Cynically, I bet they avoided tough match ups to maximize the number of schools that can go to bowls and the playoffs. We're at a disadvantage with seven-games: our schools have to play perfect or lose no more than one game to get to the postseason. We also don't have any non-conference games to "make a statement" for playoff consideration so have to show off quality with an undefeated record
I don't think it's the number of wins that matter for bowl eligibility, just that the percentage has to be at least 50%, so we only need 4 wins in a 7-game season
Really curious how interdivision games were picked. There doesn't seem to be any preference for games we'd actually care to see.
I'd go with something like:
Cal vs. UCLA
Stanfurd vs. USC
Oregon vs. Arizona
OSU vs. ASU
Washington vs. Utah
WSU vs. Colorado
as those feature rivalries or frequently competitive games in recent years.
Cynically, I bet they avoided tough match ups to maximize the number of schools that can go to bowls and the playoffs. We're at a disadvantage with seven-games: our schools have to play perfect or lose no more than one game to get to the postseason. We also don't have any non-conference games to "make a statement" for playoff consideration so have to show off quality with an undefeated record
I don't think it's the number of wins that matter for bowl eligibility, just that the percentage has to be at least 50%, so we only need 4 wins in a 7-game season
You're right: six is no longer the magic number beginning this year