2024 Ncaa Football Strength Of Schedule

The 2024 NCAA Football season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With several top teams returning key players and a number of intriguing matchups on the schedule, it’s sure to be a year that will be filled with excitement and drama.

One of the most important factors that will determine the success of a team in 2024 is its strength of schedule. Teams that play a tough schedule will be better prepared for the postseason, and they will also have a better chance of earning a high ranking in the final polls.

Here is a look at the 10 toughest schedules in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision for the 2024 season:

Here are 9 important points about the 2024 NCAA Football Strength of Schedule:

The toughest schedule in the country belongs to Alabama.
Ohio State, Georgia, and Clemson also have very tough schedules.
The SEC West is the toughest division in the country.
The ACC Coastal is the weakest division in the country.
Notre Dame has a very challenging schedule, as always.
Oklahoma and Texas will have tough schedules in their first year in the SEC.
USC and UCLA will have easier schedules in their first year in the Big Ten.
The Group of Five conferences will have several teams with challenging schedules.
The strength of schedule will be a major factor in determining the College Football Playoff teams.

The toughest schedule in the country belongs to Alabama.

Alabama’s 2024 schedule is the toughest in the country, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI). The Crimson Tide will play 10 games against teams that are currently ranked in the FPI top 25, including six games against teams in the top 10.

Game 1: vs. Texas A&M (FPI ranking: 10)
The Crimson Tide will open the season with a tough test against Texas A&M, who is coming off a 10-win season in 2023. The Aggies have a talented roster led by quarterback Conner Weigman and running back Devon Achane.
Game 2: vs. Ohio State (FPI ranking: 1)
Alabama’s first home game of the season will be against Ohio State, who is the defending national champion. The Buckeyes have one of the most talented rosters in the country, led by quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
Game 3: at Florida (FPI ranking: 15)
The Crimson Tide will travel to Gainesville to take on Florida in their third game of the season. The Gators are coming off a disappointing 6-7 season in 2023, but they have a talented roster led by quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Game 4: vs. Vanderbilt (FPI ranking: 128)
Alabama’s only non-conference game of the season will be against Vanderbilt, who is coming off a 5-8 season in 2023. The Commodores are not expected to be a major threat to the Crimson Tide.

The rest of Alabama’s schedule is equally challenging, with games against Arkansas, Mississippi State, Tennessee, LSU, and Auburn. The Crimson Tide will need to be at their best every week if they want to make it back to the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State, Georgia, and Clemson also have very tough schedules.

Ohio State’s schedule is highlighted by games against Alabama, Notre Dame, and Michigan. The Buckeyes will also play road games at Penn State and Wisconsin. Ohio State’s non-conference schedule is also challenging, with games against San Jose State and North Carolina.

Georgia’s schedule is highlighted by games against Alabama, Clemson, and South Carolina. The Bulldogs will also play road games at Florida and Kentucky. Georgia’s non-conference schedule is relatively easy, with games against UAB and Georgia State.

Clemson’s schedule is highlighted by games against Alabama, Georgia, and Florida State. The Tigers will also play road games at NC State and Wake Forest. Clemson’s non-conference schedule is also challenging, with games against Furman and South Carolina State.

All three of these teams will need to be at their best every week if they want to make it back to the College Football Playoff.

The SEC West is the toughest division in the country.

The SEC West is home to six teams that are currently ranked in the FPI top 25, including the top three teams in the country: Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. The division also includes Texas A&M, Mississippi State, and Arkansas, all of whom are ranked in the FPI top 50.

The SEC West is so tough that it is likely that only one team from the division will make it to the College Football Playoff. The Crimson Tide are the clear favorites to win the division, but the Bulldogs, Aggies, and Razorbacks will all be looking to challenge Alabama for the SEC West title.

The SEC West schedule is also very challenging. Each team in the division will play eight conference games, including two games against their in-state rival. The SEC West also has a number of non-conference games against Power Five opponents.

The SEC West is the toughest division in the country, and it is likely to be one of the most competitive divisions in college football in 2024.

The ACC Coastal is the weakest division in the country.

The ACC Coastal is home to just one team that is currently ranked in the FPI top 50: North Carolina. The Tar Heels are coming off a 9-4 season in 2023, but they lost a number of key players to the NFL Draft.

Duke (FPI ranking: 108)
The Blue Devils are coming off a 3-9 season in 2023, and they are not expected to be much better in 2024. Duke has a number of holes on its roster, and it is unlikely that they will be able to compete for a bowl game.
Georgia Tech (FPI ranking: 112)
The Yellow Jackets are coming off a 5-7 season in 2023, and they are not expected to be much better in 2024. Georgia Tech has a new head coach in Brent Key, but he will have a lot of work to do to turn the program around.
Virginia (FPI ranking: 120)
The Cavaliers are coming off a 3-9 season in 2023, and they are not expected to be much better in 2024. Virginia has a number of issues on its roster, and it is unlikely that they will be able to compete for a bowl game.
Virginia Tech (FPI ranking: 103)
The Hokies are coming off a 6-7 season in 2023, and they are not expected to be much better in 2024. Virginia Tech has a number of holes on its roster, and it is unlikely that they will be able to compete for a bowl game.

