Why would the Big East want NIU? It is not going to happen, time to move on.

(03-22-2012 03:50 PM)NIU75 Wrote:  Why would the Big East want NIU? It is not going to happen, time to move on.

You're so right. Its not like we win football games and are located near a major media market. Oh, wait...

stop it with the "major media market" stuff. even at our most successful Chicago media barely talks about NIU. being in Dekalb, NIU is too far removed by distance

(03-24-2012 12:00 AM)huskiealum03 Wrote:  stop it with the "major media market" stuff. even at our most successful Chicago media barely talks about NIU. being in Dekalb, NIU is too far removed by distance

You seem a little confused. The issued at hand isn't how much we get covered (and we get coverage in Chicago), the issue is if the Big East or Big 12 picked up NIU, would they also get a decent foothold in the Chicago market media. The answer is of course yes.

We all enjoyed your confusing negativity though, thanks much.

GO HUSKIES!

(03-24-2012 03:08 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-24-2012 12:00 AM)huskiealum03 Wrote:  stop it with the "major media market" stuff. even at our most successful Chicago media barely talks about NIU. being in Dekalb, NIU is too far removed by distance

You seem a little confused. The issued at hand isn't how much we get covered (and we get coverage in Chicago), the issue is if the Big East or Big 12 picked up NIU, would they also get a decent foothold in the Chicago market media. The answer is of course yes.

We all enjoyed your confusing negativity though, thanks much.

GO HUSKIES!

and why would the answer be yes? a long time big east mainstay as depaul barely gets any news, and they're right in the city. in a pro sports town, you highly overrate the potential coverage a NIU would receive. ultimately, i don't think NIU is as attractive to the big east as you would like to think it is. this whole discussion is just derived off of big east fans discussing who they would like, not even actual official discussions.

(03-24-2012 12:51 PM)huskiealum03 Wrote:  

(03-24-2012 03:08 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-24-2012 12:00 AM)huskiealum03 Wrote:  stop it with the "major media market" stuff. even at our most successful Chicago media barely talks about NIU. being in Dekalb, NIU is too far removed by distance

You seem a little confused. The issued at hand isn't how much we get covered (and we get coverage in Chicago), the issue is if the Big East or Big 12 picked up NIU, would they also get a decent foothold in the Chicago market media. The answer is of course yes.

We all enjoyed your confusing negativity though, thanks much.

GO HUSKIES!

and why would the answer be yes? a long time big east mainstay as depaul barely gets any news, and they're right in the city. in a pro sports town, you highly overrate the potential coverage a NIU would receive. ultimately, i don't think NIU is as attractive to the big east as you would like to think it is. this whole discussion is just derived off of big east fans discussing who they would like, not even actual official discussions.

Well for you one Depaul has sucked at hoops for a while now and secondly they don't play football. And everyone knows football is the primary factor in these choices. You can't tell me that if NIU was regularly playing Boise State in football and UConn in hoops every year they wouldn't have any additional coverage in the Chicago media.

(03-24-2012 01:15 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(03-24-2012 12:51 PM)huskiealum03 Wrote:  

(03-24-2012 03:08 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-24-2012 12:00 AM)huskiealum03 Wrote:  stop it with the "major media market" stuff. even at our most successful Chicago media barely talks about NIU. being in Dekalb, NIU is too far removed by distance

You seem a little confused. The issued at hand isn't how much we get covered (and we get coverage in Chicago), the issue is if the Big East or Big 12 picked up NIU, would they also get a decent foothold in the Chicago market media. The answer is of course yes.

We all enjoyed your confusing negativity though, thanks much.

GO HUSKIES!

and why would the answer be yes? a long time big east mainstay as depaul barely gets any news, and they're right in the city. in a pro sports town, you highly overrate the potential coverage a NIU would receive. ultimately, i don't think NIU is as attractive to the big east as you would like to think it is. this whole discussion is just derived off of big east fans discussing who they would like, not even actual official discussions.

Well for you one Depaul has sucked at hoops for a while now and secondly they don't play football. And everyone knows football is the primary factor in these choices. You can't tell me that if NIU was regularly playing Boise State in football and UConn in hoops every year they wouldn't have any additional coverage in the Chicago media.

And add to that the fact that

1) Depaul is just a Basketball school, so the formula is different, and
2) The local media still kisses Depaul Basketball's ass, even though they have sucked forever.

Sorry Huskietap22, I think I just repeated most of what you said. Great minds think alike I guess. Bottom line is that if there was a true all-sports, Football and Basketball, Big East team in the Chicago area, the Big East would see increased, steady coverage in the Trib and Sun-Times, and the door would open as well, and most importantly, for a Big East TV Network's inclusion in the Chicago area cable and satellite systems.

NIU in Big East. Did well for DePaul.They have been terrible in the Big East, yet have won a few (namely vs. NIU) outside of it. But they shouLD be kicked out anyways by the resident know it alls, since it's all about football, they have no team. That's their whole issue.

