Eastern Washington is the school with the red turf. But hey, you were close; Moscow, ID is only about 70 miles from Cheney, WA.

I don’t care about the mountain west I just came here for the FSU content but now I’m here for everything you guys are as good as any college football pod! Thank you

Idaho plays in the Kibbie Dome. Which has recently been expanded but seating is still rather limited. 7 miles from Wazzu WSU (drop the o people!). Idaho was pleading to join the MW when the WAC dissolved and was left out so they would be the next up likely. Another thing to consider is New Mexico State and UTEP are less than a hour drive apart. Could probably enherit the Sun Bowl as a MWC bowl game with that move too. Both the Montana should be a lock. My other two would definitely be Texas schools UTEP and UTSA or possibly North Texas? Great job guys. I'm a new subscriber and a die hard Coug.

M.W. best additions: OSU, WSU, UTSA, UNT. I'm surprised UNT wasn't on your list. Realistically: Montana, SDSU, NDSU, UTEP. Look into Moscow Idaho. It would be in the conference's best interest to avoid that situation, whatever it is.

I’m a Boise State fan, but it’s Eastern Washington University that has red turf and Idaho is in Moscow, Idaho.

By the way, UTEP is actually in the Mountain Time zone.

You are wrong about New Mexico State University on several accounts. The enrollment is not shrinking and its not 11,000. It's at 25,300 plus. The attendance at football games is growing faster than any other FBS program in the country growing 27% since 2021. It's in a larger metroplex population area than Albuquerque University of New Mexico, who's enrollment is shrinking. When I attended UNM in the late 70s the university claimed to have an enrollment over 35,000 while today it's only about 19,000 with the undergraduate population at 15,000. UNM also has an outdated football stadium that once had a track around the field, making the seats at a bad angle for good view of the field, while New Mexico State has a modern football stadium built for football only, with all seat having a good view of the field. NMSU only disadvantage is the pay the coaches earn, but they are correcting that.

Thanks for the info. I have been wondering about this, as the MWC has to be thinking about adding schools, because of the times. The Dakota schools are much closer to the MWC schools than the Texas schools (unless you're measuring from Albuquerque, which is an outlier). If you've ever been to either Fargo or Brookings, you know that these schools are culturally Western schools, more than any Texas school other than UTEP. Both the B1G and the MAC consider these schools to be in the far west, outside their midwest roots, geography to the contrary be damned. Also, I wonder, given that geography is your main criteria, why California schools like Sacramento State and Cal-Davis wouldn't be considered over any Texas school other than UTEP. Is this all about recruiting? Despite my questions, I really think that you did an outstanding job on this, as usual.

Interesting take on poaching conference USA schools. It’s the first time I’ve heard that but it does make a lot of sense. You could really make a case for any of the big sky schools and it would sound reasonable 😂

Fun episode-and good logic behind it all. So much depends on whether PAC12 rebuilds, and who they would poach. Or if the “super league” happens. The cream of the crop at the higher level would indeed be UTSA. But I think you are undervaluing Rice. They are in Houston market, with nearly $8b endowment. They aren’t running out of money anytime soon. If the plan is to go down a click, then yes, the Montana schools are solid. Living in Portland I see both play Portland State and the caliber of football is really good, and both schools travel well.

I can't imagine a team leaving the AAC or Sun Belt for the MWC. The three conferences are comparable on the football field, but the AAC and Sun Belt have better recruiting footprints and higher viewership timeslots.

I agree with the assessment of each school. I like both Montana and Montana State but I think they are way behind the FBS schools in terms of being targets for the conference. I get the sense that they like where they are at and it would take some convincing to even get them to come over. We really should be moving hard into Texas by looking at all the schools you mentioned (including NMSU) but also look at UNT. If we do end up getting Oregon State and Washington State, I think that only helps us to be able to pull in AAC schools. After the power schools in the AAC got poached the MWC is the clearly better conference; I think those schools would make the jump to come over no problem. Ultimately we need to look at getting to at least 18 schools.

My theory is that OSU/Wazzu would be first. Beyond that, I think the easiest pitches to the MW would be schools that were old members of the WAC, as they'd have the leverage of knowing some of the members already. Louisiana Tech, UTSA, Texas State, for example.

