Source: Idaho to drop to FCS

[FormerEag]

Announcement to come tomorrow. http://footballscoop.com/news/source-idaho-to-drop-to-fcs/

 

[EWU98]

 

[360Eag]

Check out their boards. The fans are pretty ticked about the thought of playing in the Big Sky. Apparently Big Sky football is just unwatchable.

 

[EWU98]

It sounds like their President's wife is the only smart one..staying in Boise instead of living in Moscow...that is an easy decision.
Their 7 posts make me laugh. The fact that we out average their D1 program in attendance. They should thank their lucky stars that their program will now be relevant again because they have a local rival and interest from the locals because of EWU.
VANDALS say after me .... "this is a good thing for our program,""this is a good thing for our program," "this is a good thing for our program,""this is a good thing for our program," "this is a good thing for our program,""this is a good thing for our program,"......

 

[EdubU10]

I'm excited about this. Adds a foe close to EWU and will be an easy away game to travel to. Glad they didn't try to stick it out as an independent.

 

[ewueagle2010]

Holy smokes... take a little gander over to their forum if you want to see a dumpster fire bigger than their football program already was! :shock:

Many of their alum and fan base are already claiming their jumping ship and stopping their support for the University and program. I don't get it! They're claiming that this is the biggest mistake they've ever made. How?? I think the biggest mistake was back in 1996...

 

[EWURanger]

Yes, it'll be nice to have another regional rival back in the Big Sky. That said, I personally don't care what they do and I actually think it's better for Eastern to have them flounder in the FBS than to have them back in the Big Sky. I've said it before, but I'm not sure it'll be good for us in terms of recruiting to have a strong Idaho program competing with us at the same level.

This entire argument is of course predicated on the idea that they're competitive right off the bat and stay that way. I guess we'll have to see.

 

[Atomic Eagle]

Once the Sun Belt made their decision, this was inevitable. Idaho already tried the independent schedule route once after the WAC folded and I doubt they wanted to go down that road again.

 

[EWURanger]

Check out their boards. The fans are pretty ticked about the thought of playing in the Big Sky. Apparently Big Sky football is just unwatchable.

I took a look at the site. I think a lot of the people that post on there are Johnny come lately's who never followed Idaho when they played in the Big Sky. What's funny is that Idaho had some GREAT teams back in the 80's and 90's and they produced some really great players as well. Those teams were a lot better than what they've fielded the past 10-15 years, in my opinion.

I also think there's some anecdotal evidence to suggest that success in athletics, or lack thereof, can have either a very positive or very negative overall effect on an institution. There are obviously a lot of other factors that come to play, but consider UI's current enrollment of ~11,000 students. That's around the same enrollment they had in 1996, when they left the Big Sky Conference - maybe a little more. We had a little over 8,000 students at that time. We're now close to 14,000 students, and I think athletics has played a part in that, even if we're playing FCS football.

I really think that being more competitive in football will increase student and alumni involvement. When you're winning, people come. Judging from their forum, this seems lost on most of their online fans.

 

[EWUSigep447]

I'll be honest, when I was 18 the football program was one of the most enticing things about choosing EWU. An undergraduate and graduate degree later, I'm buying season tickets to the inferno. I totally agree with Ranger.

 

[LDopaPDX]

The scary part is that it's one more option for recruits with better football facilities than we have. As much as the Kibbie Dome sucks, it's far better than having high school bleachers. Hopefully this just adds fuel to the fire to get our stadium up to par.

Also, given how hard Idaho worked to keep us out of the Big Sky 30 years ago, not sure why we'd welcome them with open arms.

 

[360Eag]

Check out their boards. The fans are pretty ticked about the thought of playing in the Big Sky. Apparently Big Sky football is just unwatchable.

I took a look at the site. I think a lot of the people that post on there are Johnny come lately's who never followed Idaho when they played in the Big Sky. What's funny is that Idaho had some GREAT teams back in the 80's and 90's and they produced some really great players as well. Those teams were a lot better than what they've fielded the past 10-15 years, in my opinion.

I also think there's some anecdotal evidence to suggest that success in athletics, or lack thereof, can have either a very positive or very negative overall effect on an institution. There are obviously a lot of other factors that come to play, but consider UI's current enrollment of ~11,000 students. That's around the same enrollment they had in 1996, when they left the Big Sky Conference - maybe a little more. We had a little over 8,000 students at that time. We're now close to 14,000 students, and I think athletics has played a part in that, even if we're playing FCS football.

