UMASS goes to the MAC...

[93henfan]

I guess the Montana equivalent would be if there was an NFL city occupying the space of I-90 between Deer Lodge and Butte and two thirds of the student body came from that city and the NFL team offered a sweet deal to play in it's 68K seat stadium there if the MWC or WAC came a-knockin.

[Silenoz]

But wouldn't the student body be living in Amherst during the season and not in said middle-space? Plus at least it's a straight-shot to Deer Lodge. I imagine the traffic is exponentially worse in MASS, and probably has new-fangled things like toll booths and other crap.

I guess I'm just confused as to who is going to be attending these games. BC is right next to Boston, does respectable-ish in the ACC and only draws 38,000. Compare that to a MAC team across the state that is going to play down in Foxborrough... I'm going to predict 4 figure attendances

[93henfan]

I guess I'm just confused as to who is going to be attending these games.

I'd assume alumni and plain old fans, with a few students thrown in.

Heck, UD has averaged 20K+ fans for longer than anybody in FCS and I doubt our student average has ever topped 4K for a season. It's not like student attendance is driving the ship.

[Col Hogan]

But wouldn't the student body be living in Amherst during the season and not in said middle-space? Plus at least it's a straight-shot to Deer Lodge. I imagine the traffic is exponentially worse in MASS, and probably has new-fangled things like toll booths and other crap.

I guess I'm just confused as to who is going to be attending these games. BC is right next to Boston, does respectable-ish in the ACC and only draws 38,000. Compare that to a MAC team across the state that is going to play down in Foxborrough... I'm going to predict 4 figure attendances

While I understand your prediction...it shows you have little to no understanding of what is our reality...

Don't take what you know about Montana and apply it to Massachusetts...it won't work...

[Silenoz]

But wouldn't the student body be living in Amherst during the season and not in said middle-space? Plus at least it's a straight-shot to Deer Lodge. I imagine the traffic is exponentially worse in MASS, and probably has new-fangled things like toll booths and other crap.

I guess I'm just confused as to who is going to be attending these games. BC is right next to Boston, does respectable-ish in the ACC and only draws 38,000. Compare that to a MAC team across the state that is going to play down in Foxborrough... I'm going to predict 4 figure attendances

While I understand your prediction...it shows you have little to no understanding of what is our reality...

Don't take what you know about Montana and apply it to Massachusetts...it won't work...

What, I didn't throw Montana in to it, I was just reacting to Hen's analogy. I was using my understanding of collegiate football in general. Sheesh, in any case I guess we'll just have to wait and see

[S F State Gaters]

uMass to the MAC dkesn't entirely sit well with me, i just think the gap between the Colonial and the Mid American- perceived or otherwise- is too small to merit this move. Unless uMass is going to a conference with UConn, BC, etc i'm not sure it is worth it. How is a conference with toledo and kent state better for them than the one with New Hampshire and Old Dominion?

I don't fully see the value

[GannonFan]

uMass to the MAC dkesn't entirely sit well with me, i just think the gap between the Colonial and the Mid American- perceived or otherwise- is too small to merit this move. Unless uMass is going to a conference with UConn, BC, etc i'm not sure it is worth it. How is a conference with toledo and kent state better for them than the one with New Hampshire and Old Dominion?

I don't fully see the value

I don't think they view the MAC as their final destination, or even where they'll be in the next 10 years. They're not going to be playing all those games in Foxborough just so they can play MAC teams. Stepping stone.

[NG33]

I actually know a few students from UMass-Lowell and Umass-Boston that are planning on driving down to Gillette to watch a game. Since they don't have a football tema of their own, rooting for another college within the system seemed to be the logical thing to do.

[ChangeUp106]

uMass to the MAC dkesn't entirely sit well with me, i just think the gap between the Colonial and the Mid American- perceived or otherwise- is too small to merit this move. Unless uMass is going to a conference with UConn, BC, etc i'm not sure it is worth it. How is a conference with toledo and kent state better for them than the one with New Hampshire and Old Dominion?

I don't fully see the value

Just wanted to add my

As mentioned, most of us (I would think the school included) don't view the MAC as our ultimate destination. Short term the move raises the profile of UMass and gets current and former students interested in their school among other things. Long term it gets us FBS experience and, assuming we do well both on the field and off, an invite to a larger conference one day (we hope).

Students do not exactly fill McGuirk right now and those who do have little interest and leave by halftime. So having games at Gillette won't hurt student turnout. UMass made a good move in offering free buses to Foxboro which will help, especially with students like me who don't have a car on campus to drive there. Also playing at a stadium like Gillette will draw the interest of some of the more well known schools.

