The Toughest 3-Game Stretch on Every College Football Team's Schedule

One thing that fans and players love to do is take a look at the upcoming schedule and start to guess about what games are winnable, see when their big games are and take a look at how the schedule lays out. 

This year, some teams have their challenges evenly distributed throughout the year, while others go through stretches of time in which the success of their season will be determined. 

While in some cases the full conference schedule is not out, here is a look at every team in the nation and what three-game stretch will give them the most difficulty or, in the case of teams without a conference schedule at this point, what stretch could poise the biggest threat. 

Oregon

at USC, at Cal, vs Stanford

The returning Pac-12 champions should be able to get out of the gates to a fast start as their schedule truly doesn't pick up until the start of November. When the Ducks enter a stretch against USC, Cal and Stanford, the outcome of the Pac-12 North and home field advantage in the conference title game could be decided. 

Oregon State

at Stanford, vs Cal, vs Oregon

The cupboard is still pretty bare at Oregon State and the end of the 2012 season could put a punctuation on another bad year. To wrap up the season, the Beavers play Stanford, Cal and Oregon and all three teams should be able to keep them at the bottom of the Pac-12 North. 

Cal

at Ohio State, at USC, vs Arizona State

For a couple of years now, Cal has been off the national map and a rough early schedule could keep them there this year. Early on in the year, Cal travels to Columbus and to Southern Cal for some difficult matchups and then returns home to play ASU. Based on this run, Cal would be lucky to go 1-2.

Stanford

at Washington, vs Arizona, at Notre Dame

The Cardinal will be without Andrew Luck this year and we will see if the program will regress or if the spotlight has helped the program grow. In the middle of the schedule, Stanford will be challenged by the Huskies and Irish on the road and will need to bring a strong rushing attack and defensive strategy into all three of these games. 

Washington

vs Stanford, at Oregon, vs USC

While the Huskies do play LSU out of conference this year, it is sandwiched between two winnable games. Once the out of conference schedule is over, Washington kicks things off with Stanford, a trip to Eugene to play Oregon and then back home for USC. Winning two games in this stretch would truly be an accomplishment. 

Washington State

vs Cal, at Stanford, at Utah

With new coach Mike Leach at the helm, Washington State fans have a lot to be optimistic about. Late in year, the Cougars will face their most difficult run of the season and it will be a time that fans of the program can sit back and gauge how things have gone under Leach. 

USC

at Arizona, vs Oregon, vs Arizona State

USC is being viewed as one of the top five teams in the nation. Early on the Trojans should not be challenged by as the calender approaches November, USC will play three critical games that should decided the Pac-12 South title and potentially home field advantage for the conference title game. 

UCLA

at Washington State, vs USC, vs Stanford

Jim Mora will face his ups and downs during his first collegiate season but it will not be until the end of the year that he faces his biggest challenge. To wrap up the year, UCLA will go up against Mike Leach's offense at Washington State, Matt Barkley's air attack and the running game of the Cardinals. Not a great way to finish up your first season. 

Utah

vs BYU, at Arizona State, vs USC

Utah has a front-loaded schedule and it will tell people a lot about how they will do in 2012. In this three game stretch, Utah will face rival BYU and then go up against the top two competitors in the Pac-12 South. 

Colorado

at USC, at Oregon, vs Stanford

Regardless of Andrew Luck being gone, this three game run for the Buffaloes will be murder. Colorado will be going up against the best team in the Pac-12 South and North and then the power run game of Stanford will prove to be too much. 2012 will be as big of a struggle as last year was and this 0-3 stretch will not help.

Arizona State

at Cal, at Colorado, vs Oregon

Arizona State has a very manageable schedule but they still have the potential to fall apart like they did last year. With the losses on the defensive side of the ball, a game at Cal and home against Oregon will challenge them and will likely lead to a 1-2 stretch in the middle of the year. 

Arizona

vs Oklahoma State, vs South Carolina, at Oregon

Early on in the season, Arizona has another tough run, much like they did last year. With Nick Foles no longer with the program, this stretch run could be even uglier and should result in three straight loses for the Wildcats. 

Boston College

conference game, vs Notre Dame, conference game

While the ACC schedule is not out, Boston College does have a late season game against Notre Dame and the worst-case scenario for the Eagles would be getting Clemson or Virginia Tech at home and having to then go on the road to Florida State. 

Boston College is going to have its share of struggles this year and they are hoping the schedule does them some favors. 

