Why ISU hasn't gotten into the playoffs and other fun things

So today I decided to hit up the ol' Bengal Den (that's bengals.bigskyfans.com for those unaware of the address change from thebengalden.com, which is now defunct). And the user bengaleyes2 said something that caught my ever-attentive eyes: "1982-2009 = roughly 22 losing season. 7 winning seasons. Zero playoff appearances." Yes, Bengal fans, you've read that correctly. Idaho State has not been to the playoffs since 1982. 1982...hmmmm...God, that's 5 years before I was born! And just a year after the sensational national championship (a gift from the Lord Himself. Thanks God!). What happened that year?






Yes, this was back when Britain and Argentina got in a tussle over a barren, rocky outpost called the Falkland Islands and when Micheal Jackson was COOOOL (and less creepy)! Back in 1982, America had a President who could speak without a teleprompter...WELL, by the way (Reagan's politics were a bit nuts though). The Big Enemy back then had a defined border and capitol (Moscow) and at least we could sleep at night knowing that any enemy strike could be instantly and brutally punished in kind. Cutting to the point, this is a really, REALLY long time. The overall record in that span from 1982-2009 is about 7 winning seasons, 22 losing seasons (including 5 straight losing seasons currently) and no playoffs. That's incredible. Personally, methinks Pocatello owes that to Dr. Richard Bowen for this mess, for not capitalizing on the national championship that normally would be a huge boon in recruiting opportunities and all the recognition that typically follows such a huge feat. Oh well, just wanted to get that out in the air.

In other news, NAU will play Arizona and Ole Miss (University of Mississippi at Oxford) for the 2009 season. While not the major challenges ISU will face (facing Arizona State and Oklahoma...yes, the Sooners...more on this in another post), it's still going to be a culture shock for a school that gets no fan support to travel to a place like Oxford. See here:


(No, on a special note, Dixie is not racist so stop hate-mongering. Ya'll get what a'hm sayin?)

Montana State gets a shot at Michigan State next season over there in East Lansing. This will be a fantastic opportunity for the Bobcats to take on one of the nation's best apple-pie producing regions, as (sadly for a Buckeye to admit) Michigan has some of the country's best grown apples. Seriously, Michigan apples are fantastic. Wait a sec...I was talking football here...and forget it, here's to MSU getting some great apple pies in the shape of Spartan heads (seriously, I saw those when Ohio State played Michigan State in East Lansing last year on ESPN. Those broadcasters were gushing over them and for gooood reason)

1-AA Runner-Up Montana is still looking for managers to help with the team for the 2009 season. Duties will include suiting up in special-made manager uniforms and taking on the actual team on gameday (in a cost-saving measure, the Griz will no-longer be scheduling Pop Warner football teams. Instead, Jim O'Day and Bobby Hauck figure it's better for the football team to play a team consisting of managers and bartenders. Not only will UM save the money, but they'll gain a much better opponent as an added bonus).

Sacramento State confirmed their existence this month when their women's teams won their 2nd consecutive All-Sports Big Sky Trophy. Terry Wanless, CSUS' Athletic Director, was euphoric and very happy with this development.

The other news outlets have nothing to report, other than Portland has a decent shot at sunshine this coming week.