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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COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 25: Clemson Tigers wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) signals first down during the rival football game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Clemson Tigers on November 25, 2017 at William-Brice Stadium in Columbia,South Carolina. (Photo by Dannie Walls/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

13. South Carolina vs. Clemson (Nov. 24)

Speaking of late-season non-conference rivalry games, Clemson and South Carolina will do battle in one of the more underrated annual matchups. The in-state rivals haven’t had the closest bouts in recent years, but the Gamecocks could put up a better fight this season.

The Tigers own the series all-time at 64-42-4 and they also have a four-game winning streak to protect but don’t sleep on South Carolina.

Jake Bentley returns for South Carolina after a near 2,800-yard passing season with 16 touchdowns and he has two of his top weapons in Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards back. This offense will surely improve from a 109th national ranking from last season.

Unfortunately for the Gamecocks, they’ll be forced to travel to Clemson for this one. The Tigers have made three straight playoff appearances and there’s a good chance they’ll be in for a fourth, but the Gamecocks could prevent that with an upset. It won’t be easy as South Carolina hasn’t won at Clemson since 2012.

Kelly Bryant, Travis Etienne, Tavien Feaster and the best defensive line in the country will make this tough on the Gamecocks.