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College Football: 5 most intriguing non-conference games of 2019

By Daniel Smyth

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 08: Wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. #2 of the Colorado Buffaloes breaks free against defensive back Aaron Williams #24 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 08: Wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. #2 of the Colorado Buffaloes breaks free against defensive back Aaron Williams #24 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 5, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 5, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) /

Honorable Mentions

Cincinnati at Ohio State

Do not be deceived — the Cincinnati Bearcats can flat-out play. The Bearcats finished with an 11-2 record and will look to prove they are the top program in Ohio when they take on Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes. Luke Fickell, the 2011 interim head football coach and former defensive coordinator of Ohio State’s 2014 National Championship team will look to upset the Buckeyes in their own backyard.

Miami at Florida 

Folks, this is the first game of the entire 2019 season and it is a huge upgrade last season. The watchability of this game is high because it will be between two of Florida’s top programs. It also marks the debut of Manny Diaz as Miami head coach. Will “The U” return to form or will Dan Mullen continue to improve upon a successful first season in Gainesville?

Nebraska at Colorado 

Laviska Shenault Jr. vs. the Nebraska secondary was an instant classic last season. The former Big 12 rivalry is renewed for 2023 and 2024, but the Bison Head Trophy and bragging rights will be up for grabs in 2019. Nebraska should be much improved this season, meanwhile Colorado returns the Shenault who went for 177 receiving yards and caught the game winning touchdown.

Oregon at Auburn

Here’s a tip, if the game is an early-season matchup at “Jerry World” then it’s going to be a good one. This game is a rematch of the 2011 BCS National Championship game. Although both programs are not as elite as they used to be, it will feature top NFL draft quarterback prospect Justin Herbert.

Pittsburgh at Penn State

This rivalry game has gone in the favor of Penn State the last two seasons. This upcoming game between the two in-state rivals will be the 100th time these two foes square off. Expect a good game between a rising Pittsburgh program that won the ACC Coastal Division and a Penn State team that is rebuilding after losing a bunch of players on both sides of the ball.

Texas A&M at Clemson

Last season, this was an awesome game. The only problem is now Clemson has home-field advantage. With Trevor Lawrence playing the entire game this year coupled with the home crowd Clemson should easily fend off a Texas A&M program on the rise. Still, this has potential to be a wild game if Texas A&M comes to play.

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