Dustin

From the Big Sky website announcing the return of University of Idaho: "The Big Sky Conference has already begun the process of exploring a move to a two-division, six-team format starting in 2014-15 for sports such as basketball and volleyball." What are your speculations for the two divisions? Here's my theory: North Division South Division North Dakota Northern Colorado Montana Weber State Montana State Southern Utah Idaho Portland State Idaho State Sacramento State Eastern Washington Northern Arizona

Exactly. I think that by the time this year's freshmen are seniors, student attendance will be up in all sports. Can you really blame fans for being "hockey only" during the transition? The reason that USD has fared better with football, is because they didn't have a marquee sport that wasn't in the transition (like hockey). Hockey has always been, and always will be, very important to UND. And the fact that Ralph Englestad made it possible to nearly double the attendance at every home hockey game didn't help with attendance for other events (including stuff at Chester Fritz). There's so many seats in this town, and just not a big enough market to fill them all, is basically what it boils down to.

Midcontinent's website has a place to suggest new channels, and I've done this twice lobbying for Root Sports. I suggest that others do the same. Here's the link: http://www.midcocomm.com/forms/channelrequests/

I was thinking the same thing. Hopefully I'm not as disappointed.

Hard to believe that these two teams had the same Big Sky record coming into the game. The VB girls dismantled SUU with ease (game time was only 1:20 or so). Again, I think that win at NDSU really sparked them, and I foresee a good winning streak here. NAU on Saturday should be good competition, but I think they get 'em in 4. Idaho St. on 10/25 should be quite the showdown.

Robinson, Ulrich, and Krueger were unstoppable! I think this will jump start the second half for these girls.

If the O-line can protect the pocket, then Hanson is the guy. But if the pocket collapses, Hendrickson can make plays with his feet. To me, it's more of an O-line controversy - who's gonna show up?

Let's get a good crowd behind these girls tonight as they face a very quality opponent, former NCC mate, and defending Big Sky champion Northern Colorado. Tonight's game should be a gauge as to what level of play is needed to win the conference.

There also are no Great West Banners in BESC for the 2011 Volleyball team, or 2011-12 MBB team.

This actually would work great on many levels. Think of the different cheers/promotions: We will we will FRACK you. FRACK the (Insert opposing teams' name here) (Clap clap clap clap clap) FRACK attack Meet the FRACKERS FRACKER backer It would be unique - I doubt another team has the name. It has ties to North Dakota. It is controversial (not the name, but the practice), giving us a kind of bad-ass edginess. I think we may be on to something here. Tell me where I'm wrong (like I have to ask!)

I think North Dakota will be in the top-5 in attendance this year among Big Sky schools, with the possibility of #3 if the boys really start kickin' it into high gear.

Will this be a home or away game?

I know the name "Wildfire" has been mentioned on this thread before, albeit with some pretty harsh reviews. But consider this: It's got history - prairie Wildfires were an uncontrollable force of nature that caused total destruction in ND at the time of settlement. It's got significance - the UND academic logo has a flame in it. Wouldn't a team that opponents can't control and suffer total destruction be the ideal?

This is one of the few I actually like. There would nothing bad about fan of other teams calling us dirty rotten SCOUNDRELS because we always beat 'em.

Cool data. Do you know what year those numbers are from. Just wondering if they were during UND's transition. I would think UND's money from ticket sales would be going up (possibly way up) starting this year.

Do you think there are some non-conference games between Sept. 1 and Sept. 13? Would be great to get some high RPI teams on the schedule.

I do believe that UND was in full compliance with the NCAA during the time the nickname was retired (Jan - Feb 2012).