Appy Moving On Up...And Georgia Southern...

[EverettGriz]

Man, I would LOVE that scenario.


But if you believe for even ONE SECOND that msu would get approached by an FBS conference before Montana, you absolutely GOTTA share what you're poppin', cause I could sure use that rush. God, that's laughable!!! :lol:

 

[BWahlberg]

You guys are smoking crack if you think the UM is ready to be up. We had to push for two years to get an academic center green-lit. How many more years for a legit weight room and a serviceable locker room? What about an indoor practice facility? This has been slow going recently and these upgrades would be vital to move up and compete for the type of athletes we would need to be competitive. Who's ready to write that check today?

Add in the prior comment that the BOR isn't going to take a very favorable stance to athletic expansion as well. Tell me this, how would we pay for an FbS caliber coach? Montana's coaching salary isn't the best in the FCS, heck not even in division 2. New we just expect the BOR to approve a $400.000+ salary? I recall reading Idaho has one of the lowest coaching salaries in the fbs, think it was close to $350k. They're getting what they pay for.

No thank you. Not right now. We have to get our house in order before moving up or else Montana will become the same joke that Idaho is.

 

[GrizMusician]

You guys are smoking crack if you think the UM is ready to be up. We had to push for two years to get an academic center green-lit. How many more years for a legit weight room and a serviceable locker room? What about an indoor practice facility? This has been slow going recently and these upgrades would be vital to move up and compete for the type of athletes we would need to be competitive. Who's ready to write that check today?

Add in the prior comment that the BOR isn't going to take a very favorable stance to athletic expansion as well. Tell me this, how would we pay for an FbS caliber coach? Montana's coaching salary isn't the best in the FCS, heck not even in division 2. New we just expect the BOR to approve a $400.000+ salary? I recall reading Idaho has one of the lowest coaching salaries in the fbs, think it was close to $350k. They're getting what they pay for.

No thank you. Not right now. We have to get our house in order before moving up or else Montana will become the same joke that Idaho is.

Someone is pessimistic tonight! I do have to agree however.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[RobGriz]

You guys are smoking crack if you think the UM is ready to be up. We had to push for two years to get an academic center green-lit. How many more years for a legit weight room and a serviceable locker room? What about an indoor practice facility? This has been slow going recently and these upgrades would be vital to move up and compete for the type of athletes we would need to be competitive. Who's ready to write that check today?

Add in the prior comment that the BOR isn't going to take a very favorable stance to athletic expansion as well. Tell me this, how would we pay for an FbS caliber coach? Montana's coaching salary isn't the best in the FCS, heck not even in division 2. New we just expect the BOR to approve a $400.000+ salary? I recall reading Idaho has one of the lowest coaching salaries in the fbs, think it was close to $350k. They're getting what they pay for.

No thank you. Not right now. We have to get our house in order before moving up or else Montana will become the same joke that Idaho is.

This.

 

[grizfan95]

You guys are smoking crack if you think the UM is ready to be up. We had to push for two years to get an academic center green-lit. How many more years for a legit weight room and a serviceable locker room? What about an indoor practice facility? This has been slow going recently and these upgrades would be vital to move up and compete for the type of athletes we would need to be competitive. Who's ready to write that check today?

Add in the prior comment that the BOR isn't going to take a very favorable stance to athletic expansion as well. Tell me this, how would we pay for an FbS caliber coach? Montana's coaching salary isn't the best in the FCS, heck not even in division 2. New we just expect the BOR to approve a $400.000+ salary? I recall reading Idaho has one of the lowest coaching salaries in the fbs, think it was close to $350k. They're getting what they pay for.

No thank you. Not right now. We have to get our house in order before moving up or else Montana will become the same joke that Idaho is.

Someone is pessimistic tonight!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

It's called realistic. 99% of eGriz should try it.

