With the exception of Georgia, doesn’t every team play at least 4 top-15 teams? The Vols get 5. Georgia gets 3.
Could be fairer, but it will be enjoyable regardless.
First of all, this is based on preseason rankings. We technically don't know who is better than who.
But, if things play out like preseason predictions say they will than the first issue is the Eastern Division.
Georgia and Florida are the only two who are ranked. So, right off the bat, 5 Eastern schools play 2 ranked teams, while Florida and Georgia each play one (each other). So, this is where the fairness theory begins to get blown up.
It's not Florida and Georgia's fault that no one else in the division is ranked. Georgia can't play Georgia and Florida can't play Florida. So, that's one less ranked team those two are playing.
Same with the West. Arkansas has to play Auburn, Alabama, LSU, and A&M who are all ranked. But, Alabama only faces Auburn, LSU, and A&M. Well, again, Alabama can't play Alabama.
Obviously, there are more ranked teams in the West than the East and that's going to throw things off as well.
The ironic thing is with all this consternation, I doubt we ever kick the ball off. I hope we do, but I doubt it.