Guess it's the same for Georgetown. But they have a lower division team which I guess gets all kinds of attention in DC area. But they succeed since they are in a big market (unlike DePaul) is the thought I guess. No competion from VA, Maryland and and the likes either.

Well I wonder how Marquette is able to achieve success in basketball, w/o a football team. Must be their large market of 1 million. I mean their must be no competition from that school in Madison either.

Chicago is a pro sports town and like it or not, ND town. It isn't Baton Rouge, Knoxville...Cincinnati or Syracuse. It isn't even Rockford or Naperville. It's not a suburb of Chicago. It's a little town, 70 miles from d-town Chicago that might as well be 200. IThey are Chicago's Big East team. NIU would likely make DePaul's 4-5 or so wins in about 3 year's look lofty. It may increase attendence short term for football (NIU and opponent), then perhaps the cry to increas stadium size. But in the long run will raise more questions w/in the fanbase and within the Big East's fanbase itself. They want to come to Chicago for a game, they go to DePaul or ND, not DeKalb. And I am sure NIUs fans will flock (havign to fly for the most part) all over the country to see their football team each week. It's not like NIUs alumni/fans fill the seats already on the road.

Again, DeKalb is NOT Chicago. NIU is trying it's best to get it going here, and doing a better job than the hated school from Champaign. But look at what winning, or lack of has done for them? That is why they got rid of both coaches, and namely for BB when they weren;t getting the support @ UC.They have the largest alumni association in the UNITED STATES, and what, about 100k+ in Chicago? And many of themwent to school there when they had GOOD teams. NIU's alumni? Most don't care, they'd rather go see the Hawks, Bulls, Cubs, Sox or Bears. Again, PRO SPORTS people. Do people really think the entire school will just wake up one day and 12k students will go to every football game? That 3, 4k students will attend every basketball game? That NIU will increase it's fanbase by 50, 100% ? Again, look @ DePaul. They played Louisville in front of about 8k, of which 5k were UL fans. But hey, maybe NIU would get them to go to the Convo I guess?

I don't think they would go for another football only team, unless it is a ND. Plus, what happens to the MAC? It folds? NIU goes to Horizon w/ some, others go to D-I? BIG PICTURE and OTHER SPORTS.

It's all been written before, and those who question it get put down, called names, made fun of, told "you have to take chances", "see the big picture" have to "look upwards." They are all great. But eventually reality sets in and the ultimate decision is not made by anyone on here (well, maybe one or 2 in disguise) but NIU and moreover by the MAC and other conferences officials and their schools.

"Could" football only work? Maybe. Is it worth the "chance?" Maybe. But NIU would have to have all the ducks in a row, a backup plan. Have money to expand the stadium and a plan to get more fans, other than saying"we are in the Big East", printing posters for football games against opponents where home team NIU is afraid to offend the opponent on them. Understand the possiblility, albeit an long shot, NIU could be the DePaul of basketball. And understand the decisiosn and reality all those involved in invites (making them) look at in a school.

And believe me, they are NOT looking at NIU weaing a Michael Turner jersey on a recliner, looking at their Poinsetta Bowl football on the mantel and sipping red and black cool aid. That is the biggest obstacle that is hard for many to accept.

OK enough of this. Spring ball starts tomorrow and we should be focused on our schedule!...oh crap I guess we need that first!

(03-27-2012 10:40 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  NIU in Big East. Did well for DePaul.They have been terrible in the Big East, yet have won a few (namely vs. NIU) outside of it. But they shouLD be kicked out anyways by the resident know it alls, since it's all about football, they have no team. That's their whole issue.

Guess it's the same for Georgetown. But they have a lower division team which I guess gets all kinds of attention in DC area. But they succeed since they are in a big market (unlike DePaul) is the thought I guess. No competion from VA, Maryland and and the likes either.

Well I wonder how Marquette is able to achieve success in basketball, w/o a football team. Must be their large market of 1 million. I mean their must be no competition from that school in Madison either.

Chicago is a pro sports town and like it or not, ND town. It isn't Baton Rouge, Knoxville...Cincinnati or Syracuse. It isn't even Rockford or Naperville. It's not a suburb of Chicago. It's a little town, 70 miles from d-town Chicago that might as well be 200. IThey are Chicago's Big East team. NIU would likely make DePaul's 4-5 or so wins in about 3 year's look lofty. It may increase attendence short term for football (NIU and opponent), then perhaps the cry to increas stadium size. But in the long run will raise more questions w/in the fanbase and within the Big East's fanbase itself. They want to come to Chicago for a game, they go to DePaul or ND, not DeKalb. And I am sure NIUs fans will flock (havign to fly for the most part) all over the country to see their football team each week. It's not like NIUs alumni/fans fill the seats already on the road.

