(09-22-2015 10:26 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  Nationally, NIU doesn't get the recognition it deserves due to being in the Mid-American Conference. One of the top five most wins over the past 5 years. 5 straight wins against Big Ten teams before last Saturday's on score loss at #1 Ohio State. Located in close proximity to the third largest TV market in the country.
Today, the economic problems Illinois is facing is holding the school down, but plans are in place, support is growing, and the future is trending markedly upward. Doug Baker is a great and farsighted president. Sean Frazier is a visionary AD. Rod Carey is a gem.
Notice to the Big 12, AAC and everyone else: Now is the time to consider NIU for expansion.

(09-22-2015 10:53 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 10:26 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  Nationally, NIU doesn't get the recognition it deserves due to being in the Mid-American Conference. One of the top five most wins over the past 5 years. 5 straight wins against Big Ten teams before last Saturday's on score loss at #1 Ohio State. Located in close proximity to the third largest TV market in the country.
Today, the economic problems Illinois is facing is holding the school down, but plans are in place, support is growing, and the future is trending markedly upward. Doug Baker is a great and farsighted president. Sean Frazier is a visionary AD. Rod Carey is a gem.
Notice to the Big 12, AAC and everyone else: Now is the time to consider NIU for expansion.

I think NIU deserves consideration .... for this year's G5 Access Bowl slot.

As for expansion? Yes, the American Athletic Conference should consider inviting NIU. But a Power conference? NIU is a meaningless directional that brings nothing to any Power table.

(09-22-2015 10:53 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 10:26 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  Nationally, NIU doesn't get the recognition it deserves due to being in the Mid-American Conference. One of the top five most wins over the past 5 years. 5 straight wins against Big Ten teams before last Saturday's on score loss at #1 Ohio State. Located in close proximity to the third largest TV market in the country.
Today, the economic problems Illinois is facing is holding the school down, but plans are in place, support is growing, and the future is trending markedly upward. Doug Baker is a great and farsighted president. Sean Frazier is a visionary AD. Rod Carey is a gem.
Notice to the Big 12, AAC and everyone else: Now is the time to consider NIU for expansion.

I think NIU deserves consideration .... for this year's G5 Access Bowl slot.

As for expansion? Yes, the American Athletic Conference should consider inviting NIU. But a Power conference? NIU is a meaningless directional that brings nothing to any Power table.

(09-22-2015 11:25 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 10:53 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 10:26 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  Nationally, NIU doesn't get the recognition it deserves due to being in the Mid-American Conference. One of the top five most wins over the past 5 years. 5 straight wins against Big Ten teams before last Saturday's on score loss at #1 Ohio State. Located in close proximity to the third largest TV market in the country.
Today, the economic problems Illinois is facing is holding the school down, but plans are in place, support is growing, and the future is trending markedly upward. Doug Baker is a great and farsighted president. Sean Frazier is a visionary AD. Rod Carey is a gem.
Notice to the Big 12, AAC and everyone else: Now is the time to consider NIU for expansion.

I think NIU deserves consideration .... for this year's G5 Access Bowl slot.

As for expansion? Yes, the American Athletic Conference should consider inviting NIU. But a Power conference? NIU is a meaningless directional that brings nothing to any Power table.

Don't burst his bubble.

I agree with him that we probably have the Prez and AD in place that will take NIU as far as it can go (which might not be very far). I don't have a problem with the MAC other than the deal with all the weeknight games. If the top half of the MAC shows well then that's important. So far this year they're doing pretty well. I don't see NIU in a power conference anytime in the next few decades.

(09-22-2015 10:26 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  Nationally, NIU doesn't get the recognition it deserves due to being in the Mid-American Conference. One of the top five most wins over the past 5 years. 5 straight wins against Big Ten teams before last Saturday's on score loss at #1 Ohio State. Located in close proximity to the third largest TV market in the country.
Today, the economic problems Illinois is facing is holding the school down, but plans are in place, support is growing, and the future is trending markedly upward. Doug Baker is a great and farsighted president. Sean Frazier is a visionary AD. Rod Carey is a gem.
Notice to the Big 12, AAC and everyone else: Now is the time to consider NIU for expansion.

(09-22-2015 12:38 PM)nzmorange Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 10:26 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  Nationally, NIU doesn't get the recognition it deserves due to being in the Mid-American Conference. One of the top five most wins over the past 5 years. 5 straight wins against Big Ten teams before last Saturday's on score loss at #1 Ohio State. Located in close proximity to the third largest TV market in the country.
Today, the economic problems Illinois is facing is holding the school down, but plans are in place, support is growing, and the future is trending markedly upward. Doug Baker is a great and farsighted president. Sean Frazier is a visionary AD. Rod Carey is a gem.
Notice to the Big 12, AAC and everyone else: Now is the time to consider NIU for expansion.

