2024 PSAC Non-Conference Schedule

[Fightingscot82]

I think playing a complete doormat like WV Wesleyan is a big enough anchor that it's probably worse than playing a local D3 school. But, it's in the conference's interest for its members to schedule D2 doormats in our SR, because that win improves the PSAC's strength of schedule while hurting another conference's strength of schedule. It would not surprise me if there's an internal PSAC guideline that its members must only schedule D2 games, for this reason.

I do think scheduling a local-ish D3 school is better than not playing a game at all.

If I'm remembering correctly, there is no longer a straight algorithm to calculate all of this, but the regional committee is supposed to only look at win percentage against just D2 opponents when looking at record. So a win against 1-9 Alvernia (D3) technically counts the same as a win against Villanova or North Dakota State. However, there is no standard "strength of schedule" calculation so its possible they'll subjectively conclude that a generally positive outcome vs. FCS is better than much of anything against D3 or NAIA. In the past, "strength of schedule" was made up of OWP (opponents' collective winning percentage) and OOWP (collective winning percentage of your opponents opponents). I can't imagine the arithmetic necessary to keep those going.

[EastStroud13]

I agree. Problem is that most coaches will say they are playing for the playoffs. I'm not familiar enough with the RR calculations to measure the difference between beating a D2 doormat and beating a non-D2 school (FCS, D3, or NAIA). When Geneva was NAIA, they played Cal quite frequently but Cal was also not an annual playoff aspirant. For average local interest and gate attendance, 2/3 of the conference would be better off playing the local D3 team students & locals recognize (and who will actually have more than a few car loads attend) instead of an unfamiliar GLIAC or GMAC school.

I think playing a complete doormat like WV Wesleyan is a big enough anchor that it's probably worse than playing a local D3 school. But, it's in the conference's interest for its members to schedule D2 doormats in our SR, because that win improves the PSAC's strength of schedule while hurting another conference's strength of schedule. It would not surprise me if there's an internal PSAC guideline that its members must only schedule D2 games, for this reason.

I do think scheduling a local-ish D3 school is better than not playing a game at all.

[TDBoi8136]

I thought you were referring to top end d2 teams. Didn't realize you meant FCS. I would never expect KU to take on any FCS opponent.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

I wouldn't mind KU playing up once a while. It's good to face a tough challenge regardless of outcome.

Well, so long as KU stays near the top of the PSAC, you won't find any D1 games. They only schedule our lesser teams.

Back in 1999, a really strong IUP team had a powerful Youngstown State team in real hot water. IUP lost (I think) 12-9. I remember saying that day IUP would never get another game like this ... and hasn't since.

Duquesne played Edinboro this past year. They aren't scheduling Cal, IUP or SRU. Robert Morris occasionally schedules a doormat from the MEC (and actually lost to Alderson Broaddus several years ago).

Saint Francis is 30 minutes from IUP and they won't even play IUP in an exhibition in basketball. Joe quit trying after years of being told no.

[TDBoi8136]

That said, teams with actual playoff aspirations should never schedule down (or, up) in my opinion. Nothing to gain either way.

I wouldn't mind KU playing up once a while. It's good to face a tough challenge regardless of outcome.

[Fightingscot82]

As you and I have discussed, we're (this small little community) the only D2 nerds who know the difference.

Average fan at Miller or Sox could care less who they play.

That said, teams with actual playoff aspirations should never schedule down (or, up) in my opinion. Nothing to gain either way.

I agree. Problem is that most coaches will say they are playing for the playoffs. I'm not familiar enough with the RR calculations to measure the difference between beating a D2 doormat and beating a non-D2 school (FCS, D3, or NAIA). When Geneva was NAIA, they played Cal quite frequently but Cal was also not an annual playoff aspirant. For average local interest and gate attendance, 2/3 of the conference would be better off playing the local D3 team students & locals recognize (and who will actually have more than a few car loads attend) instead of an unfamiliar GLIAC or GMAC school.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Wingate in North Carolina needs a Week 1 game.

Yeah, nobody wants to play D3 schools, but both Geneva and Washington & Jefferson are looking for Week 1 games in 2025 and 2026. Laugh all the way to the bank with the better attendance than hosting an NE10 school.

As you and I have discussed, we're (this small little community) the only D2 nerds who know the difference.

Average fan at Miller or Sox could care less who they play.

That said, teams with actual playoff aspirations should never schedule down (or, up) in my opinion. Nothing to gain either way.

[Fightingscot82]

Wingate in North Carolina needs a Week 1 game.

Yeah, nobody wants to play D3 schools, but both Geneva and Washington & Jefferson are looking for Week 1 games in 2025 and 2026. Laugh all the way to the bank with the better attendance than hosting an NE10 school.

[Fightingscot82]

That's a much better opponent for Slippery Rock to start the season off with compared to Wayne State-Michigan.

The instability of many D2 programs makes OOC scheduling difficult. We're not too far off from Wayne State being a national contender.

[ctrabs74]

According to this, Slippery Rock hosts New Haven next season and goes to New Haven in 2025:

https://newhavenchargers.com/news/20...g-in-2024.aspx

That's a much better opponent for Slippery Rock to start the season off with compared to Wayne State-Michigan.

[cwfenn]

According to this, Slippery Rock hosts New Haven next season and goes to New Haven in 2025:

https://newhavenchargers.com/news/20...g-in-2024.aspx

[WarriorVoice]

I believe ESU is making another return trip to Pace, but don't quote me on that.

That's the info I have as well...

[Huskie14]

Bloom should have a home match up vs Fairmount State.

[Ram040506]

Virginia State probably no go as they play Norfolk State every Labor Day weekend as it is their Labor Day Classic, Little State (Norfolk) vs Big State (VSU). Now Bowie and Virginia Union might be viable as they seem to have more flexibility in week one. Last 2 years Union opened with Morehouse and Virginia University of Lynchburg and Bowie with Del State and University of New Haven.

Either of those would be close proximity for a day trip or so, and good competition as well for SOS purposes for both programs and the region. Hope something like that materializes.

[Football Fan]

Virginia State probably no go as they play Norfolk State every Labor Day weekend as it is their Labor Day Classic, Little State (Norfolk) vs Big State (VSU). Now Bowie and Virginia Union might be viable as they seem to have more flexibility in week one. Last 2 years Union opened with Morehouse and Virginia University of Lynchburg and Bowie with Del State and University of New Haven.