College football 2018: 15 best non-conference games to watch this year

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

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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LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 16: Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien (4) looks to hand the ball off during the second half of the Las Vegas Bowl game on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, in Las Vegas. The Boise State Broncos would defeat the Oregon Ducks 38-28.(Photo by: Marc Sanchez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

15. Boise State vs. Oklahoma State (Sept. 15)

Arguably the best Group of Five vs Power Five matchup, Boise State and Oklahoma State will square off in Week 3 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla. The Broncos could be a trendy pick to pull off the “upset” although they may be the only ranked team in this matchup.

How can it be an upset? There’s a good chance the Cowboys will technically be favored, according to Vegas, and Stillwater isn’t the easiest destination to excel for an opponent.

Gone is Mason Rudolph, one of the best quarterbacks in college football last season. His replacement has yet to be decided, but Hawaii transfer Dru Brown could be the guy. However, Taylor Cornelius is making a strong push despite a shaky spring game showing. This will be the big question mark for the Cowboys in this one, as well as James Washington’s replacement.

As for Boise State, it finished 11-3 last season and nearly beat Washington State early in the season, losing in overtime. Brett Rypien is back under center after passing for nearly 2,900 yards and 16 touchdowns and Alexander Mattison returns at running back after a 1,000-yard season.

Tune in on Sept. 15 to see if the Broncos are New Year’s Six bowl worthy and if the Cowboys have reloaded.