Mike McFeely on NDSU at Mountain West media days, SDSU & USD chances of moving to FBS & getting into MWC, Bison's '26 prospects

The latest sign that North Dakota State's plunge into the FBS is for real came last week at Mountain West conference football media days.   The Bison were the new kids in town, but not necessarily the belles of the ball. That distinction went to UNLV, the hometown team of the new site of the media day event and the league offices.   As their Dakota school rival fans watch the Bison's maiden voyage from afar, Happy Hour tracked down 30-year Forum of Fargo-Moorhead columnist Mike McFeely to get a feel on things like:   * How already is NDSU being treated by league officials and new opponents as the Bison come in hot as the titan of the FCS? * The league's commissioner was asked (by McFeely) about potential expansion from 10 teams. Hear what she said and if SDSU and USD would be near the front of the line for consideration... if either school would even be financially ready to make the FBS leap.   * How equipped is NDSU, depth-wise and via its style of play, to contend for a conference title immediately?   * What did New Mexico coach and and former SDSU offensive coordinator Jason Eck have to say while comparing the level of play in the MWC to the Missouri Valley Football Conference?