[gailtate]

As for the original question: why do we schedule this lineup?

Money. Bigger opponents means more fans and more viewers, which leads to more money for the AD.

My preference would be to line up all local teams,I think this is what Oregon does playing teams like Portland State.

I wish we played San Jose State, and maybe Fresno State and SD State every year.

Even if those teams could sometimes beat us, local rivalries are fun and in-state road trips are doable.

The travel time impacts students’ studies, it eliminates a day of practice before or after, it means they are further away from their medical facilities afterwards. FCS games — although opponents shouldn’t be underestimated — could mean more time covering fundamentals and giving inexperienced players a gentler ramp. So many P5 opponents impacts the whole season (travel time, injuries, game planning), not just that week.

As for the entertainment value, if the team were 9-2 for the final game of the season, that would be more entertaining and attract more viewers and fans than if the team were 7-4. I don’t think those long trips to Australia, UCF, West Point, and Northwestern were worth it.

100% agreement. And well put.

[gailtate]

As for the original question: why do we schedule this lineup?

Money. Bigger opponents means more fans and more viewers, which leads to more money for the AD.

My preference would be to line up all local teams,I think this is what Oregon does playing teams like Portland State.

I wish we played San Jose State, and maybe Fresno State and SD State every year.

Even if those teams could sometimes beat us, local rivalries are fun and in-state road trips are doable.

The travel time impacts students’ studies, it eliminates a day of practice before or after, it means they are further away from their medical facilities afterwards. FCS games — although opponents shouldn’t be underestimated — could mean more time covering fundamentals and giving inexperienced players a gentler ramp. So many P5 opponents impacts the whole season (travel time, injuries, game planning), not just that week.

As for the entertainment value, if the team were 9-2 for the final game of the season, that would be more entertaining and attract more viewers and fans than if the team were 7-4. I don’t think those long trips to Australia, UCF, West Point, and Northwestern were worth it.

100% agreement. And well put.