Out of Conference Schedule

[jack43]

Re: Out of Conference Schedule

Oh, to add to my previous post.....I don't want to shut the door on playing USD. I think it is a great idea to play them on occasion. If we have both have an open spot on our schedules, why not play. I just don't want to get into any scheduled contract (not even a 2 and 1 contract). Sorry, it just doesnt make any sense to tie ourselves to a non-conference commitment.

[UWMandSDSU]

Re: Out of Conference Schedule

More than anything, I was just calling out those that want cupcakes so you make the playoffs, but on other sport threads, those same people talk about playing better and better teams.

Scheduling football games, to make the playoffs, and scheduling to make the post-season in basketball is very, very different. Apples vs. Oranges comparison (football scheduling vs. basketball scheduling).

[90Jackrabbit]

Re: Out of Conference Schedule

But do you really want to schedule teams that have little to no interest to the fans? Deleware and Georgia Southern are tall tasks, no question about it.

I hope I'm not misinterpeting your post, but are you saying our fans have little or no interest in Delaware and Georgia Southern? I can't speak for the other fans but I'm way more interested in watching the Jacks play these national powers than I'm interested in watching the Jacks play USD.

[UWMandSDSU]

Re: Out of Conference Schedule

I hope I'm not misinterpeting your post, but are you saying our fans have little or no interest in Delaware and Georgia Southern? I can't speak for the other fans but I'm way more interested in watching the Jacks play these national powers than I'm watching the Jacks play USD.

Georgia Southern game (1st game of season) this year in Brookings will hopefully have an attendence of over 12,000. I agree with 90Jackrabbit I think SDSU fans have a little bit of interest in Georgia Southern.

[Jacks-02]

Re: Out of Conference Schedule

Well said LakeJack. Although this thread has wandered considerably into unnecessary talk of USD, I would like to emphasize what Coach Stig said a few months back. We need to schedule teams and do what is best for ourselves. For all those who remember, there were a lot of naysayers when we decided to go Division I in 2004. Nonetheless, our administration and athletic department had the foresight to do what is best for the University. Almost six years later, I would be hard-pressed to find Jack fans who now think it was the wrong move.

Sure, playing USD regularly may bring back the warm fuzzies thinking about days past, but we need to remember what are goals are and where we want to go. Our goal isn't to be the best in the state or win ONE game a year, but rather to make a championship run every year. I just don't see how playing USD every September puts us in any better position to reach that goal. At least not now, especially since their not in our conference.

Another reason that putting USD on our non-conference schedule every year is a negative is that it severely hamstrings our scheduling flexibility. For those who incessantly bring up the potential revenue, I want you to consider this: If USD is scheduled every 2nd or 3rd weekend of every season, we have one less weekend to schedule a Division 1A school for a money game. Say that the payout is roughly $200,000 - 400,000 a game, it would take a lot of USD games to make up for one lost year. It doesn't make a lot of sense.....not just to make some alumni remember what used to be.

Also, for those petitioning for a game in Sioux Falls......wake up! It is not only a slap in the face of the SDSU fans and students, but why would we want to remove revenue from Brookings? I don't know if I'm the only one who feels this, but for the most part, the Sioux Falls media has not went out of its way to promote SDSU athletics or the transition to DI. I know there are a lot of alumni that live in Sioux falls and who follow the Jacks religously, but I think if you are a true supporter, you're willing to drive the 50 miles north to watch the Jacks play. Having a sixth home game is much more important to players than making playing some 'State rivalry' game in Sioux Falls.

By no means do say this wishing USD to fail or not fill their schedule. We just can't worry about what USD wants or Ed Meierkort wants, we should only take care of ourselves, and right now that means not playing USD.......regardless of what a lot of the nostalgic alumni want.

I agree with alot of what you say, but have to disagree with you on this one. The Argus Leader has been huge for SDSU athletics and has given us great coverage. I believe Terry only missed one women's basketball game last year and was at most, if not all, of the football games. If thats not going out of their way to give SDSU coverage, I don't know what is.

[Jacks-02]

Re: Out of Conference Schedule

JackJD, I understand what you are saying. I really do. But do you really want to schedule teams that have little to no interest to the fans? Deleware and Georgia Southern are tall tasks, no question about it. But honestly think about it. Why go to Deleware and have a good chance of getting beat? To me that makes no sense. Playing Minnesota, Iowa State, or Nebraska makes sense financially and really doesn't hurt your chances of the playoffs.

Your AD will do what is best for SDSU as will ours. More than anything, I was just calling out those that want cupcakes so you make the playoffs, but on other sport threads, those same people talk about playing better and better teams.

You are taking my comments out of context. I said with already having road games on the schedule with Delaware and Nebraska that having a heated rivalry game with another good opponent as our last non-conference game is probably not the best idea. I didn't say we need to schedule all cup-cakes so we can make the playoffs. Get a clue.

[Nidaros]

Re: Out of Conference Schedule

Actually, the scenario you mapped out probably would get a team into the playoffs. Our out-of-conference schedule is very tough and getting through the MVC with just two losses is a tough task. So, why not back off on the schedule a bit?

