Correct. The G5 conferences didn’t mind all these FCS teams (us) moving up when there was nothing to lose, now there’s a clear incentive for the entire FBS to lock the door. Independents will have an even tougher road should this proposal go through, I can imagine we see Notre Dame and BYU find a home with the conference winner incentive.23Bison wrote: ↑Mon Jun 14, 2021 9:21 pmI thank you for bringing up NDSU. A very large part of the Bison fan base has shifted to wanting to move up. We have most of our facilities in place and just raised over $40million during a pandemic year for our new practice facility. The last big piece is a new stadium. The head coach seems to be on board so all we need is the institution itself to get on board also.ah59396 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 14, 2021 12:02 pmAAC dark horse may be NDSU.
They have not wanted to move up previously due to the belief that you can’t win a Natty as a G5, which was/is true.
They are arguably a state flagship, carry a strong brand and actually bring good basketball, reaching the tourney 4x since 2009.
Fargo is certainly no Houston but they are an R2 designated university, something else the AAC looks for.
I’m also of the belief that they are the ONLY FCS team that’s brand and history of success outweighs its FCS designation.
If they believe now is the time to join FBS because of the change in format, I think they’d be an immediate favorite. I also think once this CFP change happens all the G5 conferences will close the doors to joining, so now is the time to jump.
One huge hurdle if the decision is to move up is to get that conference invite. I believe the money will more than be there but the invite is crucial. Wish us luck and hopefully something will happen in the near future. The 12 team proposal kind of makes this a time sensitive issue because conference are going to be locked down and we will be stuck in FCS purgatory forever.
You guys are in a tough spot because of your geography. No G5 conference is really a great fit so I can understand the prior reluctance. Plus it’s hard to leave when you’re winning a natty every year.
I continue to believe JMU was absolutely stupid for declining the Sun Belt offer, not because I think the SB is sliced bread, but because it sets you up for the future. I don’t feel great about App State’s chances for the AAC slot but I’m damn certain if we were in the Socon right now we wouldn’t even exist as far as it’s concerned.
Getting into FBS, establishing a brand, building our facilities/budget, all help.
If the AAC doesn’t work out, id love to see NDSU in the MWC. I think you’d immediately contend and scare the piss out of our friends in Boise. Despite the geography.
Hope it works out for the bison. I admire what y’all have done up there in Fargo.