Clemson

conference game, conference game, vs South Carolina

Clemson knows they have some tough games in front of them this year. They know that a hungry Virginia Tech team will be making the trip to play at Clemson this year and they also know they will have to take on the Seminoles in Florida. The worst-case scenario would be for the Tigers to see the games in consecutive weeks and then have to face South Carolina. 

Florida State

conference game, conference game, vs Florida

While the first two games of Florida State's out of conference schedule are not that difficult, they do end the year against the Florida Gators and there is the potential for things to get harder. If a home game against Clemson and road game against Virginia Tech are in the vicinity of this season finale, then the Seminoles will have their hands full. 

Virginia

vs Penn State, at TCU, vs Louisiana Tech

Even without the conference schedule out, Virginia has their hands full in their out of conference schedule. The Cavaliers play host to Penn State and then travel out to Texas to take on TCU. The end of this stretch is not easy either as they will return home to take on a tough Louisiana Tech team. 

Georgia Tech

conference game, conference game, at Georgia

Georgia Tech knows that every season is going to end with a battle because of their rivalry game with Georgia. It could be made even worse if they catch a run of road games against Clemson and Virginia Tech to lead into that rivalry game. 

Virginia Tech

vs Cincinnati, conference game, conference game

The worst three game stretch that the Hokies could see this year would start with their final out of conference game against Cincinnati. From there, the Hokies know they have to travel to Clemson this year and have Florida State coming into their building. These are two games they do not want to see to kick off conference play.

North Carolina

conference game, conference game, conference game

Larry Fedora has taken over at North Carolina and in his first year—the concern will not be the out of conference schedule but rather the conference slate. The Tar Heels are just hoping that in a three game stretch they do not have to face Virginia Tech, Virginia and Miami. 

Duke

vs, FIU, at Stanford, conference game

The Duke season has the real possibility of getting off to a rough start as they already face FIU and then travel to Stanford in the first two weeks of the season. What could make things even worse for Duke is if their road date with Virginia Tech or Florida State is placed in the week following those games. 

NC State

vs Tennessee, at Connecticut, vs South Alabama

NC State already knows that the season gets off to a fast start. The Wolfpack start things out on the road in Georgia as they play Tennessee. They then have to turn right around and head to Connecticut for another road game. While the final game against South Alabama should be relatively easy, the Wolfpack may be out of gas entering conference play. 

Miami

conference game, conference game, vs Notre Dame

While Miami is dealing with plenty of off the field issues, the on the field issues could begin early. If the Hurricanes see Virginia Tech and Florida State in consecutive weeks and then follow it up by playing Notre Dame at Soldier Field then the Hurricanes could be looking at a 0-3 stretch of their season. 

Wake Forest

conference game, at Notre Dame, vs Vanderbilt

Wake Forest fizzled down the stretch last year and it appears that the schedule may force them to do the same thing this year. If the Demon Deacons catch a road game at Florida State before heading to Notre Dame and playing Vanderbilt then they may be in for the same fate they suffered last season. 

Maryland

at Temple, vs Connecticut, at West Virginia

Despite not knowing what the conference schedule will bring, Randy Edsall and Maryland already have their hands full in their out of conference schedule. 

After an opening week game against William & Mary, the Terrapins then head on the road to play an improved Temple team, home for Connecticut and then back on the road to West Virginia. At best Maryland may salvage a win over Connecticut. 

Michigan

Alabama, vs Air Force, vs UMass

Some may look at the last two games of this stretch and scratch their heads, but the game against Alabama is going to take a lot out of the Wolverines. Also, do not sleep on the game against Air Force, who has been competitive for the past few years and could give Michigan difficulties. 

Illinois

vs Penn State, at Wisconsin, at Michigan

One positive about this year is the Illini fans will not have to worry about the team falling apart after a 6-0 start because early on, Illinois has a gauntlet to go through which includes a home date with Penn State and back-to-back road tests against Wisconsin and Michigan. 

Indiana

vs Michigan State, vs Ohio State, at Navy

Last year was rough for Indiana and this year could be even tougher. At the start of October, Indiana starts a run against two of the conferences best defenses and then will have to try and compete with the option attack of Navy. 

Michigan State

vs Boise State, at Central Michigan, vs Notre Dame

The 2012 season gets off to a fast and important start for the Michigan State Spartans. With home games against Boise State and Notre Dame, the Spartans could set the tone for the 2012 season with two huge wins. 

Iowa

vs Purdue, at Michigan, vs Nebraska

The schedule shapes up favorably for Iowa this year as the toughest part of their schedules waits until the end of the year. With games against Purdue, Michigan and Nebraska, Iowa should control their own destiny at that point of the season. 