So while initially it may seem odd to play so far away, I have little doubt it will end up being a great decision. That is, assuming we one day move back to Amherst and play on campus where I believe college athletics belong....

[Col Hogan]

uMass to the MAC dkesn't entirely sit well with me, i just think the gap between the Colonial and the Mid American- perceived or otherwise- is too small to merit this move. Unless uMass is going to a conference with UConn, BC, etc i'm not sure it is worth it. How is a conference with toledo and kent state better for them than the one with New Hampshire and Old Dominion?

I don't fully see the value

Just wanted to add my

As mentioned, most of us (I would think the school included) don't view the MAC as our ultimate destination. Short term the move raises the profile of UMass and gets current and former students interested in their school among other things. Long term it gets us FBS experience and, assuming we do well both on the field and off, an invite to a larger conference one day (we hope).

Students do not exactly fill McGuirk right now and those who do have little interest and leave by halftime. So having games at Gillette won't hurt student turnout. UMass made a good move in offering free buses to Foxboro which will help, especially with students like me who don't have a car on campus to drive there. Also playing at a stadium like Gillette will draw the interest of some of the more well known schools.

So while initially it may seem odd to play so far away, I have little doubt it will end up being a great decision. That is, assuming we one day move back to Amherst and play on campus where I believe college athletics belong....

Welcome to the board...I hope you stick around and keep posting the UMass student POV...

We've receive lots of criticism for the Foxboro part of this move...lots of folks honestly don't understand the unique situation at UMass, and your validation (as a current student vs long departed alumni) may help some understand...

I do believe that if we are successful on the field, and when the economy recovers, the lawmakers on Beacon Hill can be convinced to support facility upgrades (or even a brand new stadium) that will bring games back to Amherst...

But I also believe that if we have success at the Razor, you will always see certain key matches played in Foxboro...

[ChangeUp106]

Thanks for the welcome Col. New to this board but not to the UMass sports scene. Looking forward to a great season.

[LastMinuteman]

How is a conference with toledo and kent state better for them than the one with New Hampshire and Old Dominion?

I don't fully see the value

I don't know why people keep bringing up the names of random MAC opponents like that's supposed to be a terrible slate of games. Compared to our customary schedule of Northeastern, Hofstra, and Rhode Island, yes, we're going to be very excited about hosting Akron, Kent State and Ohio. Compared to New Hampshire and Maine, yes, we're going to be very excited about hosting Temple and Buffalo. Compared to our usual non-conference schedule of NEC and PL teams, yes, hosting any non-conference FBS team is going to be a big deal to us. Rumor is we're bringing a Big Ten opponent to Gillette in 2012, although surely it's one of the bottom tier ones. Bummer. Meanwhile, here's the list of non-conference opponents the CAA is hosting this season: West Chester, New Haven, Campbell, Wagner, Bryant, Monmouth, Morgan State, Delaware State, VMI, Hampton, Penn, Fordham, Holy Cross, Colgate and Central Connecticut State. Wow, awesome. After looking at that list, us UMass fans will just have to drink away our sorrows with the beer in the cupholders of our chairbacks purchased in our state of the art stadium with its industry-leading sounds system and wicked huge video board, where the worst opponent we'll be playing is the same one New Hampshire circles most years as their game of the year (but never hosts).

I mean, seriously, tell us we'll miss having a playoff, or tell us we'll miss having most games on campus, but don't tell us we'll miss our FCS schedule. If we want to play New Hampshire again, we'll send them a check.

[93henfan]

How is a conference with toledo and kent state better for them than the one with New Hampshire and Old Dominion?

I don't fully see the value

I don't know why people keep bringing up the names of random MAC opponents like that's supposed to be a terrible slate of games. Compared to our customary schedule of Northeastern, Hofstra, and Rhode Island, yes, we're going to be very excited about hosting Akron, Kent State and Ohio. Compared to New Hampshire and Maine, yes, we're going to be very excited about hosting Temple and Buffalo. Compared to our usual non-conference schedule of NEC and PL teams, yes, hosting any non-conference FBS team is going to be a big deal to us. Rumor is we're bringing a Big Ten opponent to Gillette in 2012, although surely it's one of the bottom tier ones. Bummer. Meanwhile, here's the list of non-conference opponents the CAA is hosting this season: West Chester, New Haven, Campbell, Wagner, Bryant, Monmouth, Morgan State, Delaware State, VMI, Hampton, Penn, Fordham, Holy Cross, Colgate and Central Connecticut State. Wow, awesome. After looking at that list, us UMass fans will just have to drink away our sorrows with the beer in the cupholders of our chairbacks purchased in our state of the art stadium with its industry-leading sounds system and wicked huge video board, where the worst opponent we'll be playing is the same one New Hampshire circles most years as their game of the year (but never hosts).