Stop talking about markets and stop talking about fans. If you want NIU in a power conference, give the school money (to improve academics and the overall athletic program - including non-football sports) and convince others to be fans. Pimping the school on an anon fan forum won't help.

For whatever it's worth, I've personally always liked the MAC. It makes geographic sense, it's reasonably stable, and the schools are similar. The downside is that it's in the Midwest, so demographics are not in its favor.

(09-22-2015 12:38 PM)nzmorange Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 10:26 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  Nationally, NIU doesn't get the recognition it deserves due to being in the Mid-American Conference. One of the top five most wins over the past 5 years. 5 straight wins against Big Ten teams before last Saturday's on score loss at #1 Ohio State. Located in close proximity to the third largest TV market in the country.
Today, the economic problems Illinois is facing is holding the school down, but plans are in place, support is growing, and the future is trending markedly upward. Doug Baker is a great and farsighted president. Sean Frazier is a visionary AD. Rod Carey is a gem.
Notice to the Big 12, AAC and everyone else: Now is the time to consider NIU for expansion.

Stop talking about markets and stop talking about fans. If you want NIU in a power conference, give the school money (to improve academics and the overall athletic program - including non-football sports) and convince others to be fans. Pimping the school on an anon fan forum won't help.

For whatever it's worth, I've personally always liked the MAC. It makes geographic sense, it's reasonably stable, and the schools are similar. The downside is that it's in the Midwest, so demographics are not in its favor.

(09-22-2015 12:38 PM)nzmorange Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 10:26 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  Nationally, NIU doesn't get the recognition it deserves due to being in the Mid-American Conference. One of the top five most wins over the past 5 years. 5 straight wins against Big Ten teams before last Saturday's on score loss at #1 Ohio State. Located in close proximity to the third largest TV market in the country.
Today, the economic problems Illinois is facing is holding the school down, but plans are in place, support is growing, and the future is trending markedly upward. Doug Baker is a great and farsighted president. Sean Frazier is a visionary AD. Rod Carey is a gem.
Notice to the Big 12, AAC and everyone else: Now is the time to consider NIU for expansion.

Stop talking about markets and stop talking about fans. If you want NIU in a power conference, give the school money (to improve academics and the overall athletic program - including non-football sports) and convince others to be fans. Pimping the school on an anon fan forum won't help.

For whatever it's worth, I've personally always liked the MAC. It makes geographic sense, it's reasonably stable, and the schools are similar. The downside is that it's in the Midwest, so demographics are not in its favor.

(09-22-2015 11:42 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 11:25 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 10:53 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 10:26 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  Nationally, NIU doesn't get the recognition it deserves due to being in the Mid-American Conference. One of the top five most wins over the past 5 years. 5 straight wins against Big Ten teams before last Saturday's on score loss at #1 Ohio State. Located in close proximity to the third largest TV market in the country.
Today, the economic problems Illinois is facing is holding the school down, but plans are in place, support is growing, and the future is trending markedly upward. Doug Baker is a great and farsighted president. Sean Frazier is a visionary AD. Rod Carey is a gem.
Notice to the Big 12, AAC and everyone else: Now is the time to consider NIU for expansion.

I think NIU deserves consideration .... for this year's G5 Access Bowl slot.

As for expansion? Yes, the American Athletic Conference should consider inviting NIU. But a Power conference? NIU is a meaningless directional that brings nothing to any Power table.

Don't burst his bubble.

I agree with him that we probably have the Prez and AD in place that will take NIU as far as it can go (which might not be very far). I don't have a problem with the MAC other than the deal with all the weeknight games. If the top half of the MAC shows well then that's important. So far this year they're doing pretty well. I don't see NIU in a power conference anytime in the next few decades.

FWIW, I apologize for saying NIU is "meaningless", that's an inaccurate besmirchment of the fine academic and athletic work that occurs on your campus.

(09-22-2015 12:51 PM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 11:42 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 11:25 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 10:53 AM)quo vadis Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 10:26 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  Nationally, NIU doesn't get the recognition it deserves due to being in the Mid-American Conference. One of the top five most wins over the past 5 years. 5 straight wins against Big Ten teams before last Saturday's on score loss at #1 Ohio State. Located in close proximity to the third largest TV market in the country.
Today, the economic problems Illinois is facing is holding the school down, but plans are in place, support is growing, and the future is trending markedly upward. Doug Baker is a great and farsighted president. Sean Frazier is a visionary AD. Rod Carey is a gem.
Notice to the Big 12, AAC and everyone else: Now is the time to consider NIU for expansion.

I think NIU deserves consideration .... for this year's G5 Access Bowl slot.

