Montana staying in FCS

[kemajic]

It is why we hired Glanville, to get a salesman to promote the idea of moving to the WAC, yet still keep the winning tradition alive that was laid down by Walsh.

PSU is 48-60 over the last 10 years and currently completes with ISU and UNC for the BSC cellar. That's what you call a "winning tradition?"

[big_meowski]

you guys are delusional, the BIG FLUFFY is a joke.

Montana is afraid to play anyone and they LOVE being in a big fluffy easy conference. and now UND brings them no competition. Give us a break. and Yea, dont compare ANYTHING from the PAST.


und are a bunch of lil weinies just like montana, afraid of real compeition.

ummm...

there are currently 3(three) "big fluffy" teams ranked above NDSU. just sayin'.

[SDHornet]

It is why we hired Glanville, to get a salesman to promote the idea of moving to the WAC, yet still keep the winning tradition alive that was laid down by Walsh.

PSU is 48-60 over the last 10 years and currently completes with ISU and UNC for the BSC cellar. That's what you call a "winning tradition?"

I think he was making the point of Glanville hired to maintain the "winning tradition" in hopes of eventually leading PSU to the FBS. Obviously Glanville didn't achieve that goal.

[Ursus A. Horribilis]

From your replies to them it would certainly appear that way to an outsider.

Ursus I don't think you will ever change the mind of the out of state guy from Arizona. It's a Montana thing and the non-native/transplants will never get it. Just like the former players article from yesterday, it's about the homegrown passion for the Griz that has built this program. Grady Bennett said it best "There is no way you could turn away your Montana base and still have this program. A team like Idaho St may have more overall talent, but they're never going to beat UM because those players are Montana kids, and the Grizzlies are all they care about. It's their passion, if Montana ever lost that, they'd be done. I don't care who they brought in talentwise"

Grady Bennett gets it. So does Marc Mariani and Colt Anderson and Dave Dickenson. ALL Montana kids. The poster from Arizona will never get it. I make the drive from Butte to Missoula every saturday when the Griz are home. I see the caravan, the cars from Havre, Great Falls, Billings, Sidney, Helena, Huntley Project (Waldhausers) and from everywhere else in this great state. They are driving 8 hours one way to see their son, nephew, grandson ect play for the team they dreamed about playing for when they were growing up. It's about Montana kids and their PASSION for the Griz. It's about fans of MONTANA kids going to scream their throats raw for that homegrown team and players that everybody knows, or knows somebody that knows them. That is what got this program to where it is today. Why the F*CK would anybody want that to end. Yes it would end as there would be less Montana kids on a WAC Griz team, FACT! The same spoiled people who are wanting to move up would be the first to bail after a few losing seasons. It's a Montana thing and those that aren't will never get it

You nailed it down pretty good. Most of the points you address are very simlar to ones I've relayed to others (and AZ) in the past. On top of all that there is an electricity in the air when it comes to playoff time. If the Griz are good enough to make it then that would all be gone. I can not stand the thought of that.

AZ is not living in MT now but he is originally from Missoula. He does not hold on to the things that you and I do as important in the program though. He's a great guy and a real friend so he gets a pass.

Great post, you should do more of them over here. Oh and you can say fuck, shit, cunt...or make yourself a mix of all the above.

Go to the user cp and turn the word censoring off and you can read em' too.

[Ursus A. Horribilis]

At least we got something out of this. We go from being the largest school in the FCS to the largest school in the WAC.

I've been reading all you guys posts and all I come away with is....you just don't get it. As I have said, I'm not a fan of the move but it has happened and I'll go with it.
A lot of you have said, we would never go FBS unless it's one of the Big 6 conferences. Well, reality check. We weren't going to get courted by The ACC, SEC, Big East or Big Ten. We're not in their footprint or neck of the woods. Big 12? Pac 10? Nope. Not even the MWC. We weren't blind to those facts. We knew if anyone came calling would it be C-USA (doubtful), Sun Belt (more doubtful) MAC (nope) or the WAC. Some of the east coast FCS teams might get the op, if they were to try to move up. Those schools are in those conferences geographic footprint. Does anyone on here really think UT was going to extend their greedy hoof and say....come on into the fold TXST? NOT!

