As we know, polls of journalists, coaches, other 'experts' and computer-generated rankings of football schedule strengths wobble as paragons of imprecision.  Indeed, I doubt if any sort of measurement could lead to precision.  So today I thought, Why not add another imprecise method of assessing schedule strengths.

I looked at the 70 bowl teams' schedules to see how many of their non-conference opponents will be playing in the 35 bowls.  Kinda interesting.

First, there are the three independent bowl teams.  Nine of Notre Dame's opponents will be bowling.  So will 8 of BYU's.  Navy?  Just 2. 

How many bowl teams played 3 non-conference games against bowl-bound opponents?  Only 5.  Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, North Texas, USC.

How many bowl teams played 2 non-conference games against bowl-bound opponents?  19.

And how many bowl teams played just 1 non-conference game against bowl-bound opponents?  37

That leaves bowl teams that played 0 non-conference games against bowl-bound opponents.  Those 6 include some surprises: Maryland, Cincinnati, Oregon, Texas Tech, Vandy AND Florida State.