Big Sky expansion

[Green Laser]

I'm wondering when Sac St. will ask to go the the BW for other sports or just leave for the WAC. Not asking for a BW other sports home=future WAC invite that will be accepted? Hell we all know the WAC would invite them. I think my old Jr. College got invited to the WAC last week.

It could also be that they are waiting until the 12th team is named to the Big Sky. That team could cover the Hornets slot in the other sports. I fear that if they wait too long slots in the Big West will be in high demand. If the WAC folds San Jose and Hawaii might have to go independent in football they would try to get into the Big West and Bakersfield is in the mix too. The BSC situation needs to be settled ASAP!

[Screamin_Eagle174]

I'm wondering when Sac St. will ask to go the the BW for other sports or just leave for the WAC. Not asking for a BW other sports home=future WAC invite that will be accepted? Hell we all know the WAC would invite them. I think my old Jr. College got invited to the WAC last week.

It could also be that they are waiting until the 12th team is named to the Big Sky. That team could cover the Hornets slot in the other sports. I fear that if they wait too long slots in the Big West will be in high demand. If the WAC folds San Jose and Hawaii might have to go independent in football they would try to get into the Big West and Bakersfield is in the mix too. The BSC situation needs to be settled ASAP!

I would think that Sac would have to get permish from the commish, and that's not going to happen. He's stated that he wants a 12/10 setup for football and all other sports, respectively.

[EWURanger]

I think everyone is in agreeance that SUU is the only current FCS team that makes sense geographically. That said, why haven't they already gotten the invite?

The only logical explaination is that Fullerton is waiting this out to see how things develop with the WAC and in the west in general. He has stated that he doesn't think anything will be resolved before December. There are a lot of scenarios that could potentially play out in relation to the WAC........(Hawaii indie for football, Utah State to the MWC, La Tech to the Sunbelt)....if even one of these happens, the WAC's days are numbered. So this is probably what they are waiting on. If the WAC folds, there potentially could be a couple schools that fit the BSC footprint looking for a home. I also don't see 3 BSC teams making the jump to FBS, invite or not. How many schools are really willing to shell out millions of dollars a year more to join a conference whose future is in serious question? How many BSC can really afford such a move? I don't know about Sac, but I have spoken to several Portland State folks who believe that there is no chance they will be making any kind of move anytime soon. They have said the money is not there.......(correct me if I am wrong PSU folks). The situation at Montana is probably slightly different, but IMO, the strengthening of the conference with the addition of the 2 Cali schools will make schools that were on the fence even more hesitant to move.

Contrary to what many of the "move-uppers" and WAC-heads would have you believe, the BSC will only be strengthened through all of this conference re-alignment stuff. We have already seen it with the addition of UC-Davis and Cal-Poly, albeit that they will be football-only members. The more the big BCS conferences align themselves to keep out the lower-tier FBS schools from the big money and bowl games, the more viable an option FCS is going to become for schools that struggle to compete and make ends meet at the FBS level. FCS is going to become more relevant over the next few years, not less. Fullerton has also hinted at this in his various interviews.

On the flip side, if the WAC doesn't fold, and somehow convinces one or two BSC schools to accept invites, then SUU is most certainly a shoe-in for admission. Even if the WAC does fold, Idaho and the others could try to go the Sun Belt (or Conference USA, or whatever) route; in which case SUU would still get the invite, IMO.

One thing that I am fairly certain of is that the next member to join will be an all-sports inclusion to protect against any possible defections.

We'll just have to wait and see how it plays out.

[Wildcat Ryan]

I think everyone is in agreeance that SUU is the only current FCS team that makes sense geographically. That said, why haven't they already gotten the invite?

