IDK Panite if the above was the best option. Granted UMass AD's have made alot of mistakes through the years and this is not one of the biggest. I'd list going 1AA in the late 70's, not accepting a Big East invite when the league was forming and once a gain a few years later when other A10 programs jumped to the Big East.

The past decision was not made by our current AD, who I heard second hand may not have made the same decision and more inline to your suggestion.

As an UMass football fan, these are stressful times. I do give twice as much to football than basketball, but my donations barely move the needle.