(WYO, I hope you understand this isn't aimed at you, you just set it up.)
The "academics" argument is crap once I point to some of the DI "student"-athletes that can't read their (alleged) high school or college diplomas. Who was that all-pro defensive lineman for the Washington Redskins that admitted he couldn't even read? There's a case study.
The (dare I say predatory?) transition period was instituted to stem the tide of schools moving up a level to get an (unearned) share of BB TV money. Yeah, it's about money when it comes to the NCAA. Shocking, eh?
NDSU is getting hosed by it; and, if they would win Saturday, SDSU would probably be also.
But, it's what the contract (NCAA Manual) says and that's what we have to live by.
If you want it changed, get it voted on by the membership.