Is it time to leave MVC for an FBS conference (MAC or CUSA)?

[TBS_20]

Starting their own FBS League like I've read in here isn't really realistic, unfortunately and the Sun Belt is much improved and not a realistic jump for ISU. However, I agree it's time to move on. With Loyola leaving and the continual stream of our best teams leaving it's clear that the MVC will never take the next step. ISU's only way up it seems is by going to a crap FBS conference and proving they deserve to go yet another level up. And, ISU shouldn't attach itself to anyone but maybe Missouri State. The other publics have declining enrollment.

 

[isuquinndog]

You do understand that the investment needed in football for any one to even *think* about taking us in FBS football would be pretty high?

 

[TBS_20]

You do understand that the investment needed in football for any one to even *think* about taking us in FBS football would be pretty high?

Yes, it's estimated the jump to be up to $5-million more per year in expenses according to WKU's move up. Now, the 'Birds need about 7,000 more seats though. But, they could get somewhat temporary seating for cheaper until they find a permanent solution.

 

[isuquinndog]

Yes, it's estimated the jump to be up to $5-million more per year in expenses according to WKU's move up. Now, the 'Birds need about 7,000 more seats though. But, they could get somewhat temporary seating for cheaper until they find a permanent solution.

I just haven't seen any signals from admin that this is something they are even thinking about.

But assuming they are, I don't want the MAC. In my opinion, they are an FBS version of the MVC.

 

[Baltimore Bird]

Let's say we get 7000 more seats....Who is going to sit in them?
I don't see people coming to see teams in the Sunbelt or most of the MAC.

 

[MadBird]

I just haven't seen any signals from admin that this is something they are even thinking about.

But assuming they are, I don't want the MAC. In my opinion, they are an FBS version of the MVC.

On thing about the MAC, compared to MVC - they have had pretty damn steady membership over the years. When they have made changes, they've generally added not subtracted. Not sure what that says exactly, but I do like the more steady membership.

 

[TBS_20]

Let's say we get 7000 more seats....Who is going to sit in them?
I don't see people coming to see teams in the Sunbelt or most of the MAC.

we average 11.5 per game as of 2019. we only need 15 to be bought to become eligible for fbs. i would think a 3.5 increase would be easy jumping up. im sure people would rather watch western michigan over youngstown state or western illinois. im not going to stay just because NDSU is a great watch once every two years

 

[TheTruth]

I just haven't seen any signals from admin that this is something they are even thinking about.

Agreed, in typical Illinois State fashion the administration is sitting idly by while the world of college athletics races past.

 

[gobirds85]

In regards to football, just my two cents here, but I see the power 5 conferences breaking off from the ncaa to form their own alliance. This would allow them to negotiate their own tv deals and create their own bylaws. The ncaa needs them, more than they need the ncaa.

Then, the ncaa creates a D1 scenario blending in the remaining FBS schools with FCS schools that want to jump up. Maybe even cut the number of scholarships to make it easier on the colleges. Just a thought.

Whatever happens will be based purely on the almighty $$$.

 

[TBS_20]

In regards to football, just my two cents here, but I see the power 5 conferences breaking off from the ncaa to form their own alliance. This would allow them to negotiate their own tv deals and create their own bylaws. The ncaa needs them, more than they need the ncaa.

Then, the ncaa creates a D1 scenario blending in the remaining FBS schools with FCS schools that want to jump up. Maybe even cut the number of scholarships to make it easier on the colleges. Just a thought.

Whatever happens will be based purely on the almighty $$$.

1. Illinois State would make more moving up if they prove themselves.
2. That's why is needed to make the move up now so we can prove ourselves before they break off. In a sense it doesnt matter if we leave the MVC and try in a shit FBS conference because if we dont make the cut then it really wont matter what conference youre in after that.

 

[topiarydan]

The Ncaa should lower enforcement standards and let mvc be fbs - hence we can poach Memphis, Tulsa, Ark State, NIU, WKU and Ball St.

 

[gobirds85]

How does everyone feel about MACtion on Tuesday and Wednesday nights? I know it's not ideal for tailgating and fans in general, but the tv $$$ is apparently enticing enough that the MAC Presidents and ADs have signed on. I have no idea what the breakdown is financially for the schools but they seem to like being on tv with very little attendance.

 

[TBS_20]

How does everyone feel about MACtion on Tuesday and Wednesday nights? I know it's not ideal for tailgating and fans in general, but the tv $$$ is apparently enticing enough that the MAC Presidents and ADs have signed on. I have no idea what the breakdown is financially for the schools but they seem to like being on tv with very little attendance.

As long as we're trying to improve our stock I don't care when the play. They can play at 430AM Wednesday mornings after the mypillow infomercial

 

[Redbird60451]

How does everyone feel about MACtion on Tuesday and Wednesday nights? I know it's not ideal for tailgating and fans in general, but the tv $$$ is apparently enticing enough that the MAC Presidents and ADs have signed on. I have no idea what the breakdown is financially for the schools but they seem to like being on tv with very little attendance.

