When it comes to scheduling tough non-conference matchups, Michigan and Purdue have set the standard in the B1G this year.

Recently, ESPN listed 10 programs that will have the roughest non-conference schedules in 2019, and the Wolverines and Boilermakers were both included in the rankings. Both have pretty difficult roads outside of the B1G this fall.

Michigan was ranked at No. 7 and Purdue came in at No. 9. Here’s what the non-conference schedules look like for the two teams:

  • No. 7: Michigan — vs. Middle Tennessee; vs. Army; vs. Notre Dame
  • No. 9: Purdue — at Nevada; vs. Vanderbilt; vs. TCU

The season opener for Michigan should be a lock, but matchups against Army — a double-digit win team last season — and Notre Dame — who reached the College Football Playoff after an undefeated regular season — will be tough challenges.

The one benefit is that Michigan gets all three games at home.

Purdue starts the season on a Friday night against Nevada in the desert, which will be a tough way to open the year. The Boilermakers then return home to take on an SEC opponent in Vanderbilt and Big 12 power TCU. There are now easy weeks for Jeff Brohm and company.

You can view the full list of the 10 toughest non-conference schedules from ESPN here (subscription required). 

ESPN also mentioned five B1G teams among those with the easiest non-conference schedules this season.