What are the biggest, best, and most important non-conference games – and early predictions – for the 2020 college football season?
Considering the uncertainty around the 2020 college football season, the non-conference games are about to become a big topic of conversation.
Will conferences decide to play just games within their own leagues? Will they blow off neutral site games if fans aren’t likely to travel to them? What’s going to happen with Notre Dame and its schedule?
When it comes to the Irish, they have their friends with benefits deal with the ACC – they play six games against ACC teams, and they can take one of the league’s bowl spots – but for purposes of this, they’re put in the non-conference game category.
These are the big games that should play a big role in defining the bowl matchups – assuming we get there – and when it comes to bragging rights.
More importantly to you, there are way-early lines up at BetMGM – you can bet on these games now. The savvy investor might be able to find a phenomenal opportunity several months before the games happen.
They’re the 25 best and most important non-conference games of the 2020 college football season, with a bonus battle to kick it all off.
26. North Dakota State at Oregon, Sept. 5
Be very, very careful. The defending FCS champion and QB Trey Lance can absolutely pull off…
Be very, very careful. The defending FCS champion and QB Trey Lance can absolutely pull off the shocker. EARLY PREDICTION: Oregon
23. West Virginia vs. Florida State -3.5 (in Atlanta), Sept. 5
The new FSU coaching staff has to start out the season with a win, but WVU…
The new FSU coaching staff has to start out the season with a win, but WVU needs to make an early statement after a losing season. EARLY PREDICTION: FSU
It's a dangerous game for a Nebraska team desperate to turn the corner. Cincinnati will be…
It's a dangerous game for a Nebraska team desperate to turn the corner. Cincinnati will be one of 2020's better Group of Five teams. EARLY PREDICTION: Nebraska
Florida has won two straight after FSU dominated the series. It would be a huge moment…
Florida has won two straight after FSU dominated the series. It would be a huge moment in Mike Norvell's first year if the Noles could pull this off. EARLY PREDICTION: Florida
Just how good will Notre Dame be? Will USC head man Clay Helton need this win…
Just how good will Notre Dame be? Will USC head man Clay Helton need this win to stay off the hot seat? The Irish have won three in a row. EARLY PREDICTION: Notre Dame
Is Tennessee ready to matter again? It's the first game between the two since OU won…
Is Tennessee ready to matter again? It's the first game between the two since OU won in 2015 and just the fifth meeting overall. EARLY PREDICTION: Oklahoma
Alabama won in a 52-6 laugher over USC to open the 2016 season. USC should be…
Alabama won in a 52-6 laugher over USC to open the 2016 season. USC should be a whole lot stronger, but no one has come closer than ten points of the Tide in a season opener in 13 years. EARLY PREDICTION: Alabama
Last year it was the game that launched a legendary run by Joe Burrow and LSU…
Last year it was the game that launched a legendary run by Joe Burrow and LSU with a 45-38 win in Austin. Can it be Sam Ehlinger's turn for Texas in Baton Rouge? EARLY PREDICTION: LSU
There's a decent chance both teams will be 8-0 in what should be an epic matchup.…
There's a decent chance both teams will be 8-0 in what should be an epic matchup. It's Clemson's first trip to South Bend since 1979 - a 16-10 win. EARLY PREDICTION: Clemson
It's the first meeting between the two since Ohio State won the first CFP National Championship…
It's the first meeting between the two since Ohio State won the first CFP National Championship at the end of the 2014 season. It's Oregon's shot to get in the national title hunt right away. EARLY PREDICTION: Ohio State