2023 Out of Conference Games - Scheduled

[SW_Mustang]

I wouldn't assume an FCS team would offer MSU money to fill a hole in the schedule.

I wouldn't discount the psychological benefits of beating an FCS team either.

That definitely is an upside. Even if they don't win, it could be a good learning opportunity/experience.

[njmav1]

As much as I want to see MSU play an FCS team, there would virtually be no benefit even if they did win - besides the paycheck.

I wouldn't assume an FCS team would offer MSU money to fill a hole in the schedule.

I wouldn't discount the psychological benefits of beating an FCS team either.

[CollegeFBGuy]

Matt-do NSIC teams know their bye weeks for 2024 now as well? I see some other conference schools posting ‘23 and ‘24 openings, trying to secure the home and home scheduling…that makes sense, but it may not work for the NSIC teams

[SW_Mustang]

Really no need to single NSU out...SDSU would crush anyone in the NSIC. If NSU can beat Mankato and Winona think what the Jacks would do...

Didn't mean too, it was just a thought experiment regarding attendance. Augustana maybe in that regard too. Would be an interesting atmosphere. Honestly, I think the Jacks would steamroll just about any D2 team not named Ferris or GVSU right now, and even then it might not a tough win.

Zero chance either games would be a reality anyway.

[Tundra_Man]

As much as the dork in me would like to see some of those matchups, it would seem a top 30-50 type of D2 team against literally the fire breathing dragon champ of FCS wouldn't be a smart idea for the schools..meaning, other than a payday what good comes from it..and instead you take the air out of your own balloon and risk further injury against a higher level opponent (bigger, faster).

Finding a mid-level or so FCS would seemingly be more of a sweet spot. Maybe a USD, Lindenwood, or other such schools that would test you..get $$..and give you a goal that's not completely unattainable. As noted, the biggest challenge at least for 2023 is the actual open dates themselves. At the same time I'd guess the teams from the middle of the pack to the end would seek out a game they'd feel confident in securing a win..especially if getting W's has been hard to come by....and without Crookston in the league and now UIU....the conference has become more difficult top to bottom.

I would have loved to seen a USF/SDSU matchup in 2009.

Current iterations of the teams? Not so much.

[Stanger86]

Not sure why Kelly Loft hasn't gotten us a game scheduled yet for our open week. He must be on vacation

I think he should give Coach E a call! DeKalb is only four miles further than traveling to Minot...

[NSU4LIFE]

Yeah, totally. It was more of a hypothetical than anything. NSU would get crushed, but it would be interesting to see what the turnout is in the stands. Plus I don't think SDSU is typically too keen on scheduling former NCC foes, especially in basketball but it seems to extend to most sports.

I would totally buzz down to Vermillion to see a game against USD regardless of who the NSIC opponent is. I think if we see FCS opponents though, it's going to be Drake or some school or someone like them against a middle tier. As much as I want to see MSU play an FCS team, there would virtually be no benefit even if they did win - besides the paycheck.

Really no need to single NSU out...SDSU would crush anyone in the NSIC. If NSU can beat Mankato and Winona think what the Jacks would do...

[SW_Mustang]

As much as the dork in me would like to see some of those matchups, it would seem a top 30-50 type of D2 team against literally the fire breathing dragon champ of FCS wouldn't be a smart idea for the schools..meaning, other than a payday what good comes from it..and instead you take the air out of your own balloon and risk further injury against a higher level opponent (bigger, faster).

Finding a mid-level or so FCS would seemingly be more of a sweet spot. Maybe a USD, Lindenwood, or other such schools that would test you..get $$..and give you a goal that's not completely unattainable. As noted, the biggest challenge at least for 2023 is the actual open dates themselves. At the same time I'd guess the teams from the middle of the pack to the end would seek out a game they'd feel confident in securing a win..especially if getting W's has been hard to come by....and without Crookston in the league and now UIU....the conference has become more difficult top to bottom.

Yeah, totally. It was more of a hypothetical than anything. NSU would get crushed, but it would be interesting to see what the turnout is in the stands. Plus I don't think SDSU is typically too keen on scheduling former NCC foes, especially in basketball but it seems to extend to most sports.

