10 college football teams with biggest increase in schedule strength '16 to '17 - FBS

1. MARYLAND

2016 Overall Record: 6-7
2016 Schedule Rank: 62
2017 Schedule Rank: 13

Like Air Force, Maryland is a great illustration of how schedule strength and results can go hand in hand. Going into the 2015 season, the Terrapins slate earned a No. 17 national rank from Steele – that squad finished a dismal 3-9. In 2016, the rank plummeted to No. 62 and the outcome improved to 6-7. In 2017, the rating jumps all the way to No. 13, putting it on par with USC at No. 11 and Notre Dame at No. 12.

The biggest difference is going from not playing a Power program outside of Big Ten play last season to adding a road trip to a big boy. Given that Maryland repeats games with UCF and an FCS program, it amounts to swapping a road trip to FIU with a road trip to Texas.

In cross-division action, the Terrapins drop a visit to Nebraska and pick-up a visit to Wisconsin. They also swap out Purdue with Northwestern.

Historical data courtesy of Sports-Reference College Football.

http://www.fbschedules.com/2017/07/...biggest-increase-schedule-strength-2016-2017/

Texas has been an enigma for some time now. Tom Hermann has been successful with high caliber talent albeit against outmatched opponents. Still, going on the road to Austin, Minneapolis, Columbus, Madison, and East Lansing in one year will add to the stress level of any coach of a mid-level P5 program trying to elevate their stature.