Again, DeKalb is NOT Chicago. NIU is trying it's best to get it going here, and doing a better job than the hated school from Champaign. But look at what winning, or lack of has done for them? That is why they got rid of both coaches, and namely for BB when they weren;t getting the support @ UC.They have the largest alumni association in the UNITED STATES, and what, about 100k+ in Chicago? And many of themwent to school there when they had GOOD teams. NIU's alumni? Most don't care, they'd rather go see the Hawks, Bulls, Cubs, Sox or Bears. Again, PRO SPORTS people. Do people really think the entire school will just wake up one day and 12k students will go to every football game? That 3, 4k students will attend every basketball game? That NIU will increase it's fanbase by 50, 100% ? Again, look @ DePaul. They played Louisville in front of about 8k, of which 5k were UL fans. But hey, maybe NIU would get them to go to the Convo I guess?

I don't think they would go for another football only team, unless it is a ND. Plus, what happens to the MAC? It folds? NIU goes to Horizon w/ some, others go to D-I? BIG PICTURE and OTHER SPORTS.

It's all been written before, and those who question it get put down, called names, made fun of, told "you have to take chances", "see the big picture" have to "look upwards." They are all great. But eventually reality sets in and the ultimate decision is not made by anyone on here (well, maybe one or 2 in disguise) but NIU and moreover by the MAC and other conferences officials and their schools.

"Could" football only work? Maybe. Is it worth the "chance?" Maybe. But NIU would have to have all the ducks in a row, a backup plan. Have money to expand the stadium and a plan to get more fans, other than saying"we are in the Big East", printing posters for football games against opponents where home team NIU is afraid to offend the opponent on them. Understand the possiblility, albeit an long shot, NIU could be the DePaul of basketball. And understand the decisiosn and reality all those involved in invites (making them) look at in a school.

And believe me, they are NOT looking at NIU weaing a Michael Turner jersey on a recliner, looking at their Poinsetta Bowl football on the mantel and sipping red and black cool aid. That is the biggest obstacle that is hard for many to accept.

I disagree with about 80% of what you just said. That job would be easier if you rambled less and left your insecurities out of the mix. Every market is different, but NIU is in a better position market/location-wise than most other non-BCS programs. We should be taking better advantage of it now, and certainly would in a bigger conference.

I'm worn out on conference jump talk, what say we just build a better MAC with better facilities and continue to punch the Big Ten in the face when given the chance. (Starting with Soldier Filed Showdown III)

(03-27-2012 10:49 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-27-2012 10:40 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  NIU in Big East. Did well for DePaul.They have been terrible in the Big East, yet have won a few (namely vs. NIU) outside of it. But they shouLD be kicked out anyways by the resident know it alls, since it's all about football, they have no team. That's their whole issue.

Guess it's the same for Georgetown. But they have a lower division team which I guess gets all kinds of attention in DC area. But they succeed since they are in a big market (unlike DePaul) is the thought I guess. No competion from VA, Maryland and and the likes either.

Well I wonder how Marquette is able to achieve success in basketball, w/o a football team. Must be their large market of 1 million. I mean their must be no competition from that school in Madison either.

Chicago is a pro sports town and like it or not, ND town. It isn't Baton Rouge, Knoxville...Cincinnati or Syracuse. It isn't even Rockford or Naperville. It's not a suburb of Chicago. It's a little town, 70 miles from d-town Chicago that might as well be 200. IThey are Chicago's Big East team. NIU would likely make DePaul's 4-5 or so wins in about 3 year's look lofty. It may increase attendence short term for football (NIU and opponent), then perhaps the cry to increas stadium size. But in the long run will raise more questions w/in the fanbase and within the Big East's fanbase itself. They want to come to Chicago for a game, they go to DePaul or ND, not DeKalb. And I am sure NIUs fans will flock (havign to fly for the most part) all over the country to see their football team each week. It's not like NIUs alumni/fans fill the seats already on the road.

Again, DeKalb is NOT Chicago. NIU is trying it's best to get it going here, and doing a better job than the hated school from Champaign. But look at what winning, or lack of has done for them? That is why they got rid of both coaches, and namely for BB when they weren;t getting the support @ UC.They have the largest alumni association in the UNITED STATES, and what, about 100k+ in Chicago? And many of themwent to school there when they had GOOD teams. NIU's alumni? Most don't care, they'd rather go see the Hawks, Bulls, Cubs, Sox or Bears. Again, PRO SPORTS people. Do people really think the entire school will just wake up one day and 12k students will go to every football game? That 3, 4k students will attend every basketball game? That NIU will increase it's fanbase by 50, 100% ? Again, look @ DePaul. They played Louisville in front of about 8k, of which 5k were UL fans. But hey, maybe NIU would get them to go to the Convo I guess?

I don't think they would go for another football only team, unless it is a ND. Plus, what happens to the MAC? It folds? NIU goes to Horizon w/ some, others go to D-I? BIG PICTURE and OTHER SPORTS.

It's all been written before, and those who question it get put down, called names, made fun of, told "you have to take chances", "see the big picture" have to "look upwards." They are all great. But eventually reality sets in and the ultimate decision is not made by anyone on here (well, maybe one or 2 in disguise) but NIU and moreover by the MAC and other conferences officials and their schools.

