[socalstanfan1]

I understand all the practical arguments for taking a more challenging game off the schedule and replacing it with a nominally easier one. We hear the exact same line of reasoning from SEC teams every year: we already have one of the toughest schedules, why add to the risk of an upset that can take you out of championship contention? I understand that replacing a perennial powerhouse with a lower-division team from your own conference is different than replacing a perrenial powerhouse with a directional state university program. But the essence of the argument is the same.

I'd prefer to hold the higher ground in this debate, and trust that we will remain strong enough to make a solid bowl game each year, and remain in contention for the championship tournament.

[socalstanfan1]

I understand all the practical arguments for taking a more challenging game off the schedule and replacing it with a nominally easier one. We hear the exact same line of reasoning from SEC teams every year: we already have one of the toughest schedules, why add to the risk of an upset that can take you out of championship contention? I understand that replacing a perennial powerhouse with a lower-division team from your own conference is different than replacing a perrenial powerhouse with a directional state university program. But the essence of the argument is the same.

I'd prefer to hold the higher ground in this debate, and trust that we will remain strong enough to make a solid bowl game each year, and remain in contention for the championship tournament.