At first it was 50-50 split on moving up. Big Fish in little pond vs. small fish / big pond. I have heard the Marshall argument too. Now, I feel the majority want to move up. It’s frustrating to see 30-35,000 a game at Boone then go to Samford, Elon, Chattanooga, etc. and play in front of 2,000-5,000. Kind of makes you think about where you are in the grand scheme of things. A move up would bring in more money, better recruits, being taken more seriously as a legitimate football program, and raise the bar for other athletic programs. However, more losses will come too. Will we lose fan support if we move up and lose? Marshall did have lots of success after moving up initially. Is it sustainable? These questions were studied and looked at by an advisory committee and they still recommended a move up. I don’t know if you’ve been to Boone but I’d think most people would be surprised at the athletics facilities they have. Renovated double-decked football stadium, indoor practice facility, 10,000 seat gym, new baseball field. I’d be willing to bet we have more to sell than most Sun Belt and MAC schools. It’s been long debated up here, but finally looks like movement is coming our way.
