Cal Poly has officially announced the worst kept secret on its 2008 football schedule.
The Mustangs will travel to BCS and Big Ten heavyweight Wisconsin on Nov. 22 (read The Tribune scoop here), which, if you do the math, is the final game of the regular season. I guess games against cupcakes like Iona and Savannah State are a thing of the past.
It will be very interesting to see how the Mustangs approach that game if they’re in the hunt for a playoff spot.
The Badgers, who ended the season ranked No. 24 in the AP poll, are projected to be in the FBS/I-A top 15 at the start of the 2008 season. You can read the Wisconsin side of the schedule story here (yes, they attribute stories out there in Madison -- unlike some of our media friends in SLO).
Good thing Ramses Barden didn’t turn pro and the Mustangs return 10 of 11 starters on offense. They’re going to need all of ’em against this schedule – which you can bet is one of the toughest in I-AA.
Here’s a tentative look at what the Mustangs will be faced with in 2008. Again, all of this is tentative and according to opposing schools and/or sources close to the program. According to AD Alison Cone, the Mustangs have 11 games and are looking for a 12th before announcing the entire slate. See Saturday's follow-up story for more on the Wisconsin game, including payout and buyout figures.
Aug. 30: at San Diego State
Sept. 6: Montana
Sept. 13: at McNeese State
Sept. 20: at Northwestern State
Oct. 18: at South Dakota State
Oct. 25: Southern Utah
Nov. 15: UC Davis
Nov. 22: at Wisconsin
TBA: Idaho State (in SLO)
Possible: No. Dakota
Not on: Sacramento State
Friday, February 22, 2008
Wisconsin beefs up 2008 slate
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9 comments:
Shouldn't it be "Wisconsin cheeses up ..."? I mean, I know that doesn't make any sense, but who cares about accuracy when you can make a really bad pun!
Wait — cupcakes?!
I'm excited about stepping up the competition, and I realize this game is primarily about the paycheck, but I am a little concerned what fallout this game will have relative to playoff possiblities? If we have great season except lose to San Diego State, Montana and NWS or McNesse then we are out of contention when we mostly likely lose to the Badgers.
Or,
Poly sweeps into Madison with only none or one loss, and their offense puts on a show win or lose against a ranked Badgers team.
I think it's a great game to play for Poly. I'm certain they'll give up 40+ points, but they've already proven they can beat San Diego State & Montana. Bring on the Badgers.
With the return of Ian Shields as Offensive Coordinator, 10 returning starters on offense and Rich Ellerson focusing on defense, look for the Mustangs to arrive in Madison with one of the best records in the FCS (I-AA). San Diego State and Montana will likely not be major problems.
What's hurt the Stangs over the past several years has been Shields absence. Due to his departure two years ago, Ellerson decided to take on the offense and defense duties and in doing so over-extended himself. As a result, the Stangs suffered. Now with Shield's return and a very mature offense, the team is poised to make a deep run into the playoffs and should contend for the FCS national title.
Of course, the one wildcard to this whole situation will be team health. In particular, if Dalley gets injured, the playoff picture looks bleak as Ellerson, for all he's done well has done little to develop quarterbacks for his system and Matt Brennen is far from the answer.
trivia time: who was the offensive coordinator and his choice of quarterback the last time the mustangs were in the ncaa playoffs and won against a highly ranked montana at montana?
clue: the quarterback was a teammate of the then starting montana quarterback in their high school all star game
trivia answer:offensive coordinator-ian shields
quarterback-matt brennan
Looks like a 6 and 5 season. Uless they pick up another opponent. Then????
sounds great...time to move up D1. it would benefit the whole University...bring it on.
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