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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; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores receiver Darrius Sims (6) hurdles running back Dallas Rivers (28) during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores receiver Darrius Sims (6) hurdles running back Dallas Rivers (28) during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Out of the dozen games on Vanderbilt’s 2017 schedule, nine come against opponents that won at least six games and that went bowling the year before.

The Commodores open their campaign on Sept. 2 at Middle Tennessee, an eight-win team that will be looking to avenge last year’s loss in Nashville. Vanderbilt’s home opener comes the following week against Alabama A&M, an FCS team that went 4-7 in 2016.

Over the following two weeks, Kansas State (9-4 in 2016) and Alabama (14-1) come to Nashville. September concludes with a trip to the Swamp to face defending SEC East champ Florida (9-4). Ole Miss (5-7) and Missouri (4-8) offer the only other chances against sub-.500 teams in October and November. In addition to completing SEC play, the Commodores also face defending C-USA champ Western Kentucky (11-3) at home on November 4.

Even with the experienced roster returning this year, going 4-4 in conference is still a tall order. To return to a bowl game against this tough slate, Vanderbilt must do two things. First, it must beat either Kansas State or Western Kentucky and win its other two non-conference games. The Commodores must also win at least three league games against a tough group.

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