Within the next 5-10 years I see the big 5 conferences all at 16 teams.

of the remaining 24, 16 could form conference and compete with the big 5 with the remaining dropping to FCS or all 24 drop.

The best thing NIU can do now is to position itself to be included in the top 80(Only realistic option would be a 16 team Big 12). That requires sustained success on the field, in the classroom, continued upgrades to facilities and substantially increasing attendance. Oh a good Basketball team would help as well.

(01-08-2013 12:50 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 12:41 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  [quote='HuskieTap22' pid='8806265' dateline='1357666164']

I personally would be more inclined to drive up to HS for a game against Memphis or even Tulane versus say EMU or Akron in the current world.
It is only because they are new names. All 4 have had relatively the same success in the past 5 seasons. Heck Akron has a conference championship over us not much further back!

Not true for me at least. It is about playing teams with more geographic diversity. I don't want to go to see us play three conference games against Michigan teams and three Ohio teams each season. It would be easier to get up for each game if we had more geographic diversity. I get back to campus for games but have not been to an EMU game since I was a student. My problem with the MAC has always been too many Michigan schools and too many Ohio schools. If we traded our EMU for say WKU that would go longer way to me being more content with this conference. Too much overlap for my taste.

I really don't think so...

The MAC added UMASS who is a new school from a new area with recognizable name (from basketball). We had 11k at that game and other than typical Nov temps the weather was not bad.

(01-08-2013 12:56 PM)BobL Wrote:  Within the next 5-10 years I see the big 5 conferences all at 16 teams.

of the remaining 24, 16 could form conference and compete with the big 5 with the remaining dropping to FCS or all 24 drop.

The best thing NIU can do now is to position itself to be included in the top 80(Only realistic option would be a 16 team Big 12). That requires sustained success on the field, in the classroom, continued upgrades to facilities and substantially increasing attendance. Oh a good Basketball team would help as well.

Yup. But my question is how do we get there?

Through the MAC...not likely
Through the nBE...more likely

STAY OUT OF THE BIG EAST AND CUSA FOR NOW....BIG EAST IS A TRAIN WRECK WAITING TO HAPPEN...CUSA NOT WAS GOOD AS IT ONCE WAS

(01-08-2013 01:04 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 12:56 PM)BobL Wrote:  Within the next 5-10 years I see the big 5 conferences all at 16 teams.

of the remaining 24, 16 could form conference and compete with the big 5 with the remaining dropping to FCS or all 24 drop.

The best thing NIU can do now is to position itself to be included in the top 80(Only realistic option would be a 16 team Big 12). That requires sustained success on the field, in the classroom, continued upgrades to facilities and substantially increasing attendance. Oh a good Basketball team would help as well.

Yup. But my question is how do we get there?

Through the MAC...not likely
Through the nBE...more likely

I dont think it matters. if NIU can do the things I mentioned they will be attractive regardless of what conference they are in.

(01-08-2013 01:04 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 12:56 PM)BobL Wrote:  Within the next 5-10 years I see the big 5 conferences all at 16 teams.

of the remaining 24, 16 could form conference and compete with the big 5 with the remaining dropping to FCS or all 24 drop.

The best thing NIU can do now is to position itself to be included in the top 80(Only realistic option would be a 16 team Big 12). That requires sustained success on the field, in the classroom, continued upgrades to facilities and substantially increasing attendance. Oh a good Basketball team would help as well.

Yup. But my question is how do we get there?

Through the MAC...not likely
Through the nBE...more likely

So realistically what is a revamped BE contract going to be worth$ per school per year? Does it provide enough funding to make upgrades to HS while providing a schedule that would increase overall attendance? Not so sure

(01-08-2013 01:04 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 12:56 PM)BobL Wrote:  Within the next 5-10 years I see the big 5 conferences all at 16 teams.

of the remaining 24, 16 could form conference and compete with the big 5 with the remaining dropping to FCS or all 24 drop.

The best thing NIU can do now is to position itself to be included in the top 80(Only realistic option would be a 16 team Big 12). That requires sustained success on the field, in the classroom, continued upgrades to facilities and substantially increasing attendance. Oh a good Basketball team would help as well.

Yup. But my question is how do we get there?

