MGoBender

October 21st, 2016 at 10:42 AM ^

You're allowed 2 exhibition games against non-D1 schools. You're also allowed to replace those exhibitions with scrimmages against D1 schools, so long as the scrimmage isn't publicized, no tickets are sold, no media allowed in. So, a true scrimmage.

You lose the $$$ you'd get playing a subpar team, but you actually get a worthwhile scrimmage.  So, this is a very good thing and I suspect it happens more often than we are aware since MBB usually has just one exhibition.

OP would have done well to include this key quote, right near the top of the article:

 

Replacing one of two allotted exhibition games against non-Division I teams, the NCAA permits DI teams to play scrimmages against one another. The games are closed to the public and the media. Per NCAA rules, only players, coaches, officials and essential personnel are allowed to be on-hand.

 

The scrimmages are not to be publicized by either participating school. Other than a potential added game for season-ticket holders, a chance to play in front of a crowd, and the earning potential of a home gate, the DI scrimmages serve as a far better gauge of a team's preseason standing.

MGoBender

October 21st, 2016 at 1:34 PM ^

I think (am deducing) that you can play sub-D1 schools more than twice and/or you can play them without it being an exhibition (therefore, a counting game). Listed exhibitions:

15-16: Le Moyne

14-15: Wayne State

13-14: Concordia, Wayne St

12-13: Northern Mich, SVSU

11-12: Wayne State

10-11: SVSU

09-10: WSU

08-09: SVSU

So, two of 8 years we had just 1 exhibition.  In 14-15, Hillsdale was an actual game, not an exhibition.  So, my guess is that in those off years there's a good chance there were "secret" scrimmages.

JayMo4

October 21st, 2016 at 10:05 AM ^

I doubt they let people in to watch secret scrimmages, which is a bummer since I live a few minutes from Akron.

I'd love to go and share intel with the board, if only they'd let me in!