Besides Oregon State and Washington State, nobody. While each and every single school brings one thing, there's another thing that would always work against them. For example: NDSU, SDSU, Montana, Montana State have a great athletic profile (history and facilities) but their location and demographics works against them. UC Davis and Sac State brings location and demographics but their athletic profile works against them (history and facilities). The MWC is stronger when Oregon State and Washington State join the conference than adding the aforementioned FBS and FCS schools mentioned in the video. I also recommend you guys to check out D1 360's take on MWC Expansion. The video is assuming that SDSU and SMU would've gone to the PAC, but he provides a deep analysis on each MWC expansion candidate and his Top 3 picks on who should join the MWC: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qsB3a6yA3Ly6cWQ.htmlsi=pUzxy6LSOKDMuZAc&t=2488

I Live out here in the Dakotas, you are not going to get SDSU or NDSU without the other. They both went up in divisions together and the Administrations work rather closely with each other. Both ADs have said in the past couple of years that they aren't in a rush to go into the FBS. But they have also said that they would listen to whomever came to talk with them.

I'm a few days late, but I've been casually following the Big Sky over the past few years since some local high school players and friends have been going to those schools to play football so I'm a tiny bit more familiar with those schools. I think it would be tough to separate the Montana schools, it would be great to get them both since they have a fantastic rivalry and Montana has a great stadium and I think they would fit right in with the of MW schools. Idaho seems to have their athletics as a whole turning around with the football team making the playoffs and a new brand new basketball arena. But the higher ups might be a little apprehensive given Idahos past with FBS football. It would also be a little weird if WSU was also in the conference since the two schools are literally like 5-10 minutes from each other and they both have to share that small local market that WSU already commands, but Idaho always has enough fans to pack the Kibbie Dome. It would revive the 'Battle of the Palouse' rivalry when the losing fans had to walk home. Also if I were anymore than a casual Eastern Washington fan I would be appalled at your blasphemous confusion of who has the red turf, but I'm not lol.

UTEP should be brought back in, they were an excellent partner in the WAC. They are a very good basketball school and have a large football facility.

If you're considering Rice, would it be that much more of a stretch to look at Tulane and Memphis?

I’d go for Long Beach State. Already good at baseball and basketball, could possibly be convinced to bring back football … play in Carson at the Dignity Health Sports Park. With the right NIL, and no yearly scholarship limitations, they could build a competitive program much quicker these days.

What are you guys' thoughts on Tulane as an MWC option? In relative terms, USTA and Texas State are only slightly closer than New Orleans to the rest of the MWC.

I agree with JY about North Dakota State and South Dakota State. I made a video about potential MAC expansion targets, and I had some comments suggest NDSU and SDSU, but I believe those schools are too far west of what the MAC's footprint should be. NDSU and SDSU are much better suited for the Mountain West. Also, I believe the MWC would have a shot at getting New Mexico State (as unattractive as that is), and UTEP. Montana and Montana State are good choices too for the MWC.

I think as far as FCS additions go the Montana schools are by far the best option for a lot of reasons. You probably couldn't get one without the other for the sake of rivalry. The Dakotas would be good, too, but you probably wouldn't go that far east without also adding the Montanas, and I'm not sure if the Mountain West would be interested in adding four FCS schools at the same time.

New Mexico St, UTEP, Texas State, NDSU, SDSU, Montana St, Montana , Idaho, Sacramento St

I wish Cal Poly was more competitive in football. They fit in perfect geographically, they are most prestigious CSU regarding academics, and their students get rowdy.

Good show. I like the picks. But I would be cautious about adding FCS schools. Just because they have had success at a lower level does not mean that success will translate to FBS consistently. I think if 4 teams left the MW just add New Mexico State and UTEP to get to 10 schools. Fewer schools means more revenue for each school.

Lol Idaho is a non starter unless there is promotion relegation league standings. Ndsu and SDSU have earned it. But seriously, OSU and Wazzu, with BSU, SDSU, Utah St, Colo State, AFA, Fresno.... That's a class act conf.

Surprised to not see UC Davis on your list. Big research U, funds already approved for stadium expansion.

I believe the Montana state legislature passes a resolution declaring that the two universities must move up together, if at all.

The AAC gets $7M per year through I believe 2031. Doesn’t the MWC only get around $4M?

As a Boise State fan, BSU hates Idaho. They’d never go along with helping Idaho out of the FCS. For years the chant was “Idaho, Idaho, ho ho ho, back to The Big Sky you must go!” Note, BSU hasn’t played them since they dropped to the FCS.