Ohio State

vs Illinois, at Wisconsin, vs Michigan

While everyone is excited at the hiring of Urban Meyer, Buckeye fans will see what he can do towards the end of the 2012 season. At the end of the year, Meyer will lead the team into huge games against Wisconsin and Michigan and will have a chance to earn the fans trust even more. 

Northwestern

vs Iowa, at Michigan, at Michigan State

Last year, Northwestern put together a late season run that got them into a bowl game. This year without Dan Persa, the Wildcats should not count on another strong finish as they host Iowa and then go on the road to play both the Wolverines and the Spartans. 

Nebraska

vs Michigan, at Michigan State, vs Penn State

In year two of being in the Big 10, Nebraska has the defensive ability and offensive talent to win the conference but this will be a huge test of that ability. In back-to-back weeks, the Huskers will play both Michigan schools and then follow it up against the stingy Penn State defense. A 3-0 run could punch their ticket to the Big 10 title game. 

Wisconsin

at Indiana, vs Ohio State, at Penn State

With the return of Montee Ball, the Badgers have the talent to win the Big 10 again and actually have a favorable schedule to do so. The toughest part of their year is the last quarter when they play at Indiana, home for Ohio State and on the road at Happy Valley. 

It is manageable to sweep this stretch but the last two will be challenging for the Badgers without Russell Wilson. 

Penn State

at Virginia, vs Navy, vs Temple

The start of the year will be rough for Penn State as they play three quality teams early on. Last year's game against Temple was tough and Virginia and Navy are two teams that could give Penn State some trouble. 

Purdue

vs Michigan, vs Ohio State, at Wisconsin

One of the roughest stretches in the Big 10 belongs to Purdue. Midway through the season, Purdue plays host to Michigan and Ohio State and then heads out on the road to play Wisconsin. The Boilermakers have their hands full with this and anything more then one win would be a great turn out. 

Minnesota

at Iowa, vs Northwestern, at Wisconsin

Minnesota has continued to slip to the bottom of the Big 10 and this midseason stretch will not help them climb out of that hole. With road games against Iowa and Wisconsin, two of the toughest places to play in the Big 10, Minnesota may be looking at a stretch where one win is a success. 

Baylor

at Oklahoma, vs Kansas State, vs Texas Tech

Baylor is going to deal with a lot of bad news in the upcoming season. Not only are they without Robert Griffin III this year but the schedule is brutal. The roughest stretch comes when they play at Oklahoma and then home for Kansas State and Texas Tech, all teams they will struggle to keep up with.

Oklahoma

at West Virginia, vs Oklahoma State, at TCU

Towards the end of the year, Oklahoma will have a chance to wrap things up in the Big 12 as they end the year against two teams that could give them a serious challenge this year. In the final three games, Oklahoma heads on the road to play West Virginia and TCU and has a game against Oklahoma State sandwiched in between.  

Oklahoma State

vs West Virginia, vs Texas Tech, at Oklahoma

Without their two offensive superstars from last year, Oklahoma State will likely have a really hard time repeating as conference champions. While the start of the year provides some challenges, a three game run of West Virginia, Texas Tech and Oklahoma is the most challenging part of their season and quest to defend their conference title. 

Iowa State

vs Texas Tech, at TCU, vs Kansas State

With the exception of their upset win over Oklahoma State last year, the 2011 season was not great for Iowa State. This year, their struggling defense will continue which will cost them in a three game stretch against Texas Tech, TCU and Kansas State, all teams that can put up huge points. 

Kansas

vs Oklahoma State, at Oklahoma, vs Texas

Last year, Kansas was one of the worst teams in the nation. There were awful on defense and by adding Charlie Weis as the head coach, that does not address their immediate concerns. Towards the middle of October, Kansas will go up against Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Texas and will not have a chance in any of the three games. 

Kansas State

at West Virginia, vs Texas Tech, vs Oklahoma State

After a surprising 2011, Kansas State has a lot of their young nucleus back and could make some waves in the Big 12. In the middle of the season, Kansas State will have to make a trip to West Virginia and then return home to play Texas Tech and Oklahoma State, a three game stretch that will decide if they can challenge Oklahoma for the conference crown. 

Texas

at Oklahoma State, vs West Virginia, vs Oklahoma

Things have been average at best for Texas over the last two years, and as they enter the 2012 season, the Longhorns are still going to have some challenges on offense. They need to figure things out quickly as their conference schedule starts with Oklahoma State, West Virginia and Oklahoma. 

