Move up to 1-A, expand the stadium by 33%, get those traveling fans from Boise and elsewhere in Idaho and maybe even Utah State to make a trip up, filling local motel rooms on more than one Saturday every other year. Not only does the school benefit, but Missoula benefits even more than it has previously.

As for 1-AA playoffs, I'm not sure Montana has ever sold out a first round game (I know it has NOT since the expansion). Given the expenses incurred, I'm not sure there would be any difference between a two-game playoff run and a bowl game. Three home games for Montana in the playoffs might be another matter, and it's not like they get that every year.

This is more a discussion of the possibilities involved with being able to collect one or two $500K payouts EVERY year. I'm not sure how the state of Montana can avoid looking at that much longer.

conference affiliation would not be a problem as they would be virtually guaranteed a wac invitation if they move up.