{"id":14687,"date":"2018-06-20T09:00:01","date_gmt":"2018-06-20T13:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosoncfb.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=14687"},"modified":"2025-09-13T15:03:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T19:03:08","slug":"the-best-non-conference-college-football-games-in-2018-part-two","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2018\/06\/20\/the-best-non-conference-college-football-games-in-2018-part-two\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Non-Conference College Football Games in 2018 (Part Two)"},"content":{"rendered":"

As we inch ever closer to the 2018 College Football season the anticipation grows with each passing day. Feeding that frenzied enthusiasm is preseason prognostications, team previews, and key game breakdowns. We’re here to help fuel that fire just a bit as we break down Best Non-Conference College Football Games in 2018 (Part Two).<\/p>\n

20.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>Florida at Florida State\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, November 24th<\/h3>\n

Time: TBD<\/h3>\n

TV: TBD<\/h3>\n

Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida<\/h3>\n

We start the second half of our countdown with the “Sunshine Showdown.”<\/strong> Both teams welcome in new coaches as Willie Taggart<\/strong> comes over from Oregon<\/strong> to join the Seminoles and Dan Mullen<\/a><\/strong> joins the Gators. Both teams are coming off of disappointing seasons in 2017, but Florida State<\/strong> has the recent advantage in winning the last five games in the series.<\/p>\n

19.\"\"<\/a>\u00a0UCLA at Oklahoma\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, September 8th<\/h3>\n

Time: 12:00 PM CST<\/h3>\n

TV: FOX<\/h3>\n

Where: Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma<\/h3>\n

The Blue-Blood series resumes in Norman. UCLA<\/strong> and Oklahoma<\/strong> split a pair with Oklahoma winning in Norman in 2003 and UCLA equal to the task in Los Angeles in 2015. The Bruins arguably made the biggest splash by bringing in Chip Kelly<\/a><\/strong> in the off-season. This will be a good, early season test for Oklahoma and a measuring stick contest for the Bruins.<\/p>\n

18.\"\"<\/a>Florida Atlantic at UCF\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Friday, September 21st<\/h3>\n

Time: 6:00 PM CST<\/h3>\n

TV: ESPN<\/h3>\n

Where: Spectrum Stadium, Orlando, Florida<\/h3>\n

This game could very well be for a New Years Six bowl berth and certainly the biggest mid-major contest of the season. Points will not be hard to come by as two of the most explosive offenses will take the field. This could be the best quarterback matchup of any game all season as UCF<\/strong> returns McKenzie Milton<\/a><\/strong> and his 42 total touchdowns against FAU<\/strong>‘s Jason Driskel<\/a><\/strong> who was one of the hottest signal callers at the end of 2017 season.<\/p>\n

17.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>Notre Dame at Northwestern\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, November 3rd<\/h3>\n

Time: TBD<\/h3>\n

TV: TBD<\/h3>\n

Where: Ryan Field, Evanston, Illinois<\/h3>\n

Like it or not, Notre Dame<\/strong> will have a prominent role in this countdown. Partially, because it’s a big game when Notre Dame is involved and also because they play one of the best schedules in the country. The Irish enter this countdown with a tough chore against Northwestern. Northwestern<\/strong> was a 10-game winner a year ago. However, the Wildcats must replace the school’s all-time leading rusher in Justin Jackson<\/a><\/strong> and await the return of Clayton Thorson<\/a><\/strong> after tearing his ACL in Northwestern’s bowl game.<\/p>\n

16.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>Boise State at Oklahoma State\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, September 15th<\/h3>\n

Time: 2:30 PM CST<\/h3>\n

TV: ABC or ESPN Network<\/h3>\n

Where: Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, Oklahoma<\/h3>\n

It’s been widely discussed that there has not been a mid-major team make the College Football Playoffs or the BCS National Championship game before that. Boise State<\/strong> has a chance to enter that conversation in 2018 with a road win against a Power Five conference school. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State<\/strong> has the unenviable task of replacing Mason Rudolph<\/a><\/strong> and James Washington<\/a><\/strong> which are the schools’ all-time leaders in passing yards and receiving yards.<\/p>\n

15.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>USC at Texas\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, September 15th<\/h3>\n

Time: 7:00 PM CST<\/h3>\n

TV: FOX<\/h3>\n

Where: Darrel K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas<\/h3>\n

If last year is any indicator, this could be one of the best non-conference games in 2018. USC<\/strong> narrowly defeated the Horns in 2017 in double overtime 27-24. For Texas<\/strong>, four of the six losses came by a total of 15 points. This could be a big win for a program that has struggled over the past few years. How USC replaces Sam Darnold<\/a> will be critical to the success of the season as the Trojans attempt to defend their PAC 12 championship.<\/p>\n

14.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>Notre Dame at Wake Forest\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, September 22nd<\/h3>\n

