The top 10 non-conference games for the state schools this year

The title would seem to give this post away. Yes we're looking at the tp 10 non-conference games for the state schools. 

1) September 3: LSU vs. Florida State (in Orlando)

Is this a playoff preview in early September? It could be, it's not fair from the realm of reality that both of these teams will be in the CFP picture come mid-November. Last year's game in New Orleans, won 24-23 by FSU, was a time of transition for both programs. The Seminoles were just starting to find their way under Mike Norvell and went on to win 10 games. LSU and first-year coach Brian Kelly were figuring each other out and the Tigers still managed to win the SEC West Division and destroy Purdue in the Citrus Bowl. 

This time there are no secrets. Neither team will be caught by surprise. LSU will have one of the best offensive fronts in the country and FSU has the defensive line to match. It's strength-on-strength up and down the rosters. This game should live up to the hype. 

2) August 31: Florida at Utah

Last year Florida gave Billy Napier a nice welcome with a 29-26 win over the Utes in the Swamp. It was a tremendous back-and-forth contest that put quarterback Anthony Richardson on the map. Richardson is gone and the Gators are still in the middle of a rebuild, but now they have to go across the country for a Thursday-night tilt. Utah has 16 starters returning, including quarterback Cam Rising. This is going to be a tough task for the Gators.  

3) September 9: UCF at Boise State

If UCF wants to make a bowl in its first Big XII season, the Knights need to go 3-0 in their non-conference games. They should be able to handle Kent State and Villanova at home, so that leaves this tricky road game against Boise State. This isn't the same Boise State that tortured Power 5 teams under Chris Petersen, but they are never an easy out on the blue turf. 

4) September 9: Texas A&M at Miami

With both the Hurricanes and the Aggies coming off of disappointing 2021 campaigns, this game is somewhat of a litmus test. I actually think both teams are heading for improvements. Texas A&M looks like they could go 9-3 and Miami has a schedule that I believe they can get to eight wins with. This could be a game where both sides come out of it as better football teams.

5) November 25: Florida State at Florida

It's a non-conference game right? I didn't say it couldn't be a rivalry game. Florida could need this game to get them bowl eligible and FSU might need this game to remain in contention for the playoff. The Gators have won 3 out of the last four against the Seminoles and the past two at the Swamp. 

6) September 23: Florida Atlantic at Illinois

FAU has back-to-back road games against Power 5 competition, facing Clemson on September 16 and at Illinois a week later. I don't expect the Owls to win either contest, but if they can catch Illinois coming out a little slow in a noon game, it could be a fun watch. This is also a chance to see potential first-round pick Illinois DT Jer'Zhan Newton, a prospect from Clearwater. 

7) September 2: South Florida at Western Kentucky 

Don't point to the Alabama game because that one might get ugly. Instead the Bulls opener at Western Kentucky will give us an immediate look at what Alex Golesh's program is going to look like and how they are going to compete. I don't expect a Bulls win here, but a strong effort could go a long way with a very jaded fan base.

8) September 23: Charlotte at Florida

There are not a lot of easy games on Florida's schedule and they are going have to fight to get to 6-7 wins. That's why dispatching of a Charlotte team with a new coach is crucial. The Gators will need every easy they can get. 

9) September 16: Alabama at South Florida

It probably won't be close for more than a quarter, but this game should pop a nice crowd at Raymond James Stadium and if it's good for a half or three quarters I think USF will be better for it. 

10) September 16: FIU at UConn

FIU went 4-8 last year and want to qualify for a bowl this year. Beating teams like UConn will help get that accomplshed. Last year UConn won 33-12. 


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