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College Football: Ranking the 10 most difficult FBS schedules in 2017

By Zach Bigalke

Oct 15, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange wide receiver Brisly Estime (1) returns a punt as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive tackle Dalton Roe (90) prepares to make a tackle during the fourth quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange wide receiver Brisly Estime (1) returns a punt as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive tackle Dalton Roe (90) prepares to make a tackle during the fourth quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Jake Bentley (4) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Jake Bentley (4) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Gamecocks have plenty to celebrate lately. Their women’s basketball team won its first national championship and the men also reached the Final Four for the first time. There has been far less joy on the football field for the Gamecocks over the past few years. This year will be even tougher than last year, as 128 other FBS teams have easier schedules than Will Muschamp’s crew. It is a year where the degree of difficulty keeps ramping up.

Things begin with a neutral-site game against NC State (7-6 in 2016) in Charlotte. They also face C-USA West winner Louisiana Tech (9-5) and FCS quarterfinalist Wofford (10-3) in non-conference play. SEC play features road games against Texas A&M (8-5), Tennessee (9-4), and Georgia (8-5). They also face SEC East winner Florida (9-4) at home and close out their regular season with a non-conference showdown against state rival and defending national champion Clemson (14-1).

It seems like eons ago that Steve Spurrier was leading the Gamecocks to play in the SEC Championship Game. They are getting no closer this year thanks to the toughest of Power Five schedules, and will struggle to maintain a postseason berth in 2017 as a result.

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