Big Ten Won't Schedule FCS Schools Anymore

Starting in 2016, Big Ten football teams won't schedule FCS schools anymore. I guess the Big Ten schools are tired of losing to the FCS schools like NDSU in football.

First, minus OSU and Michigan, the Big Ten isn't what I would consider an elite FBS league. They're middle of the road. I would say that they're definitely not on the same level as the ACC or the SEC. So, I think that this policy smacks of elitism. Some of the Big Ten Schools need all the help they can get. Maybe some of them need to play more FCS schools.

Paul Myerberg, USA Today --- The scheduling guidelines set the Big Ten apart from its Power Five peers. The Big 12 Conference and Pac-12 also play nine league games; among the three, the Big Ten and Pac-12 each hold a conference championship game. No other league, however, will mandate at least one Power Five opponent and the elimination of FCS foes from its schedules.

“Everybody agreed,” Delany said. “We have the nine conference games. We have a commitment to schedule an intersectional game. We have a conference championship (game). And we have the commitment to play only (Football Bowl Subdivision) opponents.

“It’s really a commitment to FBS. I imagine if someone had a contractual issue we’d take a look at that. But this is the template that everybody thinks is best going forward from a variety of perspectives.”

So, Telling the Truth is a Witch Hunt

You have to love North Dakota State University football fans. I think some of our brothers and sisters in Bison Nation oare living in the land of denial. Telling the truth doesn't make one shady. This isn't the first time that I've seen this mentality from our friends to the south. Maybe the state department can hire them for the PR staff.

Who am I talking about? I was reading a letter to the Inforum editor by Bob Johnson of Fargo, ND. I have no idea who this guy is. But apparently, Bob is unhappy with Rob Port's reporting. Truth be told, if you don't tell the truth, and work for a state entity like NDSU, Ports going to file an FOIA records request and report it. It's pretty simple, state schools are subject to FOIA and if you don't want to get into trouble, don't write questionable emails and texts.

In this case, Port has laid out the evidence and the NDSU President look poorly. He lied. It's on black and white. Maybe NDSU Fans should refocus their anger to the NDSU administration. This is comedy gold.

I was very disappointed to read The Forum's editorial calling for North Dakota State University President Dean Bresciani's resignation. After all of the great things that he has done for NDSU and the state of North Dakota, you ask for his resignation over a few text messages between he and the athletic director? That's shameful.

Maybe people should be asking for the resignation of some of the people at Forum Communications. Namely, whoever is in charge of their shady reporter hiring and media deal bidding. To say Rob Port is a "news journalist" is stretching the truth even for Forum Communications' loose standards. The guy is a hack with an agenda and The Forum is giving him a platform to spread it.

It's about time someone dug up the real dirty secrets behind the anti-NDSU agenda from the mostly UND alumni legislatures and their lapdogs like Port and The Forum's ownership.

The Forum Communications bid for the NDSU media rights was a complete and utter joke and you should be more embarrassed by that than anything NDSU has done. To basically ask for the same restrictions as NDSU tried and taking it even further by trying to force NDSU to get them access to ESPN's feed at no charge (which is impossible) and making NDSU pay them back if they didn't win at least 8 games a year is disgusting if not illegal. Wonder what the courts would think of those stipulations? Basically, a media company threatening a public institution of higher learning to win or pay up?

College Hockey's Contribution to the Wolrd Cup of Hockey

I was perusing an ESPN article today and here’s the breakdown of ex-college hockey players that will be participating in the World Cup of Hockey. Pretty impressive list of all-stars.

Michigan: Dylan Larkin (Team North America), Jacob Trouba (Team North America), Carl Hagelin (Sweden), Jack Johnson (Team USA), Max Pacioretty (Team USA)

Minnesota: Thomas Vanek (Team Europe), Erik Haula (Finland), Erik Johnson (Team USA), Blake Wheeler (Team USA)

Wisconsin: Ryan McDonagh (Team USA), Joe Pavelski (Team USA), Derek Stepan (Team USA), Ryan Suter (Team USA)

North Dakota: Jonathan Toews (Canada), T.J. Oshie (Team USA), Zach Parise (Team USA)

Boston College: Johnny Gaudreau (Team North America), Cory Schneider (Team USA)

Michigan State Duncan Keith (Canada), Justin Abdelkader (Team USA)

UND 19th in FCS Poll

The University of North Dakota football teams starts the preseason ranked 19th in FCS Football.

