What's better than beating Fresno State? More significant than winning a bowl game? More last-impact than bringing back your star cornerback? News that a new stadium is on the way.


Seriously, this is probably the most truly significant thing to happen to Spartan athletic facilities in the school's history. It might be the biggest news since two track athletes raised their fists in Mexico City.


A new stadium cements SJSU's Division IA status for the forseeable, regardless of its potential seating limitations. It makes the program far more attractive to recruits. Increases its visibility and attractiveness to local fans. I could go on, but it's getting redundant.


I've always thought SJSU and the Earthquakes were bound to get together on something and this seems to be a potential windfall for both sides. The Spartans retain control over the stadium when they need it and don't have to shell out tens of millions of dollars.


Amazingly, there is a sizable group that is more focused on perceived negatives of this deal.


Yeah, I would prefer something closer to 40,000-capacity. Yeah, they are proposing something closer to 30k. The gap doesn't seem that small and as long as SJSU has the ability to host bigger games when necessary, I don't think it will be a problem.


How would SJSU be able to do this? Hopefully, that's where the South Bay's 'other' new stadium plays a role.


Assuming the 49ers are ever able to build in Santa Clara -- right now it looks like a good possibility -- they are definitely going to be looking to bring in revenue during the 350-odd days the stadium isn't being used every year. I'm sure SJSU would be able to work out a way to host a game or two there when the need arose.


All in all, this seems like a great opportunity for the SJSU

This is the best news of the off season, even better than hearing that we got a new stadium.


Dwight Lowery's return almost ensures a few extra wins and definitely will bring a fair share of hype along with it.


Next season is definitely looking up.

I'm still gathering my thoughts about the now getting-old football season and there hasn't been much to report there, anyway, but I did want to weigh in on a few things.


1. That close-call to Boise State sure looks a lot better after the Broncos beat Oklahoma. Hope you got to watch that game.


2. Expect a lot more league-wide attention because of that game. I'm telling you, SJSU officials HAVE to strike while the iron is hot and the buzz is still going. This offseason will define a generationg -- for better or worse.


3. If we don't lose anyone leaving early to the NFL Draft, next season could be special, but just how special will be determined by fan turnout. Without strong support, there's no way SJSU gets invited to a reputable bowl game.


On to other things... the Merc has been pretty quiet on the football front lately, but had this story about the basketball team's trip to Duke. An interesting behind-the-scenes look to be sure, and much appreciated. Yet, I found some glaring details missing -- such as SJSU at one point in the second half trailing by just three -- and the level of writing just did not match the level of reporting, which I'm sure is partly due to the relative quick turnaround.


Anyway, it's definitely worth a read.