Time: TBD<\/h3>\n

TV: TBD<\/h3>\n

Where: BB&T Field, Winston-Salem, North Carolina<\/h3>\n

Historically, when you think of Wake Forest<\/strong> you think of a stingy defense and a rather pedestrian offensive football team. Those roles were reversed in 2017 as the Demon Deacons had one of the best offenses in the ACC. The change in scenery might be welcomed by Wake Forest. Despite the 11-point margin, Notre Dame controlled the contest a year ago.<\/p>\n

13.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>Florida Atlantic vs Oklahoma\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, September 1st<\/h3>\n

Time: 11:00 AM CST<\/h3>\n

TV: FOX<\/h3>\n

Where: Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma<\/h3>\n

Oklahoma could make a case for the toughest non-conference schedule in the country. In facing Army<\/strong>, UCLA, and here against FAU the Sooners will face teams that had a combined 27-13 record in 2017 with all three being bowl teams. This contest will face two potential All-American running backs in Rodney Anderson<\/a><\/strong> of Oklahoma who led the nation in all-purpose yards by a running back in the last six games a year ago and Devin Singletary<\/a><\/strong> for FAU. Singletary ran for nearly 1,800 yards and 29 touchdowns a year ago.<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>South Carolina at Clemson\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, November 24th<\/h3>\n

Time: TBD<\/h3>\n

TV: TBD<\/h3>\n

Where: Clemson Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina<\/h3>\n

We get back into the rivalry pool as the “Palmetto Bowl”<\/strong> induces a number 12 ranking in our countdown. South Carolina<\/strong> looks to be one of the most improved teams in the country in 2018 as long as they can stay healthy. Meanwhile, Clemson<\/strong> will most certainly be in the top two in the rankings to start the year and a favorite to make it back to the College Football Playoffs. Clemson has taken the last four contests in this storied rivalry.<\/p>\n

11.\"\"<\/a>\u00a0Louisville vs Alabama\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, September 1st<\/h3>\n

Time: 7:00 PM CST<\/h3>\n

TV: ABC<\/h3>\n

Where: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida<\/h3>\n

The defending National Champions land in prime time for the opening weekend in the 2018 season. The Tide have made a point in dominating these matchups in the past few years. Over the past six seasons, Alabama<\/strong> has won all six of their openers by a combined score of 220-77. This year, Louisville<\/strong> will look to shock the world in the opening weekend of the season. The Cardinal will be breaking in a new quarterback in 2018 replacing three-year starter Lamar Jackson<\/a><\/strong>. 94% of the passing yardage, 71% of the offensive touchdowns scored, and 48% of the rushing yardage will need to be replaced in the first game of the season against the best team in the country.<\/p>\n

10.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>Miami vs LSU\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Sunday, September 2nd<\/h3>\n

Time: 6:30 PM CST<\/h3>\n

TV: ABC<\/h3>\n

Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas<\/h3>\n

The magnitude of this game is significant for both schools, but maybe more for the Hurricanes. After beginning 10-0 and in the driver’s seat for a College Football Playoff berth, Miami<\/strong> lost three in a row to end the season. The Canes do not have a difficult schedule and surviving this game could be critical to championship aspirations. LSU<\/strong> might be the forgotten team in the SEC this year. Alabama, Georgia<\/strong>, and Auburn<\/strong> seem to be at forefront of the SEC conversation. As is normally the case, the defense will be one of the best in the country with the big question mark being how successful can the quarterback position be.<\/p>\n

9.\"\"<\/a>\u00a0Notre Dame at Virginia Tech\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, October 6th<\/h3>\n

Time: TBD<\/h3>\n

TV: TBD<\/h3>\n

Where: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Virginia<\/h3>\n

The Hokies are a team that might possibly be in transition in 2018. They lose key players on both sides of the ball and will have to answer the age-old question of rebuilding versus reloading. The expectations are always gigantic in South Bend, but the Irish must replace the top two rushers and receivers from a year ago. Lane Stadium<\/strong> will be rocking for this early October matchup.<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>Stanford at Notre Dame\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, September 29th<\/h3>\n

Time: 6:30 PM CST<\/h3>\n

TV: Fox Sports Network<\/h3>\n

Where: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana<\/h3>\n

The Cardinal experience an extremely tough early season scheduling wise. They host San Diego State<\/strong> and USC to start the campaign. After hosting UC Davis<\/strong>, Stanford must travel to Oregon<\/strong> and Notre Dame in back to back weeks. Having said that, Stanford<\/strong> looks to have one of the strongest PAC 12 team this season and anything is possible with Bryce Love<\/a><\/strong> back. K.J Costello<\/strong> set a season-high with four touchdown passes in a 38-20 win over the Irish last season.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>Clemson at Texas A&M\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, September 8th<\/h3>\n

Time: 6:00 PM CST<\/h3>\n

TV: ESPN<\/h3>\n

Where: Kyle Field, College Station, Texas<\/h3>\n

With all due respect to the Northwestern State<\/strong> football program, the Aggies season begins when they host Clemson in the second week of the season. This should be fun. Texas A&M<\/strong> opened their\u00a0checkbook this offseason for Jimbo Fisher<\/strong> and his loaded staff. But, the $75 million question will be how much of a difference will that make this year? Meanwhile, Clemson is loaded with the best defense in the country and the only question might be at the quarterback position. Could we see a Trevor Lawrence<\/strong> vs Kelly Bryant<\/a><\/strong> controversy this soon?<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>Florida State at Notre Dame\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, November 10th<\/h3>\n

