Fansided

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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GAINESVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 25: Matthew Thomas #6 and Jacob Pugh #16 of the Florida State Seminoles carry a gator head out of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium after the game against the Florida Gators on November 25, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 25: Matthew Thomas #6 and Jacob Pugh #16 of the Florida State Seminoles carry a gator head out of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium after the game against the Florida Gators on November 25, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

14. Florida vs. Florida State (Nov. 24)

Rivalry games rarely take place in the non-conference, but Florida versus Florida State is an exception. The two are in separate conferences, but that doesn’t lessen the hate between the two programs. The Gators and Seminoles just don’t like each other and this is a game circled on both teams’ calendars each season.

What makes this non-conference battle even rarer is the fact that it takes place in the final week of the season. It’s Rivalry Week, so it makes sense, but it’s one of the only rivalries to not count against a league record.

The Gators are getting plenty of praise from national pundits this offseason and there are some who believe they could be on the track to a New Year’s Six bowl with Dan Mullen at the helm.

Let’s pump the brakes on that talk, though. What makes this battle more intriguing than in years past is the fact that both sides are entering a new era with new head coaches. The aforementioned Mullen left Mississippi State to lead the Gators and Willie Taggart parted ways with Oregon to take his dream job in Tallahassee.

The Gators’ usually-lethargic offense could see plenty of improvement while the Seminoles will look to reload on defense. Will this also have playoff implications? It’s possible.