2025 Non-UND FCS News/Scores Thread

[Big Green]

12 minutes ago, nd1sufan said:

Really? Making an FBS playoff game is less than winning an FBS national title? Kinda like saying making the Frozen Four is “meh” compared to winning a D3 title.

Bad Analogy.  You need to win 2 Playoff games to get to the Frozen Four. 

Better Analogy.  Win the Atlantic Hockey Conference to than get smoked in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.  But even that is poor as Atlantic Hockey teams have a chance.  JMU had no chance and majority of the country was pissed they were even in as it took a spot away from a more deserving team.  

[AJS]

Let's look at the final Sagarin rankings from 2025

NDSU - 40

MWC (2026 version)

74, 81, 84, 105, 127, 138, 144, 149, 176

MVFC

87, 95, 99, 108, 109, 118, 180, 208, 220

Will NDSU be successful? Yes. Imo, it's 10-2 or better or bust. Year in and year out. What's important to note is like FCS is in their bubble. All G6 conferences are also in their own little bubble. To get into the national discussion, you have to be basically flawless. This isn't NDSU teams of even 5 years ago. What I'm really interested in seeing is when you're forced to schedule FBS teams non-conf (is this confirmed, only one FCS team on the schedule>). I look at it this way, if it was a situation where they only played 1 FBS team on their schedule, they would absolutely win that game. Playing 11 FBS teams, they no longer have 4 what I call >99% chance to win non-conference layups. Also, the botton of the MWC >>> bottom of the MVFC. Very interested to see how it plays out next year. 

 

 

[UNDBIZ]

17 hours ago, UND-FB-FAN said:

Don’t assume it’s with honesty.

The fundraising propaganda is just what they want to you believe.

They’re gone, sure, but $17 million is a significant figure given recent events and history. Me jealous? It goes both ways. Are you aware of the jealously in Fargo? Jealousy is signifiant in Fargo, hence that fan base being one of the most insufferable in all of sports. 

Ultimately, UND needs to focus on UND. Strategy is key here. 

NDSU teammakers has e-tab machines in Fargo.  Those are basically a license to print money at the expense of addicts.

[gfhockey]

I just hope wday doesn’t bid on our tv rights now 

 

 

[Siouxphan27]

48 minutes ago, forksandspoons said:

So they’re not even Duke Mayo Bowl eligible until 2028. What do the juniors and seniors have to play for? 

Turd sandwiches?

[YeahhhSiouxSioux]

1 hour ago, forksandspoons said:

So they’re not even Duke Mayo Bowl eligible until 2028. What do the juniors and seniors have to play for? 

While technically true, I can see NDSU going to a bowl game right away anyways. Teams are opting out of bowl games left and right now, which forces them to add teams that normally wouldn’t qualify. Last year, Missouri State and Delaware were among the first teams to be placed in bowl games once other teams like Notre Dame had opted out. Combine this with the fact that I have a hard time believing NDSU won’t get at least 6 wins in their first season in such a weak conference.

[siouxfan512]

1 hour ago, nd1sufan said:

Really? Making an FBS playoff game is less than winning an FBS national title? Kinda like saying making the Frozen Four is “meh” compared to winning a D3 title.

I agree, its sour grapes. Now, if you make it and lose every handful of years, I can see where there would get old and you may miss that December run of winning playoff games (at least as a fan), but the hockey comparison is fair.

Making the FBS playoffs is big time for some programs, schools, cities. I doubt the players for Tulane and JMU were wishing they had skipped their FBS playoff game to drop down and run through the FCS playoffs. I'm sure there are some players who would like to continue having something to play for, but as we saw with NDSU this year, even the good teams can get bounced in the FCS playoffs.

Not being a player, I do wonder how kids will feel about some of the garbage bowl games that could be in play. I think it will be cool right away because its new, but I've heard enough players on the radio say those are tough games to get up for. They can be half empty stadiums and player hate having to keep preparing for those games, especially at the end of a semester and around the holidays.

I do wonder how the financial implications will work out, but I'm not expert on any of that. increase NIL, increase scholarship, increased travel. All those costs going up, where is the money coming from and will it be sustainable?

I'm not advocating one way or the other on whether I'd like to ever see this for UND. Conceptually, it sounds fantastic, but would the juice be worth the squeeze, or could it cause a large financial burden to the school? I have no clue. I do know that the comments I see about not wanting UND to ever consider the move if it were available are very reminiscent of what many said back in the early 2000s .... all I know is when UND didn't make the jump with NDSU, we lost out and lost out big. There are no guarantees of anything in retrospect, but I think it is fair to say that UND moving at the same time would have made it more challenging for NDSU to do what they did. Remember this was pre-FCS titles and dynasty level play. At that time, UND would have had the exact same opportunity to recruit and compete and build themselves up.

