Loved this post ... and I would add that we should schedule these conferences on four (4) year cycles and then gradually move one out, example, SEC and move in another good conference like the ACC. In addition, select a top tier in one conference, a middle in another and a bottom dweller in the third. Yes, the teams will shift by the time games are played, but that is life, all teams will move up or down ... so will we.
I'm just don't like being 4-0 or 5-0 all while knowing that we will will finish in the middle of the Big 12 North. I'd rather lose now and build the program then pull a K-State.
SheepdogMark
Yes, sorry, by all means i did not mean to leave out the ACC or Big East or even non-BCS conferences. I mean look at what schools like BYU, Utah, Boise St. have accomplished recently. We should rotate conferences and try to get a Tier 1, 2 and 3 subjectively from the other conferences on our future schedules.
I see no harm in spreading the Big Red Nation around the country....it only benefits us down the road!
And you're right, who knows what might happen w/ a program in the years to come after we have scheduled them....not sure anyone can predict the future but let's not schedule Div. II teams like some other programs!!!