STATS FCS Poll
Rankings as of 8/8/2016
Rank	School	Votes	Prev
1	North Dakota State (0-0)	3941 (152)	NR
2	Sam Houston State (0-0)	3636 (2)	NR
3	Jacksonville State (0-0)	3569 (4)	NR
4	Richmond (0-0)	3418	NR
5	UNI (0-0)	3413	NR
6	Chattanooga (0-0)	2758	NR
7	Charleston Southern (0-0)	2734	NR
8	South Dakota State (0-0)	2554	NR
9	William & Mary (0-0)	2517	NR
10	Illinois State (0-0)	2303	NR
11	McNeese State (0-0)	2151	NR
12	James Madison (0-0)	2037	NR
13	Montana (0-0)	1921	NR
14	Eastern Washington (0-0)	1879	NR
15	Citadel (0-0)	1535	NR
16	Coastal Carolina (0-0)	1397	NR
17	Portland State (0-0)	1262	NR
18	Northern Arizona (0-0)	1189	NR
19	North Dakota (0-0)	977	NR
20	Western Illinois (0-0)	876	NR
21	Colgate (0-0)	767	NR
22	New Hampshire (0-0)	657	NR
23	Villanova (0-0)	652	NR
24	Towson (0-0)	428	NR
25	North Carolina A&T (0-0)	395	NR

Others: Youngstown State (393) , Fordham (385) , Harvard (294) , Eastern Kentucky (189) , Southern Utah (162) , Eastern Illinois (151) , Central Arkansas (136) , Duquesne (75) , Alcorn State (62) , Grambling State (59) , Weber State (49) , Penn (46) , Bethune-Cookman (43) , Wofford (43) , Dartmouth (37) , Western Carolina (36) , Liberty (36) , Lamar (28) , Montana State (26) , Delaware (25) , South Dakota (17) , Maine (14) , Dayton (10) , North Carolina Central (10) , Mercer (10) , Prairie View A&M (9) , UT Martin (7) , Samford (7) , South Carolina State (5) , Bryant (4) , Indiana State (3) , Kennesaw State (3) , Southeast Missouri State (2) , Tennessee State (2) , Stony Brook (2) , Southern Illinois (1) , San Diego (1) , Northwestern State (1) , Saint Francis U (1)

The AHL's new Fighting Rule

The American Hockey League has changed their fighting rules. Their new rules are very similar to the OHL's fighting rules. I have to wonder if the NHL is next? The rules are supposed to affect this fall. 

Rule 46 (“Fighting”)/Rule 23 (“Game Misconducts”) 
• Players who enter into a fight prior to, at, or immediately following the drop of the puck for a faceoff will be assessed an automatic game misconduct in addition to other penalties assessed. 

• During the regular season, any player who incurs his 10th fighting major shall be suspended automatically for one (1) game. For each subsequent fighting major up to 13, the player shall also be suspended automatically for one (1) game. 

• During the regular season, any player who incurs his 14th fighting major shall be suspended automatically for two (2) games. For each subsequent fighting major, the player shall also be suspended automatically for two (2) games. 

• In any instance where the opposing player was assessed an instigator penalty, the fighting major shall not count towards the player’s total for this rule.

Tips for Buying Boat Lifts

When it comes to buying a boat lift for your dock, it's important that you get one to accommodate the water you boat in. Boat dock lifts typically fall into four categories: free-standing, four- or eight-post, floating and overhead. Regardless of which type of boat lift you choose, here are some tips that can help ensure you buy the right lift for your boat.

Electric or Manual

It's important for you to choose if you want a manual lift or an electric one because it will give you a starting point for your search. While electric lifts are easier, they are more expensive. They also require more maintenance, care and a power source.

Check the Specs

Not all boats are the same length and size. You need to ensure that you buy a lift that can support your boat. Check the lift to find out the maximum boat size and weight it can lift. If your boat would put the lift at its maximum capacity, opt for a stronger lift. Maxing out the power can shorten its life span.

Manufacturer Warranty

A boat lift is no small investment. To protect it, make sure it comes with a decent manufacturer warranty. Look for lifts that offer at least a one-year warranty on the motor. If you have the lift professionally installed, make sure the installation company offers a workmanship warranty.

Galvanized or Stainless Steel

It should come as no surprise that salt water is hard on lifts with metal framework. If you need a lift for a saltwater dock, stainless-steel is often the better option. For freshwater docks, however, stainless-steel is a luxury more than a necessity. When choosing between galvanized and stainless-steel, let the water around your home be your guide.

Using these tips, you can outfit your dock with the perfect lift for your boat. The most important thing to remember is to do your homework before deciding on a lift to buy. Learn as much as you can about the manufacturer and the dealer who is selling it to you. Start by looking up customer reviews and any issues the dealer or manufacturer has had in the past few years. Real consumer reviews tell you a lot about a company and how they deal with problems.

