cub, devils advocate here
I think the tough schedule hurts the team rather than prepares it, here is why;
you don't have a chance to play the players that need the work to integrate into your schemes, especially if someone goes down in the conference portion of the schedule and you ask a bench player who as you say" needs the games to prepare, not practice" and they have not had more than 3 minutes a game because the schedule is so difficult coach wants to try and win rather than develop players (BTW I dont blame him here)
2nd, its not good for the RPI, we could take a note from Portland State (which I HATE) DID I SAY HATE!
while they have a difficult schedule its one that allows for competitive games as well as some soft games, keeping EVERYONE involved and should they do well, they have accomlished both goals, preparing the team all the while competing at a high level before BSC play and look at their RPI WOW 7th or 8th in the country?
since we have burned the red shirts of most players, seems we should be playing them when we can, with this schedule - NO CHANCE that happens unless someone gets hurt, and God help us that doesn't happen!
3rd, we cant work on things we need to work on, we are always fighting for our competitive lives, you cant institute a new offense or press break or much of anything when your next game is the likes of BYU, ASU, WSU etc....I dont disagree with the schedule completely, I rather dig it, good chance we are on TV alot more when they will cover the opposing team vs. watching us play NAIA teams! but I do wish it was a bit more balanced
Lord knows we can't change it, but maybe next year we could throw a game or two in every 3rd game or so that allows us an opportunity for a win and WORK while offering a strong RPI staying true to Obriens goals
anyway, the schedule is set and I pray the players stay healthy and continue to improve