SEC dominates strength of schedule rankings

By Chris Marler

Each week, we update the SEC Strength of Schedule Rankings from ESPN FPI. The Football Power Index rankings and analytics aren’t proven to be scientific, all-knowing, or sometimes even logical. However, these are the metrics being used to discuss resumés and potential seedings for deserving College football Playoff bound teams. 

Here’s a look at the most recent strength of schedule rankings:

1. Georgia

2. Florida

3. Kentucky

4. Oklahoma

5. Mississippi State

7. LSU

9. Vanderbilt

11. Alabama

12. South Carolina

15. Arkansas

20. Missouri

22. Tennessee

23. Texas A&M

27. Ole Miss

31. Auburn

36. Texas

The things that stand out most continue to be the overwhelming presence of the league in the top of these rankings nationally. The top five most difficult schedules all come from the SEC including half the league represented in the top 11 and ten teams in the top 15.

That is utterly insane. The strength of schedule rankings look like recruiting rankings or college baseball rankings with how littered they are with SEC teams.

It’s also difficult not to applaud Billy Napier and Florida with what they’ve accomplished this season. Sure, they are only 6-5 right now and the ceiling for their wins this year is still just eight games, but do you remember the narratives about this season’s schedule over the last 18 months? Many predicted this was a team with a 5-7 ceiling. We joked at SEC Media Days that if he managed to even win five that Billy Napier should be coach of the year. He’s going to pass that for certain, and seeing Napier get to seven wins with the No. 2 most difficult schedule in the country is easily one of the most impressive things we’ve seen all season.

Another takeaway I have is how much weight that No. 11 ranking is going to carry for Alabama’s argument to get in the 12-team playoff or at the least have a case made for them to do so. A better comparison than strength of schedule would be to look at who they lost to.

Alabama lost three games, two to 6-5 teams and one to 9-2 Tennessee. You can make an argument that Duke’s record is more impressive. The Blue Devils lost three games as well. However, the three teams they lost to were 7-4, 10-1, and 10-1.

Also of note is how these rankings compare to other Power Four conferences. Toss aside any excuses you want to make for a second if you are anti-SEC. Do we really feel great about the Big Ten having two teams like Indiana and Oregon as complete locks for the playoff with an SOS outside of the top 50? Let’s once again not forget that Indiana was No. 106 just a week ago.