Idaho Vandals Back To Big Sky?

[weberwildcat]

Could it happen?

Will it happen?

Should it happen?

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Moderator's note - added question mark to make title not misleading

[SuperHornet]

Probably not. They have internal state politics to worry about. The only chance Idaho drops to FCS is if Boise dropped with them, and I think we all agree that there are about TWO chances that happens: slim and none, and slim just walked out the door.

[EWURanger]

While I don't think UI will move to the Big Sky, I disagree on your reason why, SH.

Idaho and Idaho State are the flagship Universities of the State, not BSU. Idaho State never made the jump with UI and BSU, so why would UI not be able to move back down unless BSU did as well? Doesn't make any sense. It's not a Montana/Montana State scenario.

[GannonFan]

Someone should make a list of teams that have chosen to move from FBS back to FCS. Shouldn't take too long.

[SuperHornet]

While I don't think UI will move to the Big Sky, I disagree on your reason why, SH.

Idaho and Idaho State are the flagship Universities of the State, not BSU. Idaho State never made the jump with UI and BSU, so why would UI not be able to move back down unless BSU did as well? Doesn't make any sense. It's not a Montana/Montana State scenario.

In most states, it probably wouldn't matter, Ranger. But when Boise moved up, there were Vandal folk with influence in the legislature that whined, so the only way Boise was allowed to go up was if they took Idaho with them. It stands to reason that the reverse would happen, too.

That naturally doesn't make sense in Cali, Oregon, or Washington. But Idaho has weird politics.

[SouthDakotaGrizzly]

There is incredible amount of BSU-envy amongst Idaho alums/fans. They will never admit it, but it's there. They left the Big Sky to avoid seeming inferior to BSU and now that BSU is a national powerhouse, the envy is seeping outta their pores. BSU is what Idaho wants to be....moving back to the Big Sky would be an extremely bitter pill to swallow. But it would be friggin' hilarious to watch em choke it down if it ever did happen.

[Mike Johnson]

While I don't think UI will move to the Big Sky, I disagree on your reason why, SH.

Idaho and Idaho State are the flagship Universities of the State, not BSU. Idaho State never made the jump with UI and BSU, so why would UI not be able to move back down unless BSU did as well? Doesn't make any sense. It's not a Montana/Montana State scenario.

I am going to agree with Super Hornet on this one.

For one thing Idaho State is not a flagship university in Idaho. It was originally a technical institute, became a branch campus of Idaho, and then an independent regional college. Idaho fans are much more concerned about the success BSU has had. Idaho fans also have throughout their history seen Idaho State as a level below them.

Note, Montana is the flagship institution and Montana State is the land grant. But, in Idaho, Idaho is both and Idaho State is neither.

For the record, I don't see Idaho dropping down to FCS, anymore than I see USU or NMSU doing so.

[EWURanger]

But, in Idaho, Idaho is both and Idaho State is neither.

And Boise State is neither as well. They've only been a four year school since what, the 70's? Perhaps they are not a land-grant, but Idaho State has a longer history as a University than BSU does. That said, this is why it makes no sense for BSU to be tied to what UI or ISU are doing.

Bottom line is, if the WAC falls apart, Idaho is screwed. There are no other options for them as far as FBS Conferences are concerned, and they would not survive as an independent. No one is going to come play them in the Kibbie Dome in that scenario (other than FCS teams). The Pac-10 wants nothing to do with them, and neither does the MWC apparently.

If it came down to it, I assume they would just drop football rather than go back to the Big Sky. It's really a shame, because there were some great regional rivalries back when they were still around.

EWU used to play them quite a bit even after their move to the Big Jest in '96. They ended the series in 2003 after we beat them in the Kibbie Dome. Hmmm.

Idaho made their bed and now they need to lie in it. Still remember all the smack Vandal fans talked when they jetted. They should have never left the Big Sky.

[Catattack]

The Missoula campus is the flagship institution of the University of Montana System.

The Bozeman campus is the flagship institution of the Montana State University System

[Grizalltheway]

The Missoula campus is the flagship institution of the University of Montana System.

The Bozeman campus is the flagship institution of the Montana State University System

Yet, they're both headed by the same board of regents.

[Catattack]

IMO the term "flagship" is just another BS term that some like to throw around without any basis of fact or validity . It's something that JBB would use .

[SuperHornet]

Mike: Thanks for the backup.

I think that SOME (at least) affiliated with Bozo would object to your characterization of UM as the "flagship." They'll just point to the websites. http://www.montana.edu" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; goes to MSU vice UM.

That's not to say that you're not correct. But for a lot of people, perception is everything.

[kalm]

It's really a shame, because there were some great regional rivalries back when they were still around.

They should have never left the Big Sky.

This.

