Butler Beat Writer
In an article written by ESPN's Dana O'Neil on Monday, she went through and ranked every Big East team's nonconference strength of schedule.
How did O'Neil rank the Butler Bulldogs?
They came in tied for eighth (second-easiest) with Providence on their nonconference schedule strength. O'Neil ranked the schedules from 1-10, with one being the easiest and 10 being the hardest. Seton Hall came in with the easiest schedule, while Georgetown's was the hardest.
O'Neil gave the 'Dawgs a 4 out of 10 here. She mentions that Butler has a potential showdown in the Old Spice Classic (ranked as hardest game/tournament for Butler) in November against likely top 5 NBA draft pick, Marcus Smart, and the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
The Bulldogs' other tough games, according to O'Neil, were against Purdue (Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse) and Princeton. Below is what O'Neil had to say overall about the 'Dawgs nonconference schedule.
This isn't an overwhelming schedule for first-year coach Brandon Miller, but it's not a complete cakewalk, either -- especially since Roosevelt Jones is out for the year. The Old Spice Classic gives the Bulldogs some pop, with a potential date with Marcus Smart and Oklahoma State in the second round (with Washington State as the opener) or Memphis down the road.Do you agree with O'Neil here on her analysis of Butler's nonconference schedule and their toughest games?
Here is the Bulldogs full nonconference schedule:
Saturday, November 9: Lamar at Butler, 4 p.m., FOX Sports 2
Saturday, November 16: Princeton at Butler, 8 p.m., FOX Sports 2
Tuesday, November 19: Vanderbilt at Butler, 7 p.m., FOX Sports 1
Saturday, November 23: Butler at Ball State, TBA
Thursday, November 28- Dec 1: Butler in Old Spice Classic in Orlando, Fla., ESPN
Saturday, December 7: North Dakota at Butler, 6 p.m., FOX Sports 1
Monday, December 9: Manchester at Butler, 8 p.m., FOX Sports 1
Saturday, December 14: Butler vs. Purdue at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 6 p.m., Big Ten Network
Saturday, December 21: Butler at Evansville, TBA
Saturday, December 28: NJIT at Butler, 1 p.m., FOX Sports 2
Saturday, November 16: Princeton at Butler, 8 p.m., FOX Sports 2
Tuesday, November 19: Vanderbilt at Butler, 7 p.m., FOX Sports 1
Saturday, November 23: Butler at Ball State, TBA
Thursday, November 28- Dec 1: Butler in Old Spice Classic in Orlando, Fla., ESPN
Saturday, December 7: North Dakota at Butler, 6 p.m., FOX Sports 1
Monday, December 9: Manchester at Butler, 8 p.m., FOX Sports 1
Saturday, December 14: Butler vs. Purdue at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 6 p.m., Big Ten Network
Saturday, December 21: Butler at Evansville, TBA
Saturday, December 28: NJIT at Butler, 1 p.m., FOX Sports 2
