SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — The paint is finally dry on Plaster Stadium. The new turf has been laid, with its maroon end zones, the Missouri State logo across midfield, and “C-USA” placed at the 25-yard lines. All the technological upgrades are completed, ready for the Bears to play their home opener against SMU in less than a month. These are the tangible signposts ushering in a new era for the school’s football program. More, less obvious ones are accompanying Missouri State’s move from the Football Championship Subdivision to the top-tier Football Bowl Subdivision, one that comes during perhaps the most deafening time ever in college sports. There’s the money flowing into players’ pockets, a byproduct of NIL legislation and the recent House settlement, which allows schools to share up to $20.5 million with their athletes over the next year alone. There is increased pressure on coaching staffs to land higher-caliber athletes from both high school and the transfer portal. There are more demanding travel schedules and, yes, tougher opposition than the Bears have faced at any point in their 116-year history. The Bears’ first game of the season is set for Saturday, August 30th, at USC.
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