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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 19, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Drue Tranquill (23) intercepts a pass intended for Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Cam Phillips (5) in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Virginia Tech won 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Drue Tranquill (23) intercepts a pass intended for Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Cam Phillips (5) in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Virginia Tech won 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Brian Kelly has a lot of work to do this year to keep his seat from burning up beneath him, and this schedule will do no favors. The Fighting Irish open the year at home against AAC champion Temple (10-4 in 2016) and host Georgia (8-5) the following week.

Their easiest part of the schedule ostensibly comes in late September with games against Michigan State (3-9) and Miami of Ohio (6-7). Of course, Notre Dame lost to the Spartans at home last year, so that is no guaranteed win for the Irish.

October begins with a trip to North Carolina (8-5) before a bye week. Following the break, USC (10-3) comes to South Bend on October 21. November presents a couple of stern road tests when Notre Dame travels to Miami (9-4) and Stanford (10-3). In between those two contests, the Irish face old nemesis Navy (9-5) at home. They might be struggling to get a sixth win at that point of the season and would need an upset to reach the postseason.

The key for the Irish to return to bowl eligibility falls at the turn of the calendar from October to November. Home games against NC State (7-6) and Wake Forest (7-6) at that juncture could go either way for Notre Dame. Kelly’s crew must win both to stay in the race for a bowl invitation this year.

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