"Could" football only work? Maybe. Is it worth the "chance?" Maybe. But NIU would have to have all the ducks in a row, a backup plan. Have money to expand the stadium and a plan to get more fans, other than saying"we are in the Big East", printing posters for football games against opponents where home team NIU is afraid to offend the opponent on them. Understand the possiblility, albeit an long shot, NIU could be the DePaul of basketball. And understand the decisiosn and reality all those involved in invites (making them) look at in a school.

And believe me, they are NOT looking at NIU weaing a Michael Turner jersey on a recliner, looking at their Poinsetta Bowl football on the mantel and sipping red and black cool aid. That is the biggest obstacle that is hard for many to accept.

I disagree with about 80% of what you just said. That job would be easier if you rambled less and left your insecurities out of the mix. Every market is different, but NIU is in a better position market/location-wise than most other non-BCS programs. We should be taking better advantage of it now, and certainly would in a bigger conference.

I'm worn out on conference jump talk, what say we just build a better MAC with better facilities and continue to punch the Big Ten in the face when given the chance. (Starting with Soldier Filed Showdown III)

What is there to take advantage of and how do we do it? I would like to also know all the NON-BCS schools, that haven't had an invite from a BCS conference, that realistically"could" and that NIU is in a better position than. Also add in schools that have accepted invites from a BCS conference and that NIU is in a better position than.

There is a big diffence in wanting, asking, being asked and accepting an invite. If you and others are asking should NIU want, accept an invite to any BCS conferences, the answer is yes. Not sure how you ask, but I am pretty sure we have not been asked. But you always need a plan of attack.A plan that needs to be formulated AFTER wanting, BEFORE asking, being asked or accepting. If you question our ADept and their lack of abiltiy to "take advantage" of a situation, perhaps wanting and asking for an invite too, a view some others obviously share, you should contact them. I know some on here have. Ask them about why we can't get more than 1,000 for some basketball games, why a game at SF vs. Big Ten is considered neutral how our attendance for football compares to other BCS teams and those on their radar.If you think they aren't doing enough, tell them and give ideas on marketing, attendance, facilities and the BCS pitch itself, not just we should or could.I would suggest anyone with with strong opinions move one from the board, from those who agree, are negative and especially those of us with insecuraties, although the later 2 would likely like to hear the feedback.

Especially if they state "they haven't contacted us."

But in any case, we should take "advatage of our situation" so propose a plan an go for it!

(03-27-2012 12:06 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(03-27-2012 10:49 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-27-2012 10:40 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  NIU in Big East. Did well for DePaul.They have been terrible in the Big East, yet have won a few (namely vs. NIU) outside of it. But they shouLD be kicked out anyways by the resident know it alls, since it's all about football, they have no team. That's their whole issue.

Guess it's the same for Georgetown. But they have a lower division team which I guess gets all kinds of attention in DC area. But they succeed since they are in a big market (unlike DePaul) is the thought I guess. No competion from VA, Maryland and and the likes either.

Well I wonder how Marquette is able to achieve success in basketball, w/o a football team. Must be their large market of 1 million. I mean their must be no competition from that school in Madison either.

Chicago is a pro sports town and like it or not, ND town. It isn't Baton Rouge, Knoxville...Cincinnati or Syracuse. It isn't even Rockford or Naperville. It's not a suburb of Chicago. It's a little town, 70 miles from d-town Chicago that might as well be 200. IThey are Chicago's Big East team. NIU would likely make DePaul's 4-5 or so wins in about 3 year's look lofty. It may increase attendence short term for football (NIU and opponent), then perhaps the cry to increas stadium size. But in the long run will raise more questions w/in the fanbase and within the Big East's fanbase itself. They want to come to Chicago for a game, they go to DePaul or ND, not DeKalb. And I am sure NIUs fans will flock (havign to fly for the most part) all over the country to see their football team each week. It's not like NIUs alumni/fans fill the seats already on the road.

Again, DeKalb is NOT Chicago. NIU is trying it's best to get it going here, and doing a better job than the hated school from Champaign. But look at what winning, or lack of has done for them? That is why they got rid of both coaches, and namely for BB when they weren;t getting the support @ UC.They have the largest alumni association in the UNITED STATES, and what, about 100k+ in Chicago? And many of themwent to school there when they had GOOD teams. NIU's alumni? Most don't care, they'd rather go see the Hawks, Bulls, Cubs, Sox or Bears. Again, PRO SPORTS people. Do people really think the entire school will just wake up one day and 12k students will go to every football game? That 3, 4k students will attend every basketball game? That NIU will increase it's fanbase by 50, 100% ? Again, look @ DePaul. They played Louisville in front of about 8k, of which 5k were UL fans. But hey, maybe NIU would get them to go to the Convo I guess?

I don't think they would go for another football only team, unless it is a ND. Plus, what happens to the MAC? It folds? NIU goes to Horizon w/ some, others go to D-I? BIG PICTURE and OTHER SPORTS.

