[NeilDiamond]

The Big 12 will likely dissolve soon. If ISU does not end up in an AQ conference, the University itself as we now know it could realistically collapse. Think about it. Prestige, respect, funding and ultimately ENROLLMENT is dependent upon inclusion in BCS conferences. If ISU ends up in the MAC or CUSA, it is extremely likely (or certain) that not only will its athletic programs collapse due to lack of funding, but so will the University itself due to lack of enrollment. ISU would essentially become Toledo or Memphis--schools which do not draw a large student body. What would that do to a small city like Ames? These are big issues.

I am a big fan of bagging on ISU, like you do your little brother. But, do you really want to see your little brother go away for good, leaving you without the pleasure of kicking their ***? Again, I think is a major issue. I am an Iowa fan first, but also an IOWAN and I simply don't see how anything positive for the state can come from ISU being relegated to the status of Bowling Green.

For the record, I do not believe the ISU to the Big East talk holds any weight for a myriad of reasons. ISU needs the B12 to hold together in some form or the University itself will be reduced to 2nd tier status forever.

[IAHawkFan]

I'm not sure that everything will be doom and gloom for ISU if the Big12-2 breaks up. While I don't think that they will end up in the Big East, I can easily see them landing in the MWC or Conference USA. Obviously their income would suffer, but I'm not sure that their enrollment would go down all that much...

[iowahawkeyes89]

I think they can get in the MWC or Conference USA, or even MAC.

[JonDMiller]

Enrollment is not gonna tank no matter what, IMO. They have a great veterinary school, engineering is solid, architecture, and other programs where they are solid and a great instate option.

[uofihawkInation]

Not too many go to ISU because they are fans anyways. Why would it matter what conference they are in?

[busabus114]

Academically they will still be fine - the OP's take on that is way over the top and off base

When it comes to athletics they will take an obvious hit but when you really look at it what will they lose other than money? Lets say they join the MWC. They already suck royally in football so not much lost there and as a basketball conference the MWC is actually pretty good. Losing the money will hurt and they might have to pawn the new scoreboard but I think they could build a good bball program and maintain the status quo of being horribly horrible in football.

Still waiting for Mesaclone to comment about how this is somehow amazing news for the Big 12....

[Lyddea]

Originally Posted by NeilDiamond

If ISU does not end up in an AQ conference, the University itself as we now know it could realistically collapse. Think about it. Prestige, respect, funding and ultimately ENROLLMENT is dependent upon inclusion in BCS conferences. If ISU ends up in the MAC or CUSA, it is extremely likely (or certain) that not only will its athletic programs collapse due to lack of funding, but so will the University itself due to lack of enrollment.

This may be the wrongest paragraph to ever appear on the internet. I'm sure those NSF/NIH/DOE grants are gonna dry up as soon as the BCS football check-mark isn't ticked off anymore. And those engineering/ag/vet students will shun the place without a bad BCS-team centerpiece for their tailgating

It's a wonder those Ivy League schools even exist anymore.

[DFaceHawkeye]

Originally Posted by uofihawkInation

Not too many go to ISU because they are fans anyways. Why would it matter what conference they are in?

I believe I read somewhere that there is a correlation between athletic success and enrollment. I'm not saying they will take a hit, but in the years where ISU made noise in football they did gain students. Causation?

[DFaceHawkeye]

So If ISU is in the MAC, does that mean that they'll start playing for payouts? Will Iowa have to pay them?

[MoseSchrute]

Whatever happens athletically aside, ISU will not "collapse". It's still a good school, and most people do not go to college primarily for the sports teams.

[storminspank]

ISU will be fine academically.

Between engineering, ag, and vet schools, they will have no issues staying afloat.
They also have really good MIS/Computer Science programs too.

[frank]

Originally Posted by NeilDiamond

The Big 12 will likely dissolve soon. If ISU does not end up in an AQ conference, the University itself as we now know it could realistically collapse. Think about it. Prestige, respect, funding and ultimately ENROLLMENT is dependent upon inclusion in BCS conferences. If ISU ends up in the MAC or CUSA, it is extremely likely (or certain) that not only will its athletic programs collapse due to lack of funding, but so will the University itself due to lack of enrollment. ISU would essentially become Toledo or Memphis--schools which do not draw a large student body. What would that do to a small city like Ames? These are big issues.

I am a big fan of bagging on ISU, like you do your little brother. But, do you really want to see your little brother go away for good, leaving you without the pleasure of kicking their ***? Again, I think is a major issue. I am an Iowa fan first, but also an IOWAN and I simply don't see how anything positive for the state can come from ISU being relegated to the status of Bowling Green.

For the record, I do not believe the ISU to the Big East talk holds any weight for a myriad of reasons. ISU needs the B12 to hold together in some form or the University itself will be reduced to 2nd tier status forever.

You need to remember that the world does not revolve along athletics. Nice try though.

[FalseMirage]

Being in a BCS conference has nothing to do with the academic quality of a university.

[pistons]

The school will remain strong. The good news is the football game will be played in iowa city every year. Basketball will stay home and away

[BryceC]

There are tons of HUGE schools without big athletic programs. Look at the size of Florida International and Virginia Commonwealth. ISU's enrollment has been steadily increasing and we've been pretty bad in football since 2005.