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

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)
4 of 7
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 01: Shea Patterson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines throws a pass while playing the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 1, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 01: Shea Patterson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines throws a pass while playing the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 1, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

4. Notre Dame at Michigan (Week 9)

The football gods gave college football fans a fantastic treat by scheduling this rivalry game in Week 9. Last season this game had huge playoff implications and 2019 should yield a similar situation.

This game would be higher on the list had it not have been such a dud last season.

On offense, both teams struggled and the only reason it was close was thanks to a clutch kickoff return from Michigan’s Ambry Thomas. Additionally, playing this game Week 1 simply did not do it justice.

Shea Patterson will look to redeem his underwhelming performance against the Fighting Irish where he threw for no touchdowns and one interception.

Ian Book vs. Shea Patterson, Brian Kelly vs. Jim Harbaugh, Notre Dame vs. Michigan — no matter how you look at it this game is super appealing, on paper. This is a historic matchup and casual fans are going to watch it no matter what.

If both of these programs are ranked in the top 10 come Week 9, then this could easily go down as the biggest matchup of the season, but for know it’s No. 4 on the list.