 

[Grizzlies1982]

I just read all of the posts here and it is really nauseating... Can someone summarize this for me in a format so I don't get another migrane...?? uppy:

1. App State & Georgia Southern are moving from FCS up into FBS.
2. App State is overshadowed by North Carolina, NC State, Duke, E. Carolina, Coastal....
3. Georgia Southern was always the red head step child of Georgia, now upstart Geo State passes them up.
4. So it is a matter of "prestige" moving into a bottom feeder conference creating the illusion of parity.
5. Some on eGriz have p*nis envy and perceive these moves as "putting on their big boy pants".
6. Some on eGriz regret that we haven't jumped into the ranks of Idaho and New Mexico St.
7. Some on eGriz forgot moving up requires about $15 to $20 million today (adding additional sports, more scholarships, more new and expanded facilities, more staff, higher salaries...).
8. Some on eGriz forgot moving up would also require an additional $5 million or so each and every year to maintain the expanded athletics required.
9. Some on eGriz seem oblivious that the Sun Belt, Conf USA, MAC, etc... is about to be demoted out of the real FBS and become the "new" FBS Division II of college football.

That pretty well sums up what has happened and the reactions you're reading here. So if you have an extra $30 million or so to pony up the Griz could also jump up to join the new FBS Division II. Or, we could wait about three more years and join them without many of these unnecessary expenses.
:ugeek:

 

[RobGriz]

I just read all of the posts here and it is really nauseating... Can someone summarize this for me in a format so I don't get another migrane...?? uppy:

1. App State & Georgia Southern are moving from FCS up into FBS.
2. App State is overshadowed by North Carolina, NC State, Duke, E. Carolina, Coastal....
3. Georgia Southern was always the red head step child of Georgia, now upstart Geo State passes them up.
4. So it is a matter of "prestige" moving into a bottom feeder conference creating the illusion of parity.
5. Some on eGriz have p*nis envy and perceive these moves as "putting on their big boy pants".
6. Some on eGriz regret that we haven't jumped into the ranks of Idaho and New Mexico St.
7. Some on eGriz forgot moving up requires about $15 to $20 million today (adding additional sports, more scholarships, more new and expanded facilities, more staff, higher salaries...).
8. Some on eGriz forgot moving up would also require an additional $5 million or so each and every year to maintain the expanded athletics required.
9. Some on eGriz seem oblivious that the Sun Belt, Conf USA, MAC, etc... is about to be demoted out of the real FBS and become the "new" FBS Division II of college football.

That pretty well sums up what has happened and the reactions you're reading here. So if you have an extra $30 million or so to pony up the Griz could also jump up to join the new FBS Division II. Or, we could wait about three more years and join them without many of these unnecessary expenses.
:ugeek:

That was AWESOME. :thumb:

 

[MrTitleist]

You guys can poo-poo FBS all you want, but all of our "peers" that everyone talks about such as AppSt, GaSo, etc are moving on.. Old Dominion is already out the door, as is Texas State. James Madison is waiting for an invite (hence the HUGE stadium expansion).. pretty soon who are our peers going to be? NDSU would move at the drop of a hat and not think twice about it. UM isn't going to compete with Texas, Alabama, USC, Oregon, etc.. but it's reasonable to think that UM will and can compete with the Mountain West schools. At some point they're gonna expand to 16.. UM and MSU should get their ducks in a row for when the day comes that Craig Thompson wants to form a 16 team conference. I don't think UM is all that far behind Utah State, Nevada, and San Jose State. One away game at Boise State (in conference play) for an ESPN telecast under the new MW TV contract would net UM more money from that one game than they do under their current TV deal for a season.

If Royce and his little BOR friends were smart they'd be watching the NCAA tournament and see what's going to happen to the enrollment at Florida Gulf Coast is this year compared to next year and see what athletics can do for your university.. maybe then they'll take athletics seriously and realize that it's the front door to admissions and exposure. Raise your hand if you'd heard of FGCU before this week. That didn't happen because of their terrific academics (I have no idea how good they are or not) or they esteemed alumni base.

