James Madison's jump, North Dakota State's reign and the FBS vs. FCS conundrum

[hm.grwn.grizfan]

I personally couldn’t care less where the players come from. It’s nice seeing local Montanans succeed and get a shot at the next level, but mostly I want the best players Montana can possibly get. Filling out our roster with depth guys from montana when starters aren’t always available in state makes total sense though. We seem to be loaded at certain positions in Montana though. We seem to get great linebacker and safety play, as well as receivers and running backs from in state.

And yet, because we’re not FBS, we regularly lose the best Montana players to oh, say, Boston College or Oregon State, and regularly lose out of state recruits to the likes of NMSU, Minnesota, Utah State, Hawaii, AF, SDSU, UNLV, etc. Those are just SOME of the schools to which we’re losing and whom, all things being equal, may have decided to come here. We’re competing for recruits against the bottom feeders of the FBS and LOSING them. And yes, I know, we win a recruiting battle here and there, but maybe we’d get the recruits Bobby actually SHOOTS for if we weren’t playing in the junior leagues (and getting more junior by the day).

I get what you’re saying, but I wouldn’t call Minnesota, Utah state or SDSU bottom feeders. All three of those teams either competed for or won their conference titles recently. I know what you’re saying though. It’s sad that we just lost a recruiting battle with UNLV. We would beat UNLV with less scholarships, and still an athlete would rather go there because they play FBS. I read JMUs fan forum and I’m so jealous of them right now. Not only are they seeing a bump in recruiting but the excitement around the program is at an all time high. They get to host good teams this year. Super jealous of their new conference. It’s my new favorite of the G5. Georgia southern, APP state, ODU, Marshall, coastal Carolina……the conference is loaded with former FCs powers that are having a lot of success now. Just super super jealous.

 

[AZGrizFan]

And yet, because we’re not FBS, we regularly lose the best Montana players to oh, say, Boston College or Oregon State, and regularly lose out of state recruits to the likes of NMSU, Minnesota, Utah State, Hawaii, AF, SDSU, UNLV, etc. Those are just SOME of the schools to which we’re losing and whom, all things being equal, may have decided to come here. We’re competing for recruits against the bottom feeders of the FBS and LOSING them. And yes, I know, we win a recruiting battle here and there, but maybe we’d get the recruits Bobby actually SHOOTS for if we weren’t playing in the junior leagues (and getting more junior by the day).

I get what you’re saying, but I wouldn’t call Minnesota, Utah state or SDSU bottom feeders. All three of those teams either competed for or won their conference titles recently. I know what you’re saying though. It’s sad that we just lost a recruiting battle with UNLV. We would beat UNLV with less scholarships, and still an athlete would rather go there because they play FBS. I read JMUs fan forum and I’m so jealous of them right now. Not only are they seeing a bump in recruiting but the excitement around the program is at an all time high. They get to host good teams this year. Super jealous of their new conference. It’s my new favorite of the G5. Georgia southern, APP state, ODU, Marshall, coastal Carolina……the conference is loaded with former FCs powers that are having a lot of success now. Just super super jealous.

I hear what you’re saying, but in the two years prior to last year Utah state went 1-5 and 7-6. I’ll give you SDSU, but Minnesota’s success has been VERY recent, where prior to 2019 they were a perennial .500 team. Or worse.

But yes, you get what I’m saying, and yes, I’m jealous of JMU as well. I’d be making 5-6 trips a year to Missoula if we were playing the likes of Wyoming, AF, Utah State, Boise State, Colorado State, Nevada, etc., etc. rather than South Dakota, Northwestern State, and Indiana State.

 

[mthoopsfan]

Huh? Montana's attendance is not declining. UM even got over 24,000 for the first round playoff game last year.

UM has the same geography problems that NDSU has.

What about NDSU's situation suggests that UM should move up?

At what point did I suggest UM’s attendance IS declining? I clearly stated that undsu’s situation should serve as a warning to us, for reasons obvious to all…err, almost all.

Again, why did the article or NDSU's situation serve as a warning to UM? Could you just write what you think, or is that too hard for you?

 

[EverettGriz]

At what point did I suggest UM’s attendance IS declining? I clearly stated that undsu’s situation should serve as a warning to us, for reasons obvious to all…err, almost all.

