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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; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Brant Mitchell (51) reacts with teammates after intercepting the final pass of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Georgia Tech defeated Georgia 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Brant Mitchell (51) reacts with teammates after intercepting the final pass of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Georgia Tech defeated Georgia 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

After a nine-win season in 2016, Georgia Tech faces plenty of obstacles as they try to maintain that level of play this year. The Yellow Jackets play historic rival Tennessee (9-4 in 2016) for the first time in three decades in the first college game at the new stadium in Atlanta.

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They then face FCS powerhouse Jacksonville State (10-2) in their home opener and take on UCF (6-7) in Orlando. September concludes with a pair of ACC home games against Pitt (8-5) and North Carolina (8-5).

Though they only play three October games, two take place on the road against Miami (9-4) and College Football Playoff national champion Clemson (14-1). Even the game in between, at home against Wake Forest (7-6), is hardly a guaranteed victory. The Yellow Jackets benefit from the fact that their final two road games are at Virginia (2-10) and Duke (4-8). That won’t make games against Virginia Tech (10-4) or Georgia (8-5) any easier.

Ultimately, nine wins might be out of reach this year for Georgia Tech thanks to one of the toughest schedules in the land. To navigate back to bowl eligibility, they will need to at least go 4-4 in ACC play, win their FCS and Group of Five contests, and perhaps take down one of their SEC rivals.

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