Except for Texas, that looks a lot like Ohio State's non-conference schedule.
"Except for Texas, that looks a lot like Ohio State's non-conference schedule."
Quite true, but at least they played Texas, although drawing those guys in the Texas quarterback's first game was fortuitous. Tennessee had the same advantage against Cal this year. Probably lots of other games around the country where you could make the same point. Teams improve a lot during the year, especially those with young skill position guys who are tentative early, but make plays later.
Generally, the Big Ten doesn't play such a horsecrap non-league slate, but it's really ugly this year. Not sure why the shift took place, but it's really bad this year.