Top 10 Non-Conference College Football Games This Season
Last year’s standout non-conference clashes exceeded expectations and played a key role in shaping the regular season and determining the teams that entered the College Football Playoff.
Texas triumphed over Alabama — back when both were in separate leagues — and that win propelled them to a top-four spot and a playoff opportunity. Florida State’s victory against LSU marked the beginning of an ACC championship run and the program’s best season in nearly ten years. Colorado defeated Nebraska and became the biggest sensation in college football, though they managed only two more wins throughout the rest of their season.
The importance of non-conference games may shift due to the expanded playoff format, which allows teams a bit more leeway and makes these early-season matchups feel less critical for the top teams chasing postseason glory. However, plenty of exciting matchups will kick off in August, including several thrilling games on the first full weekend.
Clemson vs. Georgia, Aug. 31 (Atlanta)
This marks the second time in four years that these two powerhouses will meet at the season’s start, and it’s expected to be a different story than their 2021 encounter, which saw Georgia win 10-3, highlighting Clemson’s offensive struggles. The Tigers are expected to show improvement, thanks to Garrett Riley’s scheme and the anticipated growth of returning quarterback Cade Klubnik. The Bulldogs will remain tough to beat, particularly with the game held in the familiar setting of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Penn State at West Virginia, Aug. 31
After securing coach Neal Brown’s position with a nine-win 2023 season, the Mountaineers are eyeing a conference title in the revamped Big 12. A victory over the Nittany Lions would affirm last year’s progress and solidify West Virginia’s status as a Top 25 contender and potential playoff threat. For Penn State, this game holds even greater significance; although they could still reach the playoffs with two Big Ten losses, a season-opening defeat would put them in a precarious position. This is only the second meeting in this historic rivalry since 1992, with the Nittany Lions winning 38-15 last year and holding a 49-9-2 overall lead in their series.
Notre Dame at Texas A&M, Aug. 31
Texas A&M’s Mike Elko begins his tenure in style against a Notre Dame team that has the potential to sweep through the regular season. A win would quickly validate the excitement surrounding Elko’s hiring and propel the Aggies up the Top 25 rankings. However, this might be a tall order, as the Fighting Irish need to find their rhythm, particularly in getting new quarterback Riley Leonard prepared. Nonetheless, Notre Dame appears to be the more well-rounded team, and how they respond to the challenging atmosphere at Kyle Field will be crucial.
Southern California vs. LSU, Sept. 1 (Las Vegas)
LSU is somewhat under the radar in the SEC this preseason, overshadowed by teams like Georgia, Alabama, and Texas. That perception could change dramatically with a significant win over USC at a neutral site in Las Vegas. While USC is anticipated to strengthen its defense after struggling in the early stages of Coach Lincoln Riley’s tenure, they still need to showcase their capability heading into their Big Ten debut. Though LSU lost Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, they are optimistic about new starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and the overall progress of their offense.
Texas at Michigan, Sept. 7
This matchup is arguably the most significant non-conference game of the season. Even if Michigan regresses slightly, the reigning national champions could disrupt the playoff race with a win over Texas at home. The implications of a Michigan victory could shift how both the SEC and Big Ten are perceived, particularly as both conferences prepare for multiple teams vying for at-large playoff positions. While a loss wouldn’t eliminate either team from the playoff contention, the winner will possess a crucial tiebreaker to present to the selection committee in December.
Tennessee vs. North Carolina State, Sept. 7
This game in Charlotte is particularly significant for N.C. State, which is emerging as a strong ACC contender with the potential to achieve 10 wins for only the second time ever. A victory over a solid Tennessee squad would enhance the ACC’s reputation and provide the Wolfpack with a shot at the top 12, even without a conference championship. For Tennessee, new quarterback Nico Iamaleava faces a formidable early challenge, making this a pivotal game given their later matchups against Oklahoma, Alabama, and Georgia.
Colorado at Nebraska, Sept. 7
This long-standing rivalry takes on added significance as new coaches Deion Sanders and Matt Rhule look to establish their teams after last year’s transition periods. Despite Colorado’s extensive national media attention, Nebraska has done an excellent job of fortifying its roster through a blend of traditional recruiting and transfers, positioning them well for what could be the biggest win of Rhule’s career. Much hinges on whether Nebraska’s freshman quarterback, Dylan Raiola, can keep pace with the performance of Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.
Alabama at Wisconsin, Sept. 14
Alabama will begin the Kalen DeBoer era with home games against Western Kentucky and South Florida — though the Bulls put up a tough fight against the Tide last season.
They successfully managed challenges last year, leading up to this upcoming journey to Madison. These practice games are expected to assist Jalen Milroe and the offense in aligning their strategies. Wisconsin is aiming for improvement in Luke Fickell’s second season but will face a grueling schedule that ranks among the most challenging in the Big Ten.
Oregon at Oregon State, Sept. 14
This year’s Civil War will shift to a non-conference format due to Oregon’s transition to the Big Ten, alongside the collapse of the 12-team Pac-12. The Ducks and Beavers have never squared off in September through their 127 meetings and have only clashed in October three times: in 1895, 1937, and 1945. Excitement around this rivalry remains high, especially after they split their last four encounters as part of the Pac-12. However, this match could be even more intense than usual given the events of the past year.
Florida State at Notre Dame, Nov. 9
We’ll have to wait until November for a crucial non-conference game that could greatly influence the playoffs’ at-large bids. Notre Dame may head into this matchup with a favorable position in the playoff hunt, courtesy of a lighter-than-usual schedule that eases up following their opener against Texas A&M. On the other hand, the Seminoles will already have faced Memphis, Clemson, Miami, and North Carolina, with the last three games being played in a four-game stretch leading up to this event in South Bend.