 

[Grizzlies1982]

I just read all of the posts here and it is really nauseating... Can someone summarize this for me in a format so I don't get another migrane...?? uppy:

1. App State & Georgia Southern are moving from FCS up into FBS.
2. App State is overshadowed by North Carolina, NC State, Duke, E. Carolina, Coastal....
3. Georgia Southern was always the red head step child of Georgia, now upstart Geo State passes them up.
4. So it is a matter of "prestige" moving into a bottom feeder conference creating the illusion of parity.
5. Some on eGriz have p*nis envy and perceive these moves as "putting on their big boy pants".
6. Some on eGriz regret that we haven't jumped into the ranks of Idaho and New Mexico St.
7. Some on eGriz forgot moving up requires about $15 to $20 million today (adding additional sports, more scholarships, more new and expanded facilities, more staff, higher salaries...).
8. Some on eGriz forgot moving up would also require an additional $5 million or so each and every year to maintain the expanded athletics required.
9. Some on eGriz seem oblivious that the Sun Belt, Conf USA, MAC, etc... is about to be demoted out of the real FBS and become the "new" FBS Division II of college football.

That pretty well sums up what has happened and the reactions you're reading here. So if you have an extra $30 million or so to pony up the Griz could also jump up to join the new FBS Division II. Or, we could wait about three more years and join them without many of these unnecessary expenses.
:ugeek:

That was AWESOME. :thumb:

Glad you approve. I'm here to help. :ugeek:

 

[Grizzlies1982]

You guys can poo-poo FBS all you want, but all of our "peers" that everyone talks about such as AppSt, GaSo, etc are moving on.. Old Dominion is already out the door, as is Texas State. James Madison is waiting for an invite (hence the HUGE stadium expansion).. pretty soon who are our peers going to be? NDSU would move at the drop of a hat and not think twice about it. UM isn't going to compete with Texas, Alabama, USC, Oregon, etc.. but it's reasonable to think that UM will and can compete with the Mountain West schools. At some point they're gonna expand to 16.. UM and MSU should get their ducks in a row for when the day comes that Craig Thompson wants to form a 16 team conference. I don't think UM is all that far behind Utah State, Nevada, and San Jose State. One away game at Boise State (in conference play) for an ESPN telecast under the new MW TV contract would net UM more money from that one game than they do under their current TV deal for a season.

If Royce and his little BOR friends were smart they'd be watching the NCAA tournament and see what's going to happen to the enrollment at Florida Gulf Coast is this year compared to next year and see what athletics can do for your university.. maybe then they'll take athletics seriously and realize that it's the front door to admissions and exposure. Raise your hand if you'd heard of FGCU before this week. That didn't happen because of their terrific academics (I have no idea how good they are or not) or they esteemed alumni base.

Titleist, Not trying to pick a fight here but I think you're missing the point. You're right, athletic success is an avenue to admissions and exposure. FGCU is a good example of what unexpected Success can do to spotlight a school. Though it wasn't just their presence in Div. I bball that did it. It was pulling off two major upsets. Myself and many others don't think fear of competition is why UM should not move up now. It is the current bad timing and the excessive cost.

Yes teams are moving on. That includes the Alabama's, USC's, and Texas of the current FBS. They're dumping the rest of FBS. When their shake out is done there will still be a place for Montana and the top tier of the FCS to "move up" into the remainder. First of all, right now we don't have the money. Yet, even if we did, should we spend a fortune now to buy a spot in this uncertain future? Or, should we wait until the price of admission (to the same show: FBS division II) is half price? I just don't see any advantage to jump blindly into something (lower tier FBS) which is about to implode.