It's all been written before, and those who question it get put down, called names, made fun of, told "you have to take chances", "see the big picture" have to "look upwards." They are all great. But eventually reality sets in and the ultimate decision is not made by anyone on here (well, maybe one or 2 in disguise) but NIU and moreover by the MAC and other conferences officials and their schools.

"Could" football only work? Maybe. Is it worth the "chance?" Maybe. But NIU would have to have all the ducks in a row, a backup plan. Have money to expand the stadium and a plan to get more fans, other than saying"we are in the Big East", printing posters for football games against opponents where home team NIU is afraid to offend the opponent on them. Understand the possiblility, albeit an long shot, NIU could be the DePaul of basketball. And understand the decisiosn and reality all those involved in invites (making them) look at in a school.

And believe me, they are NOT looking at NIU weaing a Michael Turner jersey on a recliner, looking at their Poinsetta Bowl football on the mantel and sipping red and black cool aid. That is the biggest obstacle that is hard for many to accept.

I disagree with about 80% of what you just said. That job would be easier if you rambled less and left your insecurities out of the mix. Every market is different, but NIU is in a better position market/location-wise than most other non-BCS programs. We should be taking better advantage of it now, and certainly would in a bigger conference.

I'm worn out on conference jump talk, what say we just build a better MAC with better facilities and continue to punch the Big Ten in the face when given the chance. (Starting with Soldier Filed Showdown III)

What is there to take advantage of and how do we do it? I would like to also know all the NON-BCS schools, that haven't had an invite from a BCS conference, that realistically"could" and that NIU is in a better position than. Also add in schools that have accepted invites from a BCS conference and that NIU is in a better position than.

There is a big diffence in wanting, asking, being asked and accepting an invite. If you and others are asking should NIU want, accept an invite to any BCS conferences, the answer is yes. Not sure how you ask, but I am pretty sure we have not been asked. But you always need a plan of attack.A plan that needs to be formulated AFTER wanting, BEFORE asking, being asked or accepting. If you question our ADept and their lack of abiltiy to "take advantage" of a situation, perhaps wanting and asking for an invite too, a view some others obviously share, you should contact them. I know some on here have. Ask them about why we can't get more than 1,000 for some basketball games, why a game at SF vs. Big Ten is considered neutral how our attendance for football compares to other BCS teams and those on their radar.If you think they aren't doing enough, tell them and give ideas on marketing, attendance, facilities and the BCS pitch itself, not just we should or could.I would suggest anyone with with strong opinions move one from the board, from those who agree, are negative and especially those of us with insecuraties, although the later 2 would likely like to hear the feedback.

Especially if they state "they haven't contacted us."

But in any case, we should take "advatage of our situation" so propose a plan an go for it!

Glad to see the part about not rambling was fully absorbed...

Its spring ball time...this thread can go away now!

I always get the feeling that the fans that clamor to leave the MAC have little to no real "involvement" with the Athletics administration at NIU. Sure they send in a check here and there, attend a bunch of games and cheer till they are hoarse. This is NOT bad. But they aren't ex or current athletes, they aren't ex or current employees, they're not in the Administration, their kids aren't at NIU, they are not big-time donors, and they aren't really connected to the Athletics offices in any meaningful way. There is no history, no reality, in their posts because they haven't really experienced NIU in and out of the MAC, and they just don't have the scuttle from the Convo.

As such, those posters don't really have an understanding of budgets, competition levels, travel needs, school realities, study schedules, fan support, media or lack thereof, and all the other things that hold back or catapult programs forward. Again, this is not bad. I don't think that their opinion is useless; I just think it is wrong. Because all they seem to see is ESPN highlights and the Tribune sport pages.

Maybe I am wrong. Hell, I expect at least three posters to reply in some way that they are good enough, smart enough, and doggone it, people like them and listen to them in the Athletic Department. Please take no offense if you resemble this remark, because I think it is clear who has an in with the Athletic Department and the University on this board. And not one of them (that I recognize, at least) has even hinted at a possible conference move.

You know why that is? Because we are not moving conferences. Let me copy and paste from a prior thread:

So, all you big minded conference jumpers riddle me and the rest of us rambling idiots this small favor; every last one of you who advocates for change; let's hear your business plan for joining a new conference. (The last time I asked this, I got no honest response from the jumpers.)

What is the exit fee from the MAC?
What is the entrance fee to the new conference?
What does the new conference contract demand of NIU?
What is NIU's recourse if this new conference fails?
What about established rivalries?
What are the new travel costs for all sports?
What is the average attendance increase you are expecting?
What are the new TV revenue numbers?
Where are the new bowl games?
How will you manage the inevitable increase in student fees?
Will sports have to be cut? Will sports have to added?
How will you account for increased coach salaries and demands?
What facilities need to be improved?
What facilities need to be added?
How will DeKalb / Sycamore feel?
Will local business leaders lend their support?
What are your plans to increase Alumni giving to pay for these new costs, and
What are your plans to soften the impact of lesser State of Illinois support to NIU and to Athletics?

