Phil Steele, who produces one of the top college football preview magazines, ranks Colorado’s 2011 schedule as the toughest in the country among 120 teams.
Steele ranks CU’s schedule No. 1 in degree of difficulty on his website, ahead of Iowa State, Baylor, Oregon State and LSU. The Buffaloes will be playing their first season as a member of the Pac-12.
According to opponents’ collective winning percentage last season, CU ranks 14th nationally in strength of schedule with its opponents combining for a 98-67 record (.594). Steele, though, takes into account road games and power ratings. The Buffaloes’ nonconference tests this year include their Sept. 3 opener at Hawaii and a Sept. 24 game at Ohio State.
Steele ranks Wyoming’s schedule No. 85 in difficulty. He has Air Force’s schedule ranked No. 99 and Colorado State’s schedule ranked No. 103.
