2016 SCHEDULE

[DavidKeys]

So, this is what I *believe* is next year's football schedule (gleaned from rumor, innuendo, and a little knowledge):

9/3 HOME v. Central Washington
9/10 AWAY v. San Jose State
9/17 AWAY v. Washington
9/24 AWAY v. Southern Utah
10/1 HOME v. Idaho State
10/8 AWAY v. Weber State
10/15 HOME v. Cal Poly
10/22 BYE
10/29 HOME v. Northern Colorado
11/5 AWAY v. UC Davis
11/12 AWAY v. Sac State
11/19 HOME - DAM CUP

Possibly 8-3???

 

[pdxfan]

With that schedule, it's possible, though I'd be happy with 7-4. Let's see how recruiting goes. How good is San Jose? Western Washington is no pushover.

 

[VikHoops]

So, here's what's been worrying me about next season for quite a while. The Viks had their best season in many many years, and they had momentum with the media from the first week. But they played a near perfect game to beat WSU and lucked out in scheduling one of the worst FBS teams in the country in North Texas. When you've only won 4 FBS games in your history, I think it's premature to assume they now start winning these games consistently.

When you look at the schedule for next year, basing it only on level of the opponents' conferences, I would think it's safe to assume that they loose to UW and San Jose State and beat Central Washington to start the season. So, they could go into week four against Southern Utah without a division 1 victory. This almost makes that game a must win. No fault of the team, it's just the nightmare of a schedule that they are forced to play.

Also, it was great for attendance to have Montana and Montana state at home in the same season, but that sure takes out the big draws for the next few seasons. I think attendance has to be down next year.

I'm not trying to be negative, I'm just saying there's a pretty good chance that the average sports fan in Portland, who sort of started following the Viks toward the end of this season, looks at PSU at 1-2 or possibly 1-3 to start next season and says "what happened? PSU was good last year. And they were getting bigger crowds. Oh, well...."

 

[bigskyconf]

So, here's what's been worrying me about next season for quite a while. The Viks had their best season in many many years, and they had momentum with the media from the first week. But they played a near perfect game to beat WSU and lucked out in scheduling one of the worst FBS teams in the country in North Texas. When you've only won 4 FBS games in your history, I think it's premature to assume they now start winning these games consistently.

When you look at the schedule for next year, basing it only on level of the opponents' conferences, I would think it's safe to assume that they loose to UW and San Jose State and beat Central Washington to start the season. So, they could go into week four against Southern Utah without a division 1 victory. This almost makes that game a must win. No fault of the team, it's just the nightmare of a schedule that they are forced to play.

Also, it was great for attendance to have Montana and Montana state at home in the same season, but that sure takes out the big draws for the next few seasons. I think attendance has to be down next year.

I'm not trying to be negative, I'm just saying there's a pretty good chance that the average sports fan in Portland, who sort of started following the Viks toward the end of this season, looks at PSU at 1-2 or possibly 1-3 to start next season and says "what happened? PSU was good last year. And they were getting bigger crowds. Oh, well...."

It is what it is, and not too negative. The way the schedule is set up (if it stays that way), if we were to lose that game at Southern Utah, we'd pretty much have to win out to have a shot at the playoffs. If we were to go 7-1 or even 6-2 in conference, we are probably looking at a first round playoff game at Montana or NAU (if that even, there is no guarantee of the playoffs with that schedule). I'd like to get out of that Central Washington game and start with a non conference FCS game against Montana, Montana State or NAU. That would give us a better shot at the playoffs than this. The margin of error is just too thin.

 

[pdxfan]

I agree, Bigsky. But it's a matter of money - we'd probably have to pay for a flight for any FCS team. SUU may not be impossible - they'll be breaking in a new quarterback and replacing a couple other outstanding seniors. And San Jose might not be impossible. Sure, they're playing in one of the dozens of bowl games this year. But, 5-7? And didn't OSU beat them?

