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College Football: Ranking the 10 easiest FBS schedules in 2017

By Zach Bigalke

Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Anthony Wales (20) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Anthony Wales (20) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Leo Lewis (44) brings down Miami Redhawks running back Kenny Young (3) 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 linebacker Leo Lewis (44) brings down Miami Redhawks running back Kenny Young (3) during the second half at Tropicana Field. The Mississippi State Bulldogs defeat the Miami Redhawks 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

The one team with an even easier schedule than Ohio is their MAC East rivals 140 miles west in Oxford. Miami plays 12 teams that won a combined 50 games in 2016. That averages out to opponents that on average went 4-8 last year, and only three of their opponents played in bowl games last year.

The season opens against former MAC rival Marshall (3-9 in 2016) and continues against FCS doormat Austin Peay (0-11). Their other non-conference games come against Cincinnati (4-8) and Notre Dame (4-8). In conference, the RedHawks avoided both Western Michigan and Toledo in cross-division play. Instead they landed Central Michigan (6-7), Eastern Michigan (7-6), and Ball State (4-8) for their three games against West teams. The only other team within their division who managed to even go bowling in 2016 was Ohio (8-6).

Related Story: 10 Most Difficult FBS Schedules in 2017

Their Halloween showdown in Athens could decide the division title this season thanks to relatively easy schedules for both teams. Another bowl appearance is imminently within reach for the RedHawks, and they have a definite shot at playing in Detroit in December for the MAC title.

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