The best college football games outside the conference are on the program

Last year’s outstanding non-conference games more than met expectations and played a key role in shaping the regular season and the makeup of the College Football Playoffs.

Texas beat Alabama — back when the two teams were in different leagues — to move into the top four and into the playoffs. Florida State’s win over LSU was the first step toward the ACC title and the team’s most successful season in nearly a decade. Colorado beat Nebraska to become the sport’s biggest slugger… and won just two more times along the way.

The value of the non-conference games could be affected by the expanded playoffs, which give teams a little more room for error and make these early-season matchups seem less crucial for the top postseason contenders. But there’s no shortage of stunning matchups starting right at the start of August, including a handful of crackers on the first full weekend of the year.

Clemson vs. Georgia, August 31 (Atlanta)

The second season opener between the two heavyweights in four years should not follow the same script as the 2021 matchup, an ugly 10-3 victory by Georgia that exposed Clemson’s deep-seated offensive issues. The Tigers will likely improve thanks to their increasing experience with Garrett Riley’s scheme and the expected development of returning starter Cade Klubnik at quarterback. The Bulldogs will continue to be very difficult to dislodge as early favorites for the national title, especially with the game being played in a friendly atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Penn State at West Virginia, Aug. 31

After saving coach Neal Brown’s job with a nine-win season in the 2023 season, the Mountaineers are eyeing a conference title in the revamped Big 12. A win over the rival Nittany Lions would be validation of last year’s growth and would establish West Virginia as a definite top-25 team and potential playoff threat. It could be a more important game for Penn State, which could enter the playoffs as an at-large with two Big Ten losses but would have its back against the wall with a loss to start the year. This is only the second meeting in the long-running series since 1992. The Nittany Lions won 38-15 last year and have a 49-9-2 edge in the rivalry.

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Notre Dame at Texas A&M, Aug. 31

The Mike Elko era at A&M begins with a bang against an opponent that has what it takes to be a top contender in the regular season. A win would quickly justify the initial hype surrounding Elko’s signing and catapult the Aggies high up into the top 25. That may be easier said than done: Notre Dame still has a few issues to solve – getting new quarterback Riley Leonard fit is hugely important – but the Fighting Irish are the more complete team. The key is how they cope with the tough environment of Kyle Field.

Southern California vs. LSU, September 1 (Las Vegas)

LSU is flying somewhat under the radar in the SEC this preseason, overshadowed by Georgia, Alabama and Texas. That could change with a dominant win over USC on neutral ground in Las Vegas. Although the defense is expected to improve after two very rough years to start coach Lincoln Riley’s tenure, USC still has a lot to prove before the program’s debut in the Big Ten. LSU loses a Heisman Trophy winner in Jayden Daniels, but has high hopes for new starter Garrett Nussmeier and the offense as a whole.

Texas vs. Michigan, September 7

This is the most important non-conference game of the year. Even if Michigan takes a step back as expected, the defending national champions could upend the early playoff hunt with a road loss to Texas. The fallout from a Michigan win would affect the perception of the SEC and Big Ten, which is a big deal since both leagues have multiple teams in the running for a playoff spot. While the loser would by no means be out of the race, the winner would have a key playoff score to present to the selection committee in early December.

Tennessee vs. North Carolina State, September 7

This meeting in Charlotte feels even more important for NC State, a top ACC title contender that will reach 10 wins for only the second time in program history. A win against a very good Tennessee team would also build ACC credibility and give the Wolfpack a shot at the top 12 even without a conference title. This will be a tough early test for new Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava and an important game for the Volunteers overall as they face Oklahoma, Alabama and Georgia later on.

Colorado at Nebraska, September 7th

After a year of surprises for new coaches Deion Sanders and Matt Rhule, this reignited rivalry takes on a deeper meaning following an offseason in which both programs have continued to develop their rosters. Even though the Buffaloes have received much more attention nationally, the Cornhuskers have done a much better job of building depth through traditional recruiting and the portal, giving them a great chance to pull off the biggest win of Rhule’s tenure. Much will depend on whether Nebraska true freshman QB Dylan Raiola can keep up with his counterpart Shedeur Sanders.

Alabama vs. Wisconsin, September 14

Alabama can settle into the Kalen DeBoer era with home games against Western Kentucky and South Florida — although the Bulls gave the Tide everything they could last year — before heading to Madison. Those warm-up games should help Jalen Milroe and the offense get on the same page. Wisconsin expects to improve in Luke Fickell’s second year, but will be tested by a schedule that’s among the toughest in the Big Ten.

Oregon vs. Oregon State, September 14

The Civil War shifts to non-conference play with Oregon’s move to the Big Ten and the breakup of the 12-team Pac-12. The Ducks and Beavers have never met in September in 127 meetings and have only played in October three times: 1895, 1937 and 1945. Energy has never been lacking in this rivalry, especially since the two have split their last four meetings as part of the Pac-12. But given what happened last year, this game could be even more exciting than usual.

Florida State at Notre Dame, November 9

And we’ll have to wait until November for a non-conference game that could make a difference in the battle for one of the seven playoff spots. Notre Dame could enter playoff contention this weekend with some breathing room, given a friendlier than usual schedule and a breather after the opening game at Texas A&M. In contrast, the Seminoles have already played Memphis, Clemson, Miami and North Carolina, the last three during a four-game stretch before this contest in South Bend.