We don't have a storied football program, we're well aware, but, there really is more to it. Yes, we'll struggle there but other sports will do well from the get go. Our academics are at a higher level. Surprisingly, a lot of the WAC fans were concerned about that and, actually, we will be at or near the top in that aspect too.

Montana, what they decided, they decided. We don't have the luxury of being the State U. That's UT and we're in their shadow. UM doesn't have the competition for recogniton in MT that we have in TX. It's a hard thing to try and explain and get across to those that have no idea what it is like to be in the situation TXST has been in.....always.

This is what the alumni and, mainly, the student body wanted. They got their wish. I am hoping for the best, preparing for the worst but, as slycat said.....I'm going to miss the FCS and the playoffs.

Catmom WTF?? Nobody is begrudging TXST doing what is best for them. I don't even think they were mentioned in the conversation but it go pretty fast & furious there for a while this afternoon so I may have missed what you are addressing. TXST is a different situation so the two situations are not parallel and you should take that into consideration if that is what you think is being said here.

Ease up sweet tits we ain't pickin' you or TXST.

[Ursus A. Horribilis]

you guys are delusional, the BIG FLUFFY is a joke.

Montana is afraid to play anyone and they LOVE being in a big fluffy easy conference. and now UND brings them no competition. Give us a break. and Yea, dont compare ANYTHING from the PAST.


und are a bunch of lil weinies just like montana, afraid of real compeition.

ummm...

there are currently 3(three) "big fluffy" teams ranked above NDSU. just sayin'.

The great thing about lb is that he's too fucking dumb to realize how fucking dumb he is. Therefore the hits just keep on coming!

[CatMom]

Ursus sweety

Thanks, but it is implied in some of the posts, and you know it. Re: The WAC really sucks now (paraphrased statement) and/or why the hell would anyone move up unless they got a BCS conf invite?
If that was not the intent of some of those posts, my bad for 'seeing' it that way.

[lakesbison]

und couldnt hold NDSUs jock the last 6 years.. they havent beaten us for 1 SINGLE recruit in 6 years.

thats why they ran away out west. they cant get a recruit in minnesota/wisc to take them over NDSU.


you guys can live in the past, and cannot WAIT to piss pound Montana.

[Ursus A. Horribilis]

Ursus sweety

Thanks, but it is implied in some of the posts, and you know it. Re: The WAC really sucks now (paraphrased statement) and/or why the hell would anyone move up unless they got a BCS conf invite?
If that was not the intent of some of those posts, my bad for 'seeing' it that way.

Gotcha punkin. I was really just referring to our situation. I could see where a Sac St. or a TX ST may be well served by the move up. They are just really different situations. Did not mean it the way it came across.

The WAC is shitty right now though and it ain't looking good for the future but it may work out for the teams that need to do it. It certainly ain't gonna harm TX St and you guys are in a great area to make some hay with recruits and so forth. I'll be rooting for ya.

[Ursus A. Horribilis]

und couldnt hold NDSUs jock the last 6 years.. they havent beaten us for 1 SINGLE recruit in 6 years.

thats why they ran away out west. they cant get a recruit in minnesota/wisc to take them over NDSU.


you guys can live in the past, and cannot WAIT to piss pound Montana.

See what I mean!? This guy is like Motown! I don't know how he keeps it up.

[AZGrizFan]

From your replies to them it would certainly appear that way to an outsider.

