VANDALS: Bring on the Big Sky

The reasons for the Vandal football team remaining in the FBS division have gone from controversial to absurd. In an attempt to broach this reasoning, let’s take a look at the school’s arguments themselves.

First, attendance at games will be far greater at the FBS level than it ever could playing in the Big Sky against former FCS rivals. How many fans can really be expected to see the likes of Illinois State, Old Dominion and Texas State? The answer should be clear: very few. This was clearly evidenced by the final game last year against Texas-San Antonio when you could have held a conversation with a friend on the other side of the stadium. The closest team on the schedule is Fresno State, right out the back door I guess. Just wait for Georgia Southern, Alabama State and the rest of the Sun Belt next year. This was a failure once and will be again.

Second, staying at this level improves all of the other sports. I guess the number of recent banners and move to the Big Sky in all other sports has already countered this argument.

Finally, it has repeatedly been hammered that the number of scholarships will be greatly reduced with a drop in divisions. Wait, so I first want to be clear. You mean players who don’t deserve free rides to school won’t get them? Hey, sign me up.

So, Vandal fans looking for a great, quiet place to catch up with friends, catch a game this year.

CARL DUNCAN

Coeur d’Alene