NDSU and the WAC

[youngterrier]

Its not all about football, but NDSU is one of the best FCS teams in the land. Its about other things too. Take a look at this ranking for the Directors Cup. NDSU is the highest ranking FCS program:

1. Stanford
2. North Carolina
3. Ohio State
4. Florida State
5. Penn State
6. Oklahoma State
7. Maryland
8. Cal
9. Duke
10. Virginia
11. Oklahoma
12. Southern Cal
13. Washington
14. Georgetown
14. Notre Dame
16. Michigan
16. Syracuse
18. Oregon
18. Villanova
20. Wisconsin
21. Louisville
22. Indiana
23. New Mexico
24. UCLA
25. Princeton
26. Michigan State
27. Auburn
27. Florida
29. Boston College
30. Minnesota
31. South Carolina
32. Texas
33. UConn
34. Tulsa
35. Central Florida
36. William and Mary
37. Providence
38. West Virginia
39. Va Tech
40. Illinois
41. Texas Tech
42. Creighton
43. Arkansas
44. Alabama
45. Missouri
45. North Dakota State
45. South Florida
48. Nebraska
49. Colorado
50. Delaware

http://www.nacda.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s ... leaseJan12" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

fail

you also forgot Princeton.

[JBB]

Wow, I did skim that list pretty fast. Thanks for clarifying.

It doesn't take anything away from what NDSU has accomplished however. The NDSU athletic programs are emerging as competitive and top level in Division 1.

[SDHornet]

Sac State is tied with 9 other universities for 67th place.

All our points came from men's and women's soccer.

[houndawg]

I think the biggest problem for the Bison would be recruiting competitive FBS level talent. Those guys just aren't going to go to Fargo if they have any other option. Hell, they tell North Dakotan jokes on TV in Montana, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Alberta; jesus, even in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan! Maybe the Bison could hook up with a Canadian conference?

Best thing for NDSU is to stay home and be a big duck in a small pond rather than a laughingstock in the big time.

[JBB]

There are a lot of hurdles to an FBS move for NDSU, laughing stock isnt part of that. Its already been tried by the UND minions when they lambasted NDSU for their announcement to move up. Some of the things you mentioned were at the top of their list as well. In fact I remember you and others saying NDSU couldnt compete.

The fact of the matter is NDSU is having wonderful success with its athletic programs. Without a doubt NDSU has the most rounded and successful college athletic program in the Dakotas. Its not just about football. Its about demonstrated competitiveness in all sports. NDSU is demonstrating that after only a few short years in the division.

My feeling is that even if an FCS invite from the WAC were to come NDSU would say no. If there is an FBS conference NDSU would say yes to it is the Big 12. They are the schools we have a history with.

Im sure if the Big 12 needed us and gave us the call we would say yes. Im also sure the community and state would be thrilled with the opportunity and a new stadium would become a reality. The Fabulous Fargo Dome is perfect for where we are now, a much larger stadium would be needed to be functional as an FBS football team.

NDSU could compete. Our location is no detriment to recruiting now.

[houndawg]

Your zeal is admirable, but recruiting FCS is a little different. If you want to hang in the FBS you have to recruit the top players in Florida, Texas, and California. The kids from those states are not going to Fargo unless they have no other option. North Dakota is to the United States as Rub al Khali is to Saudi Arabia, jb, the top players simply aren't going to elect to play football in the middle of nowhere. Just sayin'....

[Thumper 76]

This AGAIN?!?!?!?

[Gil Dobie]

This AGAIN?!?!?!?

Of course NDSU wouldn't go anywhere without SDSU

[Thumper 76]

This AGAIN?!?!?!?

Of course NDSU wouldn't go anywhere without SDSU

Damn well better not, who else would you have to lean on but your smarter, and better looking little brother university?

[JBB]

I think if a program is committed to excellence the players will come a la Boise State.

Recruiting FCS is the same as FBS. You have to be in the division to have a shot. NDSU is getting a lot of guys now that have interest from FBS schools. If the day ever came when we were needed and got the call to the Big 12 or other FBS conference the players would come.

[kalm]

I think if a program is committed to excellence the players will come a la Boise State.

Recruiting FCS is the same as FBS. You have to be in the division to have a shot. NDSU is getting a lot of guys now that have interest from FBS schools. If the day ever came when we were needed and got the call to the Big 12 or other FBS conference the players would come.

I like how you just say 'screw it, we're jumping right over the WAC, MWC, Sun Belt, and MAC and heading straight to a BCS conference. Who wants us?'

[JBB]

Straight from the Saturday Blitz, College Football Insights and Analysis:

The best option not yet discussed is North Dakota State, a program coming off a run to the FCS semifinals and boasting top 10 national attendance. For those reasons, NDSU could be an attractive option for FBS partnership while WAC membership would benefit the university by placing all its sports under one umbrella. Currently, Bison teams are spread among the Missouri Valley in football, and Summit League for other sports.
http://saturdayblitz.blogspot.com/2011/01/bushwacd.html

I have conjectured on all options for NDSU to play FBS football and get all its sports in one conference. The Big 12 is the most desirable option, and of course the most unlikely, but watch the wrestling team.