UNDvince97-01

I would hope that absolutely NOBODY thinks the Summit League is more important than the Sioux name. I would be the first to say the opposite in fact. However, given the timing of everything (SR had PLENTY of time btw), it turned out that they could not get the support they needed per the settlement with the NCAA, in time to do what was in the best interest of the UND and the athletic dept. As much as it may seem otherwise to some, UND does have "other sports" besides hockey that they have to deal with. The new SR tribal council chairman (Murphy) promised the UND administration, REA and a very loyal fanbase something that he could not deliver - a simple vote of the people. In fact, Charlie Murphy used that platform to win himself an election at SR. I'm not blaming it on Charlie Murphy, simply stating the facts. I can guarantee you that if SR gets their $&*t together between now and when the name is scheduled to be retired, Kelly would definitely revisit and try to overturn the outcome to the SBOHE, given we received the outcome we need - a vote of support from SR's people for use of the name and logo for 30 years or more. Kelly and Faison would be committing suicide by not going back to the SBOHE to get it reversed if such an outcome occurred. NOBODY wanted to see the name and logo go. NOBODY. Unfortunately without the support of the SR people, it was simply a matter of time thanks to the NCAA, who is really the entity behind of all of this crap that you should hate. Well them, The Summit League and Douple.

I know this is a pipe dream, but it has been discussed. The only way Memorial Stadium would work out for everything (attendance in November, etc), is to have a retractable roof (an alum with the initials DF, anyone?). If they do go back to campus, and I'd like to see it eventually, I think they would regret building an outdoor stadium because of the temps late in the season. With the Alerus, I think crowds and fans have become softer, like you said. But it also does have some advantages. Just my opinion.

Fine. Hate the Summit then. Same goes for the others who have this sentiment. Just dont hate UND's teams that potentially join the Summit. Don't punish the teams, coaches and student-athletes. Bottom line is Standing Rock didnt get it done when they needed to. I dont hate their people for it. However, I have quite a distaste for their tribal council.

Looks great Jim. Nice work.

Nope.

If I had to guess, I'd say that's a typo.

In the Chicago Tribune huh? Ouch, that one hurts.

And I agree. Like I said, I hope we are trying to find a better option.

Really? Even if there is a 'better' game and option out there? Also, do we know for sure that there is a $50-$100K buyout for that contract? If there is, then obviously it would have to be a very compelling game to get out of the contract. Regardless of what happens, I will still be VERY disappointed if we play SF again. But hey, that's just me.

I respect your passion and what you are saying here. I just think it's a little early to start worrying about this. If and when any of the scheduling things you speak of come to fruition, then I too will be severely disappointed. Until then, I will give Faison the benefit of the doubt. I hope he doesn't prove us otherwise. One other thing - They should buyout the SF game and I will be severely disappointed if they dont. Find a better game for home or hit the road again.

My guess is that there maybe has already been a couple other games finalized for 2011. I think they maybe want to save a few of the games for the public announcement and official release of the 2011 schedule for PR purposes. At least I HOPE this is the case. I would be very disappointed if we still only had 7 games scheduled for 2011 at this point.

Same crap that the other teams in college would say too..........until he put up 175 with a couple td's each game. They were pretty quiet after that.

Idaho will be a very good team. Their QB, Enderle, is a 4 year starter. Had a chance to watch him play on TV against the Washington Huskies last season. Idaho outgained Washington offensively but just couldn't cash in on their red-zone opportunities. Washington did. Enderle was 22-31 for 279 yards that game. Our secondary will have a very tough test.

I would ask Sean Johnson and urge him to make it happen.

The point is Ed should maybe be a little less cavalier with statements like that. Some people might interpret that differently. You know, the "dont forget your roots and where you got your start" crowd. Of course, this is nothing new for Ed. "Zero Context"? I disagree with that.

Its official: Boise to Mountain West.

Couple other thoughts: 1. The closest school in the Big Sky from GF is in Bozeman - 811 miles. There are 5 schools closer than that in the Summit and 6 schools closer than that in the MVFC. 2. If you are a fan and want to travel to road games in the Big Sky, which are you planning on going to? For me personally, I'm only planning on making it to Missoula every other year for sure. Bozeman? Maybe? I'm for sure planning on going to NDSU, SDSU, USD, UNI and SIU(for obvious reasons, even though its a ways away). I might consider going to WIU and Missouri St. Again, this is just me personally. K, I'll shut up now.

I will also say that it wouldnt be the end of the world if we ended up in the Big Sky.

I realize that there is no guarantee regarding getting into the MVFC along with the Summit. I guess the question for me is, given both options, which would you rather have? Forget all the BS (I know, there's a lot). Lets say you can choose. Doesnt the MVFC have an autobid too? I'd much rather be playing the schools in the MVFC/Summit than the schools in the Big Sky, ESPECIALLY if Montana were to leave. The consistent travel costs would be tough on the atheltic department. Plus, which games will fans consistently travel too in the Big Sky? The closest school geographically is in Bozeman, MT, which is over 800 miles away from GF. At least the fans would be able to travel to the Dakota schools consistently AND have the rivalry games that everyone knows. I guess we just agree to disagree. That's fine. Apparently I am in the minority anyways.

Ok, fair enough. But the Summit also has an autobid. Given those equalities, dont you want to be in the more quality conference in terms of membership and recognition regionally? I'm not saying you are wrong and I am right, I'm just trying to understand the Big Sky angle that the majority seem to be favoring here. I just dont get why everyone wants the Big Sky over the MVFC and Summit League. Nickname, logo and Dick Douple aside. (or is it Tom?)

This seems to be the biggest question. If you are an FBS conference, which teams from the Big Sky would you even want? It has to start and end with Montana, doesnt it? Without Montana, what is the Big Sky really worth to us? Not much, if you ask me. Now if Davis, Poly, SUU, etc get an invite as well, then maybe its a different story. I still like the MVFC/Summit option better RIGHT NOW. Maybe a better option will present itself. The next month or so is going to be VERY interesting.

I should have known. "NEWMAN!!!" My bad. I need to watch/read/pay attention more closely. Feel free to delete the thread, mods.

This is great news. Much needed for a very long time. This will certainly 'brighten' up the campus aesthetically. Wonder if project management protocol is being followed and watched differently on this one?

Wow. Good for him. Talk about someone who has "earned" his way to where he's at.

IMO, the poll should be Big Sky vs Summit/MVFC, which is the most likely eventual outcome if UND is accepted into the Summit. In that scenario, I take the Summit/MVFC over the Big Sky. At this point, just get us in a friggin' conference for everything ASAP.