I can see this going two ways: NDSU dominates the MW for years and seeks a move to a bigger conference or positions themselves well for a major D1 football shakeup or realignment. OR the transition isn't quite as successful as they hoped, and the increase cost makes them make the drop back to FCS a few years down the road like Idaho. Regardless, you can't blame them for taking their shot to keep growing. I certainly won't be cheering for the Bison, but I am interested in how this plays out.

[DastardlyDave]

1 hour ago, AJS said:

Let's look at the final Sagarin rankings from 2025

NDSU - 40

MWC (2026 version)

74, 81, 84, 105, 127, 138, 144, 149, 176

MVFC

87, 95, 99, 108, 109, 118, 180, 208, 220

Will NDSU be successful? Yes. Imo, it's 10-2 or better or bust. Year in and year out. What's important to note is like FCS is in their bubble. All G6 conferences are also in their own little bubble. To get into the national discussion, you have to be basically flawless. This isn't NDSU teams of even 5 years ago. What I'm really interested in seeing is when you're forced to schedule FBS teams non-conf (is this confirmed, only one FCS team on the schedule>). I look at it this way, if it was a situation where they only played 1 FBS team on their schedule, they would absolutely win that game. Playing 11 FBS teams, they no longer have 4 what I call >99% chance to win non-conference layups. Also, the botton of the MWC >>> bottom of the MVFC. Very interested to see how it plays out next year. 

 

 

Saw this play out with Nebraska in a way, when they moved to the Big Ten. Suddenly, no auto wins vs. Missouri, Kansas, Iowa St, etc...and then no more Nattys. There stadium banners show up.  Titles galore up to 1999, then NOTHING.

[AJS]

@siouxfan512 good post, but they'll never drop back. The only example of that happening was Idaho and that was because the Sun Belt dropped them. They'll be successful, no doubt, relatively speaking, but each programs definition of success is different. 

Them dominating is a possibility, but lower than most of their fanbase believes. I genuinely wonder if their fanbase would be happy with 9-3 / 8-4 records most years while playing against the new MW teams. Those are really good records, but for a program and the success they've had, that would seem like purgatory. Playing no rivals. That's what would seem to spark interest for most G6 programs. Since outside of a handful of teams yearly, they really have nothing to play for. 

[SooToo]

1 hour ago, nd1sufan said:

I’m sure UND will be in the FCS game rotation for NDSU. Maybe once every 5 years and always in the Fargodome if you are ok with that. Maybe $200k payout since your travel expenses would be just a buds trip with no hotel expenses. 

I think the question will be whether UND -- or the South Dakota schools -- will be interested  in scheduling NDSU.  With upcoming games against Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa in future seasons, why would UND schedule a second FBS team, even a lower-level one, if the goal is to qualify for FCS playoffs? Why would USD or SDAC? Wouldn't think it would be for any payday that could be generated at the dome.

[terbele]

Has the MVFC put out any statements yet regarding 2026 scheduling?

[jdub27]

4 hours ago, Johnny Five said:

Kinda torn on it.  Been a season ticket holder since mid 2000s.  In last 4 years ive gone to 1 game and i was at chubs drinking beer by halftime.  Driving 200 miles each way…hotel costs…most games being snoozers.  I found the TV and then doing something else (hunt etc) easier.  
 

I will miss the regional rivalries.  IMO thats what makes college sports thrive.  

on the flip side, im looking forward to going to Vegas for games…better non-conference games (hopefully B1G, B12; PAC efc).

I feel like Schmidt is making headways to close the gap so to speak and UND will also flourish with this move.  Hopefully NDSU is kicking the door in for the FBS and in a few years UND, SDSU, USD and the Montana are in the same conference.  

I'm not so certain the top P4 schools are going to still be clamoring to play NDSU any more than they previously were. On top of that, teams schedule so far out now, there isn't going to be a ton of options the next few years.

Pretty level-headed take though and agree with most of it. You'd have to expect ticket prices to go up. And after people realize the new conference isn't significantly better and you're losing regional rivalries, which have always pushed attendance up, how much does it move the needle. Obviously the die-hards are all-in, but they were already showing up regardless and giving the largest donations.
 

2 hours ago, nd1sufan said:

I’m sure UND will be in the FCS game rotation for NDSU. Maybe once every 5 years and always in the Fargodome if you are ok with that. Maybe $200k payout since your travel expenses would be just a buds trip with no hotel expenses. 

Why would UND give NDSU a discount for a home game? Is NDSU a charity case where they get to pay below market rates for FCS games now? Did NDSU take a significantly below market rate to play UM since it was only a bus trip?

[homer]

2 hours ago, nd1sufan said:

I’m sure UND will be in the FCS game rotation for NDSU. Maybe once every 5 years and always in the Fargodome if you are ok with that. Maybe $200k payout since your travel expenses would be just a buds trip with no hotel expenses. 

I know your trying to stir the pot but why would any of the regional schools travel to Fargo when P4 schools pay them much more and are better exposure?  I know you won’t answer and just run back to B’ville to report back

[gundy1124]

Teams I root for:

1. UND

2. New Mexico (Luke)

3 - 10 Rest of the Mountain West

2nd to Last team on planet - Gophers

Last Team on planet - Blundering Turd

If Goofs play the Turd, Goofs have my full support.