I would totally buzz down to Vermillion to see a game against USD regardless of who the NSIC opponent is. I think if we see FCS opponents though, it's going to be Drake or some school or someone like them against a middle tier. As much as I want to see MSU play an FCS team, there would virtually be no benefit even if they did win - besides the paycheck.

[Matt Witwicki]

I'm not sure if it would work scheduling wise - but I can think of a handful of SDSU matchups I'd like to see. Augustana, MSU, NSU, even USF.

I think they'd be run-away victories for the Jacks, but still - it would be neat to see.

As much as the dork in me would like to see some of those matchups, it would seem a top 30-50 type of D2 team against literally the fire breathing dragon champ of FCS wouldn't be a smart idea for the schools..meaning, other than a payday what good comes from it..and instead you take the air out of your own balloon and risk further injury against a higher level opponent (bigger, faster).

Finding a mid-level or so FCS would seemingly be more of a sweet spot. Maybe a USD, Lindenwood, or other such schools that would test you..get $$..and give you a goal that's not completely unattainable. As noted, the biggest challenge at least for 2023 is the actual open dates themselves. At the same time I'd guess the teams from the middle of the pack to the end would seek out a game they'd feel confident in securing a win..especially if getting W's has been hard to come by....and without Crookston in the league and now UIU....the conference has become more difficult top to bottom.

[Matt Witwicki]

Where are u guys seeing 2023’s football schedules??? On MSU’s website, it is not listed. Maybe someone can help an old guy out!!

GO HORN FROGS

The schools often don't have their schedule for the next season posted for a while yet..which is frankly counter-productive for other schools trying to get games with the Northern Sun..but SID's are very busy with non-football stuff right now and to plenty that sport isn't on the front burner right now. Every school has their conference schedule as that was made official a month ago. I've vowed not to post it and then spoil their unveiling of it. However, we've posted the open dates (the week each team now has a bye) on our website.
https://www.d2football.com/opendates/

**That page is intended to collect open dates that've been provided by the teams themselves. We don't have someone going through 165 schedules checking for out dates..if we are going to be candid here. That page also doesn't list FCS, D3, or NAIA openings.

[SW_Mustang]

Considering it's 800+ miles away, I don't see it happening. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't see a NSIC team getting a flight to play someone in this bye week..if they NEEDED games, that might be different. Trust me, I'd love to see some bigger travel games like that.

I would be interested to see if anyone finds an FCS opponent...for example, SDSU has an open date W1 and W4. I don't think Winona heads to Brookings, but it would have to be a nice $$ game and obviously Bergy was a Co-DC with the Jacks just a year ago.

I'm not sure if it would work scheduling wise - but I can think of a handful of SDSU matchups I'd like to see. Augustana, MSU, NSU, even USF.

I think they'd be run-away victories for the Jacks, but still - it would be neat to see.

[Barndog]

Where are u guys seeing 2023’s football schedules??? On MSU’s website, it is not listed. Maybe someone can help an old guy out!!

GO HORN FROGS

[Matt Witwicki]

New staff and a lotta new faces likely means this would be a bloodbath but sure, why the heck not. I'd like an even better and more recent national championship barometer of what it'll take for the Coo or any NSIC squad.

Considering it's 800+ miles away, I don't see it happening. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't see a NSIC team getting a flight to play someone in this bye week..if they NEEDED games, that might be different. Trust me, I'd love to see some bigger travel games like that.

I would be interested to see if anyone finds an FCS opponent...for example, SDSU has an open date W1 and W4. I don't think Winona heads to Brookings, but it would have to be a nice $$ game and obviously Bergy was a Co-DC with the Jacks just a year ago.

[Otis Day]

It's hard to tell for sure but I think Ferris State might have an opening that week.

New staff and a lotta new faces likely means this would be a bloodbath but sure, why the heck not. I'd like an even better and more recent national championship barometer of what it'll take for the Coo or any NSIC squad.

[njmav1]

Do not understand why the league office didn't think this through and give all the members early weeks off to enhance their odds of finding an O.O.C. opponent. I'd hate to see teams playing a 10 game schedule.

I think the league office thought it through. Every sport is affected- not just football.