A team’s schedule obviously plays a role in its won-loss record. Heck, who wouldn’t rather play Florida International, Eastern Michigan and Louisiana-Monroe than Florida State, Michigan and LSU?
At the same time, it can be dangerous to think of games as “tough” or “easy” before the season begins. What can look to be an easy game in August can end up being tough in October or November.
For instance, Georgia played host to Vanderbilt in mid-October last season. In August, that looked like a gimme win. Instead, the Commodores pulled the upset on their way to a bowl game.