Northwestern also gives up a home game to play Nebraska in Ireland to open the season. Prefer to open with a cupcake, like NMSU.
Miami is picked to win the MAC East. Bad draw for Fitz.
Southern Illinois is an FCS team like Western Illinois, but was a playoff team, ranked #17, and 5-3 in conference (WIU was 2-6).
Much rather face Rutgers than Maryland.
Much rather play Penn State than Ohio State.
And, yes playing Minnesota vs playing Northwes
The difference between the 22nd toughest in the nation and 64th is apparently playing:
Colorado, Northwestern, Michigan state, and Rutgers instead of duke, Maryland, Ohio state, and Minnesota
So what I’m saying is, there is really no difference between teams schedules
They play Miami, who may win the MAC, while we play NMSU.
Northwestern also gives up a home game to play Nebraska in Ireland to open the season. Prefer to open with a cupcake, like we do with NMSU.
Southern Illinois is an FCS team like Western Illinois, but was a playoff team, ranked #17, and 5-3 in conference (WIU was 2-6). Another edge for Gophs.
Much rather face Rutgers than Maryland.
Much rather play MSU than Ohio State.
Rather play dumpster fire Buffs than the Blue Devils.
And, yes playing Minnesota vs playing Northwestern is a big swing in sked difficulty.
So, in 6 out of 12 spots MN with better draw, plus NW giving up a home game and opening with a conference game...big difference and advantage here for MN.