SEC Football: 5 biggest non-conference games in 2019

(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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3. Auburn Tigers. vs. Oregon Ducks (Week 1)

Where: Arlington, Texas

Both of these teams are underdogs in 2019. This game is a great opportunity for both teams to put their name on the map as contenders. Both Oregon and Auburn are going to need all the help they can get.

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The Pac-12 is known as the worst conference in the Power Five. They are consistently the odd conference out. It would take either an undefeated run or a tough non-conference schedule for a team on the west coast to make the CFP. Playing Auburn definitely counts as a tough non-conference schedule.

For Auburn, it’s safe to say that a 12-1 season with an SEC ring would be enough to make the Playoff. However, it will be incredibly tough for the Tigers to go undefeated in the SEC after playing LSU, Georgia, and Auburn. If they lose to the Ducks, it will likely eliminate them from the Playoff.

Justin Herbert surprised Oregon fans when he came back for another season. Many expected him to be a top quarterback prospect in the NFL Draft, and players like that rarely return. With him at the helm paired with a top recruiting class, this team has a chance to turn some heads in the Pac-12. A potential upset against Auburn would be huge for the Ducks.

Auburn will be without their starting quarterback from last season, so they will need to fill that role early. The first week in the season is usually where teams work out a few kinks, but the Tigers can’t do that against Oregon.