Part 5/6:
A discussion about scheduling also emerged, underscoring its importance in the committee's evaluation process. Ward Manuel stressed that while teams cannot control who they play, they must prioritize competitive schedules that can bolster their standings. He urged athletic directors to schedule non-conference games judiciously to enhance their team’s rankings.
He shared from his perspective as an athletic director that taking on challenging opponents can be a double-edged sword; it can either uplift a team's ranking or necessitate a reevaluation of strategy depending on the outcomes.