Interesting comment about BSC, Pat.  They have certainly been a strong addition to the SCAC.  But as you indicated, the facts of such a rare transition to D3 from D1 can really get confused.  For example, BSC has the same academic profile and size.  As a Phi Beta Kappa institution, they haven't seen their test scores go down over the years and they still remain the strongest academic institution in the state of Alabama with the highest scores.  They are the only top tier nationally ranked liberal arts college in the state.  Samford has done very well, but they aren't in the same ranking group or academic category as Rhodes, Sewanee, Southwestern or BSC, or the SCAC in general.  I believe the only dip in BSC's enrollment occurred when they decided to go from D1 to D3 and the reports say that was planned for.  With the highest freshman enrollment in their history, up 55% this year, and a football squad of over 120, one would have to say they knew what they were doing.  And their discount rate for their D1 athletes was 92%.  It is now reported at half that for almost twice as many D3 athletes and the average GPA and scores haven't dropped in the slightest.  Sounds pretty profitable and academically sound.

Alabama was a ripe market for this program.  Doesn't matter how many college football programs there are in the state.  There weren't any D3 national liberal arts programs in the state.  All of these students were leaving and going to other SCAC and national colleges if they wanted to play sports.  BSC just captured a large chunk of this market.  And I agree, there probably isn't a better coaching staff at D3.  Joey Jones was a real catch.  Based on the early scrimmages, they may surprise a lot of people this year.