Jeff Dubay Sentenced for Meth Possession

On Thursday, we learned that former KFAN and ESPN 1500 personality Jeff Dubay, 48, had been the sentenced for possession of Methamphetamine, a felony. Dubay will also be required to attend and complete drug treatment.

This conviction is a result of an April 29, 2015, traffic stop when Dubay was caught on radar driving 50 MPH in a 35-MPH zone. A search of the vehicle revealed 31 used syringes and one syringe that was filled with drug suspected to be methamphetamine.

According to multiple newspaper reports, at the time of his arrest, Dubay had an outstanding warrant out of Wright County.

According to the SWC Bulletin, Dubay will be allowed to participate in an in-custody Sentence to Service program to reduce his remaining jail time.

To some, this is like Ground Hog Day all over again. First, I want to be clear, I like Dubay. Also, like many fans I am hoping at some point that Dubay can get his act together and recover from this horrible mess. I’ve talked to a few people that have been addicted to Meth and they tell me that it’s very hard to stay clean. So, Dubay is in for a very tough fight. I hope he can fight and defeat his demons and stay sober. I don’t want to see him become a statistic.

Relapses aside, I am pulling for him. Personally, I have met Dubay in numerous social setting (sans drugs) and he was truly a decent human being who was fun to talk hockey with. While he was extremely biased towards the Gophers, he did actually talk college hockey and give college hockey fans a forum to sound off in. After he was fired from KFAN, I had a hard time listening to the nine-noon show.

Back in 2013, I interviewed Dubay and this is what he had to say.

EB: Secret to staying sober?

JD: The key to my sobriety lies in how miserable my life became while using. When you get right down to it how hard is it really to stop doing something that you no longer enjoy at all and in many ways have grown to hate? The bottom line is I want to be sober and I don't want to use. I know that sounds simple but it has been for me and for that I'm very grateful.

 

UND Woman's Hockey Team to Sport New Logo on their Helmets

New helmet stickers are on, new logo, same dedication. Can't wait for season to start! #UNDproud pic.twitter.com/AgIzZ2B6DK

— UNDWIH Operations (@UNDWIHVideo) August 5, 2016

So, as we make our way towards the start of the new school year, the new logo is making it's debut on various sports teams helmets and other gear. Today, a tweet was posted on Twitter by the University of North Dakota Women's hockey team. Looks what's on the helmet. The new Fighting Hawks logo will be flying with the women this season. The question some want to know. Will the Men's team helmets sport the new logo?

World Cup of Hockey TV Schedule Released

Today, the television schedule for the World Cup of Hockey has been released. The games will be on ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN News. Actually, this is kind of exciting. We're going to have some great hockey a bit early this year.

NDSU Recinds New Media Policy

Before North Dakota State University's new media access rule could take effect, the schools president nixed it. It looks like cooler heads have prevailed.

MOO-U, Fargo  — North Dakota State University athletics' controversial rules that would have limited access for media outlets that didn't have a deal with the university will be rescinded, the university said Tuesday Aug. 2.

President Dean Bresciani directed the athletics department to ditch the guidelines it issued Friday, July 29. He wasn't informed in advance of the guidelines, the university said.

"I was profoundly disappointed when I learned the facts about this issue," Bresciani said in a news release. "This is not the way NDSU treats local journalists and our many loyal fans who value the breadth of news coverage NDSU enjoys. As the state's land grant university, our commitment is to access and inclusion in all endeavors."

My first question is, was this new rule even vetted with the University and with the President of NDSU? It doesn't appear so. The NDSU AD Matt Larson also apologized for the now defunct media rule.

“I erred in not bringing these ideas forward for the president’s review, and I regret the damage this has caused to the administration, institution and university community.”

NDSU's New Media Policy Goes Viral

If you’ve been following the news, this past week, North Dakota State University announced that they’re basically limiting who has access to their sports teams. The story has gone viral even making DEADSPIN. That's pretty big.

So, if you don’t work for KVLY you’re not going to get all of the access you need to cover those Bison sports/beats. Yeah, that sounds like a marvelous idea… Seriously, small division I school NDSU (they're a Mid-Major at best) thinks they’ve become so big that they should now limit what the Inforum beat writers and other local television stations can cover. Wait, what? Makes no sense at all. For those people that don't pay attention, the football beat writers for the Fargo paper do a fabulous job covering Bison Football. Limiting them would hurt the Bison football fans.

So, let's get this straight if ESPN wants to hold another College Gameday on the NDSU Campus, I am betting this new policy will somehow disappear... at least for a day, to accommodate ESPN, right? Sure they will, because it will feed the egos at Moo-U. You know, because they're the big-time.

