Big Sky Conference Expansion?

[GrizBowl]

Some food for thought, the NAIA's Carroll Saints have won the NAIA Football Championship 5 times (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007) and are in the playoffs once again under head coach Mike Van Diest. Is it time for this Montana based team to move up to FCS, move to Division 2, or remain in the NAIA?

[I Bleed Purple]

What possible benefit would the Big Sky have inviting a third Montana school?

[GrizBowl]

more money. Helena has a strong following and adding new blood to the conference could shake things up a bit

[darell1976]

more money. Helena has a strong following and adding new blood to the conference could shake things up a bit

Would it hurt recruiting at Montana and/or Montana State?

[EdubAlum]

Would it hurt recruiting at Montana and/or Montana State?

you would think so...that's the same reason I don't want CWU moving to the big sky.

[trouthunter]

There is NO WAY that Carroll would move up to the Big Sky. They have built an impressive stadium for NAIA, but there is no room for any additional expansion on campus. Plus as a private school, the academic rigors plus the cost of attendance (around $30k/year for lowly Montana) makes this move unlikely.

There is no question that Van Deist has turned the program around, for years Carroll played their home games at a local Middle School, but they simply could not compete in the Big Sky.

[eagle1]

Is this thread a joke? Seriously? Carroll College?

[Gil Dobie]

What about DII University of Mary in Bismarck, possible travel partner for UND?

[mtbigdog]

Why would the BSC want Idaho back to begin with?

[I Bleed Purple]

Looking at Idaho forums, they'd rather drop football altogether than go back to FCS play.

[furpal87]

Watching them play didn't they drop football already?xlolxxlolx