Scheduling in college football is a juggling act.

On one hand, you want to face teams that will challenge you, attract attendance and create revenue. On the other hand, you don't want to over-schedule or you're program will never take off.

Nothing kills momentum like a 54-3 loss.

It doesn't do much for the injury situation, either.

My colleague Jared Eborn said in today's blog that USU and Florida State are trying to set up a game against one another. That immediately made me say to myself, "Great. But who else is on the schedule?"

USU has been known at times for scheduling too many "money" games or simply too many tough games. Last year the Aggies had BYU, Utah, Boise State and Texas A&M – which is usually four guaranteed losses. This year, though, things seem more reasonable, with only BYU and Oklahoma (who beat USU 54-3 in 2007) on the list of can't wins, along with Boise State, which will only be in the WAC one more season.

In 2003, USU played Nebraska and Arizona State in the same season, as well as Utah; in 2002 it faced Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, BYU and Boise State.

USU has games against CSU in 2011, and Utah and CSU in 2012. It also has 2013 games set against Utah and San Diego State. That's manageable. But the Aggies would be wise not to take on too much more. Now that Utah's going into the Pac-10, the Aggies may even want to rethink their games against Utah. Sure, it's a nice draw at the gate, but it hasn't been winnable for over 20 years, and will become less so.

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With Boise State leaving the WAC, that gives USU a chance to win and build its program. If administrators are smart, they'll keep doing what they seem to be trying to do: schedule one big revenue game a year, then go for the conference title. That might mean not scheduling BYU or Utah.

Make some money, then concentrate on winning the winnable game -- and don't schedule too many unwinnable ones.

Gary Andersen is taking the Aggies in the right direction. He just needs to do is be patient and not try to go too far too fast.

Scheduling FSU is a nice touch, just so long as Idaho State is the next week.

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