Yeah! I am going to call Bison $hit. Mike McFeely had a great response to NDSU’s new policy. I find myself agreeing with Mike and not needing to take a shower afterward.

"You must protect that brand, just like Ohio State, Alabama and Oregon do," McFeely penned. "That is the world in which you reside. Sure you're forced to play South Dakota State, Northern Iowa and Western Illinois, but I know people in Boston, San Francisco and Miami don't view you that way. You are big-time.

"That's why the teeth-gnashing over Kolpack and Izzo is so childish. What have they done for you? What coverage have they provided? What following have they helped build? They are yesterday's news, just like the longtime basketball season-ticket holders who are getting squeezed out of your new arena."

Rob Port of Sayanythingblog fame used this as an opportunity to take a shot at the NDSU President Dean Bresciani. Ahem, while he holds some of the blame, the individuals in the NDSU Athletics Department that came up with this misguided policy are the ones that should be the focus of the media's anger. What the hell are they thinking? NDSU is a public university in a very small Midwestern state, it's not some prestigious school with their own channel on ESPN/NBC. It's time to grab some reality folks.

"About the only thing NDSU has truly excelled at under Bresciani has been winning football championships, Port wrote. "And although those championships really have very little to do with Bresciani – I’m pretty sure he’s not calling plays or recruiting players – he has managed to cast a pall over that success with this terrible, awful policy."

Port is right, outside of five (for the NDSU fans that can't count, that's back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back) FCS football champsionships, NDSU hasn't accomplished much in Division I sports. It's not like they have a high-profile hockey team or basketball team. So, NDSU might want to re-think their elitist new media policy.

INFORUM: NDSU limits some media access to Bison athletics

This was in today's Inforum, I think it's a dumb rule. Let's grow the brand by limiting the media that doesn't have broadcast rights. Marvelous.

"We're just trying to protect our rights holders and protect ourselves," said Jeremy Jorgenson, NDSU's director of sales and broadcasting. "We've grown so much that we need to protect our brand." With the new guidelines, media outlets without NDSU broadcast rights agreements:

• Won't be allowed to show extended game highlights on special TV programs.

• Won't be allowed to broadcast or stream online live, regularly scheduled press conferences.

• Won't be allowed to host radio shows, pregame or postgame coverage from NDSU facilities or grounds, including the Fargodome and its parking lot, on game days.

• Won't be allowed to do live play-by-play blogging of games.

• Won't be allowed to do one-on-one interviews with the head football or basketball coaches on radio, TV or internet in season without the written consent of NDSU. Media outlets must request all interviews with these coaches and all players 24 hours in advance.

DU's Trevor Moore Signs with the Toronto Maple Leafs

The two top lines in the NCHC last season are now missing 2/3 of their players. So, that means we can turn the page and move forward. With the signing of DU forward Trevor Moore, two players remain of the famed CBS and Pacific Rim lines. One from each team.

The Leafs have signed Trevor Moore to a three-year entry-level contract. #TMLtalk

READ: https://t.co/mIwV6bIGEP pic.twitter.com/GHdbj83ilW

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 26, 2016

Pacific Rim Line loses another as Trevor Moore signs with Toronto https://t.co/ZtrAeRx7Ut pic.twitter.com/be7mSUXWnh

— LetsGoDU (@LetsGoDU) July 26, 2016

With good play comes rewards.

Twins Fire GM Terry Ryan

Monday proved to be a busy news day. Probably, the most newsworthy item of the day, the Minnesota Twins have parted ways with General Manager Terry Ryan.Seriously, if I had been the owners, I'd a fired him after the month of May.

Minnesota Twins announce GM Terry Ryan has been relieved of his duties. Assistant GM Rob Antony as Interim GM. pic.twitter.com/LF2iYotKZ9

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 18, 2016

Jack Roslovic Signs with the Winnipeg Jets

The Miami University RedHawks will be minus another top player. Monday, 19-year-old forward Jack Roslovic signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the Winnipeg Jets. Roslovic was drafted 25th overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. More than likely, during the 2016-17 season, Roslovic will play with the London Knights of the OHL.

Told that Jack Roslovic has signed an entry-level deal w Winnipeg. @nhljets #nhljets He's done at Miami U.

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) July 18, 2016

Clayton Keller Still Committed to BU

According to the Ryan Kennedy of the Hockey News, Boston University freshman, forward, Clayton Keller is sticking with the Terriers ,for now. I imagine that the Windsor Spitfires will make a serious push for Clayton's services.