I attended an alumni event this evening in Watertown. Our new AD did a nice job and made some general comments about scheduling. I think they can be summed up as: sure, we'll be playing USD in the future but not likely in 2010...wants to give the fans a taste of the playoffs because then the program has the chance to really take off.

Jack02 made the following comment: "Hate to give USD any credit, but with it being a huge rivalry game would not be a cupcake game and could cost us a playoff chance if we were to lose." Seems to me there isn't anything to gain for SDSU to play USD in 2010. There'll be a time when it makes perfect sense to play USD, perhaps in 2011 or 2012.

Sell is looking out for the best interests of SDSU and he and his staff are carefully considering the options. For the short term, USD is not high on the priority list for SDSU but I don't think that's due to any illegitimate reason. Sell comes to the Jackrabbits with no first-hand knowledge of the rivalry/hatred of which so many speak. He's just thinking about how to improve the Jacks and help get them to the playoffs.

Sell and USD's AD have been communicating and both are doing the best they can for their institutions.

One thing that can be said about Justin Sell is that he is consistent in his remarks as this is basically what was quoted in the Rapid City Journal articles that Jack 02 posted in another thread. I believe the West River Golf outing was last week so that gave RCJ a chance to do those stories.

[90Jackrabbit]

Re: Out of Conference Schedule

I agree with alot of what you say, but have to disagree with you on this one. The Argus Leader has been huge for SDSU athletics and has given us great coverage. I believe Terry only missed one women's basketball game last year and was at most, if not all, of the football games. If thats not going out of their way to give SDSU coverage, I don't know what is.

The Argus has done an excellant job covering the Jacks, the electronic media not so much, although I would say the TV stations are getting better.

[91jack]

Re: Out of Conference Schedule

Scheduling football games, to make the playoffs, and scheduling to make the post-season in basketball is very, very different. Apples vs. Oranges comparison (football scheduling vs. basketball scheduling).

There is a big difference between football and basketball. In basketball, all you have to do is play good during your conference season. They seed you by that and that's how you make the playoffs.
In football, 3 or 4 loses will make you not make the playoffs. If you play a money game, that's normally 1 loss. Our conference is tough enough that you will lose at least 1 or 2 each year. That could put you on the edge of the playoffs already. Losing 1 or more out of conference and you are done(with 2 in conference).
If you only lose 1 game in conference and you lose 1 game out of conference, you are still in.
If you play a team like Deleware or Georgia Southern, you need 1 EASY GAME out of conference.
What most people are saying is of the 3 out of conference games there should be a money game, a tough game and a winnable game. That gives you only a few games that should be won but the rest are solid games against good teams.

[JimmyJack]

Re: Out of Conference Schedule

I guess my thinking is that if we can get a good quality, regional, out-of-conference opponent into Coughlin, why would we hesitate to do that? In the MVC, we have a very tough grind. As we discovered last year, an out-of-conference loss (McNeese) against a ranked opponent can doom your playoff hopes. To me, the goals are first to win the conference, and if that doesn't happen, find a way to get into the playoffs. When you stick yourself with a long trip to someplace like Delaware or Cal Poly (or both) on top of the brutal MVC schedule, you're really making it difficult on yourself.

There's an argument that an "emotional" game like USD would similarly drain the team. I'm not a football player, so I don't know about that. Just looking from the outside in, it would seem that a winnable home game against a good (but not nationally competitive... yet) opponent like USD would be preferable to a trip to Delaware.

[Jacks-02]

Re: Out of Conference Schedule

I guess my thinking is that if we can get a good quality, regional, out-of-conference opponent into Coughlin, why would we hesitate to do that? In the MVC, we have a very tough grind. As we discovered last year, an out-of-conference loss (McNeese) against a ranked opponent can doom your playoff hopes. To me, the goals are first to win the conference, and if that doesn't happen, find a way to get into the playoffs. When you stick yourself with a long trip to someplace like Delaware or Cal Poly (or both) on top of the brutal MVC schedule, you're really making it difficult on yourself.

There's an argument that an "emotional" game like USD would similarly drain the team. I'm not a football player, so I don't know about that. Just looking from the outside in, it would seem that a winnable home game against a good (but not nationally competitive... yet) opponent like USD would be preferable to a trip to Delaware.

That may be, but the series with Delaware is already a signed contract, the USD game is not.

[rabidrabbit]

Re: Out of Conference Schedule

Now that SDSU has completed transition, and are a nationally known team right on the edge of qualifying for the play-offs, it is time to re-evaluate whether our two FCS opponents (OOC) need to be top 25 material. Delaware, GA Southern, McNeese, Montana are pretty consistently in that discussion. I want SDSU being in that discussion also.

IMHO 91Jack has it down. We should have ONE top 25 opponent each year. We should have ONE middle of the pack game vs the other schollie FCS programs. These are likely to be one home, one away. I hope SDSU NEVER has such $$ issues that we play two FBS games in a season, and I also hope that we never play another non-counter. Better to play a Pioneer team than to play D-II or D-III again.

