The Top 10 SEC Non-Conference Match-Ups
Seriously, we absoutely loathe ‘neutral site venue’ games, so as much as we’d like to put LSU vs Wisconsin a little higher on this list, our morals stop us from doing so. That’s you too Ole Miss vs Boise and Alabama vs West Virginia…..
1) South Carolina at Clemson (Nov 29)
South Carolina could have an unbeaten season going, and Clemson could be the last team to ruin their chance of going for a National Championship. Plus, these sides – and coaches – really don’t seem to like each other.
2) Florida at Florida State (Nov 29)
If this Florida team’s as improved as we think it might be, Florida could spoil Florida State’s play-off party in Tallahassee. Of course, the Gators would have to stay away from the surgeon, which they found it hard to do in 2013….
3) Auburn at Kansas State (Sept 18)
No easy rides in the ‘Little Apple’ with Bill Snyder and his latest group of JUCO recruits. This will be a tester. We promise.
4) Tennessee at Oklahoma (Sept. 13)
How good is the new ‘Wide Receiver U’? Well, we’ll see against Oklahoma when they go down South to play in Norman against ‘Big Game Bob’, won’t we?
5) Georgia Tech vs Georgia (Nov. 29)
Make as many jokes as you want, guys, but Tech nearly upset Georgia last year. Their triple-option gave Georgia’s D heart attacks, and if Georgia still has injury/disciplinary problems, this match-up becomes intriguing. You know what else becomes intriguing? If Georgia’s going for a play-off place and NEEDS to beat GT to have a chance.
6) Arkansas at Texas Tech (Sept 13)
The stadium’s going to be in ‘black out’ for the visit of Bret Bielema and his Razorbacks to Kliff Kingsbury country. We’re expecting a lot of points and a lot of balls in the air from Tech, and a lot of running and pounding from Alex Collins, the Razorbacks’ excellent young RB.
7) Kentucky at Louisville (Nov 29)
Because if you’re a righteous man, you’ll hate Bobby Petrino. Even if you’re NOT a righteous man, you’ll hate Bobby Petrino. This is his first SEC match-up since he was fired from Arkansas for his bad behaviour. We really don’t like the guy.
8) Utah State at Tennessee (Aug 30)
A lot of people are pencilling this in as potential upset for the Volunteers, with the return of USU QB Chuckie Keeton and an offense that could scare the life out of Neyland. On the other side, we get to see UT WR Marquez North, and whoever his QB might be. There’s a choice of about 16.
9) Rice at Texas A&M (Sept 13)
Rice only returns 12 returning starters (6 off/ 6 def), but last year, they scared the life out of Texas A&M and we could maybe go as far as saying they should have beaten the Aggies. If the Aggies’ defense is still goddawful due to bad coaching/ inability to stay out of Kevin Sumlin’s doghouse/ inability to stay out of jail, then this could be really, really interesting.
10) LSU vs Wisconsin (Houston)
A great match-up that should have been a home/home series. We would have KILLED to see LSU go to Camp Randall (what a party) and Wisconsin go to Death Valley (what a party). Instead, we’ve got the Home of Jadeveon Clowney, and the fact that neither set of season ticket holders will get their full allocation….all for a bit more money.
Alabama vs West Virginia (Aug 30, in Dallas) and Ole Miss vs Boise State (Aug 30, in Atlanta) were not considered as they are going to be blow-outs.