Mover-Ups Doing Well

[AZGrizFan]

AZ, I think you are a great poster, I just don't agree on a lot of the move-up stuff. In particular, I don't agree with the OOC scheduling. Even if Montana was FBS, in the Sun Belt presumably, no Boise State doesn't have to schedule a home and home with the Griz. Neither does Nevada, Neither does Colorado State, let alone ANY team from a Big 5 Conference. I think for MANY years, you would see a schedule very comparable to Boise State's early years in FBS. Go back and look at some of those crap schedules they had to endure to get to where they are today. And Big 5? No way. They don't need to play Montana on the road for one, and two, any power conference team worth its salt travels with 10,000 fans easy. Where are you going to put them in Wash-Griz?

FTR, I'm actually not opposed to moving up to FBS. But I saw earlier someone mention something like "if they can make it work, then we surely can." But the bottom line is, I, and I think the powers that be, don't want to just "make it work" in the FBS. I'm sorry, but that's what Idaho does. "They just make it work". And I don't give a rats ass if their fan base, which is smaller than Montana's, looks down their noses now at the FCS and the Big Sky. That god awful program thinking negatively about Montana doesn't hurt my feelings one bit, and I will bet a million to one, there are more Griz fans that are enjoying football season a lot more than Vandal fans are every year.

When, the Griz have the Champions Center done, a new medical/training facility open, an indoor practice facility built, and the GSA has recruited about 10,000 more members to help fund the addition in scholarships, and Cost of Attendance for every sport on campus, then I'll think a lot more realistically about moving up, and won't even be mad if it's the Sun Belt.

Boise "makes it work" too. As does GSU, ASU, EKU, Troy, etc., etc., etc. EVERYBODY wants to point to Idaho as the bellweather. I just don't get that.

You know, we used to bitch about the Griz having it too easy in the Big Sky, winning it every year, and it not preparing them for the playoffs...God forbid we move up and actually have to compete.

 

[George Ferguson]

AZ, again, I just don't get that sentiment. The Griz are 19th in the FCS, are not gonna win the Big Sky and most fans are certain they'll lose to UND. I don't understand the "have to compete" statement.

And, like I said before, I think you are a great poster, i just respectfully disagree. It just seems to me that you are ignoring so many things that have to happen in order to move up, and they aren't debatable, and many of those things are financial. It seems like you are just refusing to even consider that those obstacles not only exist, but are rather big obstacles at the moment.

 

[putter]

I just went to South Bend to the Navy game. Notre Dame is adding on 700,000 sq. feet of academic space and adding premium seating on the levels that are above the football stadium at a cost of $400,000,000 - and they could not begin construction until 80% had already been raised. We are excited about getting a $7,000,000 gift, a $2,000,000 academic center. While those are great additions, I think this shows that Montana will almost never be able to play with the big boys of college football.......there is nothing wrong with that. Just perspective.

 

[GrizLA]

I just went to South Bend to the Navy game. Notre Dame is adding on 700,000 sq. feet of academic space and adding premium seating on the levels that are above the football stadium at a cost of $400,000,000 - and they could not begin construction until 80% had already been raised. We are excited about getting a $7,000,000 gift, a $2,000,000 academic center. While those are great additions, I think this shows that Montana will almost never be able to play with the big boys of college football.......there is nothing wrong with that. Just perspective.

Along those lines, USC reports $105, 000,000.00 in football receipts, with expenditures of $32 million. It costs a lot to compete with the big guys, even the not so big....UM is fine where it is...I don't see millions pouring into the school monthly from alumni, friends, patents and it seems the State is not that generous while the enrollment is declining. Football is great but it isn't the most important thing up there. Before a "move up" would be considered, I would favor a med school...like North Dakota...

 

[AZGrizFan]

AZ, again, I just don't get that sentiment. The Griz are 19th in the FCS, are not gonna win the Big Sky and most fans are certain they'll lose to UND. I don't understand the "have to compete" statement.