Through the MAC...not likely
Through the nBE...more likely

Bingo. Collectively this is how Huskie Nation should be thinking. All these Group of 5 conference are shooting themselves in the foot in the long run by adding way too many FCS upstarts. I will say this, whether it is realistic or not, moving to the Big East would tell our fans and the other teams out there we are serious about getting to a better place. Sitting in the background isn't going to get it done. I look at TCU, granted they have a very different profile, but they made multiple moves and capitalized when opportunities were presented. I don't think we make a stupid decision but it also wouldn't be wise to just sit back. The divide between the haves and have nots will just continue to grow. We need to figure a way to stay in the hunt.

(01-08-2013 01:08 PM)BobL Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 01:04 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 12:56 PM)BobL Wrote:  Within the next 5-10 years I see the big 5 conferences all at 16 teams.

of the remaining 24, 16 could form conference and compete with the big 5 with the remaining dropping to FCS or all 24 drop.

The best thing NIU can do now is to position itself to be included in the top 80(Only realistic option would be a 16 team Big 12). That requires sustained success on the field, in the classroom, continued upgrades to facilities and substantially increasing attendance. Oh a good Basketball team would help as well.

Yup. But my question is how do we get there?

Through the MAC...not likely
Through the nBE...more likely

I dont think it matters. if NIU can do the things I mentioned they will be attractive regardless of what conference they are in.

We need to basically runaway with the MAC every year, continue to increase our ticket base and attendance, and then increase our budget along with substantially increasing pay for a coach. That will put the pressue on the other MAC teams to follow suit or throw in the towel. If they cannot move with us then it will put more pressure for us to move to a conference with like minded teams. We aren't there but we can get there. We need to be the pace setter for the MAC. Ohio seems to be embarking on a similar course. They would make a nice partner for us should be decide to move at some point.

(01-08-2013 01:09 PM)JCCNIU31 Wrote:  So realistically what is a revamped BE contract going to be worth$ per school per year? Does it provide enough funding to make upgrades to HS while providing a schedule that would increase overall attendance? Not so sure

Its worth more than the MAC...even if the BE is 50% MAC teams. HOWEVER the MAC has been loyal to ESPN and the BE has a black sheep relationship with them...so who knows if the BE is going to get the back door treatment now that BSU has pulled out and SD St looks to possibly do the same this week. Then we will see what Houston and SMU do.

I would doubt there would be any big attendance improvements after the first two years (outside of hosting Cincinnati, but I would not expect them in the conference for long).

I just don't think that any new found fanbase will support being in the MAC long term. We need to use all the momentum now to improve our facilities. If by the end of next season we don't have an announced plan to renovate the West stands or to start fundraising for a media deck/suites/club seats to be built within a few years then I would say that we have reached the peak of our program.

Don't build anything we don't need (like the # of suites Akron built) but plan for growth.

(01-08-2013 01:14 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 01:08 PM)BobL Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 01:04 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 12:56 PM)BobL Wrote:  Within the next 5-10 years I see the big 5 conferences all at 16 teams.

of the remaining 24, 16 could form conference and compete with the big 5 with the remaining dropping to FCS or all 24 drop.

The best thing NIU can do now is to position itself to be included in the top 80(Only realistic option would be a 16 team Big 12). That requires sustained success on the field, in the classroom, continued upgrades to facilities and substantially increasing attendance. Oh a good Basketball team would help as well.

Yup. But my question is how do we get there?

Through the MAC...not likely
Through the nBE...more likely

I dont think it matters. if NIU can do the things I mentioned they will be attractive regardless of what conference they are in.

We need to basically runaway with the MAC every year, continue to increase our ticket base and attendance, and then increase our budget along with substantially increasing pay for a coach. That will put the pressue on the other MAC teams to follow suit or throw in the towel. If they cannot move with us then it will put more pressure for us to move to a conference with like minded teams. We aren't there but we can get there. We need to be the pace setter for the MAC. Ohio seems to be embarking on a similar course. They would make a nice partner for us should be decide to move at some point.

Better get Jiff on board. The deciders are content.

• Saturday's game is the Huskies' only non-conference contest against another non-AQ school. Doeren and athletic director Jeff Compher like scheduling one other mid-major each season. The next two years, NIU will play Idaho, while the Huskies are scheduled to take on Wyoming in 2015 and 2016.

"I think, for us it's what we need to do unless we're going to play more conference games," Doeren said. "You don't want to line up every week and play a BCS team and have to be on the road all the time either. It gives you a chance to get home and home games against teams that are similar to you from a recruiting standpoint."