Again, why did the article or NDSU's situation serve as a warning to UM? Could you just write what you think, or is that too hard for you?

Uh, I did that in my very first post. NDSU's fans are tired of paying $60 a game to dominate lesser opponents. Soon, the fcs as we know it will be a complete joke (one could argue it is already) and UM will playing conference games with Central Washington and Western Oregon, and we'll draw 11,153 as a season high.

Didn't think it was real complex, but I appreciate the opportunity to make the point twice.

 

[mthoopsfan]

I get what you’re saying, but I wouldn’t call Minnesota, Utah state or SDSU bottom feeders. All three of those teams either competed for or won their conference titles recently. I know what you’re saying though. It’s sad that we just lost a recruiting battle with UNLV. We would beat UNLV with less scholarships, and still an athlete would rather go there because they play FBS. I read JMUs fan forum and I’m so jealous of them right now. Not only are they seeing a bump in recruiting but the excitement around the program is at an all time high. They get to host good teams this year. Super jealous of their new conference. It’s my new favorite of the G5. Georgia southern, APP state, ODU, Marshall, coastal Carolina……the conference is loaded with former FCs powers that are having a lot of success now. Just super super jealous.

I hear what you’re saying, but in the two years prior to last year Utah state went 1-5 and 7-6. I’ll give you SDSU, but Minnesota’s success has been VERY recent, where prior to 2019 they were a perennial .500 team. Or worse.

But yes, you get what I’m saying, and yes, I’m jealous of JMU as well. I’d be making 5-6 trips a year to Missoula if we were playing the likes of Wyoming, AF, Utah State, Boise State, Colorado State, Nevada, etc., etc. rather than South Dakota, Northwestern State, and Indiana State.

JMU home schedule: Middle Tenn (7-6), Norfolk St (6-5), Texas St (4-8), Marshall (7-6), Georgia St. (8-6), Coastal (11-2). Those home games don't excite me.

 

[mthoopsfan]

Again, why did the article or NDSU's situation serve as a warning to UM? Could you just write what you think, or is that too hard for you?

Uh, I did that in my very first post. NDSU's fans are tired of paying $60 a game to dominate lesser opponents. Soon, the fcs as we know it will be a complete joke (one could argue it is already) and UM will playing conference games with Central Washington and Western Oregon, and we'll draw 11,153 as a season high.

Didn't think it was real complex, but I appreciate the opportunity to make the point twice.

UM isn't in that situation. It's attendance is very good. UM has better fans than the Bison. UM got over 23,000 for its playoff game last year. Excitement for this season is incredibly high. Canyon Club tickets sold out for the season.

Your point is wrong, inapplicable and probably just plain stupid.

 

[hm.grwn.grizfan]

I hear what you’re saying, but in the two years prior to last year Utah state went 1-5 and 7-6. I’ll give you SDSU, but Minnesota’s success has been VERY recent, where prior to 2019 they were a perennial .500 team. Or worse.

But yes, you get what I’m saying, and yes, I’m jealous of JMU as well. I’d be making 5-6 trips a year to Missoula if we were playing the likes of Wyoming, AF, Utah State, Boise State, Colorado State, Nevada, etc., etc. rather than South Dakota, Northwestern State, and Indiana State.

JMU home schedule: Middle Tenn (7-6), Norfolk St (6-5), Texas St (4-8), Marshall (7-6), Georgia St. (8-6), Coastal (11-2). Those home games don't excite me.

Hell of a lot better than our home schedule this year. Do one for ours and take into consideration the disparity in quality of team not just their record.

 

[hm.grwn.grizfan]

Our home schedule is Northwestern state (3-8), South Dakota (7-5), Portland state (5-6), Idaho (4-7), cal poly (2-9), EWU (10-3),……that does not excite me. 5/6 of JMUs home slate are against teams with winning records while we play just 2/6 home games against teams with winning records, and ours are against teams who play against easier competition!

 

[AZGrizFan]

I hear what you’re saying, but in the two years prior to last year Utah state went 1-5 and 7-6. I’ll give you SDSU, but Minnesota’s success has been VERY recent, where prior to 2019 they were a perennial .500 team. Or worse.

But yes, you get what I’m saying, and yes, I’m jealous of JMU as well. I’d be making 5-6 trips a year to Missoula if we were playing the likes of Wyoming, AF, Utah State, Boise State, Colorado State, Nevada, etc., etc. rather than South Dakota, Northwestern State, and Indiana State.

