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” emblazoned 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.

There are more, less obvious ones that 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 tumultuous 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 sch

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