FCS AD: Big Ten eases stance on scheduling

(STATS) - On further review, the Big Ten hasn't quite said goodbye to playing FCS programs.

The Power 5 conference instituted a no-FCS policy in 2015 as a way for its teams to strengthen scheduling for possible bids to the College Football Playoff. But North Dakota State athletic director Matt Larsen told The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead (N.D.) on Wednesday that the policy has been modified since the Big Ten decided to increase to a nine-game conference schedule. During seasons when a Big Ten team has only four home conference games, it will be allowed to schedule an FCS opponent.

Last year, FCS teams notched 10 wins over FBS programs, tying for the fourth-most in a season. They included two wins by Missouri Valley Football Conference teams against the Big Ten - North Dakota State over Iowa and Illinois State over Northwestern - in games that were scheduled before the policy changed in 2015.