Baker University’s schedule features 10 HAAC games and one nonconference contest – a road trip Oct. 29 to Southern Oregon, of all places. How can BU afford an airplane trip to Ashland, Ore.?

“Southern Oregon gave us a $30,000 guarantee, which is unusual for an NAIA school,” Grossner said.

Because the game occurs late in the season, Grossner hopes to use it as a tuneup for the NAIA playoffs.

“But if we’re out of contention,” Grossner said, “we’ll call it our bowl game.”