<\/p>\n
In the last eight seasons, Auburn has played Clemson 5 times, Alabama 8 times and Georgia 9 times. This season the Tigers add No. 6 Washington to the schedule to open the season in two weeks. They also play on the road against nationally ranked Mississippi State.<\/p>\n
That means the Tigers have three road games and one neutral site game against teams that are either predicted to contend for or be favored to reach the playoff. And that doesn\u2019t include the possibility of a second matchup against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.<\/p>\n
Yet, Auburn\u2019s schedule is not be recognized nationally as the toughest in the country.<\/p>\n
In fact, the list compiled by Brad Crawford of 247 Sports did not include Auburn in the top 10. He ranks Michigan\u2019s schedule the toughest based on road games at Notre Dame, Northwestern, Michigan State and Ohio State, plus home games against Wisconsin and Penn State.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s one game against a top-6 team. Auburn has three such games, none at home.<\/p>\n
Auburn doesn\u2019t need sympathy for its tough schedule, but at least recognize that the Tigers\u2019 road to a championship is more difficult than any other team.<\/p>\n
For Threaded Fasteners, I\u2019m Randy Kennedy with Nuts and Bolts of the Game.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"