Which SEC schools have the toughest non-conference schedules for 2014?

I’m so glad you asked.

Here’s a glance at the SEC’s toughest non-conference schedules for 2014, and they’re all East division teams. I’ve included the opponents’ non-conference winning percentage, and while that does play a factor, it doesn’t tell the whole story. But I’ve included it for reference:

1. Tennessee Volunteers
Teams: Utah State, Arkansas State, at Oklahoma, Chattanooga
Opponents winning percentage: .692 (36-16)
Buzz: Tennessee has another brutal schedule, and the Vols essentially trade Oregon for Oklahoma this season. Utah State, Arkansas State and Oklahoma are certainly all worthy opponents, and OU has been named a favorite for the CFB Playoff. All four non-conference teams won an SEC-high over 69 percent of their games in 2013; that’s not too encouraging for a team with QB questions and a team that has to replace every starter along both lines of scrimmage.

2. Georgia Bulldogs
Teams: Clemson, Troy, Charleston Southern, Georgia Tech
Opponents winning percentage: .667 (34-17)
Buzz: Georgia’s schedule mirrors how several around the country would hope the SEC moves toward. They are playing two legitimate non-conference teams in Clemson and Georgia Tech, and they are playing two easier games against Troy and FCS Charleston Southern. Georgia opens the season with a huge matchup against ranked Clemson – this year in Athens, and they end it with a rivalry they’ve dominated recently against Georgia Tech.

3. Missouri Tigers
Teams: South Dakota State, at Toledo, UCF, Indiana
Opponents winning percentage: .647 (33-18)
Buzz: Mizzou plays three legit teams in Toledo, UCF and Indiana. The Tigers play all four non-conference games before any non-conference game, similar to last year. They’ll be well prepared to hit SEC play with a steam of momentum. UCF 2014 won’t be the same caliber as last season, but it should make for an interesting matchup. A road trip to Toledo will bring back memories for one Gary Pinkel.

4. South Carolina Gamecocks
Teams: East Carolina, Furman, South Alabama, at Clemson
Opponents winning percentage: .673 (35-17)
Buzz: Everyone has that Carolina-Clemson game circled, especially Dabo Swinney, who’s lost five straight to the Gamecocks, and USC is looking to make it six. All four non-conference opponents won over 67 percent of their games in 2013. While South Alabama and Furman should be a breeze, USC can’t just show up against East Carolina and expect to win.

5. Kentucky Wildcats
Teams: UT Martin, Ohio, Louisiana-Monroe, at Louisville
Opponents winning percentage: .640 (32-18)
Buzz: Kentucky is playing one of the top five overall toughest non-conference schedules with UT Martin, Ohio and ULM on the schedule. It shows you how weak some of the other out-of-conference schedules really are. The Louisville rivalry will be interesting with Bobby Petrino now in charge, and these four teams combined to win 64 percent of their games.