 

[bigskyconf]

I agree, Bigsky. But it's a matter of money - we'd probably have to pay for a flight for any FCS team. SUU may not be impossible - they'll be breaking in a new quarterback and replacing a couple other outstanding seniors. And San Jose might not be impossible. Sure, they're playing in one of the dozens of bowl games this year. But, 5-7? And didn't OSU beat them?

So we are back to sacrificing the playoffs to save money? Just play out the season with virtually no hope to be back in the playoffs? The schedule is set up that we are only making one plane trip next year (Southern Utah). We could bus to either Montana or Montana State that first game. We've done it before and both Missoula and Bozeman are closer than San Luis Obispo (Ogden is closer as well which is why I'm thinking we'd bus for that game, too). Southern Utah is going to be probably the toughest conference game we played all year. Yes they have some holes to fill, but they also have a bunch coming in from their missions (Zak Browning, Camas kid, who was conference freshman of the year a couple years back, should be back at LB for the T-Birds next year). Any game involving FCS against FBS is a tall order for the FCS teams, mainly due to the lesser scholarships that put the FCS teams at a disadvantage depth-wise. That is why a win by the FCS is so treasured, regardless of how good or bad the FBS team may be. Most FCS teams take the money and hope the score is close to respectable at the end.

We also have some big holes to fill. If we don't guess right, we start 1-3 with the lone win against a DII. By the end of September, we need to be 3-1, with a win against an FBS, and Southern Utah on the road to have a shot at the playoffs. The schedule just isn't tough enough otherwise.

 

[Grant H]

@bigskyconf you make a good point, I Didn't realize Missoula is as close as it is (8.75 hours according to google maps). Would love to see a non-conference home and home scheduled with Montana since we don't play them in league that much any more. FWIW Bozeman is 11.5 hours and Ogden 11.25, so both are doable by bus given the standard that had been established.

I would love to see an FCS opponent replace Central Washington as well, but another complication is that it basically has to be a home game. If we went on the road that would mean only 4 home games. I can't recall ever seeing that in D1 college football and I don't think it would be good call since the fan base is seeing some resurgence. Perhaps a return visit to an FCS opponent could entice them to come to Portland this year.

 

[Grant H]

Looking at the Griz schedule they still have one open date, but it's 9/17 the week we play UW, so that's not happening. They have two non-conference FCS games on the books for 2016: St. Francis and @ Northern Iowa. I imagine they probably want a 6th home game as well and wouldn't be willing to travel for the game they're yet to schedule.

 

[Grant H]

North Dakota State is looking for an opponent on 9/3 (our potentially open date) and is willing to pay 200,000+ for an FCS team to travel to Fargo, but they're so good at this point that a game against them on the road Is essentially the equivalent of a third FBS game. They had scheduled Western Carolina who paid them the 200k to get out of the game to play an FBS.

http://www.inforum.com/sports/bison/3675880-western-carolina-buys-out-2016-ndsu-season-opener-football-game" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[bigskyconf]

North Dakota State is looking for an opponent on 9/3 (our potentially open date) and is willing to pay 200,000+ for an FCS team to travel to Fargo, but they're so good at this point that a game against them on the road Is essentially the equivalent of a third FBS game. They had scheduled Western Carolina who paid them the 200k to get out of the game to play an FBS.

http://www.inforum.com/sports/bison/3675880-western-carolina-buys-out-2016-ndsu-season-opener-football-game" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interesting thing about NDSU is that ESPN loves that crowd as well as the town. Last year, ESPN paid both Montana and NDSU a hefty sum to move the game up a week and play in a "Kickoff Classic". If NDSU were to win the championship this year, that would be 5 in a row. There is an excellent chance that ESPN may show that game on their big network. I understand there's only 4 home games, but would the money from NDSU and ESPN, together with the chance to air "BarneyBall" nationally (with the reigning FCS coach of the year), and a chance for a return game with NDSU here in Portland, be enough of a return for us to play out there. I think it is worth considering. Also, NDSU played three Big Sky teams last year so they are willing to play the Big Sky.

