Putting a non-conference schedule together has become such an issue for Hardin-Simmons coach Jesse Burleson that it’s becoming a full-time job. Some around the program have wondered whether the university needs to hire someone whose sole purpose is to schedule future football contests.

I’m certain Burleson would appreciate the help, but the Cowboys 2023 schedule is nearly complete. HSU is seeking a game for Sept. 16 or Sept. 23, with the Cowboys preferring to host the contest in Week 3. But Burleson pointed out on Twitter that he’s willing to “look at any and all possibilities for 2023 and/or 2024.”

If the Cowboys need a game in Week 3 or Week 4, who are their opponents for the first two weeks of the season? Sources close to the program indicate that HSU will open the season on Friday, Sept. 1, against Albright. The Cowboys are set to travel to meet Wisconsin-LaCrosse in Week 2.

UWL earned a share of the always brutal Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title and a spot in the NCAA Division III players last year. The Eagles only two losses were at home to then-No. 3 Wisconsin-Whitewater and at No. 12 Wartburg in the opening round of the playoffs.

Many pundits thought that Simon Fraser announcing an end to its football program would help the Cowboys fill the void in their schedule. However, none of the Lone Star Conference teams interested had an open date that worked with HSU’s schedule despite four LSC teams contacting Burleson.

SFU’s late decision not to field a team in 2023 left Linfield without an opponent. The Wildcats had openings on Weeks 2 and 3. Unfortunately for HSU, negotiations with the Wildcats fell apart, and Linfield chose to travel to meet Denison in Week 2.

Anyone who knows of a football team still searching for a game in Weeks 3 or 4 this year, please contact Burleson at jburleson@hsutx.edu.