Ursus I don't think you will ever change the mind of the out of state guy from Arizona. It's a Montana thing and the non-native/transplants will never get it. Just like the former players article from yesterday, it's about the homegrown passion for the Griz that has built this program. Grady Bennett said it best "There is no way you could turn away your Montana base and still have this program. A team like Idaho St may have more overall talent, but they're never going to beat UM because those players are Montana kids, and the Grizzlies are all they care about. It's their passion, if Montana ever lost that, they'd be done. I don't care who they brought in talentwise"

Grady Bennett gets it. So does Marc Mariani and Colt Anderson and Dave Dickenson. ALL Montana kids. The poster from Arizona will never get it. I make the drive from Butte to Missoula every saturday when the Griz are home. I see the caravan, the cars from Havre, Great Falls, Billings, Sidney, Helena, Huntley Project (Waldhausers) and from everywhere else in this great state. They are driving 8 hours one way to see their son, nephew, grandson ect play for the team they dreamed about playing for when they were growing up. It's about Montana kids and their PASSION for the Griz. It's about fans of MONTANA kids going to scream their throats raw for that homegrown team and players that everybody knows, or knows somebody that knows them. That is what got this program to where it is today. Why the F*CK would anybody want that to end. Yes it would end as there would be less Montana kids on a WAC Griz team, FACT! The same spoiled people who are wanting to move up would be the first to bail after a few losing seasons. It's a Montana thing and those that aren't will never get it

Hammer. Hammer. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

I'm really getting tired of the "he doesn't live here, he couldn't possibly understand" bullshit. You're focusing on the wrong part of my screen name. The operative part isn't "AZ", it's "GrizFan". I realize you don't know me from Adam, but despite my current locale in Arizona, I was born, raised, and actually ATTENDED UM before joining the Navy and eventually graduating from the University of Idaho (yeah, I know...don't even say it). I'm not a "non-native", nor am I a "transplant". I grew up in the 60's and 70's watching the Griz at Dornblazer in front of 1,500 people. I watched and rooted through the lean years while they were getting their ASSES handed to them by Idaho during the Larry Donovan era. Granted, beginning in 1981 I had to watch from afar, but I suffered right along with all those folks still lucky enough to live in Missoula and see them in person.

I GET the connection. Really, I do. I see it every Saturday when I'm at Dukes in Scottsdale, watching/meeting people from Dillon, Belgrade, Livingston, Havre, Helena, Plentywood, etc., etc., all transplanted to the Phoenix area, but all there to watch the team they grew up watching (but now don't have the luxury of owning season tickets because their professional careers took them away from the state, like me).

But here's a newsflash for you: Guess who else is in that bar every Saturday? The parents/brothers/sisters/ cousins/friends of guys like Mike McCord. Dan Moore. Steve Sabin, Jake Hendrickson. Garrett Riggio. I know this because I've met THEM, too. Drank with them, partied with them, suffered through the rare loss with them. Screamed OUR throats raw during every BobScat thrashing. THIS is how Griz Nation spreads....not by just recruiting Montana kids. These people think its totally AWESOME what we have in Griz Nation, and are absolutely THRILLED that their sons (and them) are able to be a part of it (and that THEY are actually able to see EVERY game, EVERY Saturday!). And I'm here to tell you, they feel every bit as important as the fans/players from Montana. Do you honestly think Dan Moore or Mike McCord care LESS about winning/losing as a Griz than Chase Reynolds or Andrew Selle, simply because of where they were born? If so, the only one you're kidding is yourself.

And here's another tidbit: Some of the folks in the bar I frequent ALSO drive long distances to see the game. Yeah, they're not driving 600 miles, but many of them drive 90-100 miles, and are happy to do it to share in the camraderie that IS Griz Nation. And the scene in Dukes is repeated in dozens and dozens of bars throughout America. A mix of locals and Montana transplants, spreading the Griz Nation word. I truly wish you could see the looks on the faces of the douchebags in the bar sitting there rooting for Ohio State or Michigan or Nebraska, when they look over at the entire HALF of the facility that's dedicated to and swarming with Griz fans. We outnumber any other teams' fans, EVERY Saturday, by about 4-1. And on the 20th of November, the ENTIRE BAR will be closed to the general public, except for the 400 or so Griz/Cat fans lucky enough to get a wristband into the Griz/Cat party.

