Tough sledding right now, but Idaho State football set to host 7 games for first time since 1990

In football, half the battle for a successful season takes place years before in the athletic director's office, where the schedule is drawn up.

For Idaho State, this year's schedule is not what you'd describe as conducive to a successful season. The Bengals play two FBS teams — UNLV (38-31 loss) and New Mexico — on the road, then have to face five Big Sky teams that all made the FCS playoffs last year. Idaho State could still be a better team than it was in last year's 5-7 campaign and yet win fewer games.