 

[CaseyOrourke]

North Dakota State is looking for an opponent on 9/3 (our potentially open date) and is willing to pay 200,000+ for an FCS team to travel to Fargo, but they're so good at this point that a game against them on the road Is essentially the equivalent of a third FBS game. They had scheduled Western Carolina who paid them the 200k to get out of the game to play an FBS.

http://www.inforum.com/sports/bison/3675880-western-carolina-buys-out-2016-ndsu-season-opener-football-game" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interesting thing about NDSU is that ESPN loves that crowd as well as the town. Last year, ESPN paid both Montana and NDSU a hefty sum to move the game up a week and play in a "Kickoff Classic". If NDSU were to win the championship this year, that would be 5 in a row. There is an excellent chance that ESPN may show that game on their big network. I understand there's only 4 home games, but would the money from NDSU and ESPN, together with the chance to air "BarneyBall" nationally (with the reigning FCS coach of the year), and a chance for a return game with NDSU here in Portland, be enough of a return for us to play out there. I think it is worth considering. Also, NDSU played three Big Sky teams last year so they are willing to play the Big Sky.

Then somebody needs to, if they haven't already, put a bug in Mark Roundtree's ear about this and see if he is willing or able to do something about this.

One reason they haven't officially announced the schedule is because he may be doing just that, trying to work out a buyout for Central Washington so we can get game with NDSU or another high caliber FCS team.

 

[bigskyconf]

North Dakota State is looking for an opponent on 9/3 (our potentially open date) and is willing to pay 200,000+ for an FCS team to travel to Fargo, but they're so good at this point that a game against them on the road Is essentially the equivalent of a third FBS game. They had scheduled Western Carolina who paid them the 200k to get out of the game to play an FBS.

http://www.inforum.com/sports/bison/3675880-western-carolina-buys-out-2016-ndsu-season-opener-football-game" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interesting thing about NDSU is that ESPN loves that crowd as well as the town. Last year, ESPN paid both Montana and NDSU a hefty sum to move the game up a week and play in a "Kickoff Classic". If NDSU were to win the championship this year, that would be 5 in a row. There is an excellent chance that ESPN may show that game on their big network. I understand there's only 4 home games, but would the money from NDSU and ESPN, together with the chance to air "BarneyBall" nationally (with the reigning FCS coach of the year), and a chance for a return game with NDSU here in Portland, be enough of a return for us to play out there. I think it is worth considering. Also, NDSU played three Big Sky teams last year so they are willing to play the Big Sky.

Then somebody needs to, if they haven't already, put a bug in Mark Roundtree's ear about this and see if he is willing or able to do something about this.

One reason they haven't officially announced the schedule is because he may be doing just that, trying to work out a buyout for Central Washington so we can get game with NDSU or another high caliber FCS team.

Last year's win over Wazzu is what prompted the fast start. Imagine what a win at NDSU could do for momentum heading in to San Jose and UDub (definitely more than a win over Central Washington). Even if its not on ESPN and even if NDSU does not win the championship, you know they will be a force throughout the year and this would be a great opportunity to start the season with some excitement. I just think, even with being another road game, it is a step towards relevance nationally for the program. Come committee time, if we are 7-4 and sitting on the edge, I'd rather have the committee say "Portland State went and played NDSU at their place", instead of "PSU had the chance, but kept Central Washington on the schedule".

 

[CaseyOrourke]

I agree, that is why, if anybody here has the ear of the AD, to strongly suggest that we pull the trigger on an opportunity like this and hopefully get a home and home deal out of it. If we can do this it may end up where we get ranked teams calling us for future games instead of having to go begging for teams to add us to their schedule.

 

[VikHoops]

Well, now I am going to get super negative. Not about the football program, but about the situation they are in.... Unless I'm reading it wrong, Montana played 11 FCS games this year. PSU played 8. This really is the most ridiculous scheduling/playoff selection setup of any sport that I've ever seen. The NBA doesn't have some teams playing 82 games and others that only play 50 games that count toward the playoffs. It's a joke, and PSU is just lucky that they happened to win the two FBS games.