TCU

vs Kansas State, at Texas, vs Oklahoma

TCU enters their first year of conference play in the Big 12 and while every conference game will be an eye opening experience, the end to their season will be something else. TCU's last three games include Kansas State, Texas and Oklahoma, three teams that have a good enough defense to knock the Horned Frogs out of the conference race. 

Texas Tech

vs Oklahoma, vs West Virginia, at TCU

After a down year in 2011, Texas Tech has the making of a team that could surprise a lot of people. One way they could get peoples attention is by sweeping this three game run against Oklahoma, West Virginia and TCU. Even two wins from this stretch would be impressive. 

West Virginia

at Texas Tech, vs Kansas State, vs TCU

Just like that, West Virginia is in the Big 12. With the talented offense the Mountaineers bring with them, they have a great chance of winning the Big 12 crown. The biggest test they will face is when they play a three game stretch against Texas Tech, Kansas State and TCU, all teams that can match them point for point. 

Alabama

vs Michigan, vs Western Kentucky, at Arkansas

Alabama has a very interesting start to their season as they meet up with Michigan for a game in Dallas in the season's first weekend. It is then followed up by a game against Western Kentucky and an immediate road challenge against Arkansas. These three games will show if Alabama will be a conference and national contender. 

Arkansas

at South Carolina, at Mississippi State, vs LSU

While the early part of their schedule is certainly no cakewalk, the Razorbacks face some serious late season challenges. In the last three games of the year, Arkansas goes on the road to South Carolina and Mississippi State and then finishes with LSU. If the Hogs hope to make it to the SEC title game, these three games are a must. 

Auburn

vs LSU, vs Arkansas, at Ole Miss

Last year was an adjustment period to playing with Cam Newton so the fans may give the Tigers a pass but this year, the bar will be elevated and Auburn will have to answer the bell early as they take on two of the best teams in the SEC in back-to-back weeks, LSU and Arkansas.

One win during this stretch would be a disappointment to the fans but is the likely outcome. 

Florida

vs South Carolina, vs Georgia, vs Missouri

Fans in Gainesville are itching for the Gators to get back to form and nothing would make them happier then sweeping a three game stretch against South Carolina, Georgia and Missouri. 

While a win over Missouri is manageable, beating South Carolina and Georgia in consecutive weeks will be a true test of where this program is. 

Georgia

vs Tennessee, at South Carolina, at Kentucky

After a 0-2 start in 2011, Mark Richt got the Bulldogs on the right track and guided them to 10 straight wins and an appearance in the SEC title game. 

This year, Georgia has a lot of young talent and a schedule that is extremely favorable. If Georgia can get through a stretch against Tennessee, South Carolina and Kentucky, then they will have a great chance of retuning to the SEC title game. 

Kentucky

at Arkansas, vs Georgia, at Missouri

While Joker Phillips is doing a good job for the talent that comes to Kentucky to play football, the Wildcats continue to be a program dominated by the basketball team. 

This year, Kentucky has a rough stretch in mid-October that sends them on the road to Arkansas and Missouri and includes a home game against Georgia. The likely outcome is another three losses for the Wildcats. 

LSU

vs South Carolina, at Texas A&M, vs Alabama

After running the SEC gauntlet last year, LSU will have to do it all over again if they hope to get back to the BCS national title. This year, the most challenging section of their schedule begins in October and ends in November when they face South Carolina, Texas A&M and end with Alabama.

The good news is two of these games are at home and they should not be short on motivation to beat the Tide.

Mississippi State

at Alabama, vs Texas A&M, at LSU

Dan Mullen has done a decent job at Mississippi State but the fans are starting to want more than just wins over Ole Miss. This year, the Bulldogs have one of the nations toughest three game runs as they face Alabama and LSU and then still have a home game against Texas A&M.

Missouri

at Florida, at Tennessee, at Texas A&M

Not only does Missouri move to the SEC and will face a much tougher schedule then they are use to but they also have the honor of ending the year with three straight conference road games in some of the nations loudest venues. 

Ole Miss

at Alabama, vs Texas A&M, vs Auburn

As if things weren't bad enough for Ole Miss, the schedule is doing them no favors this year. Not only do they have to face teams like LSU, Georgia and Arkansas but a three game stretch early in the year includes Alabama, Texas A&M and Auburn, three likely losses. 

