The Univ. of Washington's non-conference football schedule this season ranked 127th out of 128 FBS teams, and AD Jennifer Cohen said the school is "committed to having" a stronger schedule moving forward, according to Adam Jude of the SEATTLE TIMES. Cohen said UW is committed to "finding a Power Five school every year" for its non-conference schedule. However, even if UW "desperately wanted to add a big-name opponent next year, it is simply not feasible, or affordable" at this stage. On Sunday, the CFP Selection Committee, along with ESPN commentators, "strongly criticized that schedule before the Huskies (12-1) were awarded the fourth and final spot in the national semifinals." UW this season hosted Rutgers, Idaho and Portland State, and its non-conference slate "looks just as easy" for '17. UW opens the season at Rutgers before hosting Montana, an FCS team, and Fresno State. Last month, it was announced that UW would open the '18 season "against Auburn in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta." Cohen said that the home-and-home series against BYU ('18-19) and Michigan ('20-21) are "signs of UW’s commitment to scheduling quality opponents" (SEATTLE TIMES, 12/8).
CROSS-COUNTRY TEAM: In Seattle, Andrew McIntosh reports both Delta and Alaska Airlines are "adding extra flights" from Seattle to Atlanta ahead of the Dec. 31 Peach Bowl, in which UW will play Alabama in the CFP semifinals. Alaska Airlines Media Relations Manager Ann Johnson Zaninovich said, "Flights to Atlanta are already filling up. With so many football fans eager to get to 'Hotlanta,' we wanted to make sure Seattleites had a way to cheer on their team in person" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 12/8).