My point is this: If you think this is just about Montana kids at this point, you're selling the program way short. It's gone WAY beyond Montana kids. I take a group up to Flagstaff every other year for the NAU game...started this tradition in 1993 when I moved here and haven't missed a Griz game in Flagstaff in 17 years. First few trips it was me, my wife, and my two kids. But then, it took off....6 people, then 8, then 10, then 15, then 20, and so on. Last year was a bit down (from 44 in 2007) because of the game being earlier in the year but we still had 38 folks there....and most had absolutely NO affiliation with the Griz or U of M and hadn't even HEARD of them until they met me. They're there because they want to be a part of the tradition, the enthusiasm, the fanatical following and the passion they see exhibited at the tailgates, during the game, and in the bars afterwards. If you think that passion you feel in Wa/Griz is limited to Wa/Griz, you're complete off base. There's a reason Griz apparel is in the top 50 in the nation in sales...we're taking over the world, one convert at a time.

And finally, regarding the "screaming their throats raw for the homegrown kids", I hope you yell just as loud when Jabin Sambrano or Antwon Moutra or any other "transplant" scores a touchdown as when Chase Reynolds or Sam Gratton does, despite the fact they weren't lucky enough to be born Montanans. Otherwise, I question whether YOU get it.

Peace.

AZGrizFan

[SuperHornet]

Ursus: Maybe CatMom or one of the other fine TX State fans on the board could articulate what the draw to the WAC is for them. Goodness knows what it would be for a school such as UTSA that doesn't even field a football team yet. It makes one wonder if the 2-year rule will still be in effect for them. But as I'm sure you've been aware for quite some time, our fan base was initially excited about the prospect of jumping to the WAC for those sports that are not already in the WAC, but those feelings cooled off REAL quick when Fresneck and Reno bailed. The consensus at SacBuzz is that the WAC isn't a good place right now. Most (i.e. not me) feel that the best thing is to convince the Sky to give us the same deal they gave Cow Poly and UCFE so that the majority of our sports can hook up with the Big West. The protracted situation vis a vis North Dakota and the addition of TX State/UTSA plus the continued presence of LA Tech in the WAC (baseball) drastly affect those feelings, and I can certainly understand that, even if I personally would rather remain in the Sky for all Sky-sponsored sports. Because I'm also a UOP fan, I get from them that most BW fans would prefer to keep Sac out anyway, mostly because of the dividing-the-pie argument. Subconsciously at least, UOP fans may also be seeing that Sac would assume UOP's role as UCFE's travel parter, forcing UOP back to pairing with Northridge, or perhaps a joining Bakersfield. The unlikely event that HI is allowed to join also affects that. As you can see, things are almost as complicated with this as the FCS-to-rookie-league comparison.

[AZGrizFan]

I make the drive from Butte to Missoula every saturday when the Griz are home. I see the caravan, the cars from Havre, Great Falls, Billings, Sidney, Helena, Huntley Project (Waldhausers) and from everywhere else in this great state. They are driving 8 hours one way to see their son, nephew, grandson ect play for the team they dreamed about playing for when they were growing up.

One other point, and then I'm moving on: This line is utter horseshit. Oh, it makes for a great movie script, but lets be real here. There's 90 kids on this team...maybe half are from Montana. I highly doubt the caravans coming from across the state are because they're ALL going "to see their son, nephew, grandson, etc play for the team they dreamed about playing for when they were growing up". So, of the 25,000 people in attendance every gameday weekend, on the HIGH side maybe 500 are there for the reasons you state. The REAL cause of the caravan is that people want to be associated with a winner, and want to be part of the carnival-like atmosphere that surrounds Wa/Griz stadium beginning about 8:30 a.m. on gameday (or even the night before).

edit: and one final thought....how do you explain the thousands of Griz fans at NAU games? Or the 2500-3000 that were at Cal Poly? They all going to see their sons/cousins/nephews play too? Then why do I go? I don't have any relatives on the team, but I've seen 3 of the last 12 Griz games in person. One in Missoula (SFA), one in Chattanooga (Nova), and one in San Luis Obispo. How far have you traveled to see the Griz play? Still think I don't "get" it?

[kemajic]

So I guess you're saying Biermann and Carpenter don't get it.