South Carolina

vs Georgia, at LSU, at Florida

South Carolina has a tougher schedule this year and a lot will depend on how strong Marcus Lattimore is when he returns this season. While playing the SEC is tough enough, the Gamecocks play Georgia, LSU and Florida in consecutive weeks and head on the road for the last two. 

Tennessee

at Mississippi State, vs Alabama, at South Carolina

With a healthy Tyler Bray at quarterback, Tennessee could make things real interesting in the SEC this year. A key stretch of games to determine the fate of the Vols season will be at Mississippi State, home for Bama and at South Carolina. 

Texas A&M

vs LSU, at Auburn, at Mississippi State

Texas A&M is entering their first season of play in the SEC and it will be interesting to see how things go during the 2012 season for them. 

While they do play South Carolina and Arkansas early on, things pick up late October when they start a three game run against LSU, Auburn and Mississippi State. 

Vanderbilt

at Georgia, at Missouri, vs Florida

While James Franklin is doing great things at Vanderbilt, he is currently under fire for tampering issues with Maryland transfers. Regardless of the off-field issues, the Commodores have to deal with another SEC season that includes games at Georgia and Missouri and home for Florida in consecutive weeks.  

Cincinnati

vs Virginia Tech, vs Miami (Oh), conference game

With the movement of West Virginia, the Big East schedule is not set and yet Cincinnati already has their hands full. Early on in the year, they will take on the Hokies and Miami of Ohio and the only thing that could make things worse would be a road game against Louisville. 

Connecticut

vs NC State, at Maryland, at Western Michigan

With the way that the Big East has fallen apart, this would really be the toughest stretch of Connecticut's schedule. Despite playing at home, NC State will be a tough game and as much as the Huskies struggled on the road, Maryland and Western Michigan will not be a cakewalk either. 

Louisville

vs North Carolina, at FIU, at Southern Miss

The Big East is not as tough as the out of conference schedule that Louisville will have to go through. Things get started with North Carolina coming to town but then the scene shifts to the road as the Cardinals take on FIU and Southern Miss in consecutive weeks. 

Pittsburgh

vs Virginia Tech, conference game, conference game

Pittsburgh is hoping that this is the year they can bounce back and take advantage of an extremely weak conference. Before the conference schedule kicks off, the Panthers will take on Virginia Tech but then have the chance of road games against Louisville and South Florida. Its now or never for the Panthers in the Big East. 

Rutgers

at Arkansas, conference game, conference game

With a game at Arkansas right before kicking off the conference schedule, Rutgers has to have their fingers crossed that things fall the right way on the schedule. If they end up having to play Cincinnati and South Florida on the road to start things off, this season could go downhill fast. 

Syracuse

vs Northwestern, vs USC, vs Stony Brook

If the Orange are looking for good news in their out of conference schedule it is the fact that they start off with three straight games at home. The bad news is, the first two games against Northwestern and USC are both games they may lose and in the case of the USC game, lose badly. 

South Florida

vs Florida State, conference game, conference game

After a promising start to 2011, the South Florida Bulls fell apart and even missed out on a bowl game. This year, they will need to learn from this lesson as, early in the year, they take on Florida State and then have the chance of following it up with road games against Cincinnati and Louisville. 

Notre Dame

vs Stanford, vs BYU, at Oklahoma

This is going to be a challenging season for Notre Dame as they have a difficult 2012 schedule in front of them. Things really pick up in October as they take on Stanford, BYU and Oklahoma in consecutive weeks. This is a run that could knock them out of a BCS bowl. 

BYU

at Notre Dame, at Georgia Tech, vs Idaho

BYU will be enjoying another year as an Independent and they have a very manageable schedule to work through. The toughest part comes in the middle of the year when they head on the road to Notre Dame and Georgia Tech and return home for Idaho. This three game set will determine if the Cougars have a shot at a BCS game.  

Navy

vs Notre Dame, at Penn State, vs VMI

If Navy is hoping to return to a bowl game this year, winning two out of their first three games is a must but it is also the hardest stretch they will go through this year. They will start their season off in Dublin, Ireland against the Irish and then return to the United States to play at Happy Valley and home against VMI. 

Army

vs Air Force, at Rutgers, vs Temple

Army is also a team looking to return to a bowl game, and they need to make sure they are in great position early because late in the year things really pick up. The Black Knights face a three game stretch that includes Air Force, Rutgers and Temple, all bowl teams from 2011. 

East Carolina

at South Carolina, at Southern Miss, at North Carolina

After a tough 2011 season, ECU starts the 2012 season at home against Appalachian State and then heads on the road for three straight games and puts them up against South Carolina, Conference USA champion Southern Miss and North Carolina.

