The Las Cruces Sun reports that New Mexico State’s FBS status may be put on hold if their attendance continues to fall, Karl Benson says that if they were to fail to meet the requirements they would be reinstated if they could prove to meet up to the FBS standard. “They would be out of 1A, that is correct,” Benson said. “It would not affect any of the other sports at New Mexico State. They would remain at the 1A level.” The program’s status in WAC would be up in the air. “Their standing in the conference would be subject to review,” Benson said.
A few other WAC schools face similar scenarios as New Mexico State. Utah state and Idaho are alspo below the standard. All three programs entered the conference three years ago. NCAA requirements mandate that all Division 1A football programs average 15,000 fans in paid attendance for a rolling two-year period.
If at the end of the 2 years one of these 3 schools fails to meet the standard, the WAC would be forced to get rid of that team until they can show they can manage FBS football. This could open an opportunity for a BSC team that can meet the requirement. Mainly Montana, who currently averages enough to play in the WAC. This is a topic all BSC should watch for the next 2 years, someones name could be called….