Carpenter, and I quote " I don't know to put it, but you might not get that hometown feeling if you're moving up"

So now it's just Biermann?

Since you're the cherry-picking queen - "Miami Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter of Helena said he has mixed feelings about a potential move. He thinks the Griz deserve the recognition of playing in the FBS"

[Willie]

Ursus I don't think you will ever change the mind of the out of state guy from Arizona...

Good to see you found a new home here.

[Wedgebuster]

Smart move for UM.

[Appaholic]

I can honestly say I would. The ACC is a joke as a football conference. Maybe I'd be swayed more by the Big East (or WAC in your case). We could never compete in the SEC & the ACC is not a step up IMO.

So you would routinely handle VT?

Not at all. But JMU has as many victories over VT as UNC, Duke, Wake in recent years, so I like our chances if we moved up & applied ourselves. Look, I don't like the whole stinking FBS system & I grew up an ACC/Carolina fan...we were late to my Grandmother's (Mom's Mom) wake due to watching UNC beat Oklahoma in the 1990 NCAA tournament...my Mom included...I grew up around this shit. I even pulled for UNC against App St when we opended the Holmes Center because I had been brainwashed from such an early age. But no more. The ACC, especially Carolina, are a joke BCS league & their inclusion keeps out a more worthty conference like MWC. Carolina is scared to play AppSt & scheduled McNeese St instead when given the opportunity. Fok them & the ACC. Outside of late '90's/early naughts, what has the conference proven in football other than to be a comical disappointment year in/ year out. So, I'm not enamored with the thought of joining that league. Consider me a snob, but I believe, relative to ACC football, we have a more pure & better product....in other words, we (& other FCS programs) haven't whored ourselves out in an effort be with the "in crowd & the cool table in cafeteria". I would not support AppSt moving up to FBS, even if it was ACC offer, unless the BCS is dismanteled or drastically changed so that at least ALL FBS conf winners were given a chance via playoff to determine a more true national champion. Period.

[AZGrizFan]

So you would routinely handle VT?

Not at all. But JMU has as many victories over VT as UNC, Duke, Wake in recent years, so I like our chances if we moved up & applied ourselves. Look, I don't like the whole stinking FBS system & I grew up an ACC/Carolina fan...we were late to my Grandmother's (Mom's Mom) wake due to watching UNC beat Oklahoma in the 1990 NCAA tournament...my Mom included...I grew up around this shit. I even pulled for UNC against App St when we opended the Holmes Center because I had been brainwashed from such an early age. But no more. The ACC, especially Carolina, are a joke BCS league & their inclusion keeps out a more worthty conference like MWC. Carolina is scared to play AppSt & scheduled McNeese St instead when given the opportunity. Fok them & the ACC. Outside of late '90's/early naughts, what has the conference proven in football other than to be a comical disappointment year in/ year out. So, I'm not enamored with the thought of joining that league. Consider me a snob, but I believe, relative to ACC football, we have a more pure & better product....in other words, we (& other FCS programs) haven't whored ourselves out in an effort be with the "in crowd & the cool table in cafeteria". I would not support AppSt moving up to FBS, even if it was ACC offer, unless the BCS is dismanteled or drastically changed so that at least ALL FBS conf winners were given a chance via playoff to determine a more true national champion. Period.

Isn't the entire point (if you're going to move up) to try and get into a BCS conference? And yet you'd not support a move to either of TWO BCS conferences, given the opportunity?

And exactly what has the MWC (as a whole) done to be so "noteworthy"? Their best team is bolting for the Pac 12, and the new "best" team is considering a move to the Big East. They'll now look VERY similar to the way the WAC did last year and we all know how much respect THAT garnered....

[Appaholic]

you guys are delusional, the BIG FLUFFY is a joke.

Montana is afraid to play anyone and they LOVE being in a big fluffy easy conference. and now UND brings them no competition. Give us a break. and Yea, dont compare ANYTHING from the PAST.


und are a bunch of lil weinies just like montana, afraid of real compeition.

What does UND going to the BSC, thus allowing NDSU to avoid the continued ownage by UND, have to do with UM not going to the WAC?

