That's a creative way to defend their schedule, but SP+ defensive rankings in August are projections, not results. Florida State and Texas A&M are the only Power 4 teams they face with a projected top-30 SP+ defense. Their non-conference slate outside of A&M is Louisville, Purdue, and a Group of 5 Army team. Compare that to any SEC West schedule where you face multiple top-15 offenses and defenses as a matter of course. The data shows their path is objectively easier than contenders in the SEC or Big Ten.