I really think that being more competitive in football will increase student and alumni involvement. When you're winning, people come. Judging from their forum, this seems lost on most of their online fans.

I feel the same way. I really don't understand the hate of dropping down to FCS. It's not like they have a lot of FBS success. They've had 4 winning seasons since moving up and 3 of those were within their first four seasons. Since 2000, 1 winning season. It no longer makes sense for them to bounce around as an independent and hope for some brand new FBS West Coast conference to join.

I also agree about improved athletics helping a university. When I went to Eastern in 2005 as a freshman, it seemed like Eastern was the 3rd best represented school while I was there. People were decked out in Washington State and Gonzaga gear. Even Montana and Washington apparel could be seen all over the place. Suddenly our football team improved and I started seeing more and more Eastern gear instead of the other schools. I moved over to the Portland area and I started seeing more Eastern flags, license plates, etc. after we won the NC.

I understand the initial shock that you'll be moving to a lower level, but Idaho fans should see that this will help them in the long term. Would you rather pray for 6 wins so you can go to the Humanitarian Bowl or contend for a NC? Seems pretty obvious.

 

[EdubU10]

I don't see how they can look at going to the BSC as the worst thing ever when the past seasons, they were playing no name lower tier FBS schools that no one gives a shit about anyways. How's Appalachian St doing these days? Oh they went 11-2 in 2015? Yeah, in the SUN BELT!! The perennial powerhouse conference of football supremacy. How about Georgia Southern? New Mexico State? Anyone ever hear ANYTHING about those schools anymore? Not much. Moving up to FBS doesn't have the same appeal as it did years ago cause its already too diluted. Where is the appeal of playing for some no name bowl game against the University of Toledo? I guess the added revenue and EXPOSURE and prestige :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: People put FBS on a pedestal and I get that, it's the pinnacle of amateur football but only for the select few (The big boys). But what is the appeal of being a lower tier FBS school? I seriously do not get that.

If I'm a fan of the Vanduls, I would be stoked on the drop down. This gives them an actual chance to have a winning season (they've had ONE winning season since 2000!!!). Why would they have any excitement of playing teams that are on the other side of the country?

If the level of competition dictates your fandom and support of you school, then you're a shitty fan. At the end of the day, it's still the same game played for 60 minutes. Oh, you don't want to play the weber states and northern arizonas? Too bad, you shouldn't of sucked at football. I don't buy that it's a tough pill for them to swallow. How is dropping down to FCS any more embarrassing than getting your ass handed to you year after year at FBS?

 

[ewueagle2010]

I've spent a lot of the morning taking in Vandal opinions on their forum. I do understand some of their opposition on moving to the Big Sky. To the realistic ones, moving the Big Sky won't mean automatic success and in fact, they'll probably still struggle for the first few years. They're going to lose many of their scholarship players and most of their coaching staff during the transition.

However, overall I still think this will be a great move for them. The argument that nobody cares about FCS football is valid when talking nationally. But locally, it is a big deal. Think people in this region of the country don't care about the Griz, Bobcats, Bison, and Eagles (just to name a few)? Wrong. Even though these teams don't get much attention nationally, who cares!? Idaho isn't getting attention nationally or locally the last decade. So isn't it better to at least be relevant on a local level? Granted, they probably will struggle for Big Sky Championships for a few years, but eventually, I think they'll be a consistent contender.

Lastly, as an Eagle alum/fan, I'm pumped about this move! Idaho will now be the closest conference road game to go watch and I've really enjoyed having them back for basketball. In just two years, I've already built a hate for them. This will become a great rivalry and one more great game to look forward to, along with Montana and Montana State.

