In this board's history, has any topic fueled more discussion and debate than scheduling?
I've joined in the discussion from time to time and will have another go at this morning.
I like the upcoming schedules as they stand. And I really like the upcoming 7-game home schedule. Heck, I'd go for an 8-game home schedule even if it meant adding another non-BCS opponent.
What has become increasingly apparent is that quality of opponent has had little if any negative effect on Peden attendance. To the contrary, some of the larger crowds have attended for games against FCS opponents or weaker FBS/MAC foes.
Some might argue that more games against more marquee (no dictionary at my SCORE office so I might have blown that spelling) opponents would draw even larger crowds. But attendance at games against opponents such as East Carolina and Minnesota don't inspire confidence in that possibility. And as it seems unlikely that we will see a near- to mid-term expansion of Peden, we will continue maxing out crowds at between 25,000 and 26,000.
What also is becoming increasingly apparent: Attendance is fueled largely not by quality of opponent but by victorious seasons and higher expectations for continued success. And to me at least, recent, current and upcoming scheduling has contributed to increased victories and expectations.
None of the above is profound, and I don't expect widespread agreement from fellow bobcatattackers. I simply look at Coach Solich's 57-40 overall record, his 34-14 record for the last 3.5 seasons, larger Peden crowds and my own increased excitement on Ohio game days and find myself pleased with current and future scheduling.
Go Bobcats!!
I'm not concerned about the crowds so much as elevating the quality of our opponents. The knock on our 7-0 record is that except for Penn St we haven't played a "quality" opponent, i.e., an AQ school or a perennially good non-AQ. If we had played and beaten a Big Least or ACC school instead of NMSU or Norfolk St, we would've gotten more respect and be more in the BCS conversation. Coach Solich revamped the schedule a few years ago to build the program. There should come a time, though, when we recognize that the program is built and bring the schedule up a notch. We don't have to go overboard like Fiami does, but trading adding an AQ school in place of a non-AQ or a 1AA would seem to be in order.
I largely agree with you. While I wouldn't want to see Ohio swap an already scheduled opponent, beyond those non-conf games already booked, I wouldn't mind seeing another AQ school or two move onto the schedule - IF as time passes Coach Solich remains in the saddle and continues strengthening the program.
I strongly agree re Miami's scheduling. I think it possible if not highly probable that Miami's non-conf scheduling has significantly contributed to the program's slide. Starting each season with multiple losses has likely removed some of the Redhawks' starch.
Last Edited: 10/17/2012 6:18:09 PM by Mike Johnson