It was necessary just to get good games on the schedule initially, but with Indy schedules maturing it seems like they will be much more rare. Obviously if one of the blue bloods came calling (Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, Texas, Oklahoma), BYU would likely say 'yes' but those would be exceptions. The fact that Clemson and A&M could be on board is huge news because as programs that is the next tier down. Previously we had to do 2-for-1s with Michigan State & Wisconsin, which are both part of that same tier.

The one change Tom really needs to push is getting Boise State either on Thanksgiving weekend, or the weekend before Thanksgiving (if the P12 continues to balance the ND at USC/Stanford game). This would do wonders for the late season schedule and give fans something to look forward to after the core of the marquee games have been played.