Hawkster

I would say the SU's will go to the Gateway if asked, and I'd say it's highly probable they will be asked to join. As to the Great West, I guess UND/USD will again make it a 5 team conference and that's where it will stay in the short run. UND doesn't have to worry about an auto bid for the playoffs, since they will be ineligable anyway for 5 years. By then, the bigger question will be, who is left in the Great West? The California schools could find something out on the coast, and that could be the end of the Great West. I can't imagine the SU's wanting to stay in the Great West even if they do expand. the Gateway is just too tempting. It's where they do their recruiting, and it's closer then going to California, plus they have the auto bid. The biggest mistake made was by UND/USD in not pushing to move the entire NCC up to D1 when the SU's wanted to do it. Had they done it then, all schools would be eligible for an auto bid in a year and a half. I have a feeling UND will pay dearly for that decision.

I doubt UND would drop football, if for no other reason, that's the only sport that will be in a conference (Great West). As to becoming a basketball power again, not the way the guys are playing this year. They are pathetic. Add to that the fact that conferences are going to be hard to find. Forget Big Sky, it isn't going to happen. I doubt anyone is going to drop out of the Mid Con any time soon, and there is nothing else out there. I imagine they will keep plugging along, pumping money in, and hoping for the best. But I see tough times ahead.

I think it's time to give it up and change the name. There are going to be more and more people opposed to the Sioux name, and it's time to move on. It certainly isn't going to help get a D1 conference with this hanging over UND.

Anyone who has seen the mens basketball team knows what I am talking about. One has to wonder about the level of committment UND has to going D1.

I have serious doubts about UND's ability to perform at the D1 level for the foreseeable future. Football team was good, but not overwhelming, and recruiting is going to be tough for the next few years. The men's basketball team is pathetic. I see disaster ahead.