Top Non-Conference Games: SEC
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By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com
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Ranking the top ten non-conference games in the SEC.
1. Alabama vs Wisconsin, September 5th (AT&T Stadium)
There will be an obvious focus on the line of scrimmage as two teams that pride themselves on their physicality will meet, figuratively and literally, in the trenches. The game will have an old-school feel. All eyes will be on the Crimson Tide’s new quarterback. Game one could be a tone-setter for Alabama.
2. Tennessee vs Oklahoma, September 12th
Many think that this could be the Volunteers’ year. Tennessee will have an early season litmus test in the Sooners, who topped the ‘Vols 34-10 last season in Norman. A victory here would give Tennessee incredible momentum as Butch Jones and company look to make a run in the SEC East.
3. Texas A&M vs Arizona State, September 5th (NRG Stadium)
Expect points and production. The Aggies averaged over 35 points per game in 2014, while the Sun Devils averaged nearly 37. In addition to the fireworks, SEC-vs-Pac 12 bragging rights will be on the line as those two conferences have arguably been the best in college football as of late.
4. Auburn vs Louisville, September 5th (Georgia Dome)
Expectations are high for the Tigers, who have been labeled by many as the pre-season favorite in the SEC and one of the national championship frontrunners. That chase starts in Atlanta, against a very talented Cardinals team that could very well be improved in year two under Bobby Petrino.
5. Georgia at Georgia Tech, November 28th
A late comeback win by the Yellow Jackets changed the way some viewed last season in Athens. The Bulldogs have held the upper-hand in the series and will hope to continue to the trend. With running back Nick Chubb and Georgia Tech’s triple-option, expect a lot of rushing yards.
6. Florida vs Florida State, November 28th
Success in rivalry games would be a great way for new head coach Jim McElwain to make an impression with Gator Nation. The hope is that Florida will be a more cohesive team by the end of the year.
7. South Carolina vs Clemson, November 28th
The Gamecocks will look to get back to their recent winning ways in the series after the Tigers snapped a five-game losing streak last fall. This rivalry’s national profile has grown considerably over the past decade.
8. South Carolina vs North Carolina, September 3rd (Bank of America Stadium)
These two teams opened the 2013 season in Chapel Hill, with the Gamecocks winning 27-10. This year’s edition will be a very good barometer for the South Carolina defense as the Tar Heels return a lot of talent offensively.
9. Missouri vs BYU, November 14th (Arrowhead Stadium)
The back-to-back SEC East champions will have to slow down Cougar quarterback Taysom Hill, who can put up video game-type numbers. Missouri, with a game two Thursdays prior, will have nine days to prepare.
10. South Carolina vs Central Florida, September 26th
Under George O’Leary, the Knights have won 21 games the last two years. The Gamecocks topped UCF 28-25 in Orlando back in 2013.
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