[yoteforever]

Re: Out of Conference Schedule

I guess my thinking is that if we can get a good quality, regional, out-of-conference opponent into Coughlin, why would we hesitate to do that? In the MVC, we have a very tough grind. As we discovered last year, an out-of-conference loss (McNeese) against a ranked opponent can doom your playoff hopes. To me, the goals are first to win the conference, and if that doesn't happen, find a way to get into the playoffs. When you stick yourself with a long trip to someplace like Delaware or Cal Poly (or both) on top of the brutal MVC schedule, you're really making it difficult on yourself.

There's an argument that an "emotional" game like USD would similarly drain the team. I'm not a football player, so I don't know about that. Just looking from the outside in, it would seem that a winnable home game against a good (but not nationally competitive... yet) opponent like USD would be preferable to a trip to Delaware.

JJ,
I did play and the argument that a "rivalry" game is emotionally draining has some merit. Playing State or ND State back in the days required alot of preperation and I have to admit alot of energy. So those that pose that argument, I don't want to discount their argument.

That being said, playing Deleware, or Georgia Southern is also taxing. Those are quality programs that your team certainly needs to be prepared for. My guess is both of those teams are better than USD right now, but that won't always be the case. And as I said yesterday, I no longer care if we play you or not, but I do expect our AD to make every attempt to play regional FCS teams as opposed to flying all over the country. That is the simple economics portion of it. USD may have an easier time playing "regional FCS" teams than SDSU simply because you are in a conference dominated by regional teams, where we are not. If SDSU wants to take the position of not playing USD, that's fine, but my guess is that they will have to hit the road to get the games thery want. I am sure a home and home with Deleware, Georgia Southern, App. State, or anybody is doable. Just the economics of it don't make alot of sense.

USD basically has the entire MVC to choose and talk to. Our league, other than North Dakota, isn't close for you to play. That's why I made the comment that if you choose not to play USD until you are ready, you may find yourself that when you are ready, USD and UND will have other teams locked up to fill out the schedule. In this case, USD is spending the dollars to play conference games (California, Utah) and SDSU will spend the bucks to play non-conference. At least now, SDSU has the option of playing USD/UND and holding expenses down. The business side says that makes alot of sense.

If Coach Stig doesn't want to play the U, then don't. But then when budget cuts come in 3-5 years because of excessive travel costs, don't complain about them. Just donate more, and pony up.

[91jack]

Re: Out of Conference Schedule

I guess my thinking is that if we can get a good quality, regional, out-of-conference opponent into Coughlin, why would we hesitate to do that? In the MVC, we have a very tough grind. As we discovered last year, an out-of-conference loss (McNeese) against a ranked opponent can doom your playoff hopes. To me, the goals are first to win the conference, and if that doesn't happen, find a way to get into the playoffs. When you stick yourself with a long trip to someplace like Delaware or Cal Poly (or both) on top of the brutal MVC schedule, you're really making it difficult on yourself.

There's an argument that an "emotional" game like USD would similarly drain the team. I'm not a football player, so I don't know about that. Just looking from the outside in, it would seem that a winnable home game against a good (but not nationally competitive... yet) opponent like USD would be preferable to a trip to Delaware.

I think there should be a discussion about how good people think USD are? (Don't take this wrong JimmyJack- I like your posts and agree with you most of the time). "It would seem a winnable HOME game...". Is USD a guaranteed home win? They should be this year but how about when you have to go to USD 2 years down the road. I know you said winnable not guaranteed but that's my argument. If USD is your easy game and it's not a guaranteed win, where is the ONE EASY out of conference game? It isn't Delaware.
If USD would come to Coughlin and not want a home game, I think your point is valid. I just think USD won't come here twice without a game there.
I think in a couple years when USD is a middle to upper(known) FCS team, they could be the middle game and then you schedule a easy one at home. Until then, it just doesn't work.

[Jacks-02]

Re: Out of Conference Schedule

To be clear, I'm not against playing USD in the future, just not in 2010 with the two tough non-conference games we already have scheduled.

Looking ahead, there isn't much room for USD on these schedules either as we already have OOC games scheduled against Southeastern Louisiana and Delaware. So maybe 2013???

2011 S. Dakota St
Sept. 3 NDSU
Sept. 10 @ Illinois
Sept. 17 @ Delaware
Sept. 24 @ Illinois State
Oct. 1 Southeastern Louisiana
Oct. 8 @ Youngstown State
Oct. 15 UNI
Oct. 22 Southern Illinois
Oct. 29 Indiana State
Nov. 5 @ Missouri State
Nov. 12 @ Western Illinois

2012 S. Dakota St
Sept. 8 @ Southeastern Louisiana
Sept. 15 Delaware
Sept. 22 Missouri State
Sept. 29 @ UNI
Oct. 6 @ Indiana State
Oct. 13 Illinois State
Oct. 20 @ Southern Illinois
Oct. 27 @ NDSU
Nov. 3 Youngstown State
Nov. 10 Western Illinois