We used to play creampuffs for our out-of-conference games, a good strategy for a long time, but we looked at the last 15 or more years and we saw teams like UWW approaching the non-conference schedule as an opportunity to grow through stressing the system, rather than as little better than a scrimmage. We've steadily increased the quality of our non-conference competition and it's helped our squad improve. For the national competition that D3 is now, it seems the best way to be nationally competitive - as difficult as it is to succeed with that challenge.
Dunno. It's a tough call. But you've got the beat the best to be the best. And taking on the best during the regular season when there is still an opportunity to improve seems advantageous over the lose-and-done scenario of the post-season. We'll see over the next few seasons. Maybe the nationally competitive teams will all cycle back to easy non-conference schedules now.
I think this has as much to do with who is willing to schedule SJU, as it does SJU wanting to go out and schedule really tough teams. In the last 20-25 years the gap between the top 10 (even top 15) and teams in the 30-60 range has widened considerably IMO. Rightly or wrongly, if you start showing you're a year in/year out threat to go to the semi's or compete for a Stagg, there are simply a lot of schools that won't pick up the phone when you call.
Bethel has no game week 1, and Wartburg for their first game (who will have a game under their belts). Never an easy task, but especially in a year when we will have a brand new QB under center. With a goal of playing for the MIAC title, that means you're hoping to play SJU twice, Wartburg, UWEC, an improving Augsburg, GAC, and Concordia. That's a pretty good slate as it stands. I've liked that we've had the western WIAC schools in the mix. UWRF, UWEC, and UWP are geographically logical and a solid test. But case in point, I don't think it would serve Bethel if they started this year Wart, @SJU, @UWW/NCC, GAC. Especially in a year when they have no mid-season bye to get health and have a brand new QB. Other's opinions may differ.
I can empathize with where UWW and UMHB are on this though. Bethel has plenty of schools who won't answer, but I'm sure the list is not as long as it for the consistent top dogs.