The ACC Coastal is the weakest division in the country, and it is unlikely that any team from the division will make it to the ACC Championship Game.

Notre Dame has a very challenging schedule, as always.

Notre Dame’s 2024 schedule is one of the toughest in the country, as the Fighting Irish are set to face six teams that are currently ranked in the FPI top 25. Notre Dame will also play road games at Ohio State and Clemson.

Game 1: vs. Navy (FPI ranking: 101)
The Fighting Irish will open the season with a home game against Navy, who is coming off a 9-4 season in 2023. The Midshipmen are always a tough opponent, and they will be looking to upset Notre Dame in South Bend.
Game 2: at Ohio State (FPI ranking: 1)
Notre Dame’s first road game of the season will be a tough one, as they travel to Columbus to take on the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes have one of the most talented rosters in the country, and they will be looking to avenge their loss to Notre Dame in the 2023 Fiesta Bowl.
Game 3: vs. Stanford (FPI ranking: 111)
The Fighting Irish will return home to face Stanford in their third game of the season. The Cardinal are coming off a 3-9 season in 2023, but they have a new head coach in Troy Taylor, who is expected to turn the program around.
Game 4: vs. BYU (FPI ranking: 48)
Notre Dame will host BYU in their fourth game of the season. The Cougars are coming off an 8-5 season in 2023, and they are always a dangerous opponent. BYU has a number of talented players on its roster, including quarterback Jaren Hall and running back Lopini Katoa.

The rest of Notre Dame’s schedule is equally challenging, with games against Clemson, North Carolina, Boston College, and USC. The Fighting Irish will need to be at their best every week if they want to make it back to the College Football Playoff.

Oklahoma and Texas will have tough schedules in their first year in the SEC.

Oklahoma and Texas are both joining the SEC in 2024, and they will both have very challenging schedules in their first year in the conference. Both teams will play eight conference games, including games against Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.

Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s 2024 schedule is highlighted by games against Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and Ohio State. The Sooners will also play road games at Arkansas and Mississippi State. Oklahoma’s non-conference schedule is also challenging, with games against Nebraska and SMU.
Texas
Texas’s 2024 schedule is highlighted by games against Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and LSU. The Longhorns will also play road games at Arkansas and Missouri. Texas’s non-conference schedule is also challenging, with games against Rice and UTSA.

Both Oklahoma and Texas will need to be at their best every week if they want to be successful in their first year in the SEC. The SEC is the toughest conference in the country, and both teams will have to adjust to the new level of competition.

USC and UCLA will have easier schedules in their first year in the Big Ten.

USC and UCLA are both joining the Big Ten in 2024, and they will both have relatively easy schedules in their first year in the conference. The Trojans and Bruins will both play eight conference games, but they will avoid playing the Big Ten’s top teams, such as Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.

USC’s 2024 schedule is highlighted by games against Utah, Notre Dame, and Oregon. The Trojans will also play road games at Arizona and Colorado. USC’s non-conference schedule is also relatively easy, with games against San Jose State and Fresno State.

UCLA’s 2024 schedule is highlighted by games against Utah, Notre Dame, and Oregon State. The Bruins will also play road games at Arizona State and Washington State. UCLA’s non-conference schedule is also relatively easy, with games against San Diego State and UNLV.

Both USC and UCLA will need to take advantage of their relatively easy schedules in their first year in the Big Ten. The Trojans and Bruins will need to build some momentum before they start playing the conference’s top teams in future years.

The Group of Five conferences will have several teams with challenging schedules.

The Group of Five conferences are the five conferences that are not part of the Power Five conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC). The Group of Five conferences are the American Athletic Conference (AAC), Conference USA (C-USA), Mid-American Conference (MAC), Mountain West Conference (MWC), and Sun Belt Conference (SBC).

Cincinnati (AAC)
Cincinnati is coming off a 9-4 season in 2023, and they are expected to be one of the top teams in the AAC in 2024. The Bearcats have a challenging schedule in 2024, with games against Arkansas, Indiana, and Notre Dame.
UAB (C-USA)
UAB is coming off a 10-3 season in 2023, and they are expected to be one of the top teams in C-USA in 2024. The Blazers have a challenging schedule in 2024, with games against Georgia, Liberty, and Troy.
Toledo (MAC)
Toledo is coming off a 9-5 season in 2023, and they are expected to be one of the top teams in the MAC in 2024. The Rockets have a challenging schedule in 2024, with games against Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Western Michigan.
Boise State (MWC)
Boise State is coming off a 10-3 season in 2023, and they are expected to be one of the top teams in the MWC in 2024. The Broncos have a challenging schedule in 2024, with games against Florida State, Oregon, and Utah State.

