http://hamptonroads.com/2015/08/unl...-stipends#_ga=1.3508656.1062579165.1369834278
Above is a link to an article from the Virginian-Pilot that says ODU will not pay stipends to any athletes for at least one year because it is too expensive. This is in contrast to other schools in Conference USA like East Carolina and Marshall who will be paying. The move by ODU fits with other threads we have had on this board about the Big Five conferences and the future of all of the now lower tier BCS conferences. Just more evidence of the large increase in spending when making the move from FCS to BCS with no significant pay-outs in the future from major bowls, TV, etc. I agree with other thoughts that the margin between upper tier FCS football programs and non-Big 5 football will be narrowing.
Above is a link to an article from the Virginian-Pilot that says ODU will not pay stipends to any athletes for at least one year because it is too expensive. This is in contrast to other schools in Conference USA like East Carolina and Marshall who will be paying. The move by ODU fits with other threads we have had on this board about the Big Five conferences and the future of all of the now lower tier BCS conferences. Just more evidence of the large increase in spending when making the move from FCS to BCS with no significant pay-outs in the future from major bowls, TV, etc. I agree with other thoughts that the margin between upper tier FCS football programs and non-Big 5 football will be narrowing.