College Football Preseason Rankings 2011: Ranking the Most Brutal Schedules

We are so close to football season you can taste the excitement in the air.

And recently, the USA Today released the Top 25 Coaches Preseason poll.

There, we see some schools in prime position to make a BCS run, or, at the very least, finish 2011 with a strong ranking.

Well, a big part of having a successful season plays into the strength of schedule.

Obviously, the SEC remains supreme as a collective unit, but there are some pretty solid schedules outside of it as well.

So with that, here's how the Top 25-ranked schools pan out in terms of their strength of schedule.

25. Virginia Tech Hokies

Hardest Games: Miami (Fla.), Boston College, at Georgia Tech

The Hokies are a very fortunate team heading into 2011.

After losing a bunch of talent, the schedule for Frank Beamer's squad can get Va-Tech back to the ACC championship game.

There aren't any preseason ranked teams on the table, so it's very weak in comparison to the rest of the Top 25.

24. TCU Horned Frogs

Hardest Games: at Baylor, at Air Force, at San Diego State, at Boise State

Although TCU lost some solid talent after 2010, the Horned Frogs find themselves ranked to start 2011.

Well, it's also a very fortunate position as the schedule is greatly favorable.

Now, although Baylor, Air Force, San Diego St. and Boise are all on the road, the Broncos are the only legitimate threat.

But if the Aztecs defeat the Frogs, don't look shocked as San Diego State has some unknown playmakers.

23. Boise State Broncos

Hardest Games: Georgia (neutral), Tulsa, Nevada, TCU, at San Diego State

To this point, since Boise, ID. came on the national map, it may be the Blue Turf Monsters' most difficult schedule.

It's also their first bout with an SEC school, while getting the Horned Frogs before they depart into the Big East.

And you can't discount Nevada as they upset the Broncos last year, while San Diego State is very capable.

22. South Carolina Gamecocks

Hardest Games: at Georgia, Auburn, at Mississippi State, at Arkansas, Florida

If there's a year where the Gamecocks can win the SEC, 2011 is the year.

And, for being in the SEC, the schedule is somewhat favorable since they don't have to play Alabama or LSU.

But, that doesn't mean any of their other conference opponents will be a rollover.

A big concern though, is how seriously QB Stephen Garcia takes this year after all his offseason mishaps.

21. Stanford Cardinal

Hardest Games: Washington, at USC, Oregon, Notre Dame

Had Andrew Luck not returned, this No. 6 ranking may belong to someone else.

So, the Cardinal better appreciate everything this season, as the window may close thereafter.

That said, it's not an overwhelming schedule, but you can anticipate USC playing the spoiler role (because they're still bowl-ineligible), while the Ducks look to stay a few steps ahead.

Then, in the finale, Notre Dame comes in town seeking to avenge the 2010 beat-down, while also pulling off the upset. 

20. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Hardest Games: at Michigan, Michigan State, Air Force, USC, Navy, at Maryland, at Stanford

It's felt like a while since the Irish have had some preseason hype.

All the Brady Quinn stuff was a facade, but 2011 has much potential.

However, in order for Brian Kelly to reach the pinnacle of college football, a pretty ridiculous schedule awaits.

Stanford is by far the biggest challenge but, until then, there's no game that's a real walk-in-the-park either.

19. Florida State Seminoles

Hardest Games: Oklahoma, Maryland, N.C. State, Miami (Fla.), at Florida

Despite being in the fairly weak ACC, the Florida State Seminoles have every reason to be a part of the national title discussion.

For one, it's their highest preseason ranking since 2004 (No. 5), and two, a significant boost from last season.

Well, if they don't relinquish the 2010 loss to the Sooners in 2011, say goodbye to the national title.

After that, the 'Noles don't play a preseason-ranked team until Florida in the regular season finale.

18. Texas Longhorns

Hardest Games: Oklahoma (neutral site), Oklahoma State, at Missouri, at Texas A&M

Much like John Brantley in Florida, Garrett Gilbert in Texas has to prove himself.

Luckily for him, the Longhorns schedule is rather favorable other than the four rough games listed above.

