UH isn’t one of those listed, but two 2017 opponents are: USF and Memphis
3. MEMPHIS
2017 FBS Schedule Rank: 123
2017 FBS Returning Starter Rank: T25
Like FIU, only three of Memphis’ 2017 opponents went over .500 last season – Navy (9-5), Houston (9-4) and Tulsa (10-3). It is even more noteworthy given the Tigers’ membership in the American Athletic, considered to be a huge step up from C-USA in difficulty.
Memphis is tied for the second-most returning starters in the American. Nine are back on an offense that finished last season ranked No. 14 in the nation in passing. It includes quarterback Riley Ferguson, who was ranked No. 11 in the FBS in both total yards and touchdowns in 2016.
2. USF
2017 FBS Schedule Rank: 124
2017 FBS Returning Starter Rank: T9
USF’s schedule is only one degree easier than fellow American member Memphis’. Where the Tigers’ 2017 slate combined for a 64-84 (42.24%) mark, the Bulls’ went 63-85 (42.57%). Both play only three squads with a winning record in 2016.
USF also returns one additional starter, earning it a tie for the most in the AAC. Of the 16, seven are back on an offensive unit that finished No. 4 in the nation in scoring.
Like Oklahoma, the Bulls also received mention in ESPN’s premature Top 25 – coming in at No. 20. They may have the best combo for success in all of college football in 2017.