(01-08-2013 01:27 PM)DoubleHuskie84 Wrote:  Better get Jiff on board. The deciders are content.

• Saturday's game is the Huskies' only non-conference contest against another non-AQ school. Doeren and athletic director Jeff Compher like scheduling one other mid-major each season. The next two years, NIU will play Idaho, while the Huskies are scheduled to take on Wyoming in 2015 and 2016.

"I think, for us it's what we need to do unless we're going to play more conference games," Doeren said. "You don't want to line up every week and play a BCS team and have to be on the road all the time either. It gives you a chance to get home and home games against teams that are similar to you from a recruiting standpoint."

AD Compher goal is to give the head coach an opportunity to get NIU to a BCS game. We are not going to schedule a more difficult OOC.

If anything I would not be more surprised if our OOC schedule gets easier if the money will allow since we went to a BCS game with 1 loss.

(01-08-2013 01:37 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 01:27 PM)DoubleHuskie84 Wrote:  Better get Jiff on board. The deciders are content.

• Saturday's game is the Huskies' only non-conference contest against another non-AQ school. Doeren and athletic director Jeff Compher like scheduling one other mid-major each season. The next two years, NIU will play Idaho, while the Huskies are scheduled to take on Wyoming in 2015 and 2016.

"I think, for us it's what we need to do unless we're going to play more conference games," Doeren said. "You don't want to line up every week and play a BCS team and have to be on the road all the time either. It gives you a chance to get home and home games against teams that are similar to you from a recruiting standpoint."

AD Compher goal is to give the head coach an opportunity to get NIU to a BCS game. We are not going to schedule a more difficult OOC.

If anything I would not be more surprised if our OOC schedule gets easier if the money will allow since we went to a BCS game with 1 loss.

This is why Herbstreit says we so not belong.

If wins are the object, why do we play the Big 10 schools? Ah, I know, it's for the money. But, why risk losses? Maybe we should just dumb down our schedule and play the worst of the FBS and FCS teams for our OOC games.

If that's the road we need to take to get to another BCS game, we don't deserve it. We have no control over our conference games, but we do over the OOC games. And...keep playing the Little Sisters of the Poor and watch what happens to Huskie Stadium attendance.

(01-08-2013 01:37 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 01:27 PM)DoubleHuskie84 Wrote:  Better get Jiff on board. The deciders are content.

• Saturday's game is the Huskies' only non-conference contest against another non-AQ school. Doeren and athletic director Jeff Compher like scheduling one other mid-major each season. The next two years, NIU will play Idaho, while the Huskies are scheduled to take on Wyoming in 2015 and 2016.

"I think, for us it's what we need to do unless we're going to play more conference games," Doeren said. "You don't want to line up every week and play a BCS team and have to be on the road all the time either. It gives you a chance to get home and home games against teams that are similar to you from a recruiting standpoint."

AD Compher goal is to give the head coach an opportunity to get NIU to a BCS game. We are not going to schedule a more difficult OOC.

If anything I would not be more surprised if our OOC schedule gets easier if the money will allow since we went to a BCS game with 1 loss.

Interesting dichotomy....
Many want stronger teams at HS for for better attendance....
AD & HC want cupcakes.....
Many say the MAC is a drag and too weak....
Lets move to a stronger conference....
Everyone wants more BCS action......

(01-08-2013 01:43 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  This is why Herbstreit says we so not belong.

If wins are the object, why do we play the Big 10 schools? Ah, I know, it's for the money. But, why risk losses? Maybe we should just dumb down our schedule and play the worst of the FBS and FCS teams for our OOC games.

If that's the road we need to take to get to another BCS game, we don't deserve it. We have no control over our conference games, but we do over the OOC games. And...keep playing the Little Sisters of the Poor and watch what happens to Huskie Stadium attendance.

Then Boise St does not belong because AD Compher is scheduling very closely if not harder than Boise St does for the OOC games.

(01-08-2013 01:46 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 01:43 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  This is why Herbstreit says we so not belong.

If wins are the object, why do we play the Big 10 schools? Ah, I know, it's for the money. But, why risk losses? Maybe we should just dumb down our schedule and play the worst of the FBS and FCS teams for our OOC games.

If that's the road we need to take to get to another BCS game, we don't deserve it. We have no control over our conference games, but we do over the OOC games. And...keep playing the Little Sisters of the Poor and watch what happens to Huskie Stadium attendance.