JMU home schedule: Middle Tenn (7-6), Norfolk St (6-5), Texas St (4-8), Marshall (7-6), Georgia St. (8-6), Coastal (11-2). Those home games don't excite me.

If we were JMU they would. Right in our backyard, except for Texas St. Instead of playing teams within driving distance, we’re playing a team from Louisiana, one from Indiana, and one from South Dakota, most that we have ZERO interest in.

 

[EverettGriz]

Uh, I did that in my very first post. NDSU's fans are tired of paying $60 a game to dominate lesser opponents. Soon, the fcs as we know it will be a complete joke (one could argue it is already) and UM will playing conference games with Central Washington and Western Oregon, and we'll draw 11,153 as a season high.

Didn't think it was real complex, but I appreciate the opportunity to make the point twice.

UM isn't in that situation. It's attendance is very good. UM has better fans than the Bison. UM got over 23,000 for its playoff game last year. Excitement for this season is incredibly high. Canyon Club tickets sold out for the season.

Your point is wrong, inapplicable and probably just plain stupid.

You… you really don’t understand this?

Or are you just purposely being a pain in the ass like always because you need the attention?

 

[AZGrizFan]

UM isn't in that situation. It's attendance is very good. UM has better fans than the Bison. UM got over 23,000 for its playoff game last year. Excitement for this season is incredibly high. Canyon Club tickets sold out for the season.

Your point is wrong, inapplicable and probably just plain stupid.

You… you really don’t understand this?

Or are you just purposely being a pain in the ass like always because you need the attention?

I know the answer. May I answer?

 

[mthoopsfan]

UM isn't in that situation. It's attendance is very good. UM has better fans than the Bison. UM got over 23,000 for its playoff game last year. Excitement for this season is incredibly high. Canyon Club tickets sold out for the season.

Your point is wrong, inapplicable and probably just plain stupid.

You… you really don’t understand this?

Or are you just purposely being a pain in the ass like always because you need the attention?

Okay, I see your argument.

UM has strong and steady attendance, the best in FCS; had over 24,000 for its playoff game last year; has a great coach who is Returning the Team to Dominance; and has the highest excitement and expectations for a season in many years; but, because an article says NDSU has had a decline in attendance, UM should take heed and gear up to move promptly to FBS. Even though there are no opportunities known at this time.

I must admit that of all the posters who post a lot and act like they know something about football and Griz football, you appear to know the least.

I prefer less attention. That's why I change my posting name from time to time.

 

[EverettGriz]

You… you really don’t understand this?

Or are you just purposely being a pain in the ass like always because you need the attention?

Okay, I see your argument.

UM has strong and steady attendance, the best in FCS; had over 24,000 for its playoff game last year; has a great coach who is Returning the Team to Dominance; and has the highest excitement and expectations for a season in many years; but, because an article says NDSU has had a decline in attendance, UM should take heed and gear up to move promptly to FBS. Even though there are no opportunities known at this time.

I must admit that of all the posters who post a lot and act like they know something about football and Griz football, you appear to know the least.

I prefer less attention. That's why I change my posting name from time to time.

I'm number one!! I'm number one!!


Uh huh.


Yeah, that really fools us all!!

 

[hm.grwn.grizfan]

You… you really don’t understand this?

Or are you just purposely being a pain in the ass like always because you need the attention?

Okay, I see your argument.

UM has strong and steady attendance, the best in FCS; had over 24,000 for its playoff game last year; has a great coach who is Returning the Team to Dominance; and has the highest excitement and expectations for a season in many years; but, because an article says NDSU has had a decline in attendance, UM should take heed and gear up to move promptly to FBS. Even though there are no opportunities known at this time.

I must admit that of all the posters who post a lot and act like they know something about football and Griz football, you appear to know the least.

I prefer less attention. That's why I change my posting name from time to time.

Doesn’t Jackson state have the highest attendance and largest stadium at like 42,000 or something. If you look at the SWAC conference they have the best and largest stadiums in FCS. Do we not count them because they don’t do playoffs?

 

[argh!]