One of the great battles for talent this year has been between the Boston University Terriers and the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires. The prize? Arizona Coyotes first-rounder Clayton Keller. And it really looks like BU has a stranglehold on the St. Louis native’s services.

All my intel says Keller is sticking with the NCAA route now that his exemplary career with Team USA’s National Team Development Program is finished. This weekend, Keller made another pretty good indication what his intentions are by playing at the Chowder Cup in Massachusetts on a team loaded with players bound for the 2016-17 Terriers roster.

Along with Keller, the Boston Jr. A Knights squad included Charlie McAvoy (BOS), Kieffer Bellows (NYI), Dante Fabbro (NSH), Chad Krys (CHI) and Jake Oettinger (2017 draft).

You can bet on this, where ever Keller goes, he won't be there more than a year or two.

Where Have I Been

It's been a busy summer. Recently, I was hired to be the College Hockey News guy at the Hockey Writers. So, I will be spending less time here and more time over on here.
The Past week and half I've been busy.
Get ready for the like-minded talk again: Minnesota State Applies to the NCHC.
The Boston College Eagles have had a tough summer.
B.C. Recruit Michael Campoli Hurt at the Sabres Development Camp.
The Eagles have also had seven early departures this summer.
There's could be some changes to college hockey, there's a proposal from the Power 5 schools to give athletes more time off: Power 5 Conferences Announce Agreement on Flex 21.
Apparently, the same eastern hockey coaches aren't enamored with the new 4-on-4 proposals: College Hockey Coaches Lukewarm to 4-on-4 O.T.
Former Fighting Sioux Defenseman Derek Forbort has re-signed with the L.A. Kings.
Phil Kessel played the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a injured hand and it didn't slow him down.
Apparently, the Great One convinced Milan Lucic to sign with the Oilers.
The Bentley University Falcons are getting a new hockey arena.
Stating Monday, I will be on vacation. I am going to take some time off and enjoy my new boat.

Mark Mondry : UND should replace fans' Sioux gear with Hawks gear

I saw this letter from the editor by Mark Mondry and I couldn't let it slip by without some comment. First, this is a silly idea. I mean seriously, the University isn't going to spend millions of dollars replacing Fighting Sioux jersey's, t-shirts and gear. The university is in a budget crisis. Second,  there are a lot of people that wouldn't agree to this. I know I am not turning over my Fighting Sioux jerseys. .

UND should be required to buy back the officially licensed Fighting Sioux gear that the university made millions from.

While I understand that the NCAA backed UND into a corner, the reality is the fan base has been left with merchandise that is now obsolete.
At the very least, the university should replace existing Fighting Sioux gear with new Fighting Hawks gear, enabling the transition.

I honestly can't believe that a graduate from UND would come up with this.

Arizona Coyotes, Arizona State University in the Same Arena?

Could the Arizona Coyotes and the Arizona State University Sun Devils end up in the same hockey arena when it's all said and done. Sure, looks like it's very much still a possibility. The Sun Devils need a place to call home and the Coyotes aren't happy with their current home. Also, the Sun Devils current arena situation is "one" of the reasons why they don't have a conference to call home.

Mike Sunnucks, Biz Journal -- A potential arena venture involving the Arizona Coyotes hockey team and Arizona State University is still in the works.

That arena could be part of a larger development adjacent to ASU’s main campus in Tempe on the Karsten Golf Course off Rio Salado Parkway just east of Scottsdale/Rural Road.

The Coyotes are also looking at developing a potential new arena on the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community land next to Scottsdale.

That includes a site at McClintock and McKellips roads across from the Big Surf water park. That site was previously home to the Scottsdale 6 drive-in theaters.

The National Hockey League franchise could also be considering another Salt River site near the juncture of Loops 101 and 202. That reservation land is off McKellips Road east of the Loop 101.

But very knowledgeable sources tell the Phoenix Business Journal that a Coyotes arena venture with ASU at the Karsten course is still very much in the mix.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Moving Forward with the New Logo

Like many University of North Dakota fans, I have been pondering the new Fighting Hawks logo and kind of wondering how the University is going to use it. While this works for some teams and uniforms, I can't figure how the hockey team would utilize this new logo, maybe on a hockey helmet. The new wordmark looks decent.

While many UND sports fans don't like the new logo, I think there are some possibilities. This was on @SiouxTradition's Facebook page. As I've said in the past, this logo would look good on a football helmet. If they fill in the letters and clean it up a bit. The concept could work. Feel free to share your thoughs.

This looks pretty good on a FB helmet. @SiouxTradition @SiouxFootball pic.twitter.com/T788H59ss4

— Eric J. Burton THW (@goon48) July 5, 2016