Don’t let anyone tell you schedules aren’t tough in the B1G. Go ahead and tell your loudmouth friend who is constantly yelling, “They ain’t played nobody!” to close his mouth.

According to the SP+ metric at ESPN, five of the 10 most difficult schedules for the 2021 season belong to B1G teams. The SEC had three teams and the Pac-12 and ACC each had one.

By far, the scheduling is the most difficult in the B1G this year.

The toughest schedule, per Bill Connelly’s metric, belongs to Arkansas. Nebraska is credited with the toughest slate in the B1G, coming in at No. 2 on the list. The other four B1G teams on the list are Purdue, Michigan, Indiana and Penn State.

Here’s a look at the complete Top 10:

  1. Arkansas
  2. Nebraska
  3. Auburn
  4. Georgia Tech
  5. Purdue
  6. Michigan
  7. Indiana
  8. LSU
  9. Colorado
  10. Penn State

Nebraska opens the year on the road against Illinois and will play No. 2 Oklahoma in nonconference play. The Huskers will also play No. 4 Ohio State, No. 12 Wisconsin and No. 18 Iowa in the final three weeks of the season.

Purdue and Michigan both play five ranked opponents this season, the most of any team in the B1G. The Boilers also have No. 9 Notre Dame on the nonconference slate while the Wolverines play No. 20 Washington.

Both Indiana and Penn State open the year against ranked conference foes. The Hoosiers start against No. 18 Iowa while the Nittany Lions take on No. 12 Wisconsin. IU also plays No. 8 Cincinnati in non-league competition while PSU hosts Auburn.