JMU home schedule: Middle Tenn (7-6), Norfolk St (6-5), Texas St (4-8), Marshall (7-6), Georgia St. (8-6), Coastal (11-2). Those home games don't excite me.

coastal was in the top 25 of fbs last year. marshall has had some pretty good teams in the last few years. i suspect they'll play app state, which has been in the top 25 (fbs) recently. sounds like overall, their opponents this year will be pretty challenging, and presumably fun to watch. i like tradition in football, but u.m.'s traditional opponents have for the most part left for greener pastures, and better football opponents. sure, it might require the fans to learn about new teams and places, but i think it is probably the older crowd who is against doing this, because they feel like they are losing tradition, etc... but what is the winning tradition that people don't want to lose, and having weak opponents is one way to keep it.

 

[Spanky2]

JMU home schedule: Middle Tenn (7-6), Norfolk St (6-5), Texas St (4-8), Marshall (7-6), Georgia St. (8-6), Coastal (11-2). Those home games don't excite me.

coastal was in the top 25 of fbs last year. marshall has had some pretty good teams in the last few years. i suspect they'll play app state, which has been in the top 25 (fbs) recently. sounds like overall, their opponents this year will be pretty challenging, and presumably fun to watch. i like tradition in football, but u.m.'s traditional opponents have for the most part left for greener pastures, and better football opponents. sure, it might require the fans to learn about new teams and places, but i think it is probably the older crowd who is against doing this, because they feel like they are losing tradition, etc... but what is the winning tradition that people don't want to lose, and having weak opponents is one way to keep it.

As a member of the older crowd, I believe we will be regaining tradition by joining the Mountain West Conference.

 

[mthoopsfan]

Okay, I see your argument.

UM has strong and steady attendance, the best in FCS; had over 24,000 for its playoff game last year; has a great coach who is Returning the Team to Dominance; and has the highest excitement and expectations for a season in many years; but, because an article says NDSU has had a decline in attendance, UM should take heed and gear up to move promptly to FBS. Even though there are no opportunities known at this time.

I must admit that of all the posters who post a lot and act like they know something about football and Griz football, you appear to know the least.

I prefer less attention. That's why I change my posting name from time to time.

Doesn’t Jackson state have the highest attendance and largest stadium at like 42,000 or something. If you look at the SWAC conference they have the best and largest stadiums in FCS. Do we not count them because they don’t do playoffs?

You are correct.

 

[mthoopsfan]

JMU home schedule: Middle Tenn (7-6), Norfolk St (6-5), Texas St (4-8), Marshall (7-6), Georgia St. (8-6), Coastal (11-2). Those home games don't excite me.

If we were JMU they would. Right in our backyard, except for Texas St. Instead of playing teams within driving distance, we’re playing a team from Louisiana, one from Indiana, and one from South Dakota, most that we have ZERO interest in.

I like the Griz out of state schedule this year. I have large interest.

I love the games against EWU and the Cats. And whoever else is hot, like Weber, Sac St, etc. I like the wide open offenses. I like the away games. I like winning. I like going deep in playoffs. I like the trips to the national championship games.

 

[AllWeatherFan]

I’m dumber than a box of rocks. In fact, I’m dumber than TWO boxes of rocks! But I think even I understand Everett’s concerns.

I mean, can you imagine being NDSU and being better than Alabama every year, but having to play teams like Northern Iowa? NDSU fans can imagine that! They do every single season!

 

[Pounder]

JMU home schedule: Middle Tenn (7-6), Norfolk St (6-5), Texas St (4-8), Marshall (7-6), Georgia St. (8-6), Coastal (11-2). Those home games don't excite me.

coastal was in the top 25 of fbs last year. marshall has had some pretty good teams in the last few years. i suspect they'll play app state, which has been in the top 25 (fbs) recently. sounds like overall, their opponents this year will be pretty challenging, and presumably fun to watch. i like tradition in football, but u.m.'s traditional opponents have for the most part left for greener pastures, and better football opponents. sure, it might require the fans to learn about new teams and places, but i think it is probably the older crowd who is against doing this, because they feel like they are losing tradition, etc... but what is the winning tradition that people don't want to lose, and having weak opponents is one way to keep it.

Trying to imagine my reaction to reading this if I had time-travelled from six years ago. Funny how things turn. Even more shocking how many schools they poached from Conference USA.

Which might bring me to a more relevant point. What if C-USA offers to Montana?