The only logical explaination is that Fullerton is waiting this out to see how things develop with the WAC and in the west in general. He has stated that he doesn't think anything will be resolved before December. There are a lot of scenarios that could potentially play out in relation to the WAC........(Hawaii indie for football, Utah State to the MWC, La Tech to the Sunbelt)....if even one of these happens, the WAC's days are numbered. So this is probably what they are waiting on. If the WAC folds, there potentially could be a couple schools that fit the BSC footprint looking for a home. I also don't see 3 BSC teams making the jump to FBS, invite or not. How many schools are really willing to shell out millions of dollars a year more to join a conference whose future is in serious question? How many BSC can really afford such a move? I don't know about Sac, but I have spoken to several Portland State folks who believe that there is no chance they will be making any kind of move anytime soon. They have said the money is not there.......(correct me if I am wrong PSU folks). The situation at Montana is probably slightly different, but IMO, the strengthening of the conference with the addition of the 2 Cali schools will make schools that were on the fence even more hesitant to move.

Contrary to what many of the "move-uppers" and WAC-heads would have you believe, the BSC will only be strengthened through all of this conference re-alignment stuff. We have already seen it with the addition of UC-Davis and Cal-Poly, albeit that they will be football-only members. The more the big BCS conferences align themselves to keep out the lower-tier FBS schools from the big money and bowl games, the more viable an option FCS is going to become for schools that struggle to compete and make ends meet at the FBS level. FCS is going to become more relevant over the next few years, not less. Fullerton has also hinted at this in his various interviews.

On the flip side, if the WAC doesn't fold, and somehow convinces one or two BSC schools to accept invites, then SUU is most certainly a shoe-in for admission. Even if the WAC does fold, Idaho and the others could try to go the Sun Belt (or Conference USA, or whatever) route; in which case SUU would still get the invite, IMO.

One thing that I am fairly certain of is that the next member to join will be an all-sports inclusion to protect against any possible defections.

We'll just have to wait and see how it plays out.

Well said Ranger

[Screamin_Eagle174]

I think everyone is in agreeance that SUU is the only current FCS team that makes sense geographically. That said, why haven't they already gotten the invite?

The only logical explaination is that Fullerton is waiting this out to see how things develop with the WAC and in the west in general. He has stated that he doesn't think anything will be resolved before December. There are a lot of scenarios that could potentially play out in relation to the WAC........(Hawaii indie for football, Utah State to the MWC, La Tech to the Sunbelt)....if even one of these happens, the WAC's days are numbered. So this is probably what they are waiting on. If the WAC folds, there potentially could be a couple schools that fit the BSC footprint looking for a home. I also don't see 3 BSC teams making the jump to FBS, invite or not. How many schools are really willing to shell out millions of dollars a year more to join a conference whose future is in serious question? How many BSC can really afford such a move? I don't know about Sac, but I have spoken to several Portland State folks who believe that there is no chance they will be making any kind of move anytime soon. They have said the money is not there.......(correct me if I am wrong PSU folks). The situation at Montana is probably slightly different, but IMO, the strengthening of the conference with the addition of the 2 Cali schools will make schools that were on the fence even more hesitant to move.

Contrary to what many of the "move-uppers" and WAC-heads would have you believe, the BSC will only be strengthened through all of this conference re-alignment stuff. We have already seen it with the addition of UC-Davis and Cal-Poly, albeit that they will be football-only members. The more the big BCS conferences align themselves to keep out the lower-tier FBS schools from the big money and bowl games, the more viable an option FCS is going to become for schools that struggle to compete and make ends meet at the FBS level. FCS is going to become more relevant over the next few years, not less. Fullerton has also hinted at this in his various interviews.

On the flip side, if the WAC doesn't fold, and somehow convinces one or two BSC schools to accept invites, then SUU is most certainly a shoe-in for admission. Even if the WAC does fold, Idaho and the others could try to go the Sun Belt (or Conference USA, or whatever) route; in which case SUU would still get the invite, IMO.

One thing that I am fairly certain of is that the next member to join will be an all-sports inclusion to protect against any possible defections.

We'll just have to wait and see how it plays out.

OR, there are simply more logistics to figure out and red-tape to go through for inclusion in all sports, which the BSC and SUU are still working on before they can make the announcement.

[SDHornet]

...FCS is going to become more relevant over the next few years, not less...

