Announcements of Non-Conference Schedules

[squirrelgotdead]

Two separate issues here. . .

In BU's case, because the direct opponent and opponents opponents were better than what was available for the BracketBuster.

That does not apply to a team that is putting together it's schedule right now.

Opponents opponents are also important here. . .the depth of quality in the A10 simply isn't there.

[MacabreMob]

Two separate issues here. . .

In BU's case, because the direct opponent and opponents opponents were better than what was available for the BracketBuster.

That does not apply to a team that is putting together it's schedule right now.

Opponents opponents are also important here. . .the depth of quality in the A10 simply isn't there.

Ok... so for UMass... the depth isn't there for them to pick up a Non-Conference game against a top A10 team. But the Amer East, Ivy, MEAC, Northeast, and Patriot Conference's all offer a better game for them cause of the quality in league depth?

And so also... if the depth of quality isn't there in the A10, MVC schools shouldn't schedule A10 teams?

[squirrelgotdead]

UMass still has the option to schedule up. It is possible they aren't looking to do that. For them to schedule another couple A10 teams, it's likely those teams are inferior to them or will drag on their RPI.

A Valley school would get a quality A10 opponent by scheduling UMass. Yes the A10 deadweight still might affect the RPI (but only 1 time, as opposed to the doubling up x .500 oppopp), but the inherent benefit of a quality A10 team that pulls a few conference wins over high RPI league rivals gives the MVC team playing them a higher ceiling.

You keep assuring me you get the RPI, but I really wonder.

[tornado]

I have it on pretty good authority that BU and every other school in the Valley has called every one of those guys with open dates already,
but there are far more details to be worked out such as dates available, guarantees, buyout terms, and agreements on refs,
return dates, and other financial issues, etc...and so our people are already on to it, but it's just not as easy as buying a movie ticket.

[MacabreMob]

You keep assuring me you get the RPI, but I really wonder.

Maybe I get lost in the argument/discussion....

Maybe it's like going "up 8 flights of stairs to get to the basement flat".

[squirrelgotdead]

No sweat. The bottom line is (and this comes from somebody whose company's mission is to assist schools in their scheduling) is that ALL coaches are afraid to play ANYBODY.

While I credit a coach for going to someplace like UCLA and UNC, I don't give them a pass when they play UMKCs at a rate of 2-to-1.

But when you get to the middle ground, the margin for error becomes so little and guys' careers and job security are at stake, they all become cowards.

And that is sad.

[tornado]

Nebraska announces it's schedule is complete........except for the dates of some of the conference games, but their full non-conference schedule is set,
including a game AT CREIGHTON.

Home games vs. Chicago State, USC-Upstate, UMKC, Texas-Pan American, Southern Utah, Maryland Eastern Shore, SE Louisiana, and Jackson State are sure to thrill the season ticket holders!
In fact, even looking at TCU & Oregon State, then the highest RPI of any non-conference team on their home schedule will is well over 150!

http://www.huskers.com//pdf5/419235.pdf?SPSID=20&SPID=24&DB_OEM_ID=100

one thing I find really unusual....one of their preseason exhibition games is against Arkansas-Fort Smith...
one of the powerhouse junior colleges in NJCAA.
This has to be the first time I have ever seen a D-I school ever schedule or play against a junior college!
(in all fairness, the University of Arkansas-Ft. Smith is transitioning to a full four year status, but still played in NJCAA as a junior college in 2008-2009.
In the 2009-2010 season they will, for the first time, be competing at the NCAA D-II level).

[DoubleJayAlum]

Nebraska announces it's schedule is complete........except for the dates of some of the conference games, but their full non-conference schedule is set,
including a game AT CREIGHTON.

Home games vs. Chicago State, USC-Upstate, UMKC, Texas-Pan American, Southern Utah, Maryland Eastern Shore, SE Louisiana, and Jackson State are sure to thrill the season ticket holders!
In fact, even looking at TCU & Oregon State, then the highest RPI of any non-conference team on their home schedule will is well over 150!

http://www.huskers.com//pdf5/419235.pdf?SPSID=20&SPID=24&DB_OEM_ID=100

one thing I find really unusual....one of their preseason exhibition games is against Arkansas-Fort Smith...
one of the powerhouse junior colleges in NJCAA.
This has to be the first time I have ever seen a D-I school ever schedule or play against a junior college!
(in all fairness, the University of Arkansas-Ft. Smith is transitioning to a full four year status, but still played in NJCAA as a junior college in 2008-2009.
In the 2009-2010 season they will, for the first time, be competing at the NCAA D-II level).

Arkansas Fort Smith is one of the schools that Nebraska head coach Doc Sadler used to coach. I assume that is why they are on the schedule.

By the way, Creighton and Nebraska play every year. The location alternates between Omaha and Lincoln.

[MacabreMob]

By the way, Creighton and Nebraska play every year. The location alternates between Omaha and Lincoln.

It's nice to see the "Big State U" play a non-BCS in-state H-n-H. Too bad the "Big State U" in the state of Illinois doesn't do this on a regular basis.

[tornado]

Illinois has yet to release their non-conference schedule, but one opponent is going to be Idaho State,
as an Idaho State release says their playing at Illinois.........

http://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/story/811053.html

Speaking of Idaho State, guess what the lead story on their basketball web page is???
It's a really nice story and interview with Bradley assistant Alvin Brooks III
"Catching Up With ... Alvin Brooks III"

http://isubengals.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/060309aab.html

Kansas State announces their non-conference schedule...

http://www.kansascity.com/177/story/1269306.html

Loyola, WIU, IUPUI, Ft. Hays State, but also some nice opponents in Xavier, UNLV, Alabama, Wash. State.

[squirrelgotdead]

Interesting on Loyola and WIU back-to-back at K-State. Probably just coincidence, but I wonder if they are doing a traveling partner thing for a road trip.

[FarmerClone]

It has not been officially announced yet, but I know Iowa State's schedule will include:
Home games with Bradley, Iowa, Northern Iowa and Houston
Road games with Drake and California
Game at the United Center against Duke
Games at the Sears Center against two of the following: St Louis, Notre Dame and Northwestern

Very solid start to the schedule