As for expansion? Yes, the American Athletic Conference should consider inviting NIU. But a Power conference? NIU is a meaningless directional that brings nothing to any Power table.

Don't burst his bubble.

I agree with him that we probably have the Prez and AD in place that will take NIU as far as it can go (which might not be very far). I don't have a problem with the MAC other than the deal with all the weeknight games. If the top half of the MAC shows well then that's important. So far this year they're doing pretty well. I don't see NIU in a power conference anytime in the next few decades.

FWIW, I apologize for saying NIU is "meaningless", that's an inaccurate besmirchment of the fine academic and athletic work that occurs on your campus.

Yes, don't be besmirching us. Insulting or needling is fine, but not besmirchment.

(09-22-2015 12:49 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 12:38 PM)nzmorange Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 10:26 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  Nationally, NIU doesn't get the recognition it deserves due to being in the Mid-American Conference. One of the top five most wins over the past 5 years. 5 straight wins against Big Ten teams before last Saturday's on score loss at #1 Ohio State. Located in close proximity to the third largest TV market in the country.
Today, the economic problems Illinois is facing is holding the school down, but plans are in place, support is growing, and the future is trending markedly upward. Doug Baker is a great and farsighted president. Sean Frazier is a visionary AD. Rod Carey is a gem.
Notice to the Big 12, AAC and everyone else: Now is the time to consider NIU for expansion.

Stop talking about markets and stop talking about fans. If you want NIU in a power conference, give the school money (to improve academics and the overall athletic program - including non-football sports) and convince others to be fans. Pimping the school on an anon fan forum won't help.

For whatever it's worth, I've personally always liked the MAC. It makes geographic sense, it's reasonably stable, and the schools are similar. The downside is that it's in the Midwest, so demographics are not in its favor.

Most of us realize the AAC is our likely greater goal for the near future. Sure some of us play devil's advocate and dream big but we know it isn't likely to get a P5 invite in the near future.

(09-22-2015 12:57 PM)nzmorange Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 12:49 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 12:38 PM)nzmorange Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 10:26 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  Nationally, NIU doesn't get the recognition it deserves due to being in the Mid-American Conference. One of the top five most wins over the past 5 years. 5 straight wins against Big Ten teams before last Saturday's on score loss at #1 Ohio State. Located in close proximity to the third largest TV market in the country.
Today, the economic problems Illinois is facing is holding the school down, but plans are in place, support is growing, and the future is trending markedly upward. Doug Baker is a great and farsighted president. Sean Frazier is a visionary AD. Rod Carey is a gem.
Notice to the Big 12, AAC and everyone else: Now is the time to consider NIU for expansion.

Stop talking about markets and stop talking about fans. If you want NIU in a power conference, give the school money (to improve academics and the overall athletic program - including non-football sports) and convince others to be fans. Pimping the school on an anon fan forum won't help.

For whatever it's worth, I've personally always liked the MAC. It makes geographic sense, it's reasonably stable, and the schools are similar. The downside is that it's in the Midwest, so demographics are not in its favor.

Most of us realize the AAC is our likely greater goal for the near future. Sure some of us play devil's advocate and dream big but we know it isn't likely to get a P5 invite in the near future.

I know that the AAC is a "bigger" conference, but I honestly don't think that the difference is THAT pronounced at the g5 level, and I think that the MAC is better for NIU. I'm a huge fan of geography. In my honest opinion, rivalries are what make teams, and they are more likely to happen when fan bases overlap. Go ahead and schedule big OOC, but IMHO, you're crazy to give up the geographic tightness of the MAC. Having to live/work with/next to an alum of a conference foe is what drives fans to care. It's what drives them to donate, and it's what drives them to demand excellence. If I was NIU, I wouldn't give that up lightly.

(09-22-2015 01:19 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 12:57 PM)nzmorange Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 12:49 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 12:38 PM)nzmorange Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 10:26 AM)bigredmachine Wrote:  Nationally, NIU doesn't get the recognition it deserves due to being in the Mid-American Conference. One of the top five most wins over the past 5 years. 5 straight wins against Big Ten teams before last Saturday's on score loss at #1 Ohio State. Located in close proximity to the third largest TV market in the country.
Today, the economic problems Illinois is facing is holding the school down, but plans are in place, support is growing, and the future is trending markedly upward. Doug Baker is a great and farsighted president. Sean Frazier is a visionary AD. Rod Carey is a gem.
Notice to the Big 12, AAC and everyone else: Now is the time to consider NIU for expansion.

Stop talking about markets and stop talking about fans. If you want NIU in a power conference, give the school money (to improve academics and the overall athletic program - including non-football sports) and convince others to be fans. Pimping the school on an anon fan forum won't help.

