College Football: Ranking the 10 easiest FBS schedules in 2017
By Zach Bigalke
Memphis faces an interesting split of quality teams and doormats on their 2017 schedule. Four of their opponents played in bowl games in 2016, amassing 32 wins among them. The Tigers’ eight other opponents this season also won a combined 32 games last year. The year opens with UL-Monroe (4-8 in 2016), and continues with a trip to UCF (6-7) before welcoming UCLA (4-8) to Tennessee. Memphis does not play a team that concluded last season with a winning record until the second half of its schedule.
On October 14, the degree of difficulty ramps up against 2016 AAC West winner Navy (9-5). Five days later, Memphis turns around to play Houston (9-4) at home. After finishing the month against Tulane (4-8), the Tigers play their third straight weekday game at Tulsa (10-3). This span is the one rough patch in what should be an otherwise straightforward campaign. After the Midshipmen and Tigers, SMU (5-7) and East Carolina (3-9) close out the season for Mike Norvell’s team..
If the Tigers reach the Navy-Houston stretch undefeated, they could be in the Access Bowl running. Beat both of their division rivals, and Mike Norvell’s team would be the favorite for the conference crown and a New Year’s Six date with a Power Five opponent.