Gridiron Classic

[aceinthehole]

The is the first "confirmed" report that the NEC will send its runner-up to the GIC. I'm not suggesting this is a done deal, but this is what is being reported by Tony Grahm, Monmouth beat writer for the Asbury Park Press, on his blog.

The 2010 campaign also marks the first in which the NEC regular season champion will
gain an automatic berth in Football Championship Subdivision (formerly 1-AA) playoffs.

The NEC runner up will host the annual Gridiron Classic vs. the Pioneer League
champion.

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[danefan]

Interesting. This is the first time the GIC ounds good to me. We're not kidding anybody, the NEC isn't getting 2 teams in the playoffs for a long time, if ever. Giving the second place team a bowl game is a pretty good idea actually.

I just wish it was with the Patriot league instead of the PFL. Nothing against the PFL, but the long road trips every other year in December are arduous, especially considering they haven't been trips to San Diego in a while.

[DetroitFlyer]

Ugh, please do not let this be true. What a complete waste of time for the PFL this would be IMHO. Less than nothing to gain, and a ton to lose. The PFL needs to be laser focused on gaining an autobid. Although not likely, losing to a second place NEC team will do nothing to further that goal. Winning will not either. I sincerely hope this is just lazy, (and bad), reporting!

[danefan]

Ugh, please do not let this be true. What a complete waste of time for the PFL this would be IMHO. Less than nothing to gain, and a ton to lose. The PFL needs to be laser focused on gaining an autobid. Although not likely, losing to a second place NEC team will do nothing to further that goal. Winning will not either. I sincerely hope this is just lazy, (and bad), reporting!

I would feel the same way if I were a PFL fan. Does nothing for the PFL. Maybe the PFL is keeping it going so they can then send their 2nd place team when you get the AQ?

That wouldn't be a bad move.

[CoachL]

Ugh, please do not let this be true. What a complete waste of time for the PFL this would be IMHO. Less than nothing to gain, and a ton to lose. The PFL needs to be laser focused on gaining an autobid. Although not likely, losing to a second place NEC team will do nothing to further that goal. Winning will not either. I sincerely hope this is just lazy, (and bad), reporting!

I agree with DF 100%.

Ugh.

The only possible positive thing for me personally would be the outside chance of a Butler - Duquesne matchup. That would be pretty cool for Butler to come out to Pittsburgh this year.

[aceinthehole]

NEC fans - great news! Any at-large bids for the NEC is a long shot, and this is an opportunity to get 2 teams a postseason game. Really no downside, even in a loss. The PFL has proven to be a tough foe and to keep this continuing is great news.

PFL fans - it is disapointing, but it's better than sitting at home. The extra practices and post season game is good, even though it's a bowl game and not the playoffs. While I think the PFL may get its AQ status eventually, it will likely take a few years. I think it's better to have this opportunity and give your teams something to strive for outside of conference play. Take the 'chip on the shoulder' mentality and prove to the nation that the PFL is very good FCS football.

DF - I'm only citing Tony Grahm, but I'm sure if you emailed him or the PFL office you could get this confirmed. He's a respectable reporter and I doubut this is lazy reporting.