For whatever it's worth, I've personally always liked the MAC. It makes geographic sense, it's reasonably stable, and the schools are similar. The downside is that it's in the Midwest, so demographics are not in its favor.

Most of us realize the AAC is our likely greater goal for the near future. Sure some of us play devil's advocate and dream big but we know it isn't likely to get a P5 invite in the near future.

I know that the AAC is a "bigger" conference, but I honestly don't think that the difference is THAT pronounced at the g5 level, and I think that the MAC is better for NIU. I'm a huge fan of geography. In my honest opinion, rivalries are what make teams, and they are more likely to happen when fan bases overlap. Go ahead and schedule big OOC, but IMHO, you're crazy to give up the geographic tightness of the MAC. Having to live/work with/next to an alum of a conference foe is what drives fans to care. It's what drives them to donate, and it's what drives them to demand excellence. If I was NIU, I wouldn't give that up lightly.

NIU doesn't have a real rival in the MAC...

(09-22-2015 01:23 PM)HuskieAlumnus03 Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 01:19 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 12:57 PM)nzmorange Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 12:49 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 12:38 PM)nzmorange Wrote:  Stop talking about markets and stop talking about fans. If you want NIU in a power conference, give the school money (to improve academics and the overall athletic program - including non-football sports) and convince others to be fans. Pimping the school on an anon fan forum won't help.

For whatever it's worth, I've personally always liked the MAC. It makes geographic sense, it's reasonably stable, and the schools are similar. The downside is that it's in the Midwest, so demographics are not in its favor.

Most of us realize the AAC is our likely greater goal for the near future. Sure some of us play devil's advocate and dream big but we know it isn't likely to get a P5 invite in the near future.

I know that the AAC is a "bigger" conference, but I honestly don't think that the difference is THAT pronounced at the g5 level, and I think that the MAC is better for NIU. I'm a huge fan of geography. In my honest opinion, rivalries are what make teams, and they are more likely to happen when fan bases overlap. Go ahead and schedule big OOC, but IMHO, you're crazy to give up the geographic tightness of the MAC. Having to live/work with/next to an alum of a conference foe is what drives fans to care. It's what drives them to donate, and it's what drives them to demand excellence. If I was NIU, I wouldn't give that up lightly.

NIU doesn't have a real rival in the MAC...

NIU has a non-rival... and NIU vs Non-Rival game this year is going to be FIRE.

(09-22-2015 01:31 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 01:23 PM)HuskieAlumnus03 Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 01:19 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 12:57 PM)nzmorange Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 12:49 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  Most of us realize the AAC is our likely greater goal for the near future. Sure some of us play devil's advocate and dream big but we know it isn't likely to get a P5 invite in the near future.

I know that the AAC is a "bigger" conference, but I honestly don't think that the difference is THAT pronounced at the g5 level, and I think that the MAC is better for NIU. I'm a huge fan of geography. In my honest opinion, rivalries are what make teams, and they are more likely to happen when fan bases overlap. Go ahead and schedule big OOC, but IMHO, you're crazy to give up the geographic tightness of the MAC. Having to live/work with/next to an alum of a conference foe is what drives fans to care. It's what drives them to donate, and it's what drives them to demand excellence. If I was NIU, I wouldn't give that up lightly.

NIU doesn't have a real rival in the MAC...

NIU has a non-rival... and NIU vs Non-Rival game this year is going to be FIRE.

Both could come in ranked, would be a huge game. Would they send gameday there then? I know Corso would be down to cover his former team and herbstreit is starting to see the light with NIU

(09-22-2015 01:31 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 01:23 PM)HuskieAlumnus03 Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 01:19 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 12:57 PM)nzmorange Wrote:  

(09-22-2015 12:49 PM)Stay Cool Wrote:  Most of us realize the AAC is our likely greater goal for the near future. Sure some of us play devil's advocate and dream big but we know it isn't likely to get a P5 invite in the near future.

I know that the AAC is a "bigger" conference, but I honestly don't think that the difference is THAT pronounced at the g5 level, and I think that the MAC is better for NIU. I'm a huge fan of geography. In my honest opinion, rivalries are what make teams, and they are more likely to happen when fan bases overlap. Go ahead and schedule big OOC, but IMHO, you're crazy to give up the geographic tightness of the MAC. Having to live/work with/next to an alum of a conference foe is what drives fans to care. It's what drives them to donate, and it's what drives them to demand excellence. If I was NIU, I wouldn't give that up lightly.

NIU doesn't have a real rival in the MAC...

NIU has a non-rival... and NIU vs Non-Rival game this year is going to be FIRE.

Both could come in ranked, would be a huge game. Would they send gameday there then? I know Corso would be down to cover his former team and herbstreit is starting to see the light with NIU