UH is trying to keep having a big opponent to end the season even after every AQ conference has championship games

HSA Note: "Since the 1920s, when it began playing occasional major-college opponents, UH has made an almost annual practice of closing the regular season against a "name" opponent. Southern California, Nebraska and Wisconsin have made multiple appearances in that slot, while Michigan, Oklahoma and Notre Dame have also appeared. But with the Pac-10 adding Colorado yesterday for an 11th member and the expectation that one to five more might come on board plus the likelihood of the Big Ten going to at least 12 teams, UH is concerned."

About how they are trying to be proactive about keeping the tradition of facing a big-name opponent to end the season, JD said:
"It is something we're looking at, trying to be proactive with." (HSA)

HSA Note: "Under NCAA rules, conferences with 12 or more teams may hold championship games. They usually take place the first week in December, which ESPN annually bills as "championship week." For UH, the problem is that slot is usually when it plays a "name" nonconference opponent to conclude the regular season. In recent years, for example, UH has closed against Wisconsin (2009), Cincinnati (2008), Washington (2007), Oregon State (2006) and Michigan State (2004) at Aloha Stadium."

About trying to still schedule Pac-10 and Big 10 teams to end their seasons, JD said:
"We're trying to find a way to keep the (Pac-10 and Big Ten) conferences in the mix." (HSA)

HSA Note: "One proposal under study, Donovan said, would be to strike a deal whereby the conference agrees to send a designated representative here. That way if, for example, Wisconsin qualified for the conference championship game, a division runner-up would come in its place."

JD then said:
"Either that or we could take out insurance on the (opponent)." (HSA)

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