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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 23, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Carlos Henderson (1) returns the opening kick off against the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Carlos Henderson (1) returns the opening kick off against the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Only two of Louisiana Tech’s opponents in 2017 won at least seven games the previous year. While the Bulldogs play seven teams that went bowling in 2016, four of them — Mississippi State, South Carolina, South Alabama, and UTSA — finished the year with 6-7 records. Another, North Texas, also went bowling despite going 5-7 thanks to empty invitations and a high academic progress rate. After losing their bowl game, the Mean Green ended the year 5-8.

In addition to their winnable opportunities against sub-.500 Power Five competition this year, Louisiana Tech also has one of the easiest FCS matchups possible to open the year. The Bulldogs play Northwestern State, a team that finished 2016 with a 1-10 record, in their home opener. And while they play defending C-USA champ Western Kentucky (11-3 in 2016), they avoided both Old Dominion (10-3 in 2016) and Middle Tennessee (8-5) in cross-division play.

If they can get at least one statement win over an SEC school, the Bulldogs are well situated to once again reach at least nine victories. Were they able to escape the month of September undefeated, Louisiana Tech might even be a contender for the Access Bowl berth.

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