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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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Dec 26, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Nick James (88) celebrates after a blocked field goal of Miami Redhawks during the second half at Tropicana Field. The Mississippi State Bulldogs defeat the Miami Redhawks 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Nick James (88) celebrates after a blocked field goal of Miami Redhawks during the second half at Tropicana Field. The Mississippi State Bulldogs defeat the Miami Redhawks 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Dan Mullen has managed to get the Bulldogs into a bowl game for seven straight seasons. To extend that streak to an eighth, he will have to lead Mississippi State through one of the tougher SEC schedules.

The Bulldogs open the year against Charleston Southern, an FCS team that won seven games last year despite early setbacks from suspensions. They also play C-USA West winner Louisiana Tech (9-5 in 2016) before starting league play.

Related Story: Top 10 SEC players to watch this spring

Right off the bat, LSU (8-4) comes to Starkville before the Bulldogs finish September on the road at Georgia (8-5) and Auburn (8-5). They get a bye week before hosting nine-win BYU, and they also play Kentucky (7-6) before ending October at Texas A&M (8-5). A visit from UMass (2-10) is small consolation before defending SEC champ Alabama (14-1) comes to town. Mississippi State goes to Arkansas (7-6) on November 18 before playing Ole Miss (5-7) in the Egg Bowl five days later.

That quick turnaround could be critical as Mullen tries to keep the postseason streak alive. Given losses to South Alabama and BYU last year, they cannot sleep on their non-conference slate. Once again the rivalry game against Ole Miss could decide which team goes bowling.

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