Rubbing the way-too-early crystal ball a month away from spring practice, there are several nationally-ranked programs on the verge of taking the next step toward a title next season and another who is trying to add to its expansive trophy case. When projecting win totals, oddsmakers place an emphasis on schedule toughness above most other factors and the same goes for the group of teams they believe will be in the championship picture.

Last season, we put South Carolina No. 1 with the nation's toughest slate and the Gamecocks flatlined at 4-8, Will Muschamp's worst mark in his tenure. On the flipside, Clemson went unbeaten against the most favorable schedule for a contending team and rode that to a berth in the national title game vs. LSU.

Will Dabo Swinney's talent-rich team benefit from a top-heavy ACC free of mid to late-season landmines in conference again?

Using our preseason way-too-early Top 25 as a guide, we've ranked college football's most favorable schedules for contenders based on opponent quality, when the game occurs, likelihood it affects team success — reasoning behind the Gamecocks once again facing an arduous task in 2020 — and circumstances surrounding the matchups (opponent coming off an open week; tough back to back, etc.).

All of that is also attached to a schedule softness rating (5 points for a preseason Top 5 opponent, 4 for Nos. 6-10, etc.), a numeral grade that is factored into a subjective placement in the overall schedule favorability rankings. Easier schedules are marked by low point totals.

Editor's note: This is obviously highly-subjective, as are most preseason lists before the start of spring practice when we get a better look at rosters.

