BOONE, N.C. -- Appalachian State has knocked off one of college football's top teams. Now the Mountaineers are thinking about joining the big boys. The school, known for its stunning upset of Michigan in 2007 and its three straight national titles last decade, announced Thursday it will evaluate shifting from the Football Championship Subdivision to the Bowl Subdivision. The feasibility study could take up to a year. "With the changing Division I landscape and the unprecedented success that our football program has enjoyed on and off the field in recent years, the time is right to analyze all of our options as a Division I athletics department and football program," athletic director Charlie Cobb said. Appalachian State joins fellow Southern Conference member Georgia Southern and Montana in beginning discussions about moving to the FBS. The Mountaineers won three straight national championships from 2005-07 and have led the FCS in attendance the past three years. Appalachian State, which recently renovated its stadium, is averaging 28,963 fans in two home games this season as it seeks a sixth straight Southern Conference title. Appalachian State conducted a study about moving up to college football's top tier in 1998, but decided against it. "This study is a broad, campus-wide analysis to identify what our options are as a university, athletics department and football program going forward," Cobb said. Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
Doubtful. I think Sun Belt would be a good fit. Or, one or two of them could start out as an Independent, like Western Kentucky did before they moved to the Sun Belt. If not the Sun Belt, perhaps one of the other smaller conferences that would better suit them geographically? Say, Big East for App State and GA Southern, and either MWC or WAC for Montana?
If App State, Southern, and Montana know what's good for them, they'll stay 1-AA.GamerForca
Those teams can continue to compete for national titles in 1-AA. They'll never be more than a Southern Miss, Troy, or Temple if they move up to 1-A. They'll need to get A LOT of SUPPORT to ever be a Boise State. There are already too many big programs in North Carolina for App State to get that. Boone is a nice town, but they'll never be able to convince enough good recruits to come there. Statesboro is a dump, and they're already losing recruits to Georgia State (and will soon be losing even more to Kennesaw). I'll admit that Montana could carve something out, being the most popular team in the state, but would they be able to convince recruits to come up there?
Drop FSU? Makes sense for the ACC to drop the team leading the division, with the 29th ranked offense and 20th ranked defense (leading the nations in sacks with 25) in the country. Can the same be said of the Gators?
Drop FSU? Makes sense for the ACC to drop the team leading the division, with the 29th ranked offense and 20th ranked defense (leading the nations in sacks with 25) in the country. Can the same be said of the Gators?
Hint: UF is ranked worse in both categories.
Oh is this one of those hooray for clown town moments? Yes we are all excited that you creeped back into the top 25 this week too!!
Those teams can continue to compete for national titles in 1-AA. They'll never be more than a Southern Miss, Troy, or Temple if they move up to 1-A. They'll need to get A LOT of SUPPORT to ever be a Boise State. There are already too many big programs in North Carolina for App State to get that. Boone is a nice town, but they'll never be able to convince enough good recruits to come there. Statesboro is a dump, and they're already losing recruits to Georgia State (and will soon be losing even more to Kennesaw). I'll admit that Montana could carve something out, being the most popular team in the state, but would they be able to convince recruits to come up there?GamerForca
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