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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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 02: Travis Homer #24 of the Miami Hurricanes runs to the sideline during the Hurricanes’ ACC Football Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at Bank of America Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

8. Miami vs. LSU (Sept. 2)

Mark Richt left the Georgia Bulldogs and the SEC a couple of years ago after failing to consistently lead the program to the biggest stage. He decided to take the head coaching job at his alma mater, and the success has been almost immediate. In two seasons as Miami’s head coach, he has led the Hurricanes to a 19-7 record and a near-playoff berth in 2017.

Miami got off to a hot start to its 2017 season, jumping out to a 10-0 record before losing its final three games, including the ACC title game to Clemson and the Orange Bowl to Wisconsin.

This neutral location game in Arlington, Texas, will be a big one for both sides as the LSU Tigers are projected to finish in the middle of the SEC West, but a victory over the Hurricanes would silence the doubters.

The Tigers will need to find themselves an adequate starting quarterback as well as a replacement for Derrius Guice in the backfield. The offense has been lethargic for the past couple of years, while the defense has been lockdown.

Who doesn’t love a good ACC versus SEC battle with postseason implications?