03-16-2012, 03:34 PM
First, I love the discussion on this topic.
Second, let me reiterate that my displeasure at the extension has anything to do with risking losing to Northwestern at some point or thinking them an unworthy opponent in any way. Over that last ten years, they have gone to more bowl games and won more games than Stanford (though just checking wikipedia, they're bowl results are terrible.) I'm mainly interested in seeing a variety of match ups for the sake of fan interest. I also don't like being pigeon holed as "an academic school that also plays good football". I don't want our program to be compared to Duke, Vandy and Northwestern. I want it to be compared to U.SC, ND, Oklahoma, etc. (at least based on accomplishments on the field, not on the police blotter)
Third, I guess I'm also of a different mentality. OOC scheduling to me doesn't need to fit the A, B, C mold everyone says is necessary to compete. I get that having a lesser team as the first game is smart to break in new players and get up to full speed hitting. But beyond that, I want to see Stanford out there against the best. Does swapping Duke for Michigan mean we're less likely to make the post season? Probably, but only on the margins in years when we were borderline to begin with.
Fourth, do we need to reassess if Neuter Dame is an "A" level competitor? They certainly have the potential to break through any given year. And whether they're BCS-bound, or borderline bowl eligible, they certainly bring media attention. But when I look at our schedule, I wouldn't mind getting another "A" team on board since ND is inconsistent the past 10 years.
(and yes, I recognize we're only 5 years removed from 1-11 and only 3 years of bowl eligible. but my thoughts philosophy above holds whether we're elite or just trying to get by.)
Second, let me reiterate that my displeasure at the extension has anything to do with risking losing to Northwestern at some point or thinking them an unworthy opponent in any way. Over that last ten years, they have gone to more bowl games and won more games than Stanford (though just checking wikipedia, they're bowl results are terrible.) I'm mainly interested in seeing a variety of match ups for the sake of fan interest. I also don't like being pigeon holed as "an academic school that also plays good football". I don't want our program to be compared to Duke, Vandy and Northwestern. I want it to be compared to U.SC, ND, Oklahoma, etc. (at least based on accomplishments on the field, not on the police blotter)
Third, I guess I'm also of a different mentality. OOC scheduling to me doesn't need to fit the A, B, C mold everyone says is necessary to compete. I get that having a lesser team as the first game is smart to break in new players and get up to full speed hitting. But beyond that, I want to see Stanford out there against the best. Does swapping Duke for Michigan mean we're less likely to make the post season? Probably, but only on the margins in years when we were borderline to begin with.
Fourth, do we need to reassess if Neuter Dame is an "A" level competitor? They certainly have the potential to break through any given year. And whether they're BCS-bound, or borderline bowl eligible, they certainly bring media attention. But when I look at our schedule, I wouldn't mind getting another "A" team on board since ND is inconsistent the past 10 years.
(and yes, I recognize we're only 5 years removed from 1-11 and only 3 years of bowl eligible. but my thoughts philosophy above holds whether we're elite or just trying to get by.)