With our still very early look at the 2018 season ongoing, we take a look at the non conference games that catch our eyes next fall. Here are what we think are the best match ups out of conference for next season:
Clemson at Texas A&M, 9/8
With Jimbo Fisher having moved on to coach the Aggies from Florida State, one would think that he would be able to ditch the challenge of having Clemson on the schedule. Apparently, that was not a requisite thing for taking the job. The Aggies ought to have enough firepower to take on Clemson at home, and Clemson should be on upset alert.
Florida State at Notre Dame, 11/10
It may not be the early 90s, but this game still has plenty of appeal, especially with Brian Kelly trying to prove that he has the Irish back on track, and Willie Taggart trying to show that he won't need two full seasons to get FSU back on track.
Florida at Florida State, 11/24
With Dan Mullen coming back to Florida, and Taggart taking over at FSU, this huge rivalry should be interesting, as both teams will hopefully be pushing for bigger things.
Louisville vs. Alabama @ Orlando, 9/1
Imagine Kenny Rogers singing "you picked a fine time to leave me, Lamar"...How will Louisville bounce back against the defending national champs after two letdown seasons and the departure of the best player in team history? Alabama may be a 21 point favorite to open, but Louisville is an enigma.
Miami vs. LSU @ Arlington, 9/2
Miami is rising again under Mark Richt, but LSU will need to run with the Hurricanes man for man, or else we could see the fire Coach O chants early on next fall.
West Virginia at NC State 9/15
Two of the better QBs in the nation returned in Will Grier of WVU, and Ryan Finley of NC State. This should be an offensive showdown in Raleigh.
Notre Dame at Virginia Tech, 10/6
Virginia Tech could be a division contender in the ACC race, and Notre Dame will be trying to show the nation that they will not slide again. This will be a massive test for both sides.
Arizona at Houston, 9/8
Sumlin Bowl should be an offensive showcase for both teams, and both teams have a ton to prove in 2018.
Memphis at Missouri, 10/20
Memphis loses Riley Ferguson, and Missouri returns Drew Lock. Neither offense should slow down all that much, but the first team to 70 in this one could be the winner.
Navy vs. Army, 12/8
This game, long on sap and short on actual meaning in football terms, finally means something again. Army has won two in a row, and Navy will be looking to stop the bleeding.
Iowa State at Iowa, 9/8
The Cyclones lose a ton of talent from a very tough minded football team, but if they beat Iowa early, they could put a scare into the Big 12.
Mississippi State at Kansas State, 9/8
This could, and likely will be the final season for Bill Snyder at K State. Joe Moorhead will look to fire up the MSU offense with Nick Fitzgerald, and could be a dark horse team in the SEC West.
UCLA at Oklahoma, 9/8
Two of the best offensive minds in college football history collide when Lincoln Riley hosts Chip Kelly's Bruins.
Boise State at Oklahoma State, 9/15
Oklahoma State loses a ton of talent heading into 2018, and Boise State loves to pull upsets in these scenarios. OSU should be concerned.
TCU vs. Ohio State @ Arlington 9/15
Both will be breaking in new QBs, and both teams could easily be favored here. If TCU can pull out the win, they send a big message.
Texas at Maryland, 9/1
Remember that Maryland beat Texas in Austin last season, and they were fully healthy, unlike the rest of their season. Both should be plenty healthy at Maryland this season. Another Maryland win would start to turn some heads away from Tom Herman, and towards DJ Durkin.
USC at Texas, 9/15
The Trojans need a big road win early to prove that they will not be in a sort of rebuilding phase. A win at Texas would be within reach.
West Virginia vs. Tennessee @ Charlotte 9/1
I am already disgusted at how many neutral site games will be played in 2018, but here is another one. Jeremy Pruitt will be on full display against a team that will test the defensive will of the Vols away from Knoxville.
Michigan at Notre Dame, 9/1
I don't care if they are up or down, this match is always a classic for me. This should be our first look at Shea Patterson as QB of the Wolverines.
Missouri at Purdue, 9/15
Purdue is rising in the Big 10, and a home win over an also resurgent Missouri would be huge for the Boilermakers, but a road win for the Tigers here would be equally as big.
Stanford at Notre Dame, 9/29
This is another classic match that makes you feel that old school college football is still alive and well. Don't forget that Stanford returns Brice Love at RB.
Notre Dame at USC, 11/24
Again, old school football at its best. Never a dull moment in this series.
Toledo at Fresno State, 9/29
Both teams should compete for conference titles in the MAC and Mountain West in 2018, making this one of the best G5 matches in the nation.
UNLV at Arkansas State, 9/22
UNLV needs to make a run at a MWC division title in 2018 to keep Tony Sanchez in his job, and they have the talent to make that run with Armani Rogers at QB and Lex Thomas at RB. Arkansas State has the best QB you have never heard of in Justice Hansen.
BYU at Arizona, 9/1
All Cougar fans eyes will be on Tucson to kick off the season. If BYU pushes, and maybe wins, Kilane Sitake is safer, if not...
Auburn vs. Washington @ Atlanta, 9/1
This is yet another game that should have been a home and home rather than a single neutral site event, but still should be a battle of teams of top 10 capabilities. Both teams have eyes set on the playoffs.
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