He doesn't know, dude. Don't confuse him. He's still looking for someone who actually gives a crap about NDSU football now that they've seemd to misplaced their "big boy pants" since movnig up to FCS....

[Appaholic]

Not at all. But JMU has as many victories over VT as UNC, Duke, Wake in recent years, so I like our chances if we moved up & applied ourselves. Look, I don't like the whole stinking FBS system & I grew up an ACC/Carolina fan...we were late to my Grandmother's (Mom's Mom) wake due to watching UNC beat Oklahoma in the 1990 NCAA tournament...my Mom included...I grew up around this shit. I even pulled for UNC against App St when we opended the Holmes Center because I had been brainwashed from such an early age. But no more. The ACC, especially Carolina, are a joke BCS league & their inclusion keeps out a more worthty conference like MWC. Carolina is scared to play AppSt & scheduled McNeese St instead when given the opportunity. Fok them & the ACC. Outside of late '90's/early naughts, what has the conference proven in football other than to be a comical disappointment year in/ year out. So, I'm not enamored with the thought of joining that league. Consider me a snob, but I believe, relative to ACC football, we have a more pure & better product....in other words, we (& other FCS programs) haven't whored ourselves out in an effort be with the "in crowd & the cool table in cafeteria". I would not support AppSt moving up to FBS, even if it was ACC offer, unless the BCS is dismanteled or drastically changed so that at least ALL FBS conf winners were given a chance via playoff to determine a more true national champion. Period.

Isn't the entire point (if you're going to move up) to try and get into a BCS conference? And yet you'd not support a move to either of TWO BCS conferences, given the opportunity?

And exactly what has the MWC (as a whole) done to be so "noteworthy"? Their best team is bolting for the Pac 12, and the new "best" team is considering a move to the Big East. They'll now look VERY similar to the way the WAC did last year and we all know how much respect THAT garnered....

No. The point of moving up is to play for a National Title against worthy competition. The BCS doesn't provide that opportunity in a fair manner to all praticipants, so why play the game. I know I'm being ridiculous in the eyes of "normal" fans, but during a time of budget constraints on a state level, I don't think a state-supported university should be incurring added expense in an effort to "move up" to play in a system that is contrary to the missions of most Universities. IMO, the purpose of continued education is to enhance advancement (career, knowledge, research, etc) based upon promoting a level playing field where one is successful through the merits & hard work. The BCS is a system that is UnAmerican as it is no more than a beauty contest where teams are given the opportuinity to play for the top prize not always based upon their merits, but the historic merits of team's past or, worse yet, the historic succes of past conference mates program. That's BS. I know that's "Polly-anish", but I enjoy my little bit of moral superiority over programs that have whored themselves out to play for "participation" trophy in the form of a shitty bowl game.

[Appaholic]

und couldnt hold NDSUs jock the last 6 years.. they havent beaten us for 1 SINGLE recruit in 6 years.

thats why they ran away out west. they cant get a recruit in minnesota/wisc to take them over NDSU.


you guys can live in the past, and cannot WAIT to piss pound Montana.

Based upon rcent football scores, I imagine they're thankful they didn't "land" the recruits that ended up at NDSU....stop while you're behind.....

[collegesportsinfo]

Isn't the entire point (if you're going to move up) to try and get into a BCS conference? And yet you'd not support a move to either of TWO BCS conferences, given the opportunity?

And exactly what has the MWC (as a whole) done to be so "noteworthy"? Their best team is bolting for the Pac 12, and the new "best" team is considering a move to the Big East. They'll now look VERY similar to the way the WAC did last year and we all know how much respect THAT garnered....

