Wisconsin Football: 5 reasons why Badgers will stink in 2017

2. Unimpressive schedule could prove costly in Playoff hunt

In the College Football Playoff era, Power Five teams with conference title ambitions are also looking at national championship opportunities. The Badgers are no exception, and their fan base would have been just as aggrieved had they won the Big Ten last year and then been slighted by the committee.

The Badgers are not doing themselves any favors in terms of schedule strength if they truly have a goal of contending nationally. Last year the Badgers at least played LSU in their season opener at Lambeau Field. This year Wisconsin’s non-conference schedule consists of Utah State, Florida Atlantic and BYU. Barring a big season from BYU or a miracle turnaround by Lane Kiffin at FAU, that group will hardly tip the scales in CFP selection committee discussions about where to rank teams.

In addition to that weak slate of September games, the Badgers also drew a favorable schedule in Big Ten play. Wisconsin avoided both Ohio State and Penn State in interdivisional play. They also get to play a young Michigan team at Camp Randall Stadium. Even if they go undefeated and win the Big Ten for the first time in half a decade, the Badgers will still have questions similar to what both Penn State and Washington faced in 2016.