From what I have heard, because of the two FBS games per year for the past five or six seasons, the administration has been able to save a good amount of monies to help ensure that the Cats will have a 1 FBS, and at least 9 FCS schedule for a good amount of time; especially if the Cats keep getting big money games (450-600K) once a year. I'm just happy we haven't played a DII team since 2008, and if the Cats do elect to play a lower division game, then bring up Dixice State, just like the Utes and Aggies try to play Weber and SUU (still we are all DI schools). Keep the money instate. What is even better is that Weber doesn't have to spend 60-100K of the 500K they are getting from the Utes, for travel costs. Weber will pocket virtually all of the money they earn from USU and Utah (from what I have heard a cool 850-950K).
As for the injury fear, every game there are injury fears. Two SFA players went home with broken bones, which is a total bummer and I hope they can recover quickly and get back on the field for the Lumberjacks soon, but it is part of the game. The Utes or Aggies aren't bigger necessarily, both teams are made up of DI athletes, just the Utes and Aggies have more athletes, talent, and speed. SFA's starting OL might be the biggest line the Cats see all year, and that includes the Aggies and Utes. The game has become quicker and to facilitate that speed, teams are employing tactics to keep their big boys thiner, quicker, and stronger instead of just BIG. Look at our line. They are thinner than in the past, but they played 88 downs on saturday, with the far majority of those downs rushing plays. That takes a lot out of the players, not to mention the Cats play a no-huddle. Our line might not necessarily be deep, but are proving to be fairly talented and are improving. Since the Sac St. game last year, they have only gotten better and better. And as someone pointed out on another thread, our young guys are steppin up. A true freshman started at C and he did a really good job. The Cats rushed for 315 years against a very experienced and talented DL. The Center position is an extremely important position; especially in our offense and he did great. SFA is a good team. Will they win the Southland, probably not, but are they competitive and do they have a chance at the Soutland title?? You bet. That was a very good team the Cats beat. SFA puts up 500 yards of offense practically every week. Thankfully now the Cats are moving the ball and making things happen on offense. Thank you Pflugrad!!