UMass

[EastHallApp]

We should try and add bus trips to the conference not spread out further.

From an App perspective, I get that. From an overall league perspective, though, I think it would make sense.

I don't love the idea of a national conference either, but if you've already got two Western members, that option would make more sense to me than adding teams that bring little to the table other than an Eastern Time Zone location.

Plus, you could create a Western Division, and App would usually only play one of the true Western teams per year.

[Saint3333]

Let's equate this to a business. When you have one product outside of your core assets and it isn't performing well while adding costs to your other lines of business you don't add more similar assets, you shed them.

Idaho is that underperforming asset.

[WVAPPeer]

Didn't Montana do a "move up" study just a couple of years ago? didn't they determine they should stay put? --- Has anyone heard anything about ND State having a desire to move up? - they just moved up what 5 or so years ago? ---

[EastHallApp]

Let's equate this to a business. When you have one product outside of your core assets and it isn't performing well while adding costs to your other lines of business you don't add more similar assets, you shed them.

Idaho is that underperforming asset.

If you're going to shed every "asset" that isn't performing well in the Sun Belt, you're going to be down to about 8 teams, max.

ND State and Montana are similar to Idaho geographically, but in terms of football success and fan support, they're much more similar to App and Ga. Southern.

Anyway, it's not happening, just my hypothetical idea. And I do agree that, in the absence of additional Western teams, Idaho (and NM State) probably have to go.

[EastHallApp]

Didn't Montana do a "move up" study just a couple of years ago? didn't they determine they should stay put? --- Has anyone heard anything about ND State having a desire to move up? - they just moved up what 5 or so years ago? ---

I have heard nothing about either wanting to move up. Again, just me brainstorming.

ND State did just move up a few years ago. However, other teams have moved to FBS faster (ODU, UNCC, Ga. State, USA) despite being far less accomplished. Seems pretty clear ND State has already outgrown FCS in terms of on-field competition.

[ASUMountaineer]

Didn't Montana do a "move up" study just a couple of years ago? didn't they determine they should stay put? --- Has anyone heard anything about ND State having a desire to move up? - they just moved up what 5 or so years ago? ---

I have heard nothing about either wanting to move up. Again, just me brainstorming.

ND State did just move up a few years ago. However, other teams have moved to FBS faster (ODU, UNCC, Ga. State, USA) despite being far less accomplished. Seems pretty clear ND State has already outgrown FCS in terms of on-field competition.

College Gameday was in Fargo this week, as has been mentioned here, and Fowler stated that NDSU has discussed FBS. Whether he meant the PTB or just fans, I don't know.

[appstate2007]

If ND State were to move to FBS they would be looking at the Mountain West Conference. This may be a option for them in the near future with Hawaii talking about dropping FBS football. UMass Home and Home Series would be a good add for App St. ODU just signed a Home and Home with UMass recently. As far as UMass to the Sun Belt. IDK, while it would be great if they joined as all sports (but that is not going to happen). Just their FB only, that doesn't add anything to the conference except more loses that the Sun Belt can not afford now that the highest rank conference champion gets the big bowl bid. Need a good football program add. Who that is IDK.

[AppState89]

ND State could move now, IMO. I believe they have beaten a FBS team the past 4 or 5 years.

Hell, they could even be the best team in the Sun Belt.

Like I said, IMO.