NCAA Basketball: 10 toughest non-conference schedules for 2019-20

NCAA Basketball: 10 toughest non-conference schedules for 2019-20 season

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 23: A view of Basketballs lined up during warm ups prior to game between the Stanford Cardinal and the Kansas Jayhawks in the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 23, 2014 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 24: Lamonte Turner #1 and Jordan Bowden #23 of the Tennessee Volunteers react after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes 83-77 in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 24, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

6) Tennessee

Tennessee is a power conference school that understands that obliterating low-tier mid-majors throughout non-conference play does not get you very far in the end. Due to that, they crafted a non-conference slate that I would not wish upon anyone in college basketball. Every single one of the eight notable opponents the Volunteers will face was in the NCAA Tournament last season. Additionally, all were very near the top of their conferences.

Notable Opponents

Murray State (Nov. 12)

Washington (Nov. 16)

Florida State (Nov. 29)

Purdue or VCU (Nov. 30)

Memphis (Dec. 14)

@ Cincinnati (Dec. 18)

Wisconsin (Dec. 28)

@ Kansas (Jan. 25)

The great thing about many of these matchups is that they will be taking place at neutral sites or at home. Only two of them are true road games. This could certainly play to Tennessee’s advantage.

In a year in which the true identity of the Volunteers will be fully established once the season starts, this non-conference slate will help the college basketball world fully understand what this Vols team is capable of.

Losing a lot of production from last year’s team may certainly hurt, but these games will be important in making some of the returners and young guys step up rather quickly to play important roles.

If the Vols are able to win the majority of these games, then expect that to be a sign that they mean business nationally this season, as well. This is crucial for them getting back to the NCAA Tournament.

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