No. The point of moving up is to play for a National Title against worthy competition. The BCS doesn't provide that opportunity in a fair manner to all praticipants, so why play the game. I know I'm being ridiculous in the eyes of "normal" fans, but during a time of budget constraints on a state level, I don't think a state-supported university should be incurring added expense in an effort to "move up" to play in a system that is contrary to the missions of most Universities. IMO, the purpose of continued education is to enhance advancement (career, knowledge, research, etc) based upon promoting a level playing field where one is successful through the merits & hard work. The BCS is a system that is UnAmerican as it is no more than a beauty contest where teams are given the opportuinity to play for the top prize not always based upon their merits, but the historic merits of team's past or, worse yet, the historic succes of past conference mates program. That's BS. I know that's "Polly-anish", but I enjoy my little bit of moral superiority over programs that have whored themselves out to play for "participation" trophy in the form of a shitty bowl game.

To be fair, that is YOUR opinion. The point of moving up isn't to play for a national championship game. It's to put yourself in the potential to increase revenue for your school. And despite it's flaws, just being in FBS does provide that opportunity if executed properly. The WAC schools have been quite happy with the revenue they made from Boise St. BCS bids.

[AZGrizFan]

Isn't the entire point (if you're going to move up) to try and get into a BCS conference? And yet you'd not support a move to either of TWO BCS conferences, given the opportunity?

And exactly what has the MWC (as a whole) done to be so "noteworthy"? Their best team is bolting for the Pac 12, and the new "best" team is considering a move to the Big East. They'll now look VERY similar to the way the WAC did last year and we all know how much respect THAT garnered....

No. The point of moving up is to play for a National Title against worthy competition. The BCS doesn't provide that opportunity in a fair manner to all praticipants, so why play the game. I know I'm being ridiculous in the eyes of "normal" fans, but during a time of budget constraints on a state level, I don't think a state-supported university should be incurring added expense in an effort to "move up" to play in a system that is contrary to the missions of most Universities. IMO, the purpose of continued education is to enhance advancement (career, knowledge, research, etc) based upon promoting a level playing field where one is successful through the merits & hard work. The BCS is a system that is UnAmerican as it is no more than a beauty contest where teams are given the opportuinity to play for the top prize not always based upon their merits, but the historic merits of team's past or, worse yet, the historic succes of past conference mates program. That's BS. I know that's "Polly-anish", but I enjoy my little bit of moral superiority over programs that have whored themselves out to play for "participation" trophy in the form of a shitty bowl game.

This just in from the board admin: Appaholic must change his screen name officially to "Polly Anna".

And I would argue that folks in the NEC, Patriot League, Pioneer Conference, MEAC, etc., would disagree with the "level playing field" comment. There is SO much subjectivity in our supposedly "superior" methodolgy that it's fucking laughable. Historic merit (see: Montana, Villanova, JMU rankings this year), hsitoric success of past conference mates (see: every CAA team with a better-than-.500 record being ranked)...Yeah, we narrow it down on the football field, but those lucky enough to be selected for an at-large slot are done so at the whim of a "committee", which is really no better than the computer used by the BCS. Hey, I hate the BCS as much as anybody, but to delude yourself into thinking our 16 (now 20) team "tournament" is any better/worse or any less subjective than their TWO team tournament really IS pollyanna-ish. The only real difference is we start with more teams.

[AZGrizFan]

und couldnt hold NDSUs jock the last 6 years..

Based upon rcent football scores, I imagine they're thankful they didn't "land" the recruits that ended up at NDSU....stop while you're behind.....

Is LB really arguing about games that were NEVER played?

[collegesportsinfo]

My problem is with the seemingly BS excuses made at Montana.

Travel costs wouldn't have been a huge change. You're swapping out Sac St for San Jose. NoCo for Denver. Close trips to EWU, Montana St and Weber St. for Idaho and Utah St. NAU for NMSU. Yes, there are the trips to LA Tech, UTSA, Texas St. and Hawaii to factor in though.

But we all know what the Montana upgrade eventual goal would be: join the MWC. But in order for that to happen, they will need to upgrade first. And the timing was perfect for joining the WAC. Montana could come in, do very well and improve their image to the MWC. And a Montana upgrade could open the door for other schools to consider. But these schools (like Portland St., Sac St, etc) would really need Montana to make a move first. Now Montana fans, one of the better programs in FCS, will have to watch from the sidelines as the opportunity to upgrade might be over for a long time.