(05-23-2018 10:24 PM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  1) We play EIU/WIU more regularly already than U of I does us. We are not avoiding those schools, U of I does seem to be avoiding avoiding us, home or away.
2) NIU and U of I are both in the FBS subdivision, EIU, WIU etc. are FCS.
3) Why do you sound like such an unpleasant d*ck in your retort?

With regard to No. 2 -- So what? There are no rules saying FBS schools must play other in-state FBS instead of FCS foes. Once again, as impossible as it is for you, try to take your blinders and Huskie-colored glassed off. If there are no rules, regulations, etc. requiring the ILL-ness to play NIU because we're also FBS, then this argument is pointless.
If you're going to claim it would make more economical sense for the Sham-bamas because they'd sell tickets to NIU fans, then the FCS schools could certainly use the same thinking in arguing for a game in DeKalb because they would provide more fans than Idaho, UT-Martin, Presybyterian, Murray State, North Dakota, Cal Poly, etc. If we're beating them on some recruits now because of our success relative to their lack of, then why would they wish to risk hurting themselves further with an on-field loss to us. Seriously, do you not understand the concept of little to gain but much to lose?
With regard to No. 1 -- very debatable. Using 1992 when NIU first visited the Cheat-ini, there have been four meetings. In that same span, we've hosted EIU four times, WIU four times, SIU three times, and ISU twice. Yes, Huskie fans would love to face them, but what makes you think Orange and Boo Hoo folks wouldn't prefer a more "name" opponent (i.e., Arizona State, Washington, North Carolina, etc.) as a home game to go with their own diet of cupcakes ala Texas State, Charleston Southern, or in-state FCS? The ILL-ness administration doesn't schedule to please you.
Since 1992, UCLA has faced Fresno State eight times, San Jose State once, Cal State-Fullerton once; USC has faced San Diego State three times, San Jose State four and Fresno four. Guess there are no rules or regulations on those "Pic10s" having to play FCS to make a Cal Poly or Santa Clara happy.
With regard to No. 3 -- because fans like you make us look so myopic, naivie and unrealistic not to mention petty with your "PigTen" comments. You honestly think insulting them will get us a game? Maybe they didn't appreciate that full page ad? Since ISU has regularly had post-season success, perhaps the Red-tirds think we're ducking them. Then again since they had a coach stupid enough to raise the notion of Novak's staff stealing a playbook, I don't care if we ever play the ab-Normal thinkers. See how easy it is to throw out pejorative words? Did it help change your narrow-minded views?