Switching out Nov. 13 for Sept. 4 creates a better rhythm to the season:
- Eight games in eight weeks to open and create some momentum with the potential for a 3-0 start.
- One road conference game (@Illinois)
- Three non-conference games, two at home (TBD, Buffalo, @Zero U.)
- Four conference games (@MSU, NW, Mich, @Minn)
- BYE WEEK (10/23)
- Two home games (PU, OSU)
- BYE WEEK (11/13)
- Two games that could determine division championship, if we're in the hunt (@UW, Iowa)
It also provides more early-season recruiting opportunities because of the spread of home games:
- Two home games in September (9/4 and 9/11)
- Three home games in October (10/2, 10/9 and 10/30)
- Two home games in November (11/6 and 11/26)
Road-home is also broken up more evenly:
1 road, two home, two road, two home, one road, BYE, two home, BYE, one road, one home.