As the countdown continues to college football opener, I am very excited for this year’s non-conference matchups. This is partially because it is grounds for a possible early season upset. However, it also gives big schools like the Oregon Ducks or Clemson to have a trial run of their new players/combinations, test-out a few new plays, and fix any mistakes that no team can afford in the later part of the season.
Week 0: The U @ Florida (Camping World Stadium)
These early non-conference games also offer another avenue for revenge. Teams that got snubbed three years ago that are still feeling the effects of that particular loss will be out for blood. Take the Miami Hurricanes versus the Florida Gators. This in-state rivalry only takes place every few years, but the atmospheres are electric. They last played one another in 2013 when the un-ranked Hurricanes came away with an upset win against the Gators by a score of 21-16. This game will also be the very first of the season so my eyes will be glued to the screen as we all welcome back college football.
Week 1: FAU @ Ohio State
One of the most exciting match-ups, is Ohio State versus Florida Atlantic as the first game of either teams season. This is not because I think Ohio State will lose, far from it, but it will be interesting to see what will happen with Urban Meyer no longer at the helm. Ryan Day has some big shoes to fill. With that being said, it’s not as though he is a brand new coach from outside the system. He was hired by Meyer in 2017, so Day has two years under him as well as a fairly distinguished career before hand. I’ll be interested to see what Day has to offer as he steps out on to the field next year.
Week 7: Notre Dame @ Michigan
There is one game that should please college football fans. It will enrage fans of the two opposing teams, and excite the CFP overlords in general. I’m talking about the Michigan Wolverines facing off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. A mid-season clash between these two old titans will prove to be a fun one. This is not to say that they haven’t had their individual struggles in the past. However, this year is looking promising for both. Michigan looks to be the dominant force in the Big 10 coming into the preseason at number 6, with Notre Dame not far behind at number 10. These rankings may change as the game will be played in late October, but it will be a game to decide many teams fates as these two jostle for a possible top 4 spot.
These are just three of the non-conference matchups I am most looking forward to. Agree with my picks? Disagree? Let us know on Twitter.