Ya'll can write a business plan, right? And this is just the first step to conference re-affiliation.

Serious proposals only, and while you are at, please link to sites that bolster your argument, agree with your proposition, and are more than pie in the sky discussions about how NIU could join and be successful in another FBS conference. I'd especially like to see your notes in regards to joining the Big 12...... the same conference that has the University of Texas! the University of Oklahoma! and the University of Kansas! Where is that damn eye roll smilie?

I hate to say it, but like I said above my unpleasant guess is that few of you advocating for change where here when NIU went through the Mid-Con, independence, the MCC and the Big West before settling into the MAC. You simply don't understand the importance of stability to NIU and NIU Athletics, considering the hopping around we used to do and the negative impact it had on Athletics as a whole. Charlie Sadler? 0-23? Gerald O'Dell? Cutting teams? FFS, half of you fools advocating for change probably don't recognize any of the above names.

And fewer still of you have prior or current connections to the hallways of NIU or NIU Athletics, where you would see there is little desire for the changes so many of you so desperately seek. Most importantly, few of you seem to want to acknowledge the very real financial implications of trying to run a D1 Athletic program at a BCS level. Of which we do now. And do very well, in comparison.

"Hey lets go to the Big12! No matter they don't want us, there is no invitation, and we'd struggle for decades, we'll just remodel the Stadium to sit 50,000 even though we attract 25,000 fans on our very best day. An extra 25,000 fans will show up because we are playing Baylor!" Hurf durf.

Or "Hey, let’s go to C-USA! No matter they don't want us and there in no invitation, we'll just remodel the Stadium to sit 50,000 even though we attract 25,000 fans on our very best day. An extra 25,000 fans will show up because we are playing East Carolina!" Hurf durf.

Hope floats, my friends. But so does horseshit.

(04-03-2012 04:48 PM)Lord Stanley Wrote:  I always get the feeling that the fans that clamor to leave the MAC have little to no real "involvement" with the Athletics administration at NIU. Sure they send in a check here and there, attend a bunch of games and cheer till they are hoarse. This is NOT bad. But they aren't ex or current athletes, they aren't ex or current employees, they're not in the Administration, their kids aren't at NIU, they are not big-time donors, and they aren't really connected to the Athletics offices in any meaningful way. There is no history, no reality, in their posts because they haven't really experienced NIU in and out of the MAC, and they just don't have the scuttle from the Convo.

As such, those posters don't really have an understanding of budgets, competition levels, travel needs, school realities, study schedules, fan support, media or lack thereof, and all the other things that hold back or catapult programs forward. Again, this is not bad. I don't think that their opinion is useless; I just think it is wrong. Because all they seem to see is ESPN highlights and the Tribune sport pages.

Maybe I am wrong. Hell, I expect at least three posters to reply in some way that they are good enough, smart enough, and doggone it, people like them and listen to them in the Athletic Department. Please take no offense if you resemble this remark, because I think it is clear who has an in with the Athletic Department and the University on this board. And not one of them (that I recognize, at least) has even hinted at a possible conference move.

You know why that is? Because we are not moving conferences. Let me copy and paste from a prior thread:

So, all you big minded conference jumpers riddle me and the rest of us rambling idiots this small favor; every last one of you who advocates for change; let's hear your business plan for joining a new conference. (The last time I asked this, I got no honest response from the jumpers.)

What is the exit fee from the MAC?
What is the entrance fee to the new conference?
What does the new conference contract demand of NIU?
What is NIU's recourse if this new conference fails?
What about established rivalries?
What are the new travel costs for all sports?
What is the average attendance increase you are expecting?
What are the new TV revenue numbers?
Where are the new bowl games?
How will you manage the inevitable increase in student fees?
Will sports have to be cut? Will sports have to added?
How will you account for increased coach salaries and demands?
What facilities need to be improved?
What facilities need to be added?
How will DeKalb / Sycamore feel?
Will local business leaders lend their support?
What are your plans to increase Alumni giving to pay for these new costs, and
What are your plans to soften the impact of lesser State of Illinois support to NIU and to Athletics?

Ya'll can write a business plan, right? And this is just the first step to conference re-affiliation.

Serious proposals only, and while you are at, please link to sites that bolster your argument, agree with your proposition, and are more than pie in the sky discussions about how NIU could join and be successful in another FBS conference. I'd especially like to see your notes in regards to joining the Big 12...... the same conference that has the University of Texas! the University of Oklahoma! and the University of Kansas! Where is that damn eye roll smilie?

I hate to say it, but like I said above my unpleasant guess is that few of you advocating for change where here when NIU went through the Mid-Con, independence, the MCC and the Big West before settling into the MAC. You simply don't understand the importance of stability to NIU and NIU Athletics, considering the hopping around we used to do and the negative impact it had on Athletics as a whole. Charlie Sadler? 0-23? Gerald O'Dell? Cutting teams? FFS, half of you fools advocating for change probably don't recognize any of the above names.