You had me up until there. If the BCS conferences morph into super 16-member conferences, they will essentially corner the most lucrative TV deals ever seen at the collegiate level. If those conferences do that and get smart enough to create a playoff, kiss any attention from casual fans for schools not included in those conferences goodbye.

[Fresno St. Alum]

I'm wondering when Sac St. will ask to go the the BW for other sports or just leave for the WAC. Not asking for a BW other sports home=future WAC invite that will be accepted? Hell we all know the WAC would invite them. I think my old Jr. College got invited to the WAC last week.

It could also be that they are waiting until the 12th team is named to the Big Sky. That team could cover the Hornets slot in the other sports. I fear that if they wait too long slots in the Big West will be in high demand. If the WAC folds San Jose and Hawaii might have to go independent in football they would try to get into the Big West and Bakersfield is in the mix too. The BSC situation needs to be settled ASAP!

If the WAC dies, SJSU will get the 10th spot but I think they'd go to 12, they did it before in the 90s. Taking Sac St. and CS Bakersfield or Hawaii. I just don't see the CSU/UC bus league allowing Hawaii in even if they do give them money.

I guess the Sky could block Sac St. from leaving in other sports but it seems like bs since UCD and CP can.

[Green Cookie Monster]

According to a SLO Tribune blog, the BW Commish had to assure the BSC and Fullerton that they wouldnt take Sac State as a member since Sac is a core member of the Sky. Sounds like BS to me and it smells like double standard. If this is true, I really hope we go to the WAC just as a matter of principle.

http://www.bigskyfans.com/hornets/viewt ... ?f=4&t=957" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Green Laser]

I doubt this report. Why would Fullerton have to make any kind of agreement with the Big West?
The Big West does not sponsor football , Poly and davis are only going to the Big Sky for football would it the Big West concern them? Fullerton would have had discussions with the Great West since the move affects them, as far as I know the Great West and Big West are not connected.

[SloStang]

I doubt this report. Why would Fullerton have to make any kind of agreement with the Big West?
The Big West does not sponsor football , Poly and davis are only going to the Big Sky for football would it the Big West concern them? Fullerton would have had discussions with the Great West since the move affects them, as far as I know the Great West and Big West are not connected.

The Big West commissioner talk with Fullerton to help secure Cal Poly and UC Davis a place in the Big Sky for football so that they would not take all their sports to another conference like the WAC. I believe both commissioners were worried about losing teams to the WAC and did something that made both conferences stronger.

[Cap'n Cat]

I doubt this report. Why would Fullerton have to make any kind of agreement with the Big West?
The Big West does not sponsor football , Poly and davis are only going to the Big Sky for football would it the Big West concern them? Fullerton would have had discussions with the Great West since the move affects them, as far as I know the Great West and Big West are not connected.

The Big West commissioner talk with Fullerton to help secure Cal Poly and UC Davis a place in the Big Sky for football so that they would not take all their sports to another conference like the WAC. I believe both commissioners were worried about losing teams to the WAC and did something that made both conferences stronger.

John,
How do, old friend?! When the Poly boys coming back to Madison???

[Green Laser]

I doubt this report. Why would Fullerton have to make any kind of agreement with the Big West?
The Big West does not sponsor football , Poly and davis are only going to the Big Sky for football would it the Big West concern them? Fullerton would have had discussions with the Great West since the move affects them, as far as I know the Great West and Big West are not connected.

The Big West commissioner talk with Fullerton to help secure Cal Poly and UC Davis a place in the Big Sky for football so that they would not take all their sports to another conference like the WAC. I believe both commissioners were worried about losing teams to the WAC and did something that made both conferences stronger.

What does that have to do with not allowing Sac State to move to the Big West? You would think all of the Big Sky schools would have had to sign off on letting Poly and davis in especially since partial membership has always been against BSC policy. Our President and AD are pretty sharp I don't think they would sign off on something that continues to penalize us with unnecessary travel while allowing two new schools to come in for football with no obligations to the BSC. The only thing that I can think of is they might know it won't matter since we won't be there long. Time will tell, we will probably know after the 12th member is named.

