Thornton Hall

I get it but I think it’s a little simplistic to just say “don’t schedule tough teams.” 2014- the Michigan St win really solidified Oregon’s playoff case that year even after the “bad” home loss to Arizona. Would they have been a 3 seed without that win on their belt? Likely not. Last year- Oregon rode that early Ohio St win deep into November as a “playoff team” even though what we were seeing on the field was anything but with the Stanford loss. Ultimately if you want to be the best I think that playing the best is in your best interest. I do think there is a point that scheduling one off games in opponent’s back yard is less than ideal. This year was particularly rough with the brand new HC and the old team highly familiar with his system/defense. Hopefully the expanded playoff with guaranteed conference champions included eliminates some of the concern with tough scheduling going forward because as fans we want to see the marquee matchups vs playing the Idahos and N Arizonas of the world.

Lanning’s agent is probably mutually interested in getting a big payday raise is my guess. Wait until after the biggest (hopefully) 4 game stretch of the year and you’ll be handsomely rewarded in due time if all goes well.

Let’s not forget that Lanning’s buyout is also $14 million until Jan 15th 2023 if he were to leave the program. Coupled with the $41.5 million Auburn is paying in buyouts for fired coaches and the fact that no coach has lasted at Auburn (even the coaches who led them to national titles/national title games). Yeah, I’m not concerned in the least about Auburn.

I would take a hard pass on those options you’ve listed with the exceptions of maybe San Diego st and Fresno st or one of the Nevada schools. The rest really bring nothing to the table in terms of strengthening the conference and are solidly G5 programs and not even particularly good ones at that. .