Last season average Pomeroy rank of OOC opponents was 113th compared to 106th in the prior year. Given that pre conference represents about 35% of the season, the difference in the schedule in the previous two years is negligible.

Compared to last season this year's schedule is likely weaker by one game at the most. The biggest measurable difference is that last year BYU played two non-D-1 games which do not figure into Pomeroy or RPI while this year BYU scheduled only a single D-2 game and two likely sub 300 D-1 teams. The likely top teams on the schedule should increase if they make it to the finals in Hawaii vs Oklahoma. Other possible top 50 opponents include Long Beach, Belmont, New Mexico, and Harvard.

As for OOC home games, the difference is that Utah is not at home. That game aside, Belmont, Central Michigan and USU seem at least as tough to me than UMass and Long Beach.

So the schedule is a bit of a disappointment for the UVSU and Mississippi Valley games which will be a ratings drag on RPI, but big wins at Long Beach, Utah and/or vs the Sooners while taking care of OOC business at home, and SOS may still be seen as quite good.

So 10-3 in OOC this year should be seen as comparable to 10-3 last year, despite one or two of the wins being easier. 11-2 would represent a better start, imo, as there are at least as many dangerous opponents.