And fewer still of you have prior or current connections to the hallways of NIU or NIU Athletics, where you would see there is little desire for the changes so many of you so desperately seek. Most importantly, few of you seem to want to acknowledge the very real financial implications of trying to run a D1 Athletic program at a BCS level. Of which we do now. And do very well, in comparison.

"Hey lets go to the Big12! No matter they don't want us, there is no invitation, and we'd struggle for decades, we'll just remodel the Stadium to sit 50,000 even though we attract 25,000 fans on our very best day. An extra 25,000 fans will show up because we are playing Baylor!" Hurf durf.

Or "Hey, let’s go to C-USA! No matter they don't want us and there in no invitation, we'll just remodel the Stadium to sit 50,000 even though we attract 25,000 fans on our very best day. An extra 25,000 fans will show up because we are playing East Carolina!" Hurf durf.

Hope floats, my friends. But so does horseshit.

I remember this one. I think I actually argued for it all in some good fun.

At this point I just want us to defeat Iowa @ Soldier Field (though if we made it 2 years in a row I wouldn't mind), defeat Kansas at home, defeat Purdue again, hopefully win the MACC in 2013 (2012 wouldn't be bad either!) then finally go to a BCS game. If we did all that and didn't go to the nBE then I would be happy.

(04-03-2012 04:48 PM)Lord Stanley Wrote:  I always get the feeling that the fans that clamor to leave the MAC have little to no real "involvement" with the Athletics administration at NIU. Sure they send in a check here and there, attend a bunch of games and cheer till they are hoarse. This is NOT bad. But they aren't ex or current athletes, they aren't ex or current employees, they're not in the Administration, their kids aren't at NIU, they are not big-time donors, and they aren't really connected to the Athletics offices in any meaningful way. There is no history, no reality, in their posts because they haven't really experienced NIU in and out of the MAC, and they just don't have the scuttle from the Convo.

As such, those posters don't really have an understanding of budgets, competition levels, travel needs, school realities, study schedules, fan support, media or lack thereof, and all the other things that hold back or catapult programs forward. Again, this is not bad. I don't think that their opinion is useless; I just think it is wrong. Because all they seem to see is ESPN highlights and the Tribune sport pages.

Maybe I am wrong. Hell, I expect at least three posters to reply in some way that they are good enough, smart enough, and doggone it, people like them and listen to them in the Athletic Department. Please take no offense if you resemble this remark, because I think it is clear who has an in with the Athletic Department and the University on this board. And not one of them (that I recognize, at least) has even hinted at a possible conference move.

You know why that is? Because we are not moving conferences. Let me copy and paste from a prior thread:

So, all you big minded conference jumpers riddle me and the rest of us rambling idiots this small favor; every last one of you who advocates for change; let's hear your business plan for joining a new conference. (The last time I asked this, I got no honest response from the jumpers.)

What is the exit fee from the MAC?
What is the entrance fee to the new conference?
What does the new conference contract demand of NIU?
What is NIU's recourse if this new conference fails?
What about established rivalries?
What are the new travel costs for all sports?
What is the average attendance increase you are expecting?
What are the new TV revenue numbers?
Where are the new bowl games?
How will you manage the inevitable increase in student fees?
Will sports have to be cut? Will sports have to added?
How will you account for increased coach salaries and demands?
What facilities need to be improved?
What facilities need to be added?
How will DeKalb / Sycamore feel?
Will local business leaders lend their support?
What are your plans to increase Alumni giving to pay for these new costs, and
What are your plans to soften the impact of lesser State of Illinois support to NIU and to Athletics?

Ya'll can write a business plan, right? And this is just the first step to conference re-affiliation.

Serious proposals only, and while you are at, please link to sites that bolster your argument, agree with your proposition, and are more than pie in the sky discussions about how NIU could join and be successful in another FBS conference. I'd especially like to see your notes in regards to joining the Big 12...... the same conference that has the University of Texas! the University of Oklahoma! and the University of Kansas! Where is that damn eye roll smilie?

I hate to say it, but like I said above my unpleasant guess is that few of you advocating for change where here when NIU went through the Mid-Con, independence, the MCC and the Big West before settling into the MAC. You simply don't understand the importance of stability to NIU and NIU Athletics, considering the hopping around we used to do and the negative impact it had on Athletics as a whole. Charlie Sadler? 0-23? Gerald O'Dell? Cutting teams? FFS, half of you fools advocating for change probably don't recognize any of the above names.

And fewer still of you have prior or current connections to the hallways of NIU or NIU Athletics, where you would see there is little desire for the changes so many of you so desperately seek. Most importantly, few of you seem to want to acknowledge the very real financial implications of trying to run a D1 Athletic program at a BCS level. Of which we do now. And do very well, in comparison.

