Great post @SochorField. It's a bit early to declare that we are "back: I think, but we are clearly headed in the right direction and finally have the university's support. It has been maddening to watch NDSU, SDSU, UND and other teams we competed with regularly in the D2 era leave our program in the dust this past decade. That is changing now, but one week at a time. If we can win this week that will be a very good sign.
I'll probably chime in over there also. I used to post somewhat regularly on AGS but, as we continued our downward slide in FCS football, I faded away; there just wasn't anything positive to post about. It's a great forum for the most part though and has lot of long time members who are very knowledgeable about FCS football.
NDSU has a good number of fans on the AGS forum who remember the great rivalry we had with the Bison in our D2 glory days. We travel to the Fargodome in 2019 so, hopefully, we'll be able to play a competitive game with them by then. We've got a long way to go but it would be awesome if we continued to improve to the point that the rivalry with the Bison could be rekindled.
I thought beating PSU was a big victory. The Vikings had a bye week, they were 100 percent healthy, the coach said they were better at every position, and they had battled 2 FBS programs.
To moderate things, we probably had an edge with a new playbook, and Parenteau's first blocked punt was huge.
Our rivalry with ND has always been pretty good. We were both excellent programs and respected each other in the D2 era. I think most Aggies realize ND has a great football program, and we have always respected them. I would hope we can give them a great game when we meet again. Good fans in ND too.
game will be at the later part of September, so weather up there should still be decent. that being said, i'll be taking the U-San Diego trip earlier in that month. San Diego >> Fargo. I doubt i can find post-game margaritas in Fargo, like we enjoy in Old Town!
our go-to is the plaza area there in front of Casa De Reyes (near Guadalajera) where they have the Mariachi bands and the mobile bar. Cheap, STRONG margaritas. after the SDSU game, the band was playing a mix of traditional Mariachi music and modern 'Gringo' music. Nothing like "Jailhouse Rock" in spanish with an accordian. and we were within walking (staggering) distance to our hotel! guessin' that is NOT a Fargo norm.
Well the thread over at AGS is still going but it got highjacked big time when a Sam Houston State fan started posting trash about the Big Sky.
Anyway, there is a Big Sky predictions thread every week and so far this week everyone is picking Weber over the Ags by 8-18 points. There will be a lot more predictions coming.