We've been trying to graduate for nearly a decade. Except we keep getting held back because we're failing.

I think you're underestimating the worth of a conference title for the players. This would be something they could fight for after the annual handful of P5 losses. 

You're right about one thing - Boise stole our model. We need to get back into that model and thrive. It will take some time to rebuild our program, but we can get back to beating up on most G5s - as we are one of them.