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

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

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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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – NOVEMBER 24: Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) throws the ball during the college football game between the Pittsburgh Panthers and the University of Miami Hurricanes on November 24, 2018 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

11. Penn State vs Pitt

Once again we’re back to the subject of in-state rivalries. In this game, which will be the last (scheduled) meeting between these two in-state rivals (in-which the programs are at drastically different points), we revisit a literal throat-stomping of a game where Penn State was victorious by a score of 51-6. Worse yet? The loss was a home game for Pitt.

Now, credit where credit is most definitely due, Penn State is a program on the rise, locking up continual top recruiting classes, and poised for strong showings in the future. However, this in-state rivalry gets even more intense as Pitt went on to put together a strong season, claiming the ACC Coastal Division title after finishing 6-2 in conference, and landing a few impressive grad transfers.

With this being the last time that Pitt could serve to give the Nittany Lions a humbling, could we see the Panthers step their game up to new heights and slay the in-state Big Ten giant? Pitt lost to Stanford by just a single point in the Sun Bowl, could we see Pitt complete what could be the biggest win in program history?

Penn State will take on Idaho, Buffalo, and finally Pitt before jumping head first into Big Ten season with a road game at Maryland. After securing several astonishingly good recruiting classes, and putting together some big seasons under NFL-bound Trace McSorley, including last year’s 9-4 season, could we see Penn State continue their trend of dominance against in-state rival Pitt?

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