Houston

vs Louisiana Tech, at UCLA, vs Rice

While the schedule may not be that intimidating, the Cougars will be without their head coach and without Case Keenum. With all the changes that have gone on at Houston, this stretch may prove to be difficult so early in the year. 

Marshall

at West Virginia, vs Western Carolina, vs Ohio

Marshall has been off the radar for a few years now and based on the first three games they play in 2012, it will likely stay that way. Marshall kicks off the season on the road against the Mountaineers and then returns home for two games. The West Virginia game may take enough out of them to cost them one of those home dates.

Memphis

at East Carolina, vs UCF, at SMU

While the out of conference schedule may not be too bad for Memphis this year, a stretch run in mid-October will certainly test them. In a three week span, the Tigers head on the road to face East Carolina and SMU will also have a home date with UCF in between those two games. 

Rice

vs UCLA, at Kansas, at Louisiana Tech

Rice starts off the year with some challenging games that could determine if the Owls are bowl eligible in 2012. They remain at home against UCLA but then head out on to the road for back to back games against Kansas and Louisiana Tech. Winning two of these games would be a nice start for Rice. 

SMU

vs Texas A&M, vs TCU, at UTEP

SMU has a huge test right out of the gate as they head to Baylor but two weeks later, things get even more difficult. In the third week of the season the Mustangs start a stretch against Texas A&M, TCU and a road trip to UTEP to open conference play. The hope has to be that the first two games don't take so much out of them that they have nothing left against UTEP. 

Southern Miss

vs Louisville, vs Boise State, at UCF

After winning the Conference USA championship last year, Southern Miss will have their hands full early in the season with their out of conference schedule. Leading into their conference opener at UCF, Southern Miss plays against Louisville and Boise State and will need to bring supreme effort to win both games. 

Tulane

vs Rutgers, at Tulsa, vs Ole Miss

The Tulane schedule is not all that bad but they must be ready come week one as the Green Wave takes on Rutgers, kicks off the conference schedule with Tulsa and then takes on Ole Miss. All games are winnable but two out of three here would be a great start. 

Tulsa

at Arkansas, at Houston, vs UCF

Tulsa is a team that the schedule allows them to ease into things in 2012, but they better be prepared towards the end of the year as the schedule become unforgiving. Late in the year, Tulsa goes on the road in two straight weeks to play Arkansas and Houston and then finishes up at home against UCF. Two wins here would be extremely optimistic. 

UAB

at South Carolina, at Ohio State, vs Tulsa

UAB has very little sympathy for teams with a tough opening schedule and for good reason. The blazers get Troy at home but then face South Carolina and Ohio State in back-to-back road games and wraps up the three game set with a game against Tulsa. 

UCF

at Ohio State, vs FIU, vs Missouri

UCF is another team from Conference USA with a challenging start to the year. While the opening game at Akron should be a game they win, the following weeks against Ohio State, FIU and Missouri are all games that would require an amazing effort to win. 

UTEP

at Wisconsin, at East Carolina, vs SMU

While UTEP's season does open with Oklahoma, they will have an even tougher stretch of games at the end of September and leading into October. UTEP starts this stretch with a road game against Wisconsin, then heads to East Carolina and returns home for a huge conference game against SMU. In all three games, the Miners will likely be underdogs. 

Akron

at FIU, vs Morgan State, at Tennessee

Regardless of the MAC schedule not being out, Akron is going to get more then they can handle out of conference this year. After starting with UCF, Akron plays at FIU, home for Morgan State and then back on the road against the Vols. The only game that is winnable in that run is their home date with Morgan State.

Ball State

at Clemson, at Indiana, vs South Florida

Another team with things to worry about before the conference schedule is released is Ball State. Last year, Ball State had a tough out of conference schedule and this week they play at Clemson and Indiana and home to South Florida. 

The only game that may remain close is the road match up with the Hoosiers. 

Bowling Green

at Florida, vs Idaho, at Virginia Tech

At least for now this appears to be how Bowling Green will be opening their 2012 schedule. There is room for a game to be added but when you are already staring at a likely 0-3 and definitely two losses when playing at Florida and at Virginia Tech, why add another game to the mix. 

Buffalo

at Georgia, vs Morgan State, conference game

Looks like Buffalo is staring at another rough season as talent is just not coming to the Bulls on signing day. This year the Bulls start at Georgia, return home for Morgan State and then will likely have a conference game. Things could get worse if they are forced on the road to Ohio to open up MAC play. 

