Any FCS schools need to move down or D2 move up

[rowdy]

By looking at the landscape of FCS and D2 football the last few seasons, are there any teams that should move up or down? there's always talk of FCS schools moving up, but there are some quality D2 schools out there that could step up tp FCS and still be competitive. Ind. St. is one that comes to mind as one that should think about a move down, might be better for their program. What does everyoneelse think?

[dbackjon]

Welcome Rowdy. Good to see a SEMO fan.


Indiana State will not move down - to do so, they would have to take the entire department down, and will not take the Basketball program down. I realistically don't see any programs moving down a level, because that means giving up NCAA tourney money.

D2 ups? After the moratorium is up in 2012, I could see North Alabama, Central Washington, Valdosta State and a few others move up. Would love to see West Texas A&M move up.

[ToTheLeft]

Yeah, I'm hoping that one or both of Valdosta and N Alabama will come up and join the Big South. That would be awesome. Presby might wind up going back down at some point... heard rumbling about this but nothing beyond speculation.

[AZGrizFan]

Montana is GONZO in 2012.

[rowdy]

Welcome Rowdy. Good to see a SEMO fan.


Indiana State will not move down - to do so, they would have to take the entire department down, and will not take the Basketball program down. I realistically don't see any programs moving down a level, because that means giving up NCAA tourney money.

D2 ups? After the moratorium is up in 2012, I could see North Alabama, Central Washington, Valdosta State and a few others move up. Would love to see West Texas A&M move up.

I love my Redhawks, just hate to see them struggling in sports across the board except track right now... but I understand your point, schools would take economic hits if they did move down, Just wish there was something they could do to be more competitve. And me personally Im a fan of Northwest Missouri State out of the MIAA in D2. They have been a program at tthe top of the D2 ranks for a few years now with multiple Natl Champship apperances. SEMO and Mo St both have roots in the MIAA...dont know if they are interested in a move or if any conf. are intrerested, but that would be nice. I would also put Grand Valley State with the schools you mentioned

[dbackjon]

NW Mo State and Grand Valley would be good additions as well.

For a school like SEMO, if they moved down, would they go back to MIAA? Seems like the character of the conference has changed somewhat, and would they be able to be more competitive?

[danefan]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Bently in the NEC in the next few years.

There are few teams in FCS conferences now that would be better off moving to the PFL than moving down to DII. I wouldn't at all be surprised to see some teams do that.

[clenz]

Northwest Missouri State would be a great candidate to move up. They pull some of the same players that UNI, MoSt., etc... go after.

[ToTheLeft]

I think North Greenville U. has been looking to move up... not sure how serious they are. They're probably just waiting for the Big South to give them the nod, then they'll come up.

[rowdy]

NW Mo State and Grand Valley would be good additions as well.

For a school like SEMO, if they moved down, would they go back to MIAA? Seems like the character of the conference has changed somewhat, and would they be able to be more competitive?

The landscape in the MIAA has changed since SEMO moved up; but it is stil their natural fit geographically with the other members, the recuriting base would still be the same, and it would renew some battles with old rivals, and I think they would be more competitive. Not that I would want that to happen because I love the make up of the OVC right now, but if it came down to a point of what was the best for the programs, I wouldn't mind. And I've been hearing that Jacksonville State in lookng to move up has anyone heard anything about that or is it just a rumor for now?

[rowdy]

Northwest Missouri State would be a great candidate to move up. They pull some of the same players that UNI, MoSt., etc... go after.

Good point. and their style of play would also work in the FCS level. And you can look at some of the lower levels teams that FCS schools have played and NW easily better than most of them, not being bias but they are building their program up the right way. And the OVC has SIUE as a member now, and they dont field a football team. MO is the only state in the OVC with only one member, that's taking into consideration that Jacksonville St is trying to move up. Just a thought of mine. and I think some schools might be timid because they feel they wont be able to step inand compete right away. Look at WKU; they made the move to the Sun Belt and are struggling adjusting

[Cap'n Cat]

Abilene Christian +

They send lots of guys to the NFL.

[dbackjon]

Jacksonville State wants to move up to keep up with their rival, Troy

[rowdy]

I can see them going to the Sun Belt. By their scheduling the last couple of years, it seems like they are preparing themselves for the move more than just cashing in on the payday. and if they Move to the Sun Belt, it'll add a little intruige. But CUSA is starting to have a feel of the old southwest with all the TX schools

[clenz]

Northwest Missouri State would be a great candidate to move up. They pull some of the same players that UNI, MoSt., etc... go after.

Good point. and their style of play would also work in the FCS level. And you can look at some of the lower levels teams that FCS schools have played and NW easily better than most of them, not being bias but they are building their program up the right way. And the OVC has SIUE as a member now, and they dont field a football team. MO is the only state in the OVC with only one member, that's taking into consideration that Jacksonville St is trying to move up. Just a thought of mine. and I think some schools might be timid because they feel they wont be able to step inand compete right away. Look at WKU; they made the move to the Sun Belt and are struggling adjusting

NWMOST is a great program. I think they would fit into the FCS very well after their transition. I could see them transitioning like SDSU and not NDSU. A lot of talent there.

[rowdy]

I agree. SDSU has fit in and become competitive than NDSU and I also see NW with that same type of impact. I'd like to see them schuedule a SEMO, SIU, MO ST, some regional FCS school so everyone can see how talented they really are

[clenz]

I agree. SDSU has fit in and become competitive than NDSU and I also see NW with that same type of impact. I'd like to see them schuedule a SEMO, SIU, MO ST, some regional FCS school so everyone can see how talented they really are

I'm honestly not sure how many would actually schedule them. I don't think SIU or UNI would to be honest. I would like to see them play Drake or USD though, I think they could get those.

[rowdy]

I agree. SDSU has fit in and become competitive than NDSU and I also see NW with that same type of impact. I'd like to see them schuedule a SEMO, SIU, MO ST, some regional FCS school so everyone can see how talented they really are

I'm honestly not sure how many would actually schedule them. I don't think SIU or UNI would to be honest. I would like to see them play Drake or USD though, I think they could get those.

you're right; and Im 99% sure it would be a road game to garner any type of interest from anyone. Southwest Baptist has played SEMO 2 of the last 3 yrs and played SIU this yr. so if they want to someone would pick them up on the offer

[SuperHornet]

Drop SUU.

Bring up Evangel and Carroll from NAIA and Mt. Union from D-III.

[dgreco]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Bently in the NEC in the next few years.

There are few teams in FCS conferences now that would be better off moving to the PFL than moving down to DII. I wouldn't at all be surprised to see some teams do that.

I am agree and for football it will be a great addition if CCSU and Albany move on. I also think if CCSU moves to America East or another conference it will definitely make the opening for Bentley much easier. 13 teams might require a 14th (possibly Le Moyne) for all sports.