These are just a few of the Group of Five teams that will have challenging schedules in 2024. The Group of Five conferences are becoming increasingly competitive, and these teams will need to be at their best in order to succeed.

The strength of schedule will be a major factor in determining the College Football Playoff teams.

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is a four-team playoff that determines the national champion of college football. The CFP selection committee uses a number of factors to determine which teams make the playoff, including strength of schedule.

Wins against ranked opponents
Teams that have more wins against ranked opponents will have a stronger strength of schedule. The CFP selection committee will also consider the quality of the wins against ranked opponents.
Wins against Power Five opponents
Teams that have more wins against Power Five opponents will have a stronger strength of schedule. The Power Five conferences are the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC.
Overall record
Teams with a better overall record will have a stronger strength of schedule. The CFP selection committee will also consider the quality of the wins and losses on a team’s schedule.
Conference championships
Teams that win their conference championship will have a stronger strength of schedule. The CFP selection committee will also consider the strength of the conference that a team plays in.

The strength of schedule is a major factor in determining the College Football Playoff teams. Teams that have a strong strength of schedule will have a better chance of making the playoff.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2024 NCAA Football Strength of Schedule:

Question 1: What is the toughest schedule in the country?
Answer 1: According to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI), the toughest schedule in the country belongs to Alabama.

Question 2: Which other teams have very tough schedules?
Answer 2: Ohio State, Georgia, and Clemson also have very tough schedules.

Question 3: What is the weakest division in the country?
Answer 3: The ACC Coastal is the weakest division in the country.

Question 4: Does Notre Dame have a challenging schedule?
Answer 4: Yes, Notre Dame has a very challenging schedule, as always.

Question 5: Will Oklahoma and Texas have tough schedules in their first year in the SEC?
Answer 5: Yes, Oklahoma and Texas will both have tough schedules in their first year in the SEC.

Question 6: Will USC and UCLA have easier schedules in their first year in the Big Ten?
Answer 6: Yes, USC and UCLA will both have easier schedules in their first year in the Big Ten.

Question 7: Will the strength of schedule be a major factor in determining the College Football Playoff teams?
Answer 7: Yes, the strength of schedule will be a major factor in determining the College Football Playoff teams.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2024 NCAA Football Strength of Schedule. For more information, please visit the NCAA website.

The strength of schedule is an important factor to consider when evaluating college football teams. Teams with strong schedules will have a better chance of making the College Football Playoff and winning a national championship.

Tips

Here are a few tips for evaluating the strength of schedule for college football teams:

Tip 1: Look at the number of games against ranked opponents.
Teams that have more games against ranked opponents will have a stronger strength of schedule. The CFP selection committee will also consider the quality of the wins against ranked opponents.

Tip 2: Look at the number of games against Power Five opponents.
Teams that have more games against Power Five opponents will have a stronger strength of schedule. The Power Five conferences are the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC.

Tip 3: Consider the overall record of the teams on the schedule.
Teams that have a better overall record will have a stronger strength of schedule. The CFP selection committee will also consider the quality of the wins and losses on a team’s schedule.

Tip 4: Consider the conference championships won by the teams on the schedule.
Teams that win their conference championship will have a stronger strength of schedule. The CFP selection committee will also consider the strength of the conference that a team plays in.

By following these tips, you can get a better understanding of the strength of schedule for college football teams. This information can be helpful when evaluating teams and making predictions about the upcoming season.

Conclusion

The strength of schedule will be a major factor in determining which teams make the College Football Playoff. Teams with tough schedules will be better prepared for the postseason, and they will also have a better chance of earning a high ranking in the final polls.

Here are a few of the main points to remember about the 2024 NCAA Football Strength of Schedule:

Alabama has the toughest schedule in the country.
Ohio State, Georgia, and Clemson also have very tough schedules.
The ACC Coastal is the weakest division in the country.
Notre Dame has a very challenging schedule, as always.
Oklahoma and Texas will have tough schedules in their first year in the SEC.
USC and UCLA will have easier schedules in their first year in the Big Ten.
The Group of Five conferences will have several teams with challenging schedules.
The strength of schedule will be a major factor in determining the College Football Playoff teams.

As the 2024 season approaches, be sure to pay attention to the strength of schedule when evaluating teams and making predictions. The strength of schedule can be a major factor in determining which teams are successful and which teams fall short of expectations.