And, like I said before, I think you are a great poster, i just respectfully disagree. It just seems to me that you are ignoring so many things that have to happen in order to move up, and they aren't debatable, and many of those things are financial. It seems like you are just refusing to even consider that those obstacles not only exist, but are rather big obstacles at the moment.

Hav, I GET that, I really do. I'm not talking about the MECHANICS of it. I'm talking about posters who don't WANT to move up. Who FIRMLY believe we'd get our ass handed to us and have perpetual losing seasons. Who are happy being a big fish in a small (and shrinking) pond. People who are convinced that if we (GASP!) had a couple losing seasons fans would leave in droves...

I GET there are obstacles, and it's probably 50/50 as to whether the U would be able to overcome all those obstacles even if they WANTED to. I guess I just don't like small-mindedness...people who are afraid of competition.

And I'm not talking about our CURRENT position or level of competitiveness. That's fleeting, it's fluid, and it's going to change. Surely you of all people understand that. I mean, Go check out what the records were in their final couple years in I-AA of some of those successful teams that have moved up.

To me the issue isn't money (even though I realize that is AN issue). It's mindset. Administration mindset and apparently our fanbase mindset. Small mindedness and an overwhelming fear of failure. Pathetic, really.

And I'm not suggesting we're ever going to compete with the Notre Dames or USC's of the world (as discussed in the previous two posts) in $$ OR talent level on the football field....but there's really no reason we can't compete with the Wyomings, Utah States and Colorado States of the world instead of all the directional colleges and community colleges that currently populate our schedule.

And with that, I'm done. I need to let this issue go. Unless and until the administration and the BOR changes THEIR mindset, it's all just a waste of breath and energy. I guess I'll just go prep to watch the Griz play UND--and will be a fan, WIN OR LOSE.

 

[Spanky]

AZ....probably the best post I have seen regarding the subject.

 

[SoldierGriz]

AZ, again, I just don't get that sentiment. The Griz are 19th in the FCS, are not gonna win the Big Sky and most fans are certain they'll lose to UND. I don't understand the "have to compete" statement.

And, like I said before, I think you are a great poster, i just respectfully disagree. It just seems to me that you are ignoring so many things that have to happen in order to move up, and they aren't debatable, and many of those things are financial. It seems like you are just refusing to even consider that those obstacles not only exist, but are rather big obstacles at the moment.

Hav, I GET that, I really do. I'm not talking about the MECHANICS of it. I'm talking about posters who don't WANT to move up. Who FIRMLY believe we'd get our ass handed to us and have perpetual losing seasons. Who are happy being a big fish in a small (and shrinking) pond. People who are convinced that if we (GASP!) had a couple losing seasons fans would leave in droves...

I GET there are obstacles, and it's probably 50/50 as to whether the U would be able to overcome all those obstacles even if they WANTED to. I guess I just don't like small-mindedness...people who are afraid of competition.

And I'm not talking about our CURRENT position or level of competitiveness. That's fleeting, it's fluid, and it's going to change. Surely you of all people understand that. I mean, Go check out what the records were in their final couple years in I-AA of some of those successful teams that have moved up.

To me the issue isn't money (even though I realize that is AN issue). It's mindset. Administration mindset and apparently our fanbase mindset. Small mindedness and an overwhelming fear of failure. Pathetic, really.

And I'm not suggesting we're ever going to compete with the Notre Dames or USC's of the world (as discussed in the previous two posts) in $$ OR talent level on the football field....but there's really no reason we can't compete with the Wyomings, Utah States and Colorado States of the world instead of all the directional colleges and community colleges that currently populate our schedule.

And with that, I'm done. I need to let this issue go. Unless and until the administration and the BOR changes THEIR mindset, it's all just a waste of breath and energy. I guess I'll just go prep to watch the Griz play UND--and will be a fan, WIN OR LOSE.

