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On AnyGivenSaturday.com, one discussion thread talks about how the Ivy League doesn't allow their teams to play in the FCS post season. I had never heard of that, but it makes sense when you look back. With some of the quality recruits that choose to play in that league versus going to some of the top FCS programs, I would think it would be interesting to see how they measure up.
What if there were a bowl game between the Ivy League champion versus a non-playoff MVFC team. Pick a team that doesn't make the playoffs from the MVFC and let them travel to the Ivy League champ and see how good they are? I'd recommend making this a cash game for the MVFC team so they don't lose money on the deal. The MEAC and SWAC champions already meet in the Celebration Bowl instead of taking a beating in the tourney, so there's already a precedence for having such a game.
Look at the history of quality MVFC teams that didn't qualify for playoffs in recent years and how they finished in the MVFC standings.
2018 - Indiana State (T-3rd; 7-4)
2017 - Illinois State (T-5th; 6-5)
2016 - UNI (T-5th; 5-6) or Western Illinois (T-6th; 6-5)
2015 - Indiana State, USD and UNI (T-6th; 5-6)
2014 - YSU (T-5th; 7-5)
One potential drawback is that this may give the selection committee an out for not taking an extra team from the MVFC.
Bottom line is that it still amazes me that the Ivy League doesn't allow their teams to play in the tourney. I have to respect them for making the commitment to the Student/athlete priority they have.
What if there were a bowl game between the Ivy League champion versus a non-playoff MVFC team. Pick a team that doesn't make the playoffs from the MVFC and let them travel to the Ivy League champ and see how good they are? I'd recommend making this a cash game for the MVFC team so they don't lose money on the deal. The MEAC and SWAC champions already meet in the Celebration Bowl instead of taking a beating in the tourney, so there's already a precedence for having such a game.
Look at the history of quality MVFC teams that didn't qualify for playoffs in recent years and how they finished in the MVFC standings.
2018 - Indiana State (T-3rd; 7-4)
2017 - Illinois State (T-5th; 6-5)
2016 - UNI (T-5th; 5-6) or Western Illinois (T-6th; 6-5)
2015 - Indiana State, USD and UNI (T-6th; 5-6)
2014 - YSU (T-5th; 7-5)
One potential drawback is that this may give the selection committee an out for not taking an extra team from the MVFC.
Bottom line is that it still amazes me that the Ivy League doesn't allow their teams to play in the tourney. I have to respect them for making the commitment to the Student/athlete priority they have.
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