University of Oklahoma Sports

[PaddyShack]

How do college football schedules work? I know they play everybody in their conference, but how are out of conference opponents chosen? Dart board or is it set at the NCAA?

[Jersey Boss]

How do college football schedules work? I know they play everybody in their conference, but how are out of conference opponents chosen? Dart board or is it set at the NCAA?

The Big 12 is the only power 5 conference in which the members play every conference member every year. Out of conference opponents are chosen by the AD/HC with some conferences imposing restrictions on playing teams outside of D1 level competition. NCAA has nothing to do with scheduling. Game times are dictated by television network executives.

[OKCretro]

How do college football schedules work? I know they play everybody in their conference, but how are out of conference opponents chosen? Dart board or is it set at the NCAA?

Each school has a different philosophy. The 3 state schools each schedule way differently than each other.

OU- usually tries to schedule 1 big name, 1 medium and then 1 lower school. All from D-1. The big name is usually a 1-1. OU does this because the fans want these games. OU doesn't really have any marquee conference home games with UT always being in Dallas, so OU has to bring in bigger names to fill seats. Every so often the schedule a 1-aa school but it doesn't happen every year.

OSU- usually tries to schedule 1 middle of the pack p5, and 1 lower conference, then 1 1-AA school. OSU has a built in big name conference opponent every year with UT and OU alternating visiting Stillwater. Sometimes OSU doesn't even schedule a P5 school in non conference. This is more of the SEC or KSU approach. Schedule a bunch of non conference wins to make sure you go bowling every year.

TU- usually tries to do a couple of home and homes or 2-1's with p5 schools. They will also take the 1 off payout game. They went to Notre Dame a few years ago for a paycheck and they are going to Texas this year for a payout. TU will also schedule a gimmee game or 2 with lower level D-1 or 1AA schools.