[fightingsioux4life]

15 hours ago, Longtime fan said:

The only positive IMO is when it comes to recruiting they will be winning a lot of battles with local recruits.  Imo they will start winning the battles over the gophers with twin cities recruits and possibly badger’s for some Wisconsin recruits.

The B1G is a much higher profile conference than the MWC and has way more prestige. Minnesota will probably continue being Minnesota, but I don't think Wisconsin will remain bad for much longer.

I agree with the rest of your post 100%

[fightingsioux4life]

2 hours ago, nd1sufan said:

I’m sure UND will be in the FCS game rotation for NDSU. Maybe once every 5 years and always in the Fargodome if you are ok with that. Maybe $200k payout since your travel expenses would be just a buds trip with no hotel expenses. 

There is NO WAY IN HELL I would support traveling to the FFD for an FBS money game. PERIOD. 

No more games vs. NDSU as long as we are at different levels.

And why would we accept 200K when we could get 2 to 3 times that from a P4 FBS school. And despite what some of your delusional fans think, the MWC is NOT P4.

I really hope Armacost, Chaves and Schmidt will not even entertain this idea, let alone sign onto it.

[jdub27]

2 hours ago, UNDBIZ said:

NDSU teammakers has e-tab machines in Fargo.  Those are basically a license to print money at the expense of addicts.

It's north of a 7 figure addition to their bottom line.

[SIOUXFAN97]

5 minutes ago, jdub27 said:

It's north of a 7 figure addition to their bottom line.

any new or proposed indian casinos in moorhead or beyond hurt them going forward?  that's a lot of money

[nd1sufan]

2 hours ago, DastardlyDave said:

I'm saying, James Madison made it in the CFP. They got smoked by Oregon. If they are FCS and make the championship game...I think that is better

Bet you JMU fans are happier about ladt year than an FCS championship, as most fans would be.

[SIOUXFAN97]

1 minute ago, nd1sufan said:

Bet you JMU fans are happier about ladt year than an FCS championship, as most fans would be.

now your saying jv titles aren't exciting or watered down....interesting take.

[wheelsup]

I expect NDSU to do fine in the MWC.. it’s not much better than the big sky or MVFC from a talent level and clearly the bison did great against that level of competition. The gap between the SEC/Big10 and the MWC is the Grand Canyon where as the gap between MWC and MVFC/BigSky is the Englsh Coulee
 

i also think the fan base will be excited about the move for a while.. it will be fun to play some new teams..  see some new stadiums and piss on some new sidewalks.  The MWC championship game could be cool.. but the 4th tier bowls will be terrible.  
 

im really interested in the financial side of it.. zero dollars better come from the state or student fees.. ive never understood asking kids who are taking out school loans to help fund this kind of crap.. their green and gold or whatever better fund it all.. just like I would expect our champions club to fund ours. 
 

the financial commitment side of things is huge.. entry fees.. increased scholarships.. coaches.. NIL.. etc.. and remember that most bowl games are gigantic money losers for the schools that play in them.. that’s why schools are turning them down. 

Unlike some others on here.. I’m really bummed we won’t play them regularly.. it’s been my favorite game since I was a kid (long time ago.. but not cotton top yet) maybe someday everyone will come to their senses and there will be the power 4.. a solid middle (we could call it FCS) 😀.. and then something lower. 

[wheelsup]

4 minutes ago, SIOUXFAN97 said:

now your saying jv titles aren't exciting or watered down....interesting take.

The best part of NdSu moving up is listening to all of their fans call fcs d2 after saying it was D1 for the last 20 years

[nd1sufan]

26 minutes ago, homer said:

I know your trying to stir the pot but why would any of the regional schools travel to Fargo when P4 schools pay them much more and are better exposure?  I know you won’t answer and just run back to B’ville to report back

Never go to Bisonville. Looked at that site a few years ago and most on there are extremely delusional and way over the top.  I don’t think they should take a discount to play in Fargodome. NDSU won’t pay what P4 schools pay so if any regional FCS school has a chance at 600k or 700k payout they should take it.  I think most Bison fans are ok with not playing the regional FCS teams for a while. 

[Johnny Five]

3 minutes ago, wheelsup said:

The best part of NdSu moving up is listening to all of their fans call fcs d2 after saying it was D1 for the last 20 years

Well true, but when Schmidt wins one UND won't call it JV like they have been the last 20 years either.

[nd1sufan]

4 minutes ago, wheelsup said:

The best part of NdSu moving up is listening to all of their fans call fcs d2 after saying it was D1 for the last 20 years

Not saying that at all. FCS titles are great. But after 10 in 15 years, they aren’t as exciting. Playing in the FBS is more exciting. D2 championships were great too. But FCS was better than D2. Not that hard to comprehend.