All this talk of scheduling opponents has me wondering why do "top tier" teams like USC, FSU, or Notre Dame schedule BYU? Isn't a game with BYU lose-lose for them (if we're viewed by the pollsters as mid-major)? These teams are smart enough to know that BYU must be respected and can win big games, so why do they take the risk? Notwithstanding, there must be a reason, because we don't seem to have a problem getting big names on the schedule for non-conference games. Please enlighten me...

I think you hit on why we rarely schedule Big Ten teams. Normally scheduling non-conference games is about balance. You want to schedule win-able games and more challenging games. This looks better from a credibility standpoint as well as from a fans perspective. It is more fun to watch a competitive game... unless you are in the Big Ten.

I also think it comes down to the fact that BYU can draw nationally. For example, I live in Miami, but I am already planning on making the 7 hour drive up to Tallahassee for the BYU/FSU game. I can assure you that BYU fans from throughout the South will travel to that game (it is probably cheaper than trying to get the mtn). More people at games = more money, plain and simple. Because of that and because of the scheduling component, that is why these schools schedule BYU.

You must be right about byu's ability to fill their stadiums as a big consideration. Incidentally, I should be with you in the stands for the game in Tallahassee, since I live in the Melbourne area.

I think strength of schedule has something to do with it too. Top teams may see BYU as a competitive but win-able matchup. Scheduling a team like BYU as opposed to a team like Utah State can make a big diffrence come bowl selection time.

Also many of the Big 10 and SEC teams won't do a home and home. They don't want to travel to Provo. Even when they do agree to it often they play the home game and cancel the Provo game. That happened years ago with Georgia, it took a bogis 4rd down conversion and last minute touchdown for them to beat us at Georgia and shortly after they cancled the Provo game.

RogDog118 wrote:

I think you hit on why we rarely schedule Big Ten teams. Normally scheduling non-conference games is about balance. You want to schedule win-able games and more challenging games. This looks better from a credibility standpoint as well as from a fans perspective. It is more fun to watch a competitive game... unless you are in the Big Ten.

I also think it comes down to the fact that BYU can draw nationally. For example, I live in Miami, but I am already planning on making the 7 hour drive up to Tallahassee for the BYU/FSU game. I can assure you that BYU fans from throughout the South will travel to that game (it is probably cheaper than trying to get the mtn). More people at games = more money, plain and simple. Because of that and because of the scheduling component, that is why these schools schedule BYU.

Is that game in 08 or 09?