I have a feeling Glanville, Burton, and Barnum all figured out that playing two FBS games and one D2 game most likely leaves you needing to go 7-1 to have a prayer at the playoffs. My guess is that they each possibly mentioned this to Chisholm or Rountree once or twice. To my knowledge, that hasn't changed. Now, I have zero inside info on the program, but my guess is that this is the situation we'll be in for the foreseeable future.

If Rountree and the athletic department can somehow find a way to schedule another FCS game each year, he may need to be nominated for AD of the year. He'll probably deserve it.

 

[bigskyconf]

Well, now I am going to get super negative. Not about the football program, but about the situation they are in.... Unless I'm reading it wrong, Montana played 11 FCS games this year. PSU played 8. This really is the most ridiculous scheduling/playoff selection setup of any sport that I've ever seen. The NBA doesn't have some teams playing 82 games and others that only play 50 games that count toward the playoffs. It's a joke, and PSU is just lucky that they happened to win the two FBS games.

I have a feeling Glanville, Burton, and Barnum all figured out that playing two FBS games and one D2 game most likely leaves you needing to go 7-1 to have a prayer at the playoffs. My guess is that they each possibly mentioned this to Chisholm or Rountree once or twice. To my knowledge, that hasn't changed. Now, I have zero inside info on the program, but my guess is that this is the situation we'll be in for the foreseeable future.

If Rountree and the athletic department can somehow find a way to schedule another FCS game each year, he may need to be nominated for AD of the year. He'll probably deserve it.

Sadly, most teams in FCS do schedule the same way we do (2 FBS and one DII), just because they need the money (or they think they need the money). This year, Lafayette fans were upset because they got blown out of their 2 FBS games and blew out their lesser division opponent, and had a great year in conference, but did not reach 7 wins and therefore did not receive any consideration for the playoffs. If I may provide a counterpoint because you bring up some great points. This was the first time that we were in the playoffs in 15 years. This was the first time we hosted a playoff game in 20 years. We do have enough coming back next year to be considered a contender in the conference race. All these things means the program is on the verge of having some bigger exposure. More eyes will be on us at the beginning of the year than before. If we were to beat Central Washington 50-0, people won't care, that is expected of us right now (the only way they would take note is if we were to lose to CWU). I say take a chance this year to make an all DI schedule. Sure, it's been awhile since we had an all-DI schedule, but we are in some uncharted territory for us heading in to next season as it is. It is a risk, but the reward is greater and it would put less pressure on us in conference games.

 

[VikHoops]

So, some of these schools I wasn't sure about their level of play, so this is all based on my googling skills, so take it for what it's worth....

I looked at 2015 Big Sky schedules, and looked at how many FCS games that each team played this year. Here they are:

Weber St. - 10
Montana - 10
Montana St. - 10
North Dakota - 10
Northern Colorado - 10
Eastern Washington - 10
So. Utah - 10
Cal Poly - 10
Northern Arizona - 9
Sacramento St. - 9
South Dakota - 9
Portland St. - 8
Idaho St. - 8

What a joke. How the NCAA thinks this is a level playing field is beyond me. But I guess I shouldn't be shocked with the NCAA being in charge of something like this....

 

[VikHoops]

If we were to beat Central Washington 50-0, people won't care, that is expected of us right now (the only way they would take note is if we were to lose to CWU). I say take a chance this year to make an all DI schedule. Sure, it's been awhile since we had an all-DI schedule, but we are in some uncharted territory for us heading in to next season as it is. It is a risk, but the reward is greater and it would put less pressure on us in conference games.

I completely agree with you. The D2 games are a complete waste and do zero as far as playoff consideration. I would go all D1 before scheduling another lower level team again.

