Why do College Football institutions schedule so many teams so far in advance?

Question

Most schools have teams scheduled for 5 years. That's great for planning trips but how do you know how good a team will be 5 years down the line.

Answer 1

It's all about the mighty dollar. Television crews have to set up their equipment and the stations advertise. College athletic programs depend on dollars generated from the football team and athletic directors are always looking to bolster their exposure by scheduling the big name teams. With the success of the USC, Miami, Ohio State, Texas, Notre Dame and few I've left out, every team in America is looking to schedule a game with them. So by signing contracts well in advance with these well known teams, a smaller school can lock into a non-conference game and get much needed exposure even if the scoreboard isn't a close contest. But just think of the headlines and publicity if a smaller school like Boise State or Fresno State can knock off one of the big boys? Last year's USC vs Fresno State game was a great battle.

Answer 2

Schools rich in football tradition are also big money producers. The name if the game is revenue. NOT how good a team is but how many fans that team can put into the stadium, Some schools even charge premium prices for certain teams and of course mid-level teams schedule the big guys because it is a recruiting tool.

Answer 3

Money and conferences control it.

Answer 4

MONEY!!