[Jamesy]

Regarding the generic replacement coach argument, I think we schedule way too hard in non-conference. 2, if not all 3, non-conference games should be easy victories, particularly if you're trying to rebuild a program. The generic replacement coach in a P5 school usually schedules as such so you're going to get 1-2 more losses here than you otherwise would with a generic replacement.  

In general, we need to schedule to go 2-1, if not 3-0 most years non-conference. You go 3-0 non-conference, you only need 3 conference wins to make a bowl. Next year, with Hawaii and Sac State, our schedule is a little easier. TCU and Notre Dame in 2024, not so much.

[Jamesy]

Regarding the generic replacement coach argument, I think we schedule way too hard in non-conference. 2, if not all 3, non-conference games should be easy victories, particularly if you're trying to rebuild a program. The generic replacement coach in a P5 school usually schedules as such so you're going to get 1-2 more losses here than you otherwise would with a generic replacement.  

In general, we need to schedule to go 2-1, if not 3-0 most years non-conference. You go 3-0 non-conference, you only need 3 conference wins to make a bowl. Next year, with Hawaii and Sac State, our schedule is a little easier. TCU and Notre Dame in 2024, not so much.