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15 non-conference games that will shape the 2019 College Football Playoff

By Nate Williamson

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 09: Georgia Bulldogs nose tackle John Atkins (97) waits for the snap during the college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Georgia Bulldogs on September 9, 2017, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 09: Georgia Bulldogs nose tackle John Atkins (97) waits for the snap during the college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Georgia Bulldogs on September 9, 2017, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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PALO ALTO, CA – OCTOBER 06: Stanford Cardinal quarterback K.J. Costello (3) scans the field during the football game between the Utah Utes and the Stanford Cardinal on October 6, 2018, at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, CA. (Photo by Samuel Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA – OCTOBER 06: Stanford Cardinal quarterback K.J. Costello (3) scans the field during the football game between the Utah Utes and the Stanford Cardinal on October 6, 2018, at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, CA. (Photo by Samuel Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

7. UCF vs Stanford

UCF had their impressive 25-game winning streak broken in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl by LSU last season, and thus the Tigers mockingly dubbed themselves the National Champions. That can’t leave a great taste in the mouths of the UCF players, to say the least.

This game will be crucial for UCF in their attempt to make it into the top four spots for the College Football Playoff, as it is likely their toughest match-up UCF has on their non-conference schedule. UCF’s playoff hopes reside in this Sept. 14 game, but it will be interesting to see if their two non-conference match-ups are strong enough to get them into the playoff, even with wins.

Stanford comes into this game after finishing with a 6-3 record in the Pac-12, and a 9-4 record overall. They rode out the season on a four-game win streak with a win over Pitt and will look to continue that success in the coming season. Stanford lost some key players in their offense, like J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and Kaden Smith, but returning players like K.J. Costello, tight end Colby Parkinson, and running back Cameron Scarlett stood out.

Breakout star Paulson Adebo also returns, and along with him, the Stanford secondary returns the leadership of safety Frank Buncom IV. With that key group of players returning for another season, we could see Stanford grow from their 9-4 finish last season.

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