The national media absolutely accounts for schedule, that's why SP+ and FEI have opponent adjustments baked into their formulas. Texas A&M staying at 10 reflects their talent and the expectation they'll navigate that SEC slate. For Austin Peay, the conversation shifts because the ceiling for an FCS program, even a good one, is fundamentally different. Their schedule difficulty is always considered, it's just that beating Vanderbilt doesn't carry the same weight as an SEC team beating Alabama. The challenges in the UAC are real, but they don't equate to the weekly physical toll of Power 5 football, which is why raw talent remains the primary predictor for competing at the highest level.