And, after going 5-7 in 2010, not having to run through the gauntlet will build a significant amount of confidence for 2012.

17. Penn State Nittany Lions

Hardest Games: Alabama, Nebraska, at Ohio State, at Wisconsin

Penn State comes in ranked No. 25, and has an opportunity to really shake the college football world with Alabama at home, early on.

But after 'Bama, the Nittany Lions have a fairly easy road until the final three games against the Cornhuskers, Buckeyes and Badgers.

They could very well be 8-1 heading in, and November could determine Penn State's postseason destiny.

16. Missouri Tigers

Hardest Games: Miami (Ohio), at Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, at Texas A&M, Texas

2011 will be a challenging year for the Tigers, as they must keep up with high-flying offenses such as Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M.

Not to mention they play Miami (Ohio) early on, who is no slouch as they won the MAC in 2010.

If Mizzou disappoints in 2011, don't be surprised since they're a few steps back of both Oklahoma teams and A&M.

15. Ohio State Buckeyes

Hardest Games: at Miami (Fla.), Michigan State, at Nebraska, Wisconsin, Penn State

Sure, there were a lot of offseason issues that put the Buckeyes in their current position, but their No. 16 ranking is a tribute to the talent despite all the losses.

And, they do have a solid shot at heading into conference play 5-0, as the Hurricanes pose as the only early season threat.

However, once the Big Ten rolls around, Ohio State better hope those inexperienced players mature quicker than anticipated.

Otherwise, it could be a long season.

14. Wisconsin Badgers

Hardest Games: Northern Illinois (neutral site), Nebraska, at Michigan State, at Ohio State, Penn State

Wisconsin comes in as the highest ranked Big Ten school, while also being one of three teams defending the conference crown (three-way tie in 2010).

The Badgers also get to welcome Nebraska to the Big Ten in Madison.

Include Sparty in East Lansing along with the Bucks' in the Horseshoe, and Wisky has a lot of work to do this fall.

13. Michigan State Spartans

Hardest Games: at Notre Dame, at Ohio State, Wisconsin, at Nebraska, at Iowa

There's not much respect being given to the folks in East Lansing after the Spartans won their first Big Ten title in 20 years.

Most are picking either Nebraska or Wisconsin to take home the conference crown, while Michigan State is going overlooked.

That said, Notre Dame will be anxiously awaiting after last season's barn-burner trick-play loss, and Wisconsin will be eager to avenge their performance in East Lansing from a year ago.

Also, the Cornhuskers have Sparty in their sight as Nebraska is out to knock off all three co-champions from 2010.

12. Oregon Ducks

Hardest Games: LSU (neutral site), at Washington, at Stanford, USC

For the No.3 ranked school, the Oregon Ducks have it somewhat light compared to some of their top-10 brethren.

That said, LSU in Week 1 will be beyond epic, and at Stanford could match that magnitude.

Both are national title implication games, while Stanford adds conference implications.

Nonetheless, Eugene, OR. will see another great year of Chip Kelly football.

11. Oklahoma Sooners

Hardest Games: Tulsa, at Florida State, Missouri, Texas, Texas A&M, at Oklahoma State

No surprise that college football powerhouse Oklahoma gets the preseason No. 1 spot.

And, their schedule is definitely strong enough where, if they run the table, they will be in the national championship game.

With three of their six most difficult games being schools in the top 10, the Sooners will have their work cut out for them.

Also, don't overlook Tulsa in the season opener.

The Golden Hurricane have won 10 or more games in three of the past four seasons.

10. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Hardest Games: at Tulsa, at Texas A&M, at Texas, at Missouri, Oklahoma

With four tough road games prior to the Sooners, Oklahoma State needs to build that momentum and confidence for the regular season finale.

The Cowboys have the potential to out-score everyone on their schedule, but the Sooners have acted as that Achilles' heel.

If the boys from Stillwater, OK. manage to fend off all other opponents, their final game versus in-state rival Oklahoma in Norman, will be one for the ages.

9. Texas A&M Aggies

Hardest Games: Oklahoma State, Arkansas (neutral site), Missouri, at Oklahoma, Texas

After appearing in the second and third Big 12 conference championship games (winning the third), Texas A&M has a chance to win their second conference title this year.

