Ain’t Played Nobody: 9 college football teams avoid Power Five non-conference games
By John Buhler
College football teams avoiding a Power Five team in the non-conference
Oklahoma had Georgia on the schedule, but the SEC had them cancel
This one is a little complicated, but hear me out. Oklahoma was slated to play Georgia in a home-and-home series beginning this year. However, the series was canceled due to the Sooners joining the SEC in 2024. Conversely, the second installment of Texas’ home-and-home with Alabama will be played, as the first game took place last season. OU is left with Arkansas State, SMU and Tulsa.
Given that the Sooners were a middling .500 team under first-time head coach Brent Venables, they will take all the wins they can get at this point. Although prestige could help them out if OU gets back into the CFP picture, they are no longer the darling of the conference they are leaving after this year. Oklahoma could get back to its winning ways, or be heading on a downward spiral.
With a weak non-conference schedule, Venables needs to win eight games in year two or else…
Oregon State has no margin for error in a huge year
For the second year in a row, Oregon State will not face a Power Five opponent in the non-conference. Coincidentally, the Beavers went 10-3 last year in a breakout season for Jonathan Smith leading his alma mater’s program. With improved quarterback play, one would think the Beavers are a dark horse contender to win the league and get to a New Year’s Six Bowl game.
However, Oregon State drawing San Jose State, UC-Davis and San Diego State in the non-conference does not give them any margin for error. The Aztecs may be a future conference opponent of theirs, but that win will not be perceived of the same quality as would a victory in any of their nine conference games. Oregon State will be facing P5 teams in the non-conference soon.
They will play Purdue next year and have future home-and-homes with Ole Miss and Texas Tech.