By JOHN KLEIN Sr. Sports Columnist on Dec 5, 2012, at 3:34 PM Updated on 12/05 at 3:34 PM
KLEIN'S KORNER
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There are reports that Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy wants more control over the schedule.
That’s fine. The head football coach probably knows best what he needs for his team.
However, that has to balance with the needs of the school. That is determined by the athletic director.
Gundy and OSU athletic director Mike Holder have something in common. They both want the Cowboys to excel in football.
If that means playing a weak non-conference schedule, like Kansas State’s Bill Snyder prefers, then do it.
If it involves, as most believe, at least one challenging non-conference game, then Holder should make sure the Cowboys do it.
In recent years, OSU has played at least one challenging non-conference game. This season that resulted in a loss at Arizona, a devastating start in the second game of the season.
Next year OSU will play Mississippi State from the Southeastern Conference.
There are reports that OSU is considering playing Florida State early in the 2014 season.
There is no easy answer. A marquee non-conference victory could be the difference in reaching the 2013 BCS championship game or the 2014 BCS playoffs.
However, it can also work against you. Losing one of those non-conference games can cost you a BCS slot. Ask Oklahoma. The Sooners would be 11-1 if not for a loss to Notre Dame in a high-profile non-conference game. If OU had played Louisiana-Lafayette instead of Notre Dame, we’re pretty sure the Sooners would be in a BCS bowl game right now.
There is no right answer.
However, there’s no doubt that coming up with a compromise between coach and athletic director is the best answer.
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