I mean, seriously, tell us we'll miss having a playoff, or tell us we'll miss having most games on campus, but don't tell us we'll miss our FCS schedule. If we want to play New Hampshire again, we'll send them a check.

And so it begins.

Don't let the door hit you in the ass UMass. Enjoy the "big"time.

[Grizalltheway]

How is a conference with toledo and kent state better for them than the one with New Hampshire and Old Dominion?

I don't fully see the value

I don't know why people keep bringing up the names of random MAC opponents like that's supposed to be a terrible slate of games. Compared to our customary schedule of Northeastern, Hofstra, and Rhode Island, yes, we're going to be very excited about hosting Akron, Kent State and Ohio. Compared to New Hampshire and Maine, yes, we're going to be very excited about hosting Temple and Buffalo. Compared to our usual non-conference schedule of NEC and PL teams, yes, hosting any non-conference FBS team is going to be a big deal to us. Rumor is we're bringing a Big Ten opponent to Gillette in 2012, although surely it's one of the bottom tier ones. Bummer. Meanwhile, here's the list of non-conference opponents the CAA is hosting this season: West Chester, New Haven, Campbell, Wagner, Bryant, Monmouth, Morgan State, Delaware State, VMI, Hampton, Penn, Fordham, Holy Cross, Colgate and Central Connecticut State. Wow, awesome. After looking at that list, us UMass fans will just have to drink away our sorrows with the beer in the cupholders of our chairbacks purchased in our state of the art stadium with its industry-leading sounds system and wicked huge video board, where the worst opponent we'll be playing is the same one New Hampshire circles most years as their game of the year (but never hosts).

I mean, seriously, tell us we'll miss having a playoff, or tell us we'll miss having most games on campus, but don't tell us we'll miss our FCS schedule. If we want to play New Hampshire again, we'll send them a check.

Just ask WKU fans how much they're enjoying the big leagues.

[Col Hogan]

I don't know why people keep bringing up the names of random MAC opponents like that's supposed to be a terrible slate of games. Compared to our customary schedule of Northeastern, Hofstra, and Rhode Island, yes, we're going to be very excited about hosting Akron, Kent State and Ohio. Compared to New Hampshire and Maine, yes, we're going to be very excited about hosting Temple and Buffalo. Compared to our usual non-conference schedule of NEC and PL teams, yes, hosting any non-conference FBS team is going to be a big deal to us. Rumor is we're bringing a Big Ten opponent to Gillette in 2012, although surely it's one of the bottom tier ones. Bummer. Meanwhile, here's the list of non-conference opponents the CAA is hosting this season: West Chester, New Haven, Campbell, Wagner, Bryant, Monmouth, Morgan State, Delaware State, VMI, Hampton, Penn, Fordham, Holy Cross, Colgate and Central Connecticut State. Wow, awesome. After looking at that list, us UMass fans will just have to drink away our sorrows with the beer in the cupholders of our chairbacks purchased in our state of the art stadium with its industry-leading sounds system and wicked huge video board, where the worst opponent we'll be playing is the same one New Hampshire circles most years as their game of the year (but never hosts).

I mean, seriously, tell us we'll miss having a playoff, or tell us we'll miss having most games on campus, but don't tell us we'll miss our FCS schedule. If we want to play New Hampshire again, we'll send them a check.

Just ask WKU fans how much they're enjoying the big leagues.

I know you're just trying to take an easy, cheap shot...and picking WKU works...

Why didn't you pick, say, Boise State???

It's going to be a challenge...I'd rather think we'll turn out more like Boise State than WKU...but I know it can go the WKU way...

[93henfan]

Just ask WKU fans how much they're enjoying the big leagues.

I know you're just trying to take an easy, cheap shot...and picking WKU works...

Why didn't you pick, say, Boise State???

It's going to be a challenge...I'd rather think we'll turn out more like Boise State than WKU...but I know it can go the WKU way...

Let's hope it goes better than UConn. They're in a bad Big East, have only gone to a single BCS bowl game, got ass-raped on the field and bled money doing it.

[Grizalltheway]

I know you're just trying to take an easy, cheap shot...and picking WKU works...

Why didn't you pick, say, Boise State???