[EWURanger]

Everyone is acting as if Sac going to the WAC is a foregone conclusion. I haven't seen anything to echo that sentiment. You all must know something I don't.

Also, what happens when/if the WAC no longer exists? You don't find a BSC with 2 more California schools more appealing?

[kemajic]

FCS is going to become more relevant over the next few years, not less. Fullerton has also hinted at this in his various interviews.

This one gets the Dream of the Year Award. And backed up by something Fullerton said, Mr. Credibility himself with no vested interest.....

[EWURanger]

Absolutely, positively no way, no how that EWU, ISU, UNC go FBS. They are small outposts in small markets that dont and cant ever have hope of maintaining a 15K rolling two year average attendance.

You may be right about ISU and UNC, but not EWU. The Spokane area has half a million people, and even more if you include the area in Northern Idaho adjacent to it. The Cheney campus is something like 15 minutes from downtown Spokane on I-90. Although not as large as Sacramento, the market there is nothing like Pocatello, Idaho or Greeley, Colorado - so don't try to make the comparison.

The problem isn't that we're in a "small media market", as you claim. The problem is we have three other Division I schools (WSU, Idaho, Gonzaga) along with a number of smaller schools and professional sports teams that we compete against for attendance and support. If we were a higher profile conference, things might be different, but sports fans in Spokane for the most part are more interested in Pac-10 football and Gonzaga hoops. Of course, things will get better with better facilities and better marketing, but this will always be a challenge for EWU barring some major changes.

[EWURanger]

FCS is going to become more relevant over the next few years, not less. Fullerton has also hinted at this in his various interviews.

This one gets the Dream of the Year Award. And backed up by something Fullerton said, Mr. Credibility himself with no vested interest.....

Believe what you want, it's just my opinion. We'll see what happens over the next few months, but the current climate in the west seems to support my opinion.

And in terms of credibility, I take most of what you "move-uppers" say with a grain of salt anyway, as many will either just make things up to support their argument or automatically dismiss anything that seems positive for the Big Sky or FCS. You've made your agenda well known.

[Fresno St. Alum]

Everyone is acting as if Sac going to the WAC is a foregone conclusion. I haven't seen anything to echo that sentiment. You all must know something I don't.

Also, what happens when/if the WAC no longer exists? You don't find a BSC with 2 more California schools more appealing?

If the WAC 6 or 5 w/o Hawaii decide to stick together UTSA, Texas St., Montana, Sac St. are getting invites. Montana is the only one that might turn it down

The 2 Texas schools are picked to ease NMSU and La Tech. Sac St. for SJSU and Hawaii. Montana for Idaho and Utah St.(hell for everyone they're the best add from FCS)

La Tech to CUSA is a pipe dream. They would likely get passed over by Temple, MTSU, FAU and UNT if Houston and UTEP go to the MWC. La Tech to the Sun Belt, might happen. Their commish says they are happy with the 10/12 setup. I don't know how they could be happy with Denver but that's what he said.

[EWURanger]

Everyone is acting as if Sac going to the WAC is a foregone conclusion. I haven't seen anything to echo that sentiment. You all must know something I don't.

Also, what happens when/if the WAC no longer exists? You don't find a BSC with 2 more California schools more appealing?

If the WAC 6 or 5 w/o Hawaii decide to stick together UTSA, Texas St., Montana, Sac St. are getting invites. Montana is the only one that might turn it down

The 2 Texas schools are picked to ease NMSU and La Tech. Sac St. for SJSU and Hawaii. Montana for Idaho and Utah St.(hell for everyone they're the best add from FCS)

La Tech to CUSA is a pipe dream. They would likely get passed over by Temple, MTSU, FAU and UNT if Houston and UTEP go to the MWC. La Tech to the Sun Belt, might happen. Their commish says they are happy with the 10/12 setup. I don't know how they could be happy with Denver but that's what he said.

So the WAC is going to back-fill Boise State, Nevada, Fresno State, and possibly Hawaii with 3 FCS schools and a school that hasn't even played a game of football yet? Sounds like grasping at straws to me.