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

ewueagle2010,
I don't know why Idaho Fans are pissed for coming back to "Big Sky Football" They played us before, and was in the Big Sky before. I remembered in the 80s when they played EWU, I had to sit on my hands, couldn't do much rooting. I was an Employee for Eastern Washington University Police Department, my son Vic Jr. was Wide receiver for the Vandals, Kenny Hobart Quarterback, Curtis Johnson WR, Sam Merriman LB, for Idaho. Those used to be some outstanding Games. The games can be just as good now that they are back to FCS. Give it a chance, I knew what our games used to be like with the Vandals, can go back to what it used to be. My only regret was driving those bad two lanes highways, to Idaho and back to Spokane. Your announcer have since passed that I really love to hear announce your games. Now I am enjoying the Best Announcer in the Big Sky, or on the radio "LRRY WEIR", he is the greatest. Idaho Fans, be happy you have a league to come to, and not sitting out in the cold. Welcome Back Idaho Vandals, and the best of luck. Go Eagles!!!!!Vic Wallace

 

[Vic E. Wallace]

To All,
Eagles have one more practice today, @4:30p.m. They practiced yesterday rain and all. I will not be there today, will be at West Valley High at my son last Track Meet Today. He is the PE/Track Coach there, his last meet this year. Our Football Team is coming along very well, with our new DL Coach Eti Ena, they are making progress slowly but surely, QB Coach Troy Taylor are doing great things with QBs. OL, Coach Best is utting them through some great training, TE are Big Strong, and have great Hands, block very well. Young WR have arrived, the will compete very well, DL Great, Jordan Jonar and others are outstanding on the DL. CB/LB will be damn great. What more can I say? Now just waiting when practices start sometime in August. See all Football Fans in August, "Gods Willing" Vic Wallace

 

[marceagfan5]

This will be a good move for Idaho and for the Big Sky...will probably have to separate the Big Sky into divisions now, but its a good move.

This will probably change who Eastern's two guaranteed Big Sky games are...My guess is we will gain Idaho and lose PSU, Hopefully we don't gain Idaho and lose the Griz...

As far as Idaho's fans being pissed...well...they sucked in the FBS, right now they wouldn't finish top 5 or 6 in the Big Sky, it is what it is.

 

[Rjones61]

This will be a good move for Idaho and for the Big Sky...will probably have to separate the Big Sky into divisions now, but its a good move.

This will probably change who Eastern's two guaranteed Big Sky games are...My guess is we will gain Idaho and lose PSU, Hopefully we don't gain Idaho and lose the Griz...

As far as Idaho's fans being pissed...well...they sucked in the FBS, right now they wouldn't finish top 5 or 6 in the Big Sky, it is what it is.

Unfortunately, we are almost assured to lose the Griz. The Griz will without hesitation advocate to bump us out in favor of the Vandals. They will want to rekindle that rivalry, the Vandals are closer, and the Vandals have more seating capacity.

 

[marceagfan5]

This will be a good move for Idaho and for the Big Sky...will probably have to separate the Big Sky into divisions now, but its a good move.

This will probably change who Eastern's two guaranteed Big Sky games are...My guess is we will gain Idaho and lose PSU, Hopefully we don't gain Idaho and lose the Griz...

As far as Idaho's fans being pissed...well...they sucked in the FBS, right now they wouldn't finish top 5 or 6 in the Big Sky, it is what it is.

Unfortunately, we are almost assured to lose the Griz. The Griz will without hesitation advocate to bump us out in favor of the Vandals. They will want to rekindle that rivalry, the Vandals are closer, and the Vandals have more seating capacity.

Ya, that was my concern. If we split into two divisions, we'd be assured to keep the game on our schedule, but if we keep it the same way its been, we most likely lose the Griz as one of our two guaranteed games because they will want Idaho and the Big Sky won't leave PSU out to dry...

 

[EWURanger]

This will be a good move for Idaho and for the Big Sky...will probably have to separate the Big Sky into divisions now, but its a good move.

This will probably change who Eastern's two guaranteed Big Sky games are...My guess is we will gain Idaho and lose PSU, Hopefully we don't gain Idaho and lose the Griz...

As far as Idaho's fans being pissed...well...they sucked in the FBS, right now they wouldn't finish top 5 or 6 in the Big Sky, it is what it is.

Unfortunately, we are almost assured to lose the Griz. The Griz will without hesitation advocate to bump us out in favor of the Vandals. They will want to rekindle that rivalry, the Vandals are closer, and the Vandals have more seating capacity.

I agree, which is part of the reason we should hope for some sort of restructuring for football. If the conference gets split like I hope it will, the "two guaranteed games" thing won't matter because we'll be playing them every year anyway. In an 11 game season, we'd play 6 guaranteed divisional games, 3 (or more) inter-divisional, and 1 or 2 completely OOC (payday) games.

Another good thing about Idaho moving to the Big Sky is that the days of scheduling Division II games to fill out the schedule are likely over, as we will almost certainly play them every year regardless of how these Divisions pan out.