Then Boise St does not belong because AD Compher is scheduling very closely if not harder than Boise St does for the OOC games.

The only way we will get national respect is to play - and beat - better competition. Playing 2 Big Ten teams this year helps. Playing 3 or 4 quality teams would be better - including that elusive quality team at HS. Beating the crap out of the Tennessee-Martins does not do it.

(01-08-2013 01:50 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 01:46 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 01:43 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  This is why Herbstreit says we so not belong.

If wins are the object, why do we play the Big 10 schools? Ah, I know, it's for the money. But, why risk losses? Maybe we should just dumb down our schedule and play the worst of the FBS and FCS teams for our OOC games.

If that's the road we need to take to get to another BCS game, we don't deserve it. We have no control over our conference games, but we do over the OOC games. And...keep playing the Little Sisters of the Poor and watch what happens to Huskie Stadium attendance.

Then Boise St does not belong because AD Compher is scheduling very closely if not harder than Boise St does for the OOC games.

The only way we will get national respect is to play - and beat - better competition. Playing 2 Big Ten teams this year helps. Playing 3 or 4 quality teams would be better - including that elusive quality team at HS. Beating the crap out of the Tennessee-Martins does not do it.

I think there is some merit to not scheduling all national contenders. The Boise model works and is what we should model. I think middle of the pack Power conference teams, in-state FCS, and then other Group of 5 teams should be the way to go. If you go 3 - 1 or 4 - 0 against those teams and win the MAC it should put you in the conversation every year to get into the big bowl game. Tennessee-Martins have got to go. FCS games should be limited to only in-state and there are plenty of Illinois teams to rotate those.

And honestyly if we run the OOC table next year that will garner us much more respect than this season. Keep in mind we lost to Iowa and our big OOC win was Kansas. If we take down two BIG teams on the road the respect will be there. All the analysts will be like "remember this team played in the Orange Bowl last season..." And boom suddenly they like us. Sustainability and consistency is what has brought all the Boises, Utahs, and TCU their success in the mainstream.

(01-08-2013 01:50 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 01:46 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 01:43 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  This is why Herbstreit says we so not belong.

If wins are the object, why do we play the Big 10 schools? Ah, I know, it's for the money. But, why risk losses? Maybe we should just dumb down our schedule and play the worst of the FBS and FCS teams for our OOC games.

If that's the road we need to take to get to another BCS game, we don't deserve it. We have no control over our conference games, but we do over the OOC games. And...keep playing the Little Sisters of the Poor and watch what happens to Huskie Stadium attendance.

Then Boise St does not belong because AD Compher is scheduling very closely if not harder than Boise St does for the OOC games.

The only way we will get national respect is to play - and beat - better competition. Playing 2 Big Ten teams this year helps. Playing 3 or 4 quality teams would be better - including that elusive quality team at HS. Beating the crap out of the Tennessee-Martins does not do it.

I think that all of us agree that we need to stop scheduling FCS teams...even if we schedule a UAB, Tulane, Idaho, NM St or F_U instead.

(01-08-2013 01:55 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 01:50 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 01:46 PM)HuskieJohn Wrote:  

(01-08-2013 01:43 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  This is why Herbstreit says we so not belong.

If wins are the object, why do we play the Big 10 schools? Ah, I know, it's for the money. But, why risk losses? Maybe we should just dumb down our schedule and play the worst of the FBS and FCS teams for our OOC games.

If that's the road we need to take to get to another BCS game, we don't deserve it. We have no control over our conference games, but we do over the OOC games. And...keep playing the Little Sisters of the Poor and watch what happens to Huskie Stadium attendance.

Then Boise St does not belong because AD Compher is scheduling very closely if not harder than Boise St does for the OOC games.

The only way we will get national respect is to play - and beat - better competition. Playing 2 Big Ten teams this year helps. Playing 3 or 4 quality teams would be better - including that elusive quality team at HS. Beating the crap out of the Tennessee-Martins does not do it.

I think that all of us agree that we need to stop scheduling FCS teams...even if we schedule a UAB, Tulane, Idaho, NM St or F_U instead.

Get 6 games at HS every year.

Exactly.

EIU = Tenn Martin

(01-08-2013 01:58 PM)DoubleHuskie84 Wrote:  EIU = Tenn Martin

They will bring MANY more fans than Tenn Martin.

But yes FCS schools should not be scheduled at all.