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College football’s 15 most compelling non-conference games to watch in 2018

By Connor Muldowney

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: The USC Trojans face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: The USC Trojans face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: USC (21) Tyler Vaughns (WR) skies for an attempted catch, but would lose control hitting the ground, in the 2nd overtime period in a college football game between the Texas Longhorns and the USC Trojans on September 16, 2017, at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: USC (21) Tyler Vaughns (WR) skies for an attempted catch, but would lose control hitting the ground, in the 2nd overtime period in a college football game between the Texas Longhorns and the USC Trojans on September 16, 2017, at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. USC vs. Texas (Sept. 15)

Everyone remembers that national title game in 2006 between USC and Texas which featured Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart against Vince Young. It was one of those instant classics which featured a back-and-forth battle which ended with a touchdown run by Young who stretched out over the pylon with just 19 seconds left and he added a two-point conversion as well.

The Trojans haven’t forgotten that game, and who could? It was one that sticks in the mind of all college football fans but has to be extra heartbreaking for the Trojans.

So when this matchup between the Trojans and Longhorns was announced, it was easy to get excited. The two matched up a season ago and it didn’t disappoint as the Trojans beat the Longhorns 27-24 in double overtime. Expect another close matchup in 2018.

The Trojans have plenty of questions to answer on offense, such as who will lead at the quarterback position, and the defense should improve.

Tom Herman has Texas back in the national spotlight and he could lead the Longhorns to a Big 12 title, but he needs to show he can win the big games, and this constitutes just that.