The Oklahoma State game could set the tone for the season, while playing an SEC school in Arkansas could reveal how good they really are.

And, regardless of how the Aggies perform throughout the year, don't be surprised if they upset the Sooners.

8. Alabama Crimson Tide

Hardest Games: at Penn State, Arkansas, at Florida, LSU, at Mississippi State, at Auburn

As usual, the Crimson Tide have a rough gauntlet awaiting them.

However, Nick Saban has proven to run the table before, so expect 'Bama to be favored in every game (provided they don't lose).

Penn State will be aching to avenge last season's loss, and the SEC won't take it easy on them.

When LSU visits, if both are undefeated heading in, it may be the game of the year.

7. Georgia Bulldogs

Hardest Games: Boise State (neutral site), South Carolina, Mississippi State, Florida (neutral site), Auburn

A lot is expected out of QB Aaron Murray in 2011, as he no long has the luxury of A.J. Green out-wide.

However, his potential is very high, and the rest of the Bulldogs are planning on getting Georgia back to where it belongs in the SEC.

Opening up against No. 7 Boise State has a magnitude of epic proportions, while other conference foes look to regain supremacy.

And if your rooting for the Dawgs, be glad that LSU and 'Bama aren't on the schedule, otherwise it could be a long season.

6. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Hardest Games: at Auburn, LSU, at Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, at Arkansas

Don't look now, but the Mississippi State Bulldogs are on the rise in the SEC West, under head coach Dan Mullen.

Last season the Bulldogs finished in fifth place of the SEC West, but were ranked No. 20 in the final poll.

They begin 2011 where they left off, and have solid talent returning to improve on last season.

However, if they want to garner more respect in the nation's best conference, they need to play above their potential.

5. Florida Gators

Hardest Games: Alabama, LSU, at Auburn, Georgia (neutral site), at South Carolina, Florida State

Year 1 under Will Muschamp has pretty high expectations, as the Gators finished 8-5 in 2010.

Also, the pressure is on QB John Brantley as he needs to up his play from last year.

The schedule doesn't play nice either, but at least Florida gets The Tide, LSU and Florida State all at home.

4. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Hardest Games: Washington, at Wisconsin, Ohio State, Michigan State, at Penn State

After spending so many years in a conference, that really isn't Nebraska football, the Cornhuskers find their niche in the Big Ten.

However, they also have to play all three of last season's Big Ten co-champions, in Wisconsin, Ohio State and Michigan State-Yikes.

Not to mention they play Penn State and Michigan on the road in consecutive weeks in November.

3. LSU Tigers

Hardest Games: Oregon (neutral site), at Mississippi State, at West Virginia, Florida, Auburn, at Alabama, Arkansas

For the folks in Baton Rouge, LSU football has another excellent opportunity to contend for an SEC and/or national title.

Week 1 against No. 3 Oregon will be immense, along with Mississippi State, and Alabama on the road.

And, although they are not ranked, don't sleep on West Virginia.

The Mountaineers battled the Bayou Bengals in Louisiana last year, only to lose 20-14.

This season, LSU makes the trip to Morgantown. 

2. Arkansas Razorbacks

Hardest Games: at Alabama, Texas A&M (neutral site), Auburn, South Carolina, Mississippi State, at LSU

After coming off one the best season's in school history, the Razorbacks are rewarded with another sick schedule as part of the SEC.

Having to travel to Alabama and LSU marks the pinnacle of their schedule's toughness, but Auburn, South Carolina and Miss. St. will only add more wood to the fire.

Count Texas A&M in, and it's going to be a rough journey en route to the BCS.

1. Auburn Tigers

Hardest Games: Mississippi State, at South Carolina, at Arkansas, Florida, at LSU, at Georgia, Alabama

The school is the defending national champions, and come in with the nation's most difficult schedule.

Auburn is one of eight SEC schools ranked in the preseason Top 25, and are the only one playing all of the other seven ranked schools.

The only way this could be any more difficult is if the Tigers managed to schedule Oklahoma and Oregon as early-season non-conference games.