It's going to be a challenge...I'd rather think we'll turn out more like Boise State than WKU...but I know it can go the WKU way...

Let's hope it goes better than UConn. They're in a bad Big East, have only gone to a single BCS bowl game, got ass-raped on the field and bled money doing it.

I certainly wish UMass the best (although I'm not sure why, considering the game in '06 ), but you have to admit, the odds are against them.

[Col Hogan]

Let's hope it goes better than UConn. They're in a bad Big East, have only gone to a single BCS bowl game, got ass-raped on the field and bled money doing it.

I certainly wish UMass the best (although I'm not sure why, considering the game in '06 ), but you have to admit, the odds are against them.

Right now, I'd say the odds are even that we succeed...you gotta admit playing games at one of the best stadiums in the NFL isn't going to hurt...

[Col Hogan]

I know you're just trying to take an easy, cheap shot...and picking WKU works...

Why didn't you pick, say, Boise State???

It's going to be a challenge...I'd rather think we'll turn out more like Boise State than WKU...but I know it can go the WKU way...

Let's hope it goes better than UConn. They're in a bad Big East, have only gone to a single BCS bowl game, got ass-raped on the field and bled money doing it.

So, you're saying UConn is the NDSU of the BCS?????

[clenz]

Just ask WKU fans how much they're enjoying the big leagues.

I know you're just trying to take an easy, cheap shot...and picking WKU works...

Why didn't you pick, say, Boise State???

It's going to be a challenge...I'd rather think we'll turn out more like Boise State than WKU...but I know it can go the WKU way...

Col, I'll pick every team tha thas moved up since 1990. You tell me how many of them you would consider successful programs....hell, even respectable.

Let's look at some other FCS programs that have moved to the FBS, tell me how much success they have had...keep in mind most of these programs have been very successful (national and conference titles), and were very supported. Tell me how much you know/care about them at the FBS level...hell, tell me if you even knew they were FBS. I'll limit the moves to 1990 or later

Alabama-Birmingham - 1996 Sun Belt
Arkansas State - 1990 Sun Belt
Boise State - 1996 WAC
Central Florida - 1996 CUSA
Connecticut - 2000 Big East (only because the BE bid did they move up, and have had success)
FIU - 2005 (Much like FAU, start up program, only FCS due to NCAA rules)
Idaho - 1997 Sun Belt/WAC
Louisiana-Monroe - Sun Belt
Marshall - 1997 MAC/CUSA
Middle Tennessee State - 1999 Sun Belt
Nevada - 1992 WAC
North Texas - 1995 Sun Belt
Troy - 2002 Sun Belt
Western Kentucky - 2009 Sun Belt


Out of all of those schools only UCF, BSU, UCONN, and Nevada don't have to loop hole the crap out of the minimum attendance rule.

Hell, outside of Boise State, Marshall right after their move but not since 2002, and UCONN as of late, have any of those schools actually done anything on a consistent basis

[tampajag]

I know you're just trying to take an easy, cheap shot...and picking WKU works...

Why didn't you pick, say, Boise State???

It's going to be a challenge...I'd rather think we'll turn out more like Boise State than WKU...but I know it can go the WKU way...

Col, I'll pick every team tha thas moved up since 1990. You tell me how many of them you would consider successful programs....hell, even respectable.

Let's look at some other FCS programs that have moved to the FBS, tell me how much success they have had...keep in mind most of these programs have been very successful (national and conference titles), and were very supported. Tell me how much you know/care about them at the FBS level...hell, tell me if you even knew they were FBS. I'll limit the moves to 1990 or later

Alabama-Birmingham - 1996 Sun Belt
Arkansas State - 1990 Sun Belt
Boise State - 1996 WAC
Central Florida - 1996 CUSA
Connecticut - 2000 Big East (only because the BE bid did they move up, and have had success)
FIU - 2005 (Much like FAU, start up program, only FCS due to NCAA rules)
Idaho - 1997 Sun Belt/WAC
Louisiana-Monroe - Sun Belt
Marshall - 1997 MAC/CUSA
Middle Tennessee State - 1999 Sun Belt
Nevada - 1992 WAC
North Texas - 1995 Sun Belt
Troy - 2002 Sun Belt
Western Kentucky - 2009 Sun Belt


Out of all of those schools only UCF, BSU, UCONN, and Nevada don't have to loop hole the crap out of the minimum attendance rule.

Hell, outside of Boise State, Marshall right after their move but not since 2002, and UCONN as of late, have any of those schools actually done anything on a consistent basis

You forgot USF in your list. and I know it's only the sun belt but Troy has won or shared the league every year since 06.