The only exception to that is, I'd favor it if the Mt. West suddenly said "please come on in". Those are our neighbors and our peers and would be a move that made sense. Though an invite to Mt West is just as likely with us coming out from the FCS as it would with us joining from some bottom feeder FBS status elsewhere.
:ugeek:

 

[grizindabox]

Montana is closer to D2 than an FBS team like ASU, ODU, and GaSo

 

[TxGriz]

You guys can poo-poo FBS all you want, but all of our "peers" that everyone talks about such as AppSt, GaSo, etc are moving on.. Old Dominion is already out the door, as is Texas State. James Madison is waiting for an invite (hence the HUGE stadium expansion).. pretty soon who are our peers going to be? NDSU would move at the drop of a hat and not think twice about it. UM isn't going to compete with Texas, Alabama, USC, Oregon, etc.. but it's reasonable to think that UM will and can compete with the Mountain West schools. At some point they're gonna expand to 16.. UM and MSU should get their ducks in a row for when the day comes that Craig Thompson wants to form a 16 team conference. I don't think UM is all that far behind Utah State, Nevada, and San Jose State.

I'm all for this, stay put until there is an invite to the MWC. In a strange way I even think the way the JJ affair was handled is a feather in UM's cap when that day comes.

Between Appy State and GA Southern - how many national titles? They aren't looking over their shoulders, that speaks volumes to me.

 

[OrgonGriz]

I agree ASU and GSU are not looking over there shoulders at those 1-AA banners. They have been there done that let's move on and set a fresh new goal.

I was thinking if an FBS Conf came calling to MSU tomorrow I have a feeling if they has a shot to leave UM in the dust they would in a second. Some how I have a feeling MSU Pres does not "feel" the same way about the rivalry that Rolls Royce says he does.

IF the Sunbelt comes calling with plans of a western division UM would be foolish to pass on it. Imagine games every year with ASU and GSU. If we got into the Sunblet that could lead some day to a spot in the MWC.

Sadly however I feel our ship has sailed and we could easily see ourselves at DII. But hey we can look over our shoulders and look at the NC banners flying when we were really big time in the FCS.!

 

[RABIDAWG]

If we had joined the WAC years ago, we'd be sitting alright at this time.

If winning championships is all that matters, why not move down a division. Should be able to those teams every year.

Who gives a flying f*** about the scats? Shoulda left them in the dust years ago. Montana can not support two big time programs.

We have winner who just hit the nail on the head. Unfortunately, Montana can only support 1 big program. If the state wants to compete at the highest level, this is the reality of the situation in Montana. I would research model of Nebraska and Wyoming to determine what is best. I would honestly support 1 competitive at the highest level, regardless if that were in Bozeman or Missoula. I would be every bit as passionate.

The other option would be staying pat and going down. Sorry, it would be hard for me to get on bored to not moving forward. I would still pull for success and follow the programs, but not as passionately as I do now.

The way this is going, the FCS bracket to a NC will be about as exciting as Division II's NC. I suppose the BSC could really buff up Division II though. Montana has too much money in structures to consolidate to a Wyoming type set-up. Can you imagine.....one football FBS at either Zootown or Bozo, and Basketball the same? That would be one strong Montana presence in those sports, the NAIA teams could be re-designated as JUCO's to feed the bigger programs, but it'll never happen. If we don't move up for the money and forget about the play off system, I wonder if the FCS and Div II wouldn't find themselves at a similar level.

 

[grizfan47]

Here is my 2 cents. I am not advocating moving up tomorrow but we should be keeping our finger on the pulse of the situation.....which I think we are. There are still changes to come.

Regarding the money issue; yes, we are not ready. But as has been pointed out, a move up would generate much more tv revenue. It does not solve everything but the money generated by being FBS must be considered as does the expenses of the move.

Regarding talent: We may not have the talent to play with the FBS but we would get more looks from better talent if we weren't FCS. Some kids want to play at the highest level they feel they can play at. Heck, we can't even get Wayne's kids to play at Montana so how are we going to recruit the top tier players in basketball or football. (their choice may have been related to college degree but I am just say'n) We have had top tier players leave to play at top tier schools. We are still FCS or Mid-major no matter how you spin it.

Patience is the best way to go. But don't fall asleep at the wheel. Changes are happening so we should be dillagently monitoring the situation and all possibilities. Even if that means staying in the FCS is the best choice for now.

