Big Ten Football 2015: Ranking the schedules

13. Purdue Boilermakers

While Iowa clearly owns the easiest schedule in the Big Ten, Purdue’s slate is considerably tougher and could be argued higher up the chain. Purdue claimed sole possession of last place overall in the Big Ten for a second consecutive season with a 23-16 loss to Indiana to close out 2014.

Regardless, the Boilermakers at least finished with a winning record against the non-conference slate and won a conference game (38-27 over Illinois) – something Purdue could not accomplish in Darrell Hazel’s first year in 2013. If the Boilers finish with a winning record against this season’s non-conference slate, it will be an even bigger accomplishment.

Purdue travels to Marshall, faces Indiana State and hosts Bowling Green. In addition, projected ACC contender Virginia Tech visits West Lafayette with one of the nation’s most talented defenses coming off a 7-6 campaign and Military Bowl win over Cincinnati. Purdue must face Michigan State to open Big Ten play and which leads directly into a Western Division series against the three best teams in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Nebraska.

Purdue finishes out with a battle for the Old Oak and Bucket and a date with Indiana in a game that could again decide the very bottom of the Big Ten.