exit322

I think if the portal opening happened after bowl games, there'd be more guys that stayed for them. But yeah, that's not going to stop some of these.

It really doesn't destroy much either way - NIU isn't really losing any major longstanding rivalry the way an Akron would if they left the MAC, and who (beyond maybe Ball State) has any buzz when NIU comes to town? If there was one team to lose that wouldn't really upset the status quo either way (despite their success at times), it's probably NIU. The value is likely in lower travel expenses in the Horizon League for everything else (more than offsetting the increased football travel) plus probably a little more TV revenue. This definitely isn't a risk-free move, I'll agree. But I see why NIU is going to try it.

There's probably some value for NIU in going to the MWC for football (and having a bit less travel in all the other sports), even if it's mostly only avoiding the weekday November games that probably cost them a fair number of season ticket holders.

Well when you say it like that, why would anyone ever leave?!! 😄

Of course it is. Akron isn't interested in trying to grow the program and actually win, so why not find more easy money to get everyone hurt and lose by 40?

I was just guessing based on geography. Horizon is probably the most likely (though the Horizon League isn't all that bad at basketball, either) It could very well be the two of them approached the MVC and the MVC wasn't interested, and then Toledo just sat back to the MAC.

I would figure either Horizon League or Missouri Valley Conference for the other sports. I suspect this is what they're waiting on getting sorted before accepting the MWC offer or not.

Hillsdale didn't lay down for them. That's just the margin between the teams.

WE HAVE TURNED THE CORNER Right into a wall.

I don't think it's really changed at all as a result of this arrangement. This is purely a dollars question I posed...does this give more to make up for the loss of ticket (and related) sales on Saturdays? As I asked, I should answer. I don't think it gives enough more to make up for those other losses.

What we don't know from the article is how much more cash comes to the MAC teams from the weeknight games. It definitely doesn't help attendance at all for any of the schools (same issue in CUSA in October). But does the TV cash trump the attendance loss?

WHAT A STOP! I was wrong - Akron figured out how to win a game when things looked bleak. Good on them, this can be a big step to 2025.

I stand corrected, good call.

And that's a true statement for both sides...good lord Toledo kicker

He's only missed four field goals this year (including that shank earlier tonight). I don't like our chances.

Those replays were the definition of "not clear and obvious." Whatever was called on the field either way was going to stand.

It would have been better if Akron gave up the two easy touchdowns to start the game so we could all have turned it off and done something else. Moorhead just isn't a winner.

Clock was stopped on an incomplete pass.

And the Akron Zips have returned. I know the money isn't there to get rid of Moorhead, but they might want to find it anyways.

And now Akron's gonna show up again.

I think that one dates to Ianello, unfortunately.

What a massive drive for the Zips.

I'd want a touchdown here, but a field goal would be great to make it two scores.

Defense not breaking again, and Toledo goes and misses a short field goal (though short kicks from the hashes in college are no joke).

Can't complain about that half. Sure, not a lot of consistent offense, and Toledo held the ball way too much. But the defense didn't break, and the offense didn't make any big mistakes.