Pac-12 set to add Boise, 3 other MW schools Welcome Virginia Aggie. I am on the East Coast (NC) too. You have some compelling arguments, but I think there are some moderating factors. When I look at successful move ups I think of JMU and App State. Both had very successful FCS football programs at a level UCD has not (at least yet) achieved. They both had bigger stadiums and larger attendance and more “rabid” fan bases. Football in Northern California seems to be a third option in terms of a Saturday experience. When is the last time Cal got anywhere near filling their stadium - when I watch on TV is appears that 2/3 old the stadium empty. I am sure some things have changed at Davis, bit when I was a student (Moroski days) the main cheering section was the band-uh and most students were in the library and many did ent even know we fielded a team. When I watch on ESPN+ it seems most of the students are there more for the social aspect than cheering in the team (at least they are present I guess). In the Valley Fresno is probably the best example of fan loyalty attendance but there the demographic is completely different. Sometimes I think Davis students and community are to “erudite” to actively engage in college football - maybe a little “beneath” them?
Anyway some good things you bring up and in these days of the wild Wild West of college football who knows what’s going to happen outside of the fact that Davis will never be in the money Leslie of those that end up in a “superdivision”.