Central Michigan

vs Michigan State, conference game, at Iowa

Regardless of whatever game is put between games against Michigan State and Iowa, Central Michigan is in for a rough start to their season. The only upside to this run would be if they home conference game to give them a chance to salvage a win out of this stretch. 

Eastern Michigan

vs Illinois State, at Purdue, at Michigan State

Ron English has done a masterful job turning around Eastern Michigan but in this three game stretch, one win may be all that they see. After a home game against Illinois State, the Eagles turn to the road to face Purdue and Michigan State. 

Kent State

at Kentucky, at Rutgers, conference game

After their home opener versus Towson, the Golden Flashes jump into a tough road trip that takes them to Kentucky and Rutgers and could even keep them on the road for a third straight week against Eastern Michigan or return home to play Temple. 

Miami (OH)

at Ohio State, vs Southern Illinois, at Boise State

The toughest three game set is fairly easy to spot even without the conference schedule. Anytime you have to head on the road to Columbus and Boise in a three game span, that is going to be as tough as your schedule gets. 

Northern Illinois

vs Iowa, vs UT Martin, at Army

The returning MAC champions waste no time seeing the heat on their schedule kick up as they immediately host Iowa in the opening weekend, and then two weeks later head on the road to face Army. If Northern Illinois can find a way to win two in this stretch, they will have plenty of momentum heading into conference play. 

Ohio

at Penn State, vs New Mexico State, at Marshall

After last years rough lost in the MAC title game, Ohio should be in the hunt again but not before a tough start to their schedule. A trip to a Happy Valley and to Marshall will be huge tests for this team and the home game against New Mexico State is winnable. 

Toledo

at Arizona, at Wyoming, conference game

Toledo is another team poised to make a run in the MAC but their out of conference schedule has a rough beginning to it. They start the year by being the first team to take on Arizona under Rich Rodriguez and then head to Wyoming. After two road games, they have an open date which could keep them on the road to start conference play.  

Temple

vs Maryland, conference game, at Penn State

Temple had a very surprising run in 2011 and have the talent to do it again in 2012. They have to face a run against Maryland and Penn State. As they proved last year, both of these games are winnable and nobody in the MAC should be too much for them to handle. 

Western Michigan

at Illinois, Eastern Illinois, at Minnesota

Anytime you have to head on the road twice in three weeks out of conference, you have your hands full, and this year Western Michigan takes on both Illinois and Minnesota on the road in the first three weeks of the season. 

Air Force

at Michigan, out of conference game, conference game

Early on in the season, Air Force heads on the road to the Big House to take on Michigan. They are still looking for another out of conference game to follow that but things could get real tight for the Falcons if they get San Diego State on the road after. 

Boise State

at Michigan State, vs Miami (OH), vs BYU

Without Kellen Moore this year, Boise State has some questions marks that will need to be answered immediately as the early schedule has some challenges to it. In the first week of the year, the Broncos travel to East Lansing to play Michigan State and two weeks later they welcome in BYU. 

While this year's team may not be as dominate, these two games should be highly entertaining. 

Colorado State

at San Jose State, vs Utah State, conference game

After a decent start last year, Colorado State ended up having a below average season and things could get off to a bad start in 2012. With games against San Jose State and Utah State, the Rams must take advantage of those games because a conference game at Boise could follow. 

Fresno State

at Oregon, vs Colorado, at Tulsa

The start of the year is not that forgiving for Fresno State. As the Bulldogs take to the field this year without former coach Pat Hill, they face the task of going to Autzen Stadium to play Oregon, Colorado at home and then back on the road to play Tulsa. 

With the lack of depth, the game against Oregon could set the tone for this three game set. 

Hawaii

at USC, conference game, vs Lamar

Anytime you start the year off against USC in Southern California, things are generally going to get off to a rough start. Hawaii travels out to USC in the first week of the year and may follow it up with a conference road game right after before returning home to play Lamar. 

Nevada

at Cal, vs South Florida, vs Northwestern State

Last year Nevada started the year off at Oregon and the loss took them a few weeks to right themselves from. This year, the Wolf Pack head on the road to play Cal and if they drop that game, they must be refocused as South Florida follows in the next week.

New Mexico

at Texas, at Texas Tech, at New Mexico State

The only good news for New Mexico fans this year is they have a new head coach. While it may help the program in the long run, the reality is that three straight road games against Texas, Texas Tech and New Mexico State will bring them back down to reality. 

