We are playing Holy Cross as well as Western Michigan in 2019, which is when
I thought we were supposed to play Wisconsin. I rattled that off the top of my head when responding earlier today. After looking at it, we scheduled Rutgers to replace Wisconsin in 2020. Sorry my facts were a little off. However, my point still stands. I don’t feel playing in some bowl game against a .500 conference USA team in Detroit is the path back to national relevance.
As I said, I spoke with 2 position coaches who sat at our table for dinner. Several softball questions were asked throughout the meal. I then asked about scheduling and playing P5 teams in iconic stadiums like LSU versus scheduling teams like Liberty, Holy Cross, etc. I don’t really care to get into the specifics, but the bottom line was that playing teams like LSU/Wisconsin reduces the likelihood of wins and places coaches on the hot seat.
However, I do feel scheduling teams like LSU & Wisconsin is the way to become more relevant. We have beaten Clemson, and Virginia Tech each of the last two seasons and look at the recognition/national press it got us. Our slogan on billboards this year is “Our House” which was born following the win over Virginia Tech. Those 2 wins have done more in regards to national publicity then any win in Detroit in the Quick Lane Bowl on a cold night in December against a .500 Conference USA or MAC opponent played in front of a crowd of 8,000. This is my personal opinion.