This. Is. Exactly. Right. No vision beyond the very next objective. Administration and program wit large need to think beyond the horizon. It's ok to have ambiguity on the future. It is unacceptable not to have a vision. And that vision should be big. Mindset is the problem.

 

[AZGrizFan]

We could become the Idaho like team of the Big Sky or maybe more like Northern Colorado if we don't begin recruiting OL, running backs and along the way, teach someone how to return kicks and punts. Seriously, I am concerned that our program is on the edge of possible disaster if some serious planning doesn't begin now by our AD and coaching staff.

Spanky I know you're always worried about this but look at what Montana has:

- One of the largest stadiums in the FCS with regular peak attendance
- A new academic center
- Breaking ground on a massive new weight and locker room
- Stronger (but could be better) salaries for coaches
- Solid scholarship support base for the current level of provided scholarships
- Football program way in the black financially
- A fanbase that will demand success and won't be happy with mediocre seasons

It all adds up to being able to right the ship pretty quickly if things don't go well. We're not like the bottom half of the FCS.

And ironically, with all those things we're not like the TOP half of the FCS either.

 

[CV Griz Fan]

AZ, again, I just don't get that sentiment. The Griz are 19th in the FCS, are not gonna win the Big Sky and most fans are certain they'll lose to UND. I don't understand the "have to compete" statement.

And, like I said before, I think you are a great poster, i just respectfully disagree. It just seems to me that you are ignoring so many things that have to happen in order to move up, and they aren't debatable, and many of those things are financial. It seems like you are just refusing to even consider that those obstacles not only exist, but are rather big obstacles at the moment.

Hav, I GET that, I really do. I'm not talking about the MECHANICS of it. I'm talking about posters who don't WANT to move up. Who FIRMLY believe we'd get our ass handed to us and have perpetual losing seasons. Who are happy being a big fish in a small (and shrinking) pond. People who are convinced that if we (GASP!) had a couple losing seasons fans would leave in droves...

I GET there are obstacles, and it's probably 50/50 as to whether the U would be able to overcome all those obstacles even if they WANTED to. I guess I just don't like small-mindedness...people who are afraid of competition.

And I'm not talking about our CURRENT position or level of competitiveness. That's fleeting, it's fluid, and it's going to change. Surely you of all people understand that. I mean, Go check out what the records were in their final couple years in I-AA of some of those successful teams that have moved up.

To me the issue isn't money (even though I realize that is AN issue). It's mindset. Administration mindset and apparently our fanbase mindset. Small mindedness and an overwhelming fear of failure. Pathetic, really.

And I'm not suggesting we're ever going to compete with the Notre Dames or USC's of the world (as discussed in the previous two posts) in $$ OR talent level on the football field....but there's really no reason we can't compete with the Wyomings, Utah States and Colorado States of the world instead of all the directional colleges and community colleges that currently populate our schedule.

And with that, I'm done. I need to let this issue go. Unless and until the administration and the BOR changes THEIR mindset, it's all just a waste of breath and energy. I guess I'll just go prep to watch the Griz play UND--and will be a fan, WIN OR LOSE.

This. Is. Exactly. Right. No vision beyond the very next objective. Administration and program wit large need to think beyond the horizon. It's ok to have ambiguity on the future. It is unacceptable not to have a vision. And that vision should be big. Mindset is the problem.

This mindset reminds me of that saying you hear nowadays "if you don't like change, you'll hate irrelevance even more". UM needs to be careful that they don't let other forces determine their future....

 

[griznation23]

Oh man, some day I wish we could be sun belt champions and maybe, just maybe we could play and beat the 7th place finisher of the Big 12 in the GlaxoSmithKline Bowl played ever December 19th at 11pm MST!

