Top 15 Non-Conference College Football Games to Watch This Year

Dec 29, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the 2014 Liberty Bowl at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

6. Texas A&M Aggies vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (Houston); Saturday, Sept. 5

Now this is a very interesting non-conference match-up. We are talking about two teams who brought in new head coaches a few years ago that have turned them into nearly powerhouse football programs.

And they both have a right to think they are very close to being a national title contender. For one of them, it could be this year, and this opening game will determine that. It’s Kevin Sumlin vs. Todd Graham. Mike Bercovici vs. Kyle Allen.

And it is likely going to be a shootout. Who can not get excited about this, particularly when it is the first week of the season and is being played in Houston?

The Aggies and Sun Devils are sleepers in their respective conferences and could definitely compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff or at least the New Year’s Six. There is virtually a 100 percent chance of this game playing a role on which team is in position to do that.

And as a basketball score is what it will take to determine that, this game will be worth watching from start to finish. Oh, and SEC vs. Pac-12 pride does not hurt.

Next: #5: USC at Notre Dame