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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 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 /

As Syracuse tries to build on a couple of promising high notes from an otherwise disappointing 4-8 season, they will do so against the toughest of ACC schedules. Pencil in a win in the home opener against FCS Central Connecticut (2-9 in 2016), but things get more difficult from there. The Orange then face Middle Tennessee (8-5) and Cowboy slayer Central Michigan (6-7) before taking on LSU (8-4) at Tiger Stadium. ACC play opens at NC State (7-6) to finish out September.

There is a quick turnaround in October between home games against Pittsburgh (8-5) and a Friday-night showdown against defending College Football Playoff national champion Clemson (14-1). Syracuse then plays Miami (9-4) and Florida State (10-3) on the road as the calendar flips into November. One of the country’s most difficult schedules also includes a road game against defending Heisman winner Lamar Jackson and Louisville (9-4). They must also play bowl participants Wake Forest (7-6) and Boston College (7-6) in November.

Eric Dungey is developing and the team took down Virginia Tech last year. But bowl eligibility is still a stretch for the Orange this season. They will need to open 3-0 against FCS and mid-major competition to have a chance.

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