College Football Rankings: 10 Ranked Teams With Easy Early Schedules
Regardless of what the schedules say, every team always has at least one cupcake on it.
However, some have more than others and that leads us to the following teams.
It's not to say that the following schools can't win the national championship or that their entire schedule is weak.
But, just that the beginning of each journey in the 2011 season isn't littered with mines.
Here are 10 ranked teams that have a good chance at starting out undefeated.
23. Virginia Tech Hokies
1 of 10
FIRST FOUR GAMES: Appalachian State, at East Carolina, Arkansas State, at Marshall
There's really not much to say here.
Virginia Tech should dominate their first four games before heading into conference play.
That said, the ACC isn't like it used to be.
If the Hokies can sweep the table clean, then the conference title game should be interesting verse the current favorite Florida State.
21. Florida Gators
2 of 10
FIRST FOUR GAMES: Florida Atlantic, UAB, Tennessee, at Kentucky
Yes, they are a part of the SEC, but the Gators thwacked both Tennessee and Kentucky last season.
Not to mention both finished with a losing record.
However, once Florida gets into Week 5, the schedule immediately pulls a 180 and it's for the worse.
18. Ohio State Buckeyes
3 of 10
FIRST FOUR GAMES: Akron, Toledo, at Miami (Fla.), Colorado
Despite not having five starters and coach Tressel for the first five games, the Buckeyes should still come through this beginning 4-0.
Miami is definitely the most difficult opponent, but after Notre Dame crushed them in the Sun Bowl, the 'Canes look vulnerable.
Though, when it's time for conference play, it will then become more difficult.
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17. Michigan State Spartans
4 of 10
FIRST FOUR GAMES: Youngstown State, Florida Atlantic, at Notre Dame, Central Michigan
Other than Notre Dame, the other three opponents make this cake for Sparty.
That said, it only allows them to prepare more for the Irish since their talent level is far superior than YSU and FAU.
This will give Michigan State momentum leading into conference play, much like it did last season.
16. Missouri Tigers
5 of 10
FIRST FOUR GAMES: Miami (OH), at Arizona State, Western Illinois, at Oklahoma
The first three games Missouri should win.
Arizona State looks strong, but a 6-6 finish in 2010 is mediocre (especially the 50-17 loss at California).
Come time for Oklahoma, the Tigers should be warmed up enough for another chance at an upset.
The Sooners are definitely legit, but counteracting their superiority are the first three opponents.
14. Arkansas Razorbacks
6 of 10
FIRST FOUR GAMES: Missouri State, New Mexico, Troy, at Alabama
Once again the Razorbacks have another tough schedule awaiting them in the SEC.
But, the beginning of the year is nowhere near that difficult.
Other than the Crimson Tide, none of the first three schools should challenge Arkansas.
That said, it's sort of relatable to Missouri where the first three games should prepare them for the fourth.
12. Nebraska Cornhuskers
7 of 10
FIRST FOUR GAMES: Chattanooga, Fresno State, Washington, at Wyoming
Even with the Washington Huskies a part of the first four games, Nebraska should slide through these games with ease.
Now, although Washington did beat Nebraska last season, the Cornhuskers have more talent coming back and it is a home game.
The Big Ten conference schedule will be challenging, but these four will allow them to buff out the rough spots.
10. Wisconsin Badgers
8 of 10
FIRST FOUR GAMES: UNLV, Oregon State, Northern Illinois, South Dakota
Northern Illinois is the sole team that can contend with the Badgers early on.
They won the MAC in 2010, but let's be serious, the MAC versus the Big Ten. No.
Oregon State had a disappointing year in 2010 and chances are that will repeat in 2011 since they have a difficult schedule.
Look for Wisconsin to enter conference play unbeaten and ready to repeat as Big Ten champs.
8. TCU Horned Frogs
9 of 10
FIRST FOUR GAMES: at Baylor, at Air Force, ULM, Portland State
Their final year in the Mountain West Conference, TCU only has one more year as a non-BCS school.
However, the ease of their schedule is no testament to how good they actually are.
The biggest game in 2011 comes on the road at Boise State in November, so until then don't expect anyone to challenge the Horned Frogs.
5. Stanford Cardinal
10 of 10
FIRST FOUR GAMES: San Jose State, at Duke, at Arizona, UCLA
For as great as Stanford played in 2010, there's a good chance that could repeat in 2011.
The game at Arizona may be the strongest of the first four, but it's still no contest for the Cardinal.
Also, with only one 10-win season since 1998, UCLA has been mediocre at best.
Expect Stanford to explode out of the gates this year, while gliding through the beginning of the season.
Only Oregon remains as the aristocratic threat.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