They have the perfect FCS blueprint: Flagship U of a low population state, decent fan support, nice sized stadium, regional rivalries - five of which are bus trips, and a solid conference that's a good fit for all sports. They are simply not competitive where they are at...in a conference that's failing.

[Sly Fox]

They have the perfect FCS blueprint: Flagship U of a low population state, decent fan support, nice sized stadium, regional rivalries - five of which are bus trips, and a solid conference that's a good fit for all sports. They are simply not competitive where they are at...in a conference that's failing.

I think most of us at FCS schools looking to move up envy the position of the Vandals. It is built for success. Idaho must be embarrassed to have screwed up this golden opportunity.

[lakesbison]

if IDAHO sucks, what does that say about the team that loses 45-0 to them. ouch.

There are 4 teams in fcs that should go FBS>

Appy State, Montana, Delaware, NDSU. everyone else, no.

[GannonFan]

They have the perfect FCS blueprint: Flagship U of a low population state, decent fan support, nice sized stadium, regional rivalries - five of which are bus trips, and a solid conference that's a good fit for all sports. They are simply not competitive where they are at...in a conference that's failing.

I think most of us at FCS schools looking to move up envy the position of the Vandals. It is built for success. Idaho must be embarrassed to have screwed up this golden opportunity.

Envy the Vandals? What have they done and what position are they in to envy? They've been over .500 just once since the turn of the century and they play in a tiny, outdated facility. If you're thinking of moving up, Idaho is a poster child of what not to do.

[kemajic]

FBS envy at its best. Idaho is on track with Akey. Many FCS programs would kill for the 14-12 record Idaho has the last two years in FBS. They will stick to their guns in FBS football; they will not slide back to the minor league.

[EWURanger]

FBS envy at its best. Idaho is on track with Akey. Many FCS programs would kill for the 14-12 record Idaho has the last two years in FBS. They will stick to their guns in FBS football; they will not slide back to the minor league.

Lofty rhetoric from a staunch move-upper.

That's great and all, but what happens if and when either NMSU, La Tech, or both leave the WAC? No one has addressed this. Fact - Idaho would not survive as an independent. Very few FBS teams will go to the Kibbie Dome. So unless they're going to play all their games on the road what other options do they have than the Big Sky? I suppose they could just drop football, but again that's like cutting your nose off to spite your face.

And I don't want to hear any crap about the WAC not going anywhere, because if one or more teams leave that conference is done.

[mlbowl]

The Missoula campus is the flagship institution of the University of Montana System.

The Bozeman campus is the flagship institution of the Montana State University System

Actually, they're both part of the Montana University System.

[Sly Fox]

Let me clarify, most FCS school wouldn't envy the Vandals results ... just their conference affiliation in a regional FBS league where they have the opportunity to make major noise when the stars align like they did for their in-state rival.

[dbackjon]

Let me clarify, most FCS school wouldn't envy the Vandals results ... just their conference affiliation in a regional FBS league where they have the opportunity to make major noise when the stars align like they did for their in-state rival.

I wouldn't call the WAC regional...

[eaglesfootball]

wac definitely isnt "regional", especially after their top 3 teams leave. As far as UI is concerned they wont move down so who cares what they do.

[SUUTbird]

Another option (though its the same situation in terms of envy and pride) is that BYU may eventually join the WAC. The Cougars thought they would become another Notre Dame by going independent as a response to them not being invited by the PAC10 (Cougar fans deny this but its no coincidence that they declared they were going independent after the Utes got the invite). If BYU cant survive as an Indy I see the WAC as a possible destination, this year alone they are playing 5 WAC teams, will just have to wait and see.

[Mike Johnson]

Probably more likely if BYU had joined the WAC in other sports, instead of the WCC. BYU does have a scheduling alliance with the WAC.

Aren't all FBS conferences "regional" just like at any other level? There are no conferences that spread across the country. That said, the WAC is more spread out than any other conference in FBS.

[houndawg]

if IDAHO sucks, what does that say about the team that loses 45-0 to them. ouch.

There are 4 teams in fcs that should go FBS>

Appy State, Montana, Delaware, NDSU. everyone else, no.

Appy and Delaware? Maybe.

Montana and NDSU? Too remote, too thinly populated.

Of those two, Montana would have a better chance because, 1- Nobody wants to travel to North Dakota, especially in the winter, unless they're passing through on their way to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, 2- there isn't enough local talent to compete at that level, and and you need local talent because, 3- recruiting to the area from anywhere is going to take an extremely hard sell to kids that are used to electricity and indoor plumbing and wearing shoes. Kids want to play in the big time, lakes, they don't want to be left standing in the cold with their noses pressed to the glass watching the other kids having fun by the fire.

Montana should stay FCS and NDSU should start playing Canadian schools.