NDSU's bold move to the Mountain West Conference and the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) is a risky endeavor, but one that could potentially breathe new life into the program. The decision to leave the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) was not made lightly, as staying in the FCS would have been a safe but uninspiring path forward. The author, Mike McFeely, argues that the risks of staying in the FCS were far greater than those of making the move to the FBS. He highlights the stagnation of the FCS, where the excitement and competitiveness have waned, and the fan base has reflected this decline. The author speculates that the FCS is not getting better, and the schools willing to invest in football are dwindling. This, he believes, would have led to a future of dwindling crowds and a lack of progress for NDSU. The move to the FBS, on the other hand, presents a new set of challenges and opportunities. The author acknowledges the potential dangers, such as the financial burden and the need for the team to compete at a higher level. However, he also highlights the potential rewards, such as increased exposure and the chance to qualify for the College Football Playoff. The author's personal perspective is that the risk is worth taking, as the alternative was a future of stagnation and mediocrity. He believes that the move to the FBS could potentially bring new excitement and success to the program, and that the fans will embrace the change. In conclusion, the author sees the move to the FBS as a necessary and potentially transformative step for NDSU, and he is optimistic about the future of the program.