[Col Hogan]

I know you're just trying to take an easy, cheap shot...and picking WKU works...

Why didn't you pick, say, Boise State???

It's going to be a challenge...I'd rather think we'll turn out more like Boise State than WKU...but I know it can go the WKU way...

Col, I'll pick every team tha thas moved up since 1990. You tell me how many of them you would consider successful programs....hell, even respectable.

Let's look at some other FCS programs that have moved to the FBS, tell me how much success they have had...keep in mind most of these programs have been very successful (national and conference titles), and were very supported. Tell me how much you know/care about them at the FBS level...hell, tell me if you even knew they were FBS. I'll limit the moves to 1990 or later

Alabama-Birmingham - 1996 Sun Belt
Arkansas State - 1990 Sun Belt
Boise State - 1996 WAC
Central Florida - 1996 CUSA
Connecticut - 2000 Big East (only because the BE bid did they move up, and have had success)
FIU - 2005 (Much like FAU, start up program, only FCS due to NCAA rules)
Idaho - 1997 Sun Belt/WAC
Louisiana-Monroe - Sun Belt
Marshall - 1997 MAC/CUSA
Middle Tennessee State - 1999 Sun Belt
Nevada - 1992 WAC
North Texas - 1995 Sun Belt
Troy - 2002 Sun Belt
Western Kentucky - 2009 Sun Belt


Out of all of those schools only UCF, BSU, UCONN, and Nevada don't have to loop hole the crap out of the minimum attendance rule.

Hell, outside of Boise State, Marshall right after their move but not since 2002, and UCONN of late, have any of those schools actually done anything on a consistent basis

I'm assuming you consider none of them "successful or even respectable" by the way you phrased the question...so be it...you are entitled to your opinion...

Do a poll of most college football fans asking "Which team is more successful and respectable...FIU or Montana..." I'll wager FIU gets 60% of the vote...

Perception is one's reality...most college football fans consider FBS teams "more successful"...

Only time will tell for UMass...

[henfan]

I'd wager that more than 85% of college football fans don't know who or what an FIU is, let alone that it is a D-I university with an FBS FB program with any measure of success/failure. IMO, you tend to overestimate the aptitude of the general college FB spectating public. In fairness, I also don't think those same folks would know much about Montana or UMass or Delaware FB. A move to an out-of-sight FBS conference like the MAC, WAC or Sun Belt won't change that perception, unfortunately. Of course, UMass isn't making this move to change the national perception of its FB program. It's merely a means to what they hope will be a real opportunity to do exactly that down the line. It might involve some measure of risk but I don't think it's a bad move at all.

[lakesbison]

So, you're saying UConn is the NDSU of the BCS?????

UCONN was #1 in the polls twice at FBS and beat 2 BCS teams?

[S F State Gaters]

How is a conference with toledo and kent state better for them than the one with New Hampshire and Old Dominion?

I don't fully see the value

I don't know why people keep bringing up the names of random MAC opponents like that's supposed to be a terrible slate of games. Compared to our customary schedule of Northeastern, Hofstra, and Rhode Island, yes, we're going to be very excited about hosting Akron, Kent State and Ohio. Compared to New Hampshire and Maine, yes, we're going to be very excited about hosting Temple and Buffalo. Compared to our usual non-conference schedule of NEC and PL teams, yes, hosting any non-conference FBS team is going to be a big deal to us. Rumor is we're bringing a Big Ten opponent to Gillette in 2012, although surely it's one of the bottom tier ones. Bummer. Meanwhile, here's the list of non-conference opponents the CAA is hosting this season: West Chester, New Haven, Campbell, Wagner, Bryant, Monmouth, Morgan State, Delaware State, VMI, Hampton, Penn, Fordham, Holy Cross, Colgate and Central Connecticut State. Wow, awesome. After looking at that list, us UMass fans will just have to drink away our sorrows with the beer in the cupholders of our chairbacks purchased in our state of the art stadium with its industry-leading sounds system and wicked huge video board, where the worst opponent we'll be playing is the same one New Hampshire circles most years as their game of the year (but never hosts).

I mean, seriously, tell us we'll miss having a playoff, or tell us we'll miss having most games on campus, but don't tell us we'll miss our FCS schedule. If we want to play New Hampshire again, we'll send them a check.

fair enough; my point was simply, the MAC isn't very good. I hope you're able to have success there and get Big Easted but the MAC seems to just to put you out of your region. You won't be playing fellow New Englanders anymore.