[EWURanger]

...FCS is going to become more relevant over the next few years, not less...

You had me up until there. If the BCS conferences morph into super 16-member conferences, they will essentially corner the most lucrative TV deals ever seen at the collegiate level. If those conferences do that and get smart enough to create a playoff, kiss any attention from casual fans for schools not included in those conferences goodbye.

I agree with your assessment. Perhaps I didn't word it correctly, but the point I was trying to make is that once what you described happens.....there will be very little incentive for the non-BCS FBS schools, especially those who are already struggling with things as-is, to stay at that level. I.E. why FCS becomes more relevant and a more attractive option for some schools, IMO. Some could find that it may be more cost effective and better for their programs all-around to take a step down to FCS football and have a chance to compete, while still maintaining all their other sports at the Division I level.

[Green Laser]

Everyone is acting as if Sac going to the WAC is a foregone conclusion. I haven't seen anything to echo that sentiment. You all must know something I don't.

Also, what happens when/if the WAC no longer exists? You don't find a BSC with 2 more California schools more appealing?

I have nothing against Poly and davis in the BSC, I think it’s a plus for the league and especially for us.
My point is that Sac State has been in the Big Sky for 14 years and since 2001 when Northridge left have been the only BSC connection to the California media market which has also helped all of the league schools to recruit in the talent rich state. After paying our BSC dues for all this time as a full member basically to have a secure home for our football program, why would we be denied the same consideration that the two new schools are offered. I am not a big fan of going to the present WAC, the Sacramento area has always had a strong connection with Fresno State and Nevada Reno, once they left the WAC it became less appealing. I am sure the same goes for davis and Poly. I was simply speculating that if a move to some type of reformed WAC is in the works a move to the Big West would be a moot point. Apparently Seattle and Denver have tried to get into the BSC as non football members. Why couldn’t they be admitted and allow us to go to Big West for the other sports , save money on travel and play schools that we have a stronger connection with?

[Fresno St. Alum]

If the WAC 6 or 5 w/o Hawaii decide to stick together UTSA, Texas St., Montana, Sac St. are getting invites. Montana is the only one that might turn it down

The 2 Texas schools are picked to ease NMSU and La Tech. Sac St. for SJSU and Hawaii. Montana for Idaho and Utah St.(hell for everyone they're the best add from FCS)

La Tech to CUSA is a pipe dream. They would likely get passed over by Temple, MTSU, FAU and UNT if Houston and UTEP go to the MWC. La Tech to the Sun Belt, might happen. Their commish says they are happy with the 10/12 setup. I don't know how they could be happy with Denver but that's what he said.

So the WAC is going to back-fill Boise State, Nevada, Fresno State, and possibly Hawaii with 3 FCS schools and a school that hasn't even played a game of football yet? Sounds like grasping at straws to me.

Yeah, they have no choice, the other option is to fold, everyone (maybe minus Hawaii) is against that. It still might happen but they'll try and do what it takes to stay a conf. UTSA and Texas St. are begging for FBS invites. UTSA wanted to be FBS Indy if they couldn't get a conf. The NCAA made a rule change saying you need a conf. to move FBS now so this is their only option. No other conf other than the BE wanting Nova has inquired about FCS schools moving up.

[EWURanger]

Everyone is acting as if Sac going to the WAC is a foregone conclusion. I haven't seen anything to echo that sentiment. You all must know something I don't.

Also, what happens when/if the WAC no longer exists? You don't find a BSC with 2 more California schools more appealing?

I have nothing against Poly and davis in the BSC, I think it’s a plus for the league and especially for us.
My point is that Sac State has been in the Big Sky for 14 years and since 2001 when Northridge left have been the only BSC connection to the California media market which has also helped all of the league schools to recruit in the talent rich state. After paying our BSC dues for all this time as a full member basically to have a secure home for our football program, why would we be denied the same consideration that the two new schools are offered. I am not a big fan of going to the present WAC, the Sacramento area has always had a strong connection with Fresno State and Nevada Reno, once they left the WAC it became less appealing. I am sure the same goes for davis and Poly. I was simply speculating that if a move to some type of reformed WAC is in the works a move to the Big West would be a moot point. Apparently Seattle and Denver have tried to get into the BSC as non football members. Why couldn’t they be admitted and allow us to go to Big West for the other sports , save money on travel and play schools that we have a stronger connection with?

