Montana Grizzlies Sports, Football and Basketball : Grizzoulian

There are a myriad of examples Griz fans bring up when attempting to argue for or against moving the football team to the Football Bowl Subdivision. The discussion normally revolves around the success of Boise State and the apparent failure of Idaho University. It makes sense, considering the schools' proximity to Missoula. However, here's a school we rarely hear about: Troy University.

Troy University began its first season in the FBS in 2001, only eight seasons after they moved up from Division II.  They haven't simply made the transition; according to an article in the TimesDaily (membership may be required, it let me in then it didn't), they have thrived since the move.

"We felt confident when we made the move because we had a great university and good tradition in our football program," [Troy head coach Larry Blakeney] said Tuesday before speaking to the Russellville Civitan Club. "We did well when we went to Division I-AA and then the crowning jewel was moving to I-A. There is no doubt that it has paid off for our team, but especially for the university."

Troy has something special with Blakeney. He's coached at Troy since 1991, having the fourth longest tenure coaching a Division I football team. He saw the program move from Division II to the FCS and then from there to the FBS. The odds of Bobby Hauck being in Missoula in five years, let alone staying with the program when (probably if) it moves to the FBS, are probably around the same as Cole Bergquist winning the Heisman.

Their résumé since the move: three Sun Belt titles, two bowl game appearances and a home win over Missouri (then ranked 17th) in 2004. Now, they're looking for something more.

"We're proud of the progress we've made, especially going to two bowl games in four years," Blakeney said. "Now, we want to move toward getting a home-and-home series with an SEC or ACC team."

How about Alabama or Auburn?

"We would love to play in Jordan-Hare or Bryant-Denny Stadium," he said, "but that's probably not going to happen in the foreseeable future. It's political more than anything, and you hear the argument that those schools have nothing to gain and everything to lose by playing us. I don't blame them, but we would sure relish that opportunity."

It's tough scheduling tough opponents when you're not on their level, especially getting them to come to your place. However, Troy hasn't given up and settled for playing lower-tier teams. In 2008, they play the two teams from last year's national championship game: LSU and Ohio State.