Better to be on ESPN2, nationally 2/3 times a year, plus the actual financial payout and being the only game in town on those nights. Or on Saturday on ESPN3 and hope your fans can find you after clicking through the list of 100's of other other games. I was watching that NIU/Buffalo game last night, there was no one in the stands, but I bet it did very well ratings wise, which is where the real money is now. I'd much rather be part of MACtion right now, the chance to be on TV multiple times for football. For basketball, it's just moving from a 1 bid league to another 1 bid league, probably the same money TV wise for basketball. It doesn't really drop us down in stature, the Cinderella story of winning a game in the tournament would be the same, little conference beats a big conference. Your away games are all about the same distance as it is today, and Des Moines vs Toledo, is there really any difference? Evansville vs Muncie. Yeah all destination cities, storied programs with this great history.

 

[Birdfriend72]

You do understand that the investment needed in football for any one to even *think* about taking us in FBS football would be pretty high?

Does ND State make money with their football program? I was told that they struggle to stay above water even though they dominate. It makes 0 sense to have an expensive toy that sucks the funds from an athletic program- when you already have a D1 basketball program!

 

[Redbird82]

In the past I have been against going FBS because cost, and you couldn’t achieve anything outside the P5 and it’s a pipe dream that the Big 12 was going to eventually take us. However IF they are going to expand the playoffs to 12 and always have at least 1 non P5 team then you have a realistic goal. You have a shot at the big time playoffs that everyone watches. I think Conference USA is better than the MAC at giving you that shot.

 

[MadBird]

How does everyone feel about MACtion on Tuesday and Wednesday nights? I know it's not ideal for tailgating and fans in general, but the tv $$$ is apparently enticing enough that the MAC Presidents and ADs have signed on. I have no idea what the breakdown is financially for the schools but they seem to like being on tv with very little attendance.

I have no interest in seeing the boys play during the week, it's one of the dumber things I've seen. Who the hell are they playing ball for?? Students and alums and townies aren't going to show up for weeknight ballgames. Parents of the players, how inconvenient for them. It's a true sell-out. So what if a bunch (and I find it hard to believe ISU vs. say Bowling Green would draw much of a viewing audience) of football nerds scattered across the country watch your game - sposed to be played for the FANS! I feel the same about Sunday evening basketball games, forget that noise too.

 

[Manchester Matt]

I have no interest in seeing the boys play during the week, it's one of the dumber things I've seen. Who the hell are they playing ball for?? Students and alums and townies aren't going to show up for weeknight ballgames. Parents of the players, how inconvenient for them. It's a true sell-out. So what if a bunch (and I find it hard to believe ISU vs. say Bowling Green would draw much of a viewing audience) of football nerds scattered across the country watch your game - sposed to be played for the FANS! I feel the same about Sunday evening basketball games, forget that noise too.

I watch MAC games every week. I love college football and will take it any time I can get it. Guess I’m a nerd.

 

[jwa123]

Interesting topic but I didn’t vote as basically I don’t have enough information to make a rational vote. I’ve read that going FBS generates more expense than the revenue it generates. I can understand the expense portion of the equation to an extent. Coaches would cost more due to higher salaries and larger staffs. Travel costs most likely increase. Due to the larger number of FBS scholarships the number of women’s scholarships will also have to increase. I have no idea how to quantify the increased expenses but no doubt they go up.

What about the revenue side? Will revenues go up sufficiently enough to offset the increased expenses? I don’t know but from some things I’ve read in the past the answer seems to be no. Would attendance go up significantly if ISU was playing Ball State or Western Kentucky over a game with Northern Iowa? I doubt it. If ISU did go FBS we know they will never go to the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl or any of the NYs Bowls. ISU would go to something like the Armadillo Bowl and from what I’ve read have to pay for that privilege.

I am sure there are posters far more knowledgeable than I about FBS who can post hard data on the financial impact but I am somewhat dubious that going FBS is financially beneficial.

I posted yesterday that I am beginning to think the MVC is not as beneficial to ISU as it was once. From an institutional fit do we fit better with “MAC“ type schools or Valparaiso or say Evansville? It seems the privates are influencing decisions on perhaps an outsize basis. A couple days ago I had an accident on my mountain bike going too fast for my age and then crashing. With either broken or bruised ribs I’ve spent more time perusing the web than the usual person would as it hurts to get up and move about. I’ve read elsewhere that the privates are driving Arlington and Kansas City as they want their names in front of prospective students in major metro markets like those two. Can we as ISU fans get excited about Arlington and Kansas City? I can’t!

So what then? I will end this now as my verbosity is starting to get out of hand. I am nervous about the direction of the MVC. I have my doubts about FBS football - I don’t see it as a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. What I am beginning ponder, however, is an all sports FCS conference an option? Should the MVFC leave the MVC and do their own thing and let the Bradley’s of the world make those trips to Arlington and Kansas City?

 

[jwa123]

The Ncaa should lower enforcement standards and let mvc be fbs - hence we can poach Memphis, Tulsa, Ark State, NIU, WKU and Ball St.

& you think those schools want to be poached??? Please explain why.