Fair points. It is, indeed, a double standard.

[SDHornet]

I have nothing against Poly and davis in the BSC, I think it’s a plus for the league and especially for us.
My point is that Sac State has been in the Big Sky for 14 years and since 2001 when Northridge left have been the only BSC connection to the California media market which has also helped all of the league schools to recruit in the talent rich state. After paying our BSC dues for all this time as a full member basically to have a secure home for our football program, why would we be denied the same consideration that the two new schools are offered. I am not a big fan of going to the present WAC, the Sacramento area has always had a strong connection with Fresno State and Nevada Reno, once they left the WAC it became less appealing. I am sure the same goes for davis and Poly. I was simply speculating that if a move to some type of reformed WAC is in the works a move to the Big West would be a moot point. Apparently Seattle and Denver have tried to get into the BSC as non football members. Why couldn’t they be admitted and allow us to go to Big West for the other sports , save money on travel and play schools that we have a stronger connection with?

Fair points. It is, indeed, a double standard.

Yeah we won't really know until all this realignment stuff settles down. I honestly think the Sac State admin isn't think about the Big West issue due to WAC issue. Once any decision is made regarding the WAC, I have to believe they will turn their focus on the Big West if the WAC is unattainable/unappealing.

[Green Cookie Monster]

Everyone is acting as if Sac going to the WAC is a foregone conclusion. I haven't seen anything to echo that sentiment. You all must know something I don't.

Also, what happens when/if the WAC no longer exists? You don't find a BSC with 2 more California schools more appealing?

I have nothing against Poly and davis in the BSC, I think it’s a plus for the league and especially for us.
My point is that Sac State has been in the Big Sky for 14 years and since 2001 when Northridge left have been the only BSC connection to the California media market which has also helped all of the league schools to recruit in the talent rich state. After paying our BSC dues for all this time as a full member basically to have a secure home for our football program, why would we be denied the same consideration that the two new schools are offered. I am not a big fan of going to the present WAC, the Sacramento area has always had a strong connection with Fresno State and Nevada Reno, once they left the WAC it became less appealing. I am sure the same goes for davis and Poly. I was simply speculating that if a move to some type of reformed WAC is in the works a move to the Big West would be a moot point. Apparently Seattle and Denver have tried to get into the BSC as non football members. Why couldn’t they be admitted and allow us to go to Big West for the other sports , save money on travel and play schools that we have a stronger connection with?

Well spoken.

[collegesportsinfo]

It could also be that they are waiting until the 12th team is named to the Big Sky. That team could cover the Hornets slot in the other sports. I fear that if they wait too long slots in the Big West will be in high demand. If the WAC folds San Jose and Hawaii might have to go independent in football they would try to get into the Big West and Bakersfield is in the mix too. The BSC situation needs to be settled ASAP!

If the WAC dies, SJSU will get the 10th spot but I think they'd go to 12, they did it before in the 90s. Taking Sac St. and CS Bakersfield or Hawaii. I just don't see the CSU/UC bus league allowing Hawaii in even if they do give them money.

I guess the Sky could block Sac St. from leaving in other sports but it seems like bs since UCD and CP can.

Actually FSA, Hawaii would be a fine fit in the Big West. Yes, they'd still have to help out with the travel costs for visiting schools. That is expected. But they'd save millions being in the Big West. Teams would literally only have to fly from Hawaii to (2) markets: Los Angeles & San Francisco. That's 5 airports in LA and 3 in the Bay Area. Much better costs than having to fly to Spokane (Idaho,) Salt Lake City, Louisiana, El Paso (NMSU), or even worse in the WAC-16 days with the Texas schools.