I’m a Boise state fan and out of all the schools I think both Montana schools and ND would be the best school for the mountain west.

In order: Rice, UTSA, U Montana, MT SU, SDSU, NDSU

I'm kind of surprised you didn't consider Sacramento State.

TV money, TV time slots & recruiting points to Texas.

I agree with you guys for the most part. Add UTEP, Texas State, Montana and Montana State. All a slam dunk. And maybe NDSU and SDSU to the MAC since they are closer to the Midwest.

Who do you guys see being left in the mountain west if the Pac-2 poach some teams? Also could UC Davis be a target? I think they could have a ton of potential.

With Oregon St being a baseball powerhouse, how important is baseball to the expansion of thr PAC?

UTEPs stadium is literally surrounded by Mountains

I see Mountain West going after Wasrwen Washington and Idaho

Eastern Washington has the red turf.

Montana and MSU would have to be a package deal, they wont split up.

I think the MWC’s future depends on the ACC. If a bunch of ACC schools leave for the P2 and B12, then the remaining ACC schools (probably at least 5) would expand to keep P4 status. Since Calford could still be in the leftover ACC along with Wake Forest, SMU, Syracuse, they could first grab WSU/OSU to get to 7). Then the ACC might go after top AAC and MWC schools and be a national conference. From MWC i would expect that SDSU, Fresno St, Boise State, CSU. AF, From AAC USF, Tulane, Memphis and UTSA to get to 16. Leftover MWC schools could add UTEP, NDSU, SDSU, Montana St, Montana, Idaho, Northern Iowa.

UTSA would run that conference.

Montana and Montana State make too much sense, they are FCS juggernauts in both FB & MBB

I don’t think University of Idaho wants to jump back up to FBS, they are the only team to go from FBS back down to FCS because they were perennially the worst team in all of FBS when they were there.

Get Gonzaga. Hawaii keep the football portion.

Add: North Colorado Montana Montana State North Dakota North Dakota St South Dakota South Dakota St

I think that Wazzou and Oregon State should forget the Pac.They should totally make a new Pac strictly based on what kind of conference they want to form. The MWC should take Rice, UTSA, UNT, and Sam Houston. Then, see if Wichita State would rebuild their football.

"That (colege) Football Guy" Not trying to be an ass.. i watch the show... Seriously? Editor error?

Montana Montana State NDSU South Dakota State Sacramento State has over 30,000 students. Weber State has over 29,000 Northern Arizona would get you into a new tv market. UC-Davis is an AAU school Long Beach State have been looking at restarting football and wants to join the MWC. Close to 40,000 students and is in the LA market. Missouri State has the Springfield tv market, and basketball is good. Lamar is over 17,000 good at baseball to. They brought football thanks to Tubbs and Switzer who both were coaches at Oklahoma. UTRGV just starting football. Tarleton State is spending money to join FBS. Utah Tech is in one of the fastest growing cities in the US. If UNLV is gone? They are not that far from Las Vegas. SFAU Central Arkansas in the Little Rock tv market. ACU is a good one to look at. There 3 D2 schools to look out for. West Texas A&M, former D1 and independent in 1A football at the top. Spending a lot of money to upgrade their facilities. Central Missouri is another to look for. Central Oklahoma in the Oklahoma City tv market. They are spending money to upgrade their football stadium. Their stadium is closing to 12,000 now. FBS: Memphis would get you into the Memphis tv market. They could help trigger more money from the network to expand with them. North Texas is Dallas market. UTSA could wind up getting the medical school in the town. Tulane would be a good target. The AAC is now weaker so if schools like Memphis, Tulane and UTSA wants to be in a better conference? The MWC would be a better upgrade because it is more competitive. UTEP Sam Houston State LA Tech Texas State is actually the Texas State flagship of that branch in the state. La. Lafayette Arkansas State I left Idaho out from being looked at because they lost the flagship status, and the state is not concentrating on that school as Boise State is growing their academics really fast. PAC 2 have been thinking of a complete merger and then do a regulation thing when they split, PAC 12 and MWC would formed, and North Dakota State and South Dakota State are on that list. Maybe schools like Montana, Montana State , Weber State and Northern Arizona could fit in along with schools like UTEP, UTSA, Tulane, Memphis, Texas State and Tarleton State as there as well. You could have 12 and 12. The loser of the PAC 2 would move to the MWC while the MWC winner moves to the PAC 12. So, there are endless directions you could go.