Gabe there are a couple of disadvantages in scheduling Top Rated Teams in non conference play early in the season. Number one is the injury factor - MU learned this back in the 80's and 90's. I won't go into the details but more than once I've seen 1st string players knocked out of a game or season when playing an early season top 10 opponent. Can that happen against SEMO, of course and it did. However, here's the difference - your starters play longer and are in on more plays against a top rated opponent in a close game. The likelihood of an injury increases with the number of plays your involved in. More than once I've heard a coach say his team was beat up after playing a very demanding non conference schedule and before they got into conference play. Last year Ohio State won a National Title with a third team quarterback. MU is getting better, but without question there is a difference in their quality of depth when compared to the top rated programs. That leads to the second disadvantage. Bill Snyder at K-State noted years ago that a non conference schedule against weaker teams gives you the opportunity to develop your depth and young players for conference play later in the season. Pinkel has also made this point and it's a valid consideration. Get the young guys some time on the field without losing the game. Bottom line, I'd like to see maybe one higher rated team in non conference - but I understand the concerns someone like Pinkel has - especially considering how challenging and physical SEC play is.
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