The recent sparse attendance at USC's college football opener against San Jose State has sparked a conversation about the scheduling problem in the sport. The author, who happened to catch the game on TV, initially dismissed the empty seats as a result of the extreme heat. However, a reader's question prompted a deeper reflection on the issue. The author acknowledges that USC and Stanford are not representative of the broader college football landscape, as they are in markets where pro sports take precedence. The program's recent mediocre performance has also likely contributed to the lack of excitement among local fans. The author then delves into the broader trend of marquee programs canceling home-and-home series, particularly after the SEC moved to nine conference games. This has led to a situation where schools are scheduling less appealing matchups, and fans are increasingly showing up to these 'bodybag games'. The author argues that unless fans start boycotting these games, the trend will continue. They also mention the irony of Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti advocating for a 24-team playoff to encourage schools to sign up for a Big Ten-SEC Challenge, which could further diminish the appeal of early-season games. The author concludes by suggesting that turning these games into glorified exhibitions is the best way to ensure fans stop showing up. This article offers a critical perspective on the scheduling issues in college football, highlighting the need for fan engagement and the potential consequences of scheduling unappealing matchups.
