent now.

The best FCS team can barely beat a top 15 D2 team these days.

[Stanger86]

Idaho is another to watch for Moutain West acquisitions.

Something we never talk about is the RMAC schools that may look to move D1 and either MVFC/Summit or whatever else presents itself. Maybe Colorado has a Minnesota/Wisconsin strangle hold, if not, they have some programs that could make the move.

I wonder, could West Texas ever make a move?

[Purple Mav Man]

I wonder, could West Texas ever make a move?

Spend some time in the LSC boards… (at your own risk, of course. Ha) WT could do it, but it seems they may not have the interest currently. And perhaps not the backing of the A&M system? Not sure what it’s all about. However A&M-Commerce is really struggling at D1.

The Southland Conference basically became the former LSC, then some teams split out to other conferences from there. They could probably pretty easily put a decent FCS inference together in the state of Texas.

[Stanger86]

The Southland Conference basically became the former LSC, then some teams split out to other conferences from there. They could probably pretty easily put a decent FCS inference together in the state of Texas.

My historical knowledge is subpar, but weren't most of those schools better in basketball than football? Sometimes, the decision-making process should come down to understanding your niche. I think it's easier to move D1 if you are more of a basketball school. Easier to make a mark, because you can make the national tournament.

[vikingfaithful]

The defending 2-time FCS NC Jacks football beats D2 Augustana 24-3 in front of their 2nd largest home crowd ever,
then fly down to Louisiana and beat SE Louisiana and win 42-0. This makes me question how good FCS football is in its mid to lower levels

[Purple Mav Man]

My historical knowledge is subpar, but weren't most of those schools better in basketball than football? Sometimes, the decision-making process should come down to understanding your niche. I think it's easier to move D1 if you are more of a basketball school. Easier to make a mark, because you can make the national tournament.

WT is an every sport but football, school. They used to be good at football back when the conference was good. Step into the LSC forum and just type, “Don Cathel”. You’ll get all kinds of WT old timers ready to talk the good ol days :)

The rest of the schools? More in line with Texas as a whole. Football first. Tarleton had a decent basketball program as well.