Go poll GSU, ASU, Texas State, Troy, Old Dominion, Boise State, Nevada, and even freaking Idaho fans right now on how many of them wish they were back in FCS

Hell no, 11pm at night!!! I love our Division and our competition, if Griz move up, I think we lose our fan base, because who the hell cares about "nonamewhothehellcares Bowls" Go BS-FCS!!!

 

[CDAGRIZ]

Oh man, some day I wish we could be sun belt champions and maybe, just maybe we could play and beat the 7th place finisher of the Big 12 in the GlaxoSmithKline Bowl played ever December 19th at 11pm MST!

Beats playing 90% of the teams we play every fucking year.

:clap:

 

[Spanky]

....football is sort of a strange game....you need good players at all positions to compete. Sorry, sports fans, we don't have them and until we do, we will be very fortunate to remain in the top 25 of FCS.

 

[marceagfan5]

The non move up crowd is crazy, if you guys get a chance you have to take it.

The majority of college football gives two $hits about the FCS just how we feel about D2.

The good teams have all left the FCS leaving the Griz as a huge fish in a small $hitty pond. Ya, there is a money issue but guess what, every other team is making it work and the Griz would too.

The sun belt would be a giant step up from the big sky. Once NDSU leaves as well as other top FCS teams, and they will, what will the Griz think then? I sure as hell wish ewu had an opportunity to make the jump...

 

[Spanky]

good post marc

 

[CDAGRIZ]

But what if we have a losing season (like we just did), or struggle through a few seasons (like we just did)? Attendance and program support would plummet (wait, it hasn't?). I love it when people make fun of bowl games when it's been the better part of a decade since UM has even played for a lower division NC. It's time to grow up.

 

[Spanky]

Many Griz fans would love to have an opponent like the Bobcats do today, then after we run up the score, they would crow about how great we are....

 

[AZGrizFan]

Many Griz fans would love to have an opponent like the Bobcats do today, then after we run up the score, they would crow about how great we are....

Exactly. Then the next week bitch about the quality of the Big Sky.

 

[jtgriz2]

Interesting attendance information about the Sunbelt conference... It's not real current, but its information.
http://www.underdogdynasty.com/2014/10/13/6960707/looking-at-sun-belt-conference-football-attendance

I hate the thought of the Graz moving up, but the thought that everyone would stop going I think is wrong. We all hate to lose, but missing the game experience... pre-game, during game, post-game is something true football fans will not stop attending...

Don't know what the answer is on moving up but am confident true Graz fans won't abandon the team if they do move up at some point

 

[kemajic]

We could become the Idaho like team of the Big Sky or maybe more like Northern Colorado if we don't begin recruiting OL, running backs and along the way, teach someone how to return kicks and punts. Seriously, I am concerned that our program is on the edge of possible disaster if some serious planning doesn't begin now by our AD and coaching staff.

Spanky I know you're always worried about this but look at what Montana has:

- One of the largest stadiums in the FCS with regular peak attendance
- A new academic center
- Breaking ground on a massive new weight and locker room
- Stronger (but could be better) salaries for coaches
- Solid scholarship support base for the current level of provided scholarships
- Football program way in the black financially
- A fanbase that will demand success and won't be happy with mediocre seasons

It all adds up to being able to right the ship pretty quickly if things don't go well. We're not like the bottom half of the FCS.

And ironically, with all those things we're not like the TOP half of the FCS either.

That response requires an explanation if you want anyone to understand it.

 

[kemajic]

Interesting attendance information about the Sunbelt conference... It's not real current, but its information.
http://www.underdogdynasty.com/2014/10/13/6960707/looking-at-sun-belt-conference-football-attendance

I hate the thought of the Graz moving up, but the thought that everyone would stop going I think is wrong. We all hate to lose, but missing the game experience... pre-game, during game, post-game is something true football fans will not stop attending...

Don't know what the answer is on moving up but am confident true Graz fans won't abandon the team if they do move up at some point

Almost everyone that has moved up has increased their attendance, irrespective of their record.