Now there are three. Notre Dame, Southern California and UCLA. These are the three remaining FBS schools that have never scheduled/played a FCS school in football. Washington State was number four but this fall they will dip down into the cupcake ranks to secure an easy victory over Idaho State. Of course Michigan may beg to differ on that “easy victory” account. Appalachian State University in 2007 defeated the then number 5 ranked Skunkbears, 34-32. Until surpassed, this game is considered one of the greatest upsets in all of sports.
The NCAA changed the rule in 2005, allowing a FBS school to count a victory over a cupcake, oops, excuse me, a FCS school each year. This opened the door for FBS schools to make/save some money and pretty much guarantee an easy win. Last year, FBS schools won 88% of the time against FCS opponents.
Remember a FCS school is only allowed 63 scholarships compared to 85 for a FBS school.
The reasons are also economic. A FBS school usually has to pay a minimum of $900,000 to $1,000,000 to schedule another FBS opponent. Not so with a FCS little guy, they will settle for as little as $400,000.
Scheduling cupcakes is big victories and easy money for the likes of the Mighty SEC. In 2011 all 12 member schools will play FCS opponents.
When will USC and UCLA succumb to the temptation?
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