93henfan wrote:kalm wrote:
Perhaps you should have titled the thread, the CAA doesn’t look as good as it used to?
No. Everyone looks worse, except NDSU.
I watched EWU vs Idaho a couple of weeks ago.
No offense, but you guys suck. Almost as much as Delaware. And that was in a dominating game. I didn't see any of the strength, speed, power, or intensity that NDSU displayed while it was two-holing the Hens.
In fact EWU at #5 in Stats' poll is even more an indictment of FCS than Delaware at #11.
No offense taken. We've been reduced to a team that is run heavy and holds opponents to 15 ppg. BORING!
We sucked in 2010 too. Couldn't play defense, Big Fluffy schedule, etc.
With NDSU as your metric, the answer is closer to yes. But how good NDSU is vs. does the FCS suck compared to the glory days of the CAA are too different questions. The Bizon two-holed us last year as well. The year before, we really should have beat them in Fargo and that was one of the worst defenses we've ever had. If NDSU is really that good, than surely JMU and SDSU are terrific as well.
It's all about perspective. I see middle to bottom of the pack Big Sky teams picking off MWC and Pac 12's. I see a fricking OVC team going toe to toe with the SEC. I see athletes across the board that are significantly bigger, faster, and more talented than 15 years ago. Start up schools like Chuck South and Kennesaw quickly becoming competitive.
Some of that is recruiting which has been made easier with technology and also helped by the ability of schools to market and broadcast FCS which helps with branding. A kid from California 1500 miles away, more than likely never watched a Montana State or Eastern Washington game 15 years ago. Had no clue how beautifully the Gallatin range backdropped Bobcat Stadium or how gorgeous red turf was. Some of it is improved athletic training, facilities, film study, and nutrition.
Your eyeballs tell you one thing and mine tell me another. I see more NFL talent than ever come to Cheney, both Eastern players and opposing teams. I see us regularly competing with Pac-12 schools which has never happened before. Big Sky teams are winning recruiting battles against the FCS. I see more than one CAA actually displaying a modern passing game at times with more than one QB who can throw it 30 yards in the air.
