Why don't teams play their exhibitions against other D1 programs? Maybe not ones from in conference or other P5 schools, but there are 300 something D1 teams, surely you could find a couple of weaker regional schools to play that would provide a better test and opportunity to work on things in a more game like environment?
THIS is an excellent point, which I shall not belabor. Remember old adage: "
Iron sharpens iron". A varsity team (in any sport) can't get better and sharpen their skills and/or their ability to make good decisions by playing the freshman team. I think that same philosophy or concept applies here. I realize we don't know all/any of the dynamics behind the scheduling of this game.
If this game was scheduled as a favor to the other coach, or for financial reason to help Bluefield State, then so be it. But don't beat down a small school that that, then say that you were happy with how your team played. I'm sure that exhibition game will go a long way in getting her team ready for the UConn's, Baylors, and the Notre Dames this year.
I'm sorry, I'm old school. I'd like to see my program use the limited time it has in the preseason to get the team ready for regular season play. Playing "cupcakes" and "twinkies" is NOT going to help build any team's skill and confidence. If a team has weaknesses, Twinkie teams are not going to bring that out, nor are they going to prove or indicate that a problem/issue that has been worked on in practice has been solved. If anything, they will give you a false sense of security, making you think you're all that and a bag of chips, only to find out you're not the first time you run up against the conference bully.
I completely understand the some games are scheduled against smaller schools for financial reasons. I applaud that concept. The smaller schools disparately need those funds to support their athletic programs, and keep them in the black. Football teams do it regularly. But please don't try and blow smoke up my Bu** b telling me that scheduling cupcakes is a good thing, and helps the younger players get acclimated to college level play. Playing against teams that are at or above your level help your players to get better. Remember this fact of life and sports: "If you want to be the best, you've got to play the best.