Blanchette: Big Sky Waits For UI

There is something about the University of Idaho mulling its athletic future that suggests a chess novice playing against Deep Blue. No move seems to hold promise. Now, sure, that’s contrary to what UI athletic director Rob Spear was saying the other day – that whatever happens, Idaho “is going to be fine.” And he’s right – at least, the Vandals will play at being fine, even if the circumstances really aren’t. It’s just that a substantial portion of their constituents won’t be fine with any decision. No option for Idaho pushes as many buttons, pro and con, as the prospect of returning to the Big Sky Conference, the school’s athletic home for 33 years before the blindfolded jump to what the NCAA now calls the Football Bowl Subdivision in 1996. So Big Sky commissioner Doug Fullerton is trying not to push more/ John Blanchette , SR. More here. (AP file photo: Idaho Vandals running back Kama Bailey eludes Nevada defender Duke Williams Dec. 3, 2011)

Question: I enjoyed Idaho’s run with the big boys, especially when they were playing Boise State, Hawaii, Fresno State and other interesting schools annually. But I don’t like the thought of another run at the Sun Belt with Louisiana Monroe & Lafayette. I’d rather see Montana and Eastern Washington in Moscow. How about you?