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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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Oct 29, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Duke Blue Devils tight end Daniel Helm (80) celebrates a touchdown with running back Jela Duncan (25) against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first half at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Duke Blue Devils tight end Daniel Helm (80) celebrates a touchdown with running back Jela Duncan (25) against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first half at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Duke is a perennial villain in college basketball. The Blue Devils are more of a lovable underdog when it comes to the gridiron. As he enters his tenth season in Durham, David Cutcliffe will try to get his team back to the postseason after missing bowl eligibility last year for the first time in five seasons.

Even their opener against FCS NC Central (9-3 in 2016) is no gimme game, and they also host Northwestern (7-6) and Baylor (7-6) in non-conference play.

They managed to avoid Clemson and Louisville in cross-division play, and Duke gets to play Florida State (10-3) at home. The Blue Devils also face division foes Miami (9-4) and Georgia Tech (9-4) at home. For Duke, the biggest tests will come on the road at rival North Carolina (8-5) in late September and at defending Coastal champ Virginia Tech (10-4) in late October. They also head to West Point at the beginning of November for another non-conference game against Army.

The opportunity is there for the Blue Devils to rebound from last year and win enough games to go bowling again. Opening the year 3-0 against Northwestern and Baylor teams in transition would go a long way toward a postseason return.

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