 

[BigPawzSharpClawz]

I have been convinced not to move up. At least I aint for it quite YET. I want to let the dust settle on all this jockeying around for conferences. A buddy of mine has convinced me that moving up changes a lot more than many of use know.

WAC, MWC, Conference USA (if they form a true western conference) & PAC-12 are only regional choices right now. Personally, I wont be surprised if a new western USA college football conference is created. I have learned that all this is about money. You best think like a business man & not a fan.

 

[grizindabox]

Why would the MWC look at Montana? Just another pipe dream.

 

[billings_poke]

I just read all of the posts here and it is really nauseating... Can someone summarize this for me in a format so I don't get another migrane...?? uppy:

1. App State & Georgia Southern are moving from FCS up into FBS.
2. App State is overshadowed by North Carolina, NC State, Duke, E. Carolina, Coastal....
3. Georgia Southern was always the red head step child of Georgia, now upstart Geo State passes them up.
4. So it is a matter of "prestige" moving into a bottom feeder conference creating the illusion of parity.
5. Some on eGriz have p*nis envy and perceive these moves as "putting on their big boy pants".
6. Some on eGriz regret that we haven't jumped into the ranks of Idaho and New Mexico St.
7. Some on eGriz forgot moving up requires about $15 to $20 million today (adding additional sports, more scholarships, more new and expanded facilities, more staff, higher salaries...).
8. Some on eGriz forgot moving up would also require an additional $5 million or so each and every year to maintain the expanded athletics required.
9. Some on eGriz seem oblivious that the Sun Belt, Conf USA, MAC, etc... is about to be demoted out of the real FBS and become the "new" FBS Division II of college football.

That pretty well sums up what has happened and the reactions you're reading here. So if you have an extra $30 million or so to pony up the Griz could also jump up to join the new FBS Division II. Or, we could wait about three more years and join them without many of these unnecessary expenses.
:ugeek:

not happening but keep hoping

 

[ordigger]

There were 15 schools initially approached about the idea of becoming part of the Sun Belt. It is true that Montana & Montana State were not part of that group. However, Karl Benson when he was commissioner of the WAC aggressively wanted Montana to be part of the WAC. Now he sits at the top of the Sun Belt, and he is being very aggressive.

There is no way, he has given up on hopes of eventually getting Montana into the fold. Idaho is now part of the Sun Belt, yet they are isolated with no regional games. An expansion towards the west for the Sun Belt is viable. First you must realize that as conferences above them get raided they will have members continue to move on. So today's 10 full time members, 2 olympic sport members, and the 2 football only members may not be tomorrow. Is Benson so blind as to believe that the MWC is not potentially still wanting to expand? They may not raid the Sun Belt (maybe Texas State) but they are still a threat. This is about money, not national championships and most certainly not what we the fans think is best. Loyalty is out the window.

If Benson was certain he could get Montana, Montana State and North Dakota State on board....I believe he would go for it. That creates a strong western core with New Mexico State thrown in (although a bit south).

Here is the list of the 15 schools that were contacted by the Sun Belt...

1. App State
2. Delaware
3. Georgia Southern
4. Idaho
5. Illinois State
6. Jacksonville State
7. James Madision
8. Lamar
9. Liberty
10. Missouri State
11. New Mexico State
12. Richmond
13. Sam Houston State
14. Towson
15. Tennessee-Chattanooga

A diverse group, which should make it clear they are look at being a national player. I see teams from the west, the midwest, the northeast, the southwest, the south, and all points in between.

At no point have I ever said I favor and disfavor a move up, but money is controlling things right now. And the WAC has lost their football rights. There are no options in the west, so either a major expansion by the MWC or western division of the Sun Belt. Those are the options if any school west wants to move up.

 

[tnt]

I've been waiting for this discussion for more than a year, because I really do want to know why we should move up. Aside from the "ego" thing for some fans, what advantages does moving up offer beside losing more games, playing fewer games (in a playoff year) spending more money on program (with a doubtful offsetting revenue increase)