Time: 6:30 PM CST<\/h3>\n

TV: NBC<\/h3>\n

Where: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana<\/h3>\n

The Seminoles had a disastrous start to the 2017 season beginning 2-5. However, they did rebound to win five of the last six including a convincing bowl victory against Southern Mississippi<\/strong>. The defense might be the big question mark in losing nine starters. With all of the tough games that Notre Dame has this one looks like a must win. This matchup seems to really favor the Irish as they look to rebound from a tough November last year.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>Ohio State vs TCU\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, September 15th<\/h3>\n

Time: 7:00 PM CST<\/h3>\n

TV: ABC<\/h3>\n

Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas<\/h3>\n

The Buckeyes are once again loaded. They will be right there with Alabama, Clemson, and Georgia as the top teams in the preseason rankings. Dwayne Haskins<\/a><\/strong> appears to be the heir apparent to J.T. Barrett<\/a><\/strong> but will get a big test early on. The TCU<\/strong> program was decimated by graduation this off-season. 19 Horned Frogs from the two-deep last season are gone. One of the biggest shoes to fill will be Shawn Robinson<\/a><\/strong> as he replaces Kenny Hill<\/a><\/strong>. The quarterback that performs the best might lead his team to victory here.<\/p>\n

4.\"\"<\/a>\u00a0Notre Dame at USC\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, November 24th<\/h3>\n

Time: TBD<\/h3>\n

TV: TBD<\/h3>\n

Where: L.A. Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California<\/h3>\n

Notre Dame and USC is one of the best rivalries in College Football. Maybe best defined by the “Bush-Push”<\/strong> this game has been back and forth through the years. The teams have split the last four meetings with both teams winning decisively at home. USC won in the Coliseum by counts of 49-14 and 45-27 in 2014 and 2016. And, Notre Dame grabbed the advantage 41-31 in 2015 followed by a drubbing of the Trojans 49-14 last year.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>Michigan at Notre Dame\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, September 1st<\/h3>\n

Time: 6:30 PM CST<\/h3>\n

TV: NBC<\/h3>\n

Where: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana<\/h3>\n

When you think of the word “Blue-Blood” it doesn’t take long for both Michigan<\/strong> and Notre Dame to come to mind. Michigan is number one in all-time wins while Notre Dame is number four. The rivalry resumes this year as the Wolverines travel to South Bend for the first game of the season. Michigan\u00a0could very well be a darkhorse National Championship contender this season. How well Shea Patterson<\/a><\/strong> integrates himself in the offense early on will be key to the Wolverine success.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>Auburn vs Washington\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, September 1st<\/h3>\n

Time: 2:30 PM CST<\/h3>\n

TV: ABC<\/h3>\n

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia<\/h3>\n

Buckle up! This one has the all the makings of a classic. But, not without pressure as both of these squads have dreams of the College Football Playoffs. A must-win in the first game of the season is difficult to swallow, but that may be the reality. These teams are very evenly matched on both sides of the ball. Both have quarterbacks that make the right play and don’t often beat themselves. Also, both defenses excelled a year ago as well. This one looks to be low scoring where 20 points might win the game.<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\"\"<\/a>Army vs Navy\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

When: Saturday, December 8th<\/h3>\n

Time: 2:00 PM CST<\/h3>\n

TV: CBS<\/h3>\n

Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania<\/h3>\n

We saved the best for last. Not only for this countdown but chronologically speaking this is the last regular season game in 2019. But, this was indeed a tough call. Ultimately, the difference maker in choosing this game as number one in our countdown is that this rivalry and game each year epitomizes what College Football is all about. Both teams have been quite good on the gridiron over the last couple of years. The Naval Academy<\/strong> had dominated the series in the 2000’s in winning 14 straight from 2002-2015. However, Army<\/strong> has won the last two games by a total of five points.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As we inch ever closer to the 2018 College Football season the anticipation grows with each passing day. Feeding that frenzied enthusiasm is preseason prognostications, team previews, and key game breakdowns. We’re here to help fuel that fire just a bit as we break down Best Non-Conference College Football Games in 2018 (Part Two). 20.\u00a0Florida […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":669,"featured_media":14937,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,35583,1479],"tags":[35,1175,162,3262,313,259,509],"class_list":["post-14687","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-auburn-tigers","category-editorials","tag-alabama-crimson-tide","tag-army-black-knights","tag-auburn-tigers","tag-best-non-conference-games-of-2018","tag-navy-midshipmen","tag-notre-dame-fighting-irish","tag-washington-huskies"],"modified_by":"Michael Kovacs, ADMIN","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14687","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/669"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14687"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14687\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":78323,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14687\/revisions\/78323"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14937"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14687"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14687"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14687"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}