The NCAA granted New Mexico State an extra game after their game against Sam Houston State was canceled due to Hurricane Ida, thus, explaining why did New Mexico State play 13 games.
Ever wondered how college football schedules sometimes get a little… wonky? It’s not always straightforward, especially when unexpected events occur. One example that might spark curiosity is: why did New Mexico State play 13 games? It’s a valid question given most teams play only 12 regular season games.
The answer involves an unusual circumstance that led to an exception. College football rules permit an extra game in specific scenarios. New Mexico State had a game canceled and therefore needed this extra game.
Why Did New Mexico State Play 13 Games?
Okay, sports fans, let’s talk about something pretty unusual in the world of college football. Usually, teams play around 12 games in a regular season. So, when New Mexico State played 13 games, people were definitely asking, “Why did New Mexico State play 13 games?” It’s a great question and we’re going to dive deep to understand exactly how this happened, why it’s allowed, and what it meant for the Aggies.
The Standard College Football Schedule
Before we get into the specifics of New Mexico State, let’s quickly go over how a normal college football schedule works. Most teams in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), which is the highest level of college football, play a 12-game schedule. This typically includes games against teams from their own conference and some non-conference opponents. These 12 games are really important, as wins and losses can affect their chances to play in bowl games and rankings. It’s like a big puzzle they try to complete each season, hoping for the best outcome possible.
The Hawaii Exception: A Loophole to 13 Games
Here’s where things get interesting. There’s something called the “Hawaii Exemption”. This rule allows college football teams that travel to play the University of Hawaii in Honolulu to schedule one additional game. Think of it as a bonus game! But why Hawaii? Well, because of its location, getting to Hawaii from the mainland United States is a long and expensive journey. The NCAA understands this and gives teams traveling to Hawaii an option for one extra game that may or may not be used.
The logic behind the Hawaii Exemption is based on travel considerations. Playing in Honolulu adds a significant burden on a team’s time and resources, which include travel costs, accommodations, and time zone adjustments. By granting this additional game opportunity, the NCAA softens the impact of the extra travel requirements and makes these games easier to schedule. This allows for more competition against teams outside their region and, for some, increases the chance of a good record or a stronger national presence.
How the Hawaii Exemption Works
- The Requirement: To take advantage of this exemption, a team needs to play a regular-season game at the University of Hawaii.
- The Benefit: After playing at Hawaii, the team gets to schedule an extra, thirteenth regular-season game.
- The Choice: It’s important to note, not all teams that play at Hawaii will choose to add a 13th game; it is an option they can exercise.
New Mexico State’s 2023 Schedule: A Look at the 13 Games
So, how did this all apply to New Mexico State? The key to their 13-game schedule was their trip to play the University of Hawaii. The Aggies played against Hawaii in early October and because of that trip, New Mexico State had the option to schedule that extra game. Let’s look closer at the specific arrangement.
New Mexico State played a very challenging schedule in 2023. Because they are an independent team, meaning they don’t belong to any of the Power Five conferences, it was crucial they capitalize on all opportunities for games, including the 13th game. This is a unique circumstance. Many conferences do not allow members to play 13 games even with the exemption. They decided to take on a challenging schedule, utilizing all available games.
Key Games and the Extra Game
- Hawaii Game: Their game at the University of Hawaii was the reason the exemption was triggered.
- The 13th Game: Following the Hawaii game, the Aggies scheduled a game against Valparaiso, adding an extra opportunity to play and compete.
The decision to add that extra game often comes down to several factors. For independent teams like New Mexico State, it might be a chance to gain a crucial win, improve a team’s resume, or give their players more experience. However, it also adds to their player’s physical and mental requirements, not to mention financial requirements for their program. Therefore, the decision to play 13 games is often strategical and well-thought out.
Why Teams Choose the 13-Game Option
Now, let’s think about why a team would actually want to play 13 games. It’s not just about playing more, there are several reasons a team might choose to exercise the Hawaii Exemption.
Reasons for Playing 13 Games
- Extra Win Opportunities: In the world of college football, every win counts. An extra game means an extra shot at adding a victory to the team’s record. This is very important for teams trying to become eligible for bowl games.
- Additional Revenue: More games mean more opportunities to sell tickets, merchandise, and attract sponsorships, thus bringing extra income to the athletic program. The game in Hawaii can offer an enticing opportunity to play in front of a large television audience, further increasing financial opportunities.
- Development and Experience: For teams that are rebuilding or looking to give more players experience, an extra game can give valuable playing time to younger players. The game at Hawaii provides an experience of traveling that can be beneficial to team growth, especially the young ones.
- National Exposure: A 13-game schedule can get a team more national exposure, which is important for recruiting and program awareness. In the highly competitive world of college football, teams are constantly looking for ways to increase the visibility of their programs.
The Impact on New Mexico State
So, what did playing 13 games mean for the New Mexico State Aggies specifically? Let’s consider the advantages and disadvantages of this additional contest.
Benefits for the Aggies
- More Game Experience: The team got valuable playing time, helping players develop and improve over the season.
- Improved Resume: A chance for a 7th win on the year, helping improve bowl eligibility.
- Increased National Exposure: The additional game provided more opportunities to be seen on TV and mentioned in the sports media, which can be very helpful in recruiting.
Challenges of 13 Games
- Player Fatigue: Playing an extra game means more wear and tear on the players, leading to a higher risk of injury. This is a major concern for coaches and training staff.
- Strain on Resources: Playing a 13th game adds costs for travel, equipment, and other necessary expenses. This can put a strain on university budgets.
- Longer Season: An extended schedule takes more time, leading to more time spent away from academics and other activities and potential exhaustion of staff.
Other Teams That Have Played 13 Games
New Mexico State isn’t alone in playing 13 games because of the Hawaii Exemption. Plenty of other schools have taken the same route, showing this isn’t an isolated incident. These schools recognize the benefits and challenges and make a choice based on their specific goals for the season.
Examples of other Teams
- Various FBS Teams: Each year, a few teams take advantage of the Hawaii Exemption. These teams come from different conferences and regions, showing the diversity of those who benefit from this rule.
- Teams with Unique Circumstances: Teams in situations similar to New Mexico State, such as independents or those with difficult conference schedules, are likely to use this option.
The Future of the Hawaii Exemption
The Hawaii Exemption has been a part of college football for many years, and it has become an established norm. The NCAA and schools generally support this rule because it helps address travel challenges for programs that play in Hawaii. It remains to be seen if any changes might be made to this exemption in the coming years, but it has continued to be a staple of college football schedules.
It’s a unique situation that brings an interesting twist to the college football season. For teams like New Mexico State, this extra game can bring opportunities and challenges, making it important to understand the whole story behind why they play that extra game.
Ultimately, playing 13 games is a strategic decision, often made with an eye toward team development, financial gains, and national recognition. While it adds additional strain to student athletes, it is often used for more opportunities to win games.
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Final Thoughts
New Mexico State played thirteen football games because they had an extra game scheduled to replace their contest canceled earlier. This allowed them to reach the minimum game count required for bowl eligibility. The NCAA rules state a team must play at least 12 games, so the extra match was must for them.
Essentially, why did New Mexico State play 13 games? It was to make up for the cancelled contest and ensure they met minimum game requirements for a bowl game consideration. This unique situation led to their extended season.
