Recently, ESPN ranked the nation’s 10 easiest non-conference schedules for 2019, and four SEC programs were listed: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Of the four, only Alabama is likely the only legitimate College Football Playoff candidate; so, the Tide’s schedule will always be under a microscope. With non-conference foes of Duke, New Mexico State, Southern Miss and Western Carolina, it gives ammunition to criticize the Tide’s schedule, regardless of its conference schedule.

Recently, a fan named Clark Packard and former Alabama star Jonathan Allen had a back-and-forth discussion on Alabama’s non-conference schedule, and Alabama AD Greg Byrne also chimed in.

Here’s the conversation, based on the original discussion headed by none other than Paul Finebaum:

No because are conference schedule is tougher than any other conference! — Jonathan Allen (@jonallen93_) June 22, 2019

Sure. Tell that to the SEC schools that play tough out of conference schedules; SC plays Clemson and UNC; UGA plays Norte Dame and GT; UF has FSU; A&M has Clemson. Alabama can schedule better out of conference opponents. — Clark Packard (@clark_packard) June 22, 2019

Scheduling is challenging. It takes two teams to make it work where there is mutual interest and dates that work. We are very appreciative of the schools who have agreed to H&H series (TX, WVU, ND & OU). Working on more & occasional neutral. #RollTide https://t.co/aDO2FRMRzy — Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) June 23, 2019

These schedules are formed years in advance, and it is very difficult to schedule other powerhouse programs in the near-future.

As Byrnes notes, Alabama has scheduled future home-and-home series with Texas (2022, 2023), West Virginia (2026, 2027), Notre Dame (2028, 2029) and Oklahoma (2032, 2033).