I've always wondered.....

[AppGuy04]

why I-AA schools can compete with the big boys in all sports except football?

It seems that there are always some smaller schools that become a Cinderella in the NCAA tourney, but when I-AA's play I-A's in football, most of the time they get smashed

any thoughts?

[LacesOut]

why I-AA schools can compete with the big boys in all sports except football?

It seems that there are always some smaller schools that become a Cinderella in the NCAA tourney, but when I-AA's play I-A's in football, most of the time they get smashed

any thoughts?


Scholarship #'s difference, which equates to more better players going to I-A and also they have more depth, since they have more players. That's the first thing that comes to my mind.

[89Hen]

why I-AA schools can compete with the big boys in all sports except football?

It seems that there are always some smaller schools that become a Cinderella in the NCAA tourney, but when I-AA's play I-A's in football, most of the time they get smashed

any thoughts?
It's just numbers. Two studs on a bball team can make all the difference. :nod:

[AppGuy04]

It's just numbers. Two studs on a bball team can make all the difference. :nod:

usually those cinderella teams are actually a team though, not a couple of big stars

[*****]

Scholarship #'s difference, which equates to more better players going to I-A and also they have more depth, since they have more players. That's the first thing that comes to my mind.Seems simple enough. I-A gets 85 full scholarships, I-AA gets 63 to split... 22 players a team. D-I basketball all get the same schollies and only five per team.

[AppGuy04]

Seems simple enough. I-A gets 85 full scholarships, I-AA gets 63 to split... 22 players a team. D-I basketball all get the same schollies and only five per team.

but even if I-AA had 85, I don't think we would get the same talent as the bigger schools, is it just prestige and the "big stage?"

[89Hen]

but even if I-AA had 85, I don't think we would get the same talent as the bigger schools
85 x 115 (or so) I-A's = 9,775 players

[colgate13]

I think you're giving too much credit to small Division I basketball programs. Sure, there are cinderella stories now and again, but most of them are cinderellas in terms of media exposure only. People following the programs don't see the talent difference.

Now, for the rest of Division I that has no hope of ever winning a tournament game? That's pretty much the disparity you see in I-A/I-AA. It's just a different context. For example, Colgate basketball is just as far away from Syracuse basketball as Colgate football is to Syracuse football.

[LacesOut]

Colgate basketball is just as far away from Syracuse basketball as Colgate football is to Syracuse football.

Maybe not this year, for football that is!

Syracuse football.......PPPPPPPPPPP UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU. They stink.

[blueballs]

The early entry rule in hoops has helped create more parity, as has the three point shot being <20'. In hoops, one player can be the difference maker too.

The mid majors who do well in the NCAA tourney are usually senior laden teams. Since the best players are gone to the pros usually no later than 2 years out of HS it would make sense that the older, more experienced players who have played together the longest would enjoy an advantage that can make up somewhat for lesser raw talent. Parity...

Here's an example of how much difference one player could make: GSU played Texas Tech a tough game last week on Tech's home floor, losing by 13 after being tied at halftime. If you put 19 YO Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic (6'11" 275lb and athletic as hell) on GSU's team they kill Texas Tech.

[MarkCCU]

Scholarships.Scholarships.Scholarships.Scholarship s.

[MR. CHICKEN]

85 x 115 (or so) I-A's = 9,775 players

KEELER IS WAITIN' FO' UH COUPLE D-LINE TRANSFERS....9,773!....AWK!