 

[bigskyconf]

So, some of these schools I wasn't sure about their level of play, so this is all based on my googling skills, so take it for what it's worth....

I looked at 2015 Big Sky schedules, and looked at how many FCS games that each team played this year. Here they are:

Weber St. - 10
Montana - 10
Montana St. - 10
North Dakota - 10
Northern Colorado - 10
Eastern Washington - 10
So. Utah - 10
Cal Poly - 10
Northern Arizona - 9
Sacramento St. - 9
South Dakota - 9
Portland St. - 8
Idaho St. - 8

What a joke. How the NCAA thinks this is a level playing field is beyond me. But I guess I shouldn't be shocked with the NCAA being in charge of something like this....

From STATS, Big Sky nonconference this year:

Cal Poly: Montana (FCS Big Sky), Arizona State (FBS Pac-12), UNI (FCS Mo Valley)
EWU: Oregon (FBS Pac-12), UNI (FCS Mo Valley), Montana State (FCS Big Sky)
Idaho State: Black Hills State (DII), Boise State (FBS Mtn West), UNLV (FBS Mtn West)
Montana: NDSU (FCS Mo Valley), Cal Poly (FCS Big Sky), Liberty (FCS Big South)
Montana State: Fort Lewis (DII), EWU (FCS Big Sky), East Tennessee St (FCS transitional Independent)
North Dakota: Wyoming (FBS Mtn West), Drake (FCS Pioneer), NDSU (FCS MO Valley)
NAU: Stephen F Austin (FCS Southland), NM Highlands (DII), Arizona (FBS Pac-12)
Northern Colorado: Western State (DII), Houston Baptist (FCS Southland), Abilene Christian (FCS Southland)
PSU: Washington State (FBS Pac-12), Western Oregon (DII), North Texas (FBS C-USA)
Sac State: Eastern Oregon (NAIA), Washington (FBS Pac-12), Weber State (FCS Big Sky)
Southern Utah: Utah State (FBS Mtn West), South Dakota State (FCS Mo Valley), Brevard College (DII)
UC-Davis: Nevada (FBS Mtn West), South Dakota (FCS Mo Valley), Hawaii (FBS Mtn West)
Weber State: Oregon State (FBS Pac-12), NDSU (FCS Mo Valley), Sac State (FCS Big Sky)

The Big Sky will let members schedule non conference games between each other if they do not face each other during the conference season.

 

[pdxfan]

An observation - only Montana and MSU can afford to escape playing an FBS team, but so did NCU. But the Montanas also often play a D-II.

 

[bigskyconf]

What I've been able to piece together so far, conference teams non-conference games for 2016 (subject to change)

Cal Poly: Nevada (FBS Mtn West), San Diego (FCS Pioneer), South Dakota State (FCS Mo Valley)
EWU: Washington State (FBS Pac-12), NDSU (FCS Mo Valley)
Idaho State: Simon Frasier (DII), Colorado (FBS Pac-12), Oregon State (FBS Pac-12)
Montana: St Francis (FCS Northeast), Northern Iowa (FCS Mo Valley)
Montana State: Idaho (FBS Sun Belt), Bryant (FCS Northeast), Western Oregon (DII)
North Dakota: Stony Brook (FCS CAA), Bowling Green (FBS MAC), South Dakota (FCS Mo Valley)
Northern Arizpna: Arizona State (FBS Pac-12)
Northern Colorado: Rocky Mtn College (NAIA), Abilene Christian (FCS Southland), Colorado State (FBS Mtn West)
PSU: Central Washington (DII), San Jose State (FBS Mtn West), Washington (FBS Pac-12)
Sac State: Fresno State (FBS Mtn West), Weber State (FCS Big Sky)
Southern Utah: Utah (FBS Pac-12), BYU (FBS Independent)
UC-Davis: Oregon (FBS Pac-12), Wyoming (FBS Mtn West)
Weber State: Sac State (FCS Big Sky), South Dakota (FCS Mo Valley), Utah State (FBS Mtn West)