"Hey lets go to the Big12! No matter they don't want us, there is no invitation, and we'd struggle for decades, we'll just remodel the Stadium to sit 50,000 even though we attract 25,000 fans on our very best day. An extra 25,000 fans will show up because we are playing Baylor!" Hurf durf.

Or "Hey, let’s go to C-USA! No matter they don't want us and there in no invitation, we'll just remodel the Stadium to sit 50,000 even though we attract 25,000 fans on our very best day. An extra 25,000 fans will show up because we are playing East Carolina!" Hurf durf.

Hope floats, my friends. But so does horseshit.

Lighten up, it's a measly poll on a message board. Most of us would admit we don't know everything that would need to go into a decision as big as switching conferences. What the heck else are we going to talk about in non-football season?

(04-03-2012 04:48 PM)Lord Stanley Wrote:  I always get the feeling that the fans that clamor to leave the MAC have little to no real "involvement" with the Athletics administration at NIU. Sure they send in a check here and there, attend a bunch of games and cheer till they are hoarse. This is NOT bad. But they aren't ex or current athletes, they aren't ex or current employees, they're not in the Administration, their kids aren't at NIU, they are not big-time donors, and they aren't really connected to the Athletics offices in any meaningful way. There is no history, no reality, in their posts because they haven't really experienced NIU in and out of the MAC, and they just don't have the scuttle from the Convo.

As such, those posters don't really have an understanding of budgets, competition levels, travel needs, school realities, study schedules, fan support, media or lack thereof, and all the other things that hold back or catapult programs forward. Again, this is not bad. I don't think that their opinion is useless; I just think it is wrong. Because all they seem to see is ESPN highlights and the Tribune sport pages.

Maybe I am wrong. Hell, I expect at least three posters to reply in some way that they are good enough, smart enough, and doggone it, people like them and listen to them in the Athletic Department. Please take no offense if you resemble this remark, because I think it is clear who has an in with the Athletic Department and the University on this board. And not one of them (that I recognize, at least) has even hinted at a possible conference move.

You know why that is? Because we are not moving conferences. Let me copy and paste from a prior thread:

So, all you big minded conference jumpers riddle me and the rest of us rambling idiots this small favor; every last one of you who advocates for change; let's hear your business plan for joining a new conference. (The last time I asked this, I got no honest response from the jumpers.)

What is the exit fee from the MAC?
What is the entrance fee to the new conference?
What does the new conference contract demand of NIU?
What is NIU's recourse if this new conference fails?
What about established rivalries?
What are the new travel costs for all sports?
What is the average attendance increase you are expecting?
What are the new TV revenue numbers?
Where are the new bowl games?
How will you manage the inevitable increase in student fees?
Will sports have to be cut? Will sports have to added?
How will you account for increased coach salaries and demands?
What facilities need to be improved?
What facilities need to be added?
How will DeKalb / Sycamore feel?
Will local business leaders lend their support?
What are your plans to increase Alumni giving to pay for these new costs, and
What are your plans to soften the impact of lesser State of Illinois support to NIU and to Athletics?

Ya'll can write a business plan, right? And this is just the first step to conference re-affiliation.

Serious proposals only, and while you are at, please link to sites that bolster your argument, agree with your proposition, and are more than pie in the sky discussions about how NIU could join and be successful in another FBS conference. I'd especially like to see your notes in regards to joining the Big 12...... the same conference that has the University of Texas! the University of Oklahoma! and the University of Kansas! Where is that damn eye roll smilie?

I hate to say it, but like I said above my unpleasant guess is that few of you advocating for change where here when NIU went through the Mid-Con, independence, the MCC and the Big West before settling into the MAC. You simply don't understand the importance of stability to NIU and NIU Athletics, considering the hopping around we used to do and the negative impact it had on Athletics as a whole. Charlie Sadler? 0-23? Gerald O'Dell? Cutting teams? FFS, half of you fools advocating for change probably don't recognize any of the above names.

And fewer still of you have prior or current connections to the hallways of NIU or NIU Athletics, where you would see there is little desire for the changes so many of you so desperately seek. Most importantly, few of you seem to want to acknowledge the very real financial implications of trying to run a D1 Athletic program at a BCS level. Of which we do now. And do very well, in comparison.

"Hey lets go to the Big12! No matter they don't want us, there is no invitation, and we'd struggle for decades, we'll just remodel the Stadium to sit 50,000 even though we attract 25,000 fans on our very best day. An extra 25,000 fans will show up because we are playing Baylor!" Hurf durf.

Or "Hey, let’s go to C-USA! No matter they don't want us and there in no invitation, we'll just remodel the Stadium to sit 50,000 even though we attract 25,000 fans on our very best day. An extra 25,000 fans will show up because we are playing East Carolina!" Hurf durf.

Hope floats, my friends. But so does horseshit.

Thanks for your time and background check. Whatever happen to Gerald O'Dell after he destroyed NIU?

O'Dell went to the University of Cincinnati and probably tried to take credit for every good thing the Bearcats ever did.