Josh AyersSince announcing Feb. 22 a game at Wisconsin scheduled for Nov. 22, the Cal Poly football program has struggled to fill out a desired 12-game slate for the upcoming season.
After a lengthy, unsuccessful search for a final opponent that failed to make that calendar a reality, though, an 11-game schedule will likely be announced soon, Cal Poly athletic director Alison Cone said Tuesday.
In the more immediate future, the Mustangs will engage in their annual spring game at 3 p.m. Saturday in Alex G. Spanos Stadium.
Two groups, separated into green and gold and coached by offensive coordinator Ian Shields and defensive coordinator Payam Saadat, will take the field, as one full half of play is planned utilizing the scoreboard and play clock, without live kicking.
The Mustangs, who conducted spring drills in February and March before taking a break during winter-quarter finals, will have one final preparatory practice Friday morning.
Cal Poly, which went 7-4 last season, returns 10 starters from an offense that compiled 487.1 yards per game to finish second in the Football Championship Subdivision in total offense, fewer than two yards behind national champion Appalachian State’s 488.3.
Only five starters, however, return to the Mustangs defense, which finished 62nd in the country a year ago, allowing 370.4 yards per outing.
The following are 10 likely games on the schedule, according to various reports and opponents’ Web sites, leaving three Saturdays in late September and early October open for the 11th game.
Home games are bolded, and all times are Pacific.
Aug. 30, at San Diego State, 5 p.m.
Sept. 6, Montana, TBA
Sept. 13, at McNeese State, 5 p.m.
Sept. 20, at Northwestern State TBA
Sept. 27, OPEN DATE
Oct. 4, OPEN DATE
Oct. 11, OPEN DATE
Oct. 18, at South Dakota State, 4 p.m.
Oct. 25, Southern Utah, TBA
Nov. 1, Idaho State, TBA
Nov. 8, North Carolina Central, 4 p.m.
Nov. 15, UC Davis, TBA
Nov. 22, at Wisconsin, TBA