San Diego State

at Washington, vs Army, vs North Dakota

San Diego State still is waiting on their conference schedule but before even taking a look at that, they kick the year off on the road against Washington which will be a challenging game for them. It is followed up by games against Army and North Dakota, which could be surprisingly competitive. 

Wyoming

at Texas, vs Toledo, vs Cal Poly

Wyoming gets their 2012 season started on the road by heading to Austin to take on the Longhorns. Things do not get easier in the following weeks as Toledo comes to town and then Cal Poly. Wyoming will struggle against the Longhorns defense and will also have difficulty with the Toledo offense. 

UNLV

vs Washington State, at Utah State, at Louisiana Tech

2011 was rough for UNLV and 2012 may be more of the same. Early in the year, UNLV takes on Washington State, who is now under Mike Leach, and then has back-to-back road games against Utah State and Louisiana Tech. 

Arkansas State

at Oregon, vs Memphis, at Nebraska

Regardless of a new head coach and getting Michael Dyer to transfer, Arkansas State opens the year against two Top 25 teams on the road and will be lucky to get out of this three game stretch with a win. 

FIU

at UCF, vs Louisville, conference game 

While the conference schedule may be manageable, the Golden Panthers need to get through games against UCF and Louisville first. If they can get wins in those games, they have a great start to improving on last years season. 

Florida Atlantic

at Georgia, conference game, conference game

Last year was a tough season all around for Florida Atlantic and they do not appear to be in store for a better season this year. They do play at Georgia this year and regardless of what conference games they get after, this will be a tough run for the Owls. 

Middle Tennessee

at Georgia Tech, at Memphis, conference game

After only winning two games last year, Middle Tennessee has a rough opening month as they play road games against Georgia Tech and Memphis and regardless of who they draw after, it will likely lead to a three game slide. 

North Texas

at LSU, conference game, at Kansas State

The toughest opening schedule in the Sun Belt belongs to North Texas. The Mean Green have games on the road against LSU and Kansas State and will not even be close in either game. 

Troy

at Tennessee, vs Navy, conference game

While Troy does take on Mississippi State early in the year, they break for conference play late in the schedule to travel to Tennessee and play Navy at home. Both of these games will be huge if the Trojans hope to make a bowl game. 

UL Lafayette

at Oklahoma State, conference game, conference game

Last year was a banner year for Louisiana Lafayette. This year, they have some rough out of conference games but they are evenly spread out. The toughest three game stretch will likely be early when they head to Oklahoma State and follow it up with two conference games. 

UL Monroe

at Arkansas, at Auburn, vs Baylor

Louisiana Monroe has not found the same success that Louisiana Lafayette has. Also unlike the Ragin Cajuns, the Warhawks have a really tough start to the year as they go on the road to play Arkansas and Auburn and then come home to meet up with Baylor.

A win in any of these games would come as a surprise to most. 

Western Kentucky

at Alabama, at Kentucky, vs Southern Miss

In the first month of the season, Western Kentucky can look forward to playing two SEC teams, the Conference USA champion and the BCS National Champions—not a great way to kick off the year. 

Idaho

at LSU, vs Wyoming, at North Carolina

Idaho only managed two wins last year and this year could bring more of the same. To kick start the year, the Vandals have road games with LSU and North Carolina and a home date against Wyoming. Not many people would envy this set up and the Vandals will see all three of these games result in losses. 

New Mexico State

at Auburn, conference game, vs BYU

While they may actually squeeze two games in between Auburn and BYU, the Aggies could have a bye week and be looking at a tough three game stretch.

Playing at Auburn and against BYU will likely result in two more losses on the year so New Mexico State will have to capitalize with a win with whoever they play in conference at that time. 

Louisiana Tech

vs Texas A&M, at Houston, vs Rice

Louisiana Tech had a strong year last year and are hoping to repeat and improve upon it in 2012. The Bulldogs will have to be ready right out of the gate as they play Texas A&M, Houston and Rice, all teams that could give them issues on offense and defense. 

San Jose State

at San Diego State, at Navy, conference game

San Jose State is still waiting on the WAC schedule but in the mean time, they have their eyes set on a road trip to San Diego State and Navy. This coast to coast trip will likely make things really difficult in the following conference game. 

Utah State

vs Utah, at Wisconsin, at Colorado State

Last year Utah State turned some heads with their performance on the road against Auburn. This year, the stunner would be having the same kind of performance at Wisconsin. 

On top of the Wisconsin game, Utah State also includes Utah and Colorado State during that three game stretch.