SEC football: Grading Auburn, rest of league’s non-conference scheduling
By Rob Maxwell
Arkansas
This would have looked a lot more formidable had Michigan remained on the schedule this season and next, but that didn’t happen (see note below). It’s probably best as the Razorbacks transition from Bret Bielema to Chad Morris. The SEC West schedule will be difficult enough for the Hogs to maneuver through over the next couple of seasons.
But adding Notre Dame with a home-and-home series is bold and the game vs. Texas in 2021 is sure to elicit a lot of attention in the Southwest.
Future non-conference opponents
2018: Eastern Illinois, at *Colorado State, North Texas, Tulsa
2019: Portland State, *Colorado State, San Jose State, Western Kentucky
2020: Kent State, at Notre Dame
2021: Missouri State, Texas, Georgia Southern
2025: Notre Dame
* In 2016, Michigan bought out previously scheduled games vs. Arkansas in 2018 and 2019. The university received a waiver that allowed Colorado State to substitute for its Power 5 opponent both seasons.
FlyWarEagle analysis: Seriously, if Arkansas had Michigan for the next two seasons followed by Notre Dame in 2021, you’d be hard-pressed to find better out-of-conference opponents on an SEC schedule. But it worked out well for the Razorbacks. It’s far from the toughest slate of non-con games, but considering Arkansas has to play Alabama, Auburn and LSU every season, it’s not bad. Grade: B