College football 2018: 15 best non-conference games to watch this year

College football’s 15 most compelling non-conference games to watch in 2018

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: The USC Trojans face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

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COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 25: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers runs for a touchdown as teammates T.J. Brunson #6 and D.J. Smith #24 of the South Carolina Gamecocks try to stop him during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

The college football season is right around the corner and if you’re looking for a non-conference viewing guide, these are the 15 games to keep an eye on.

It’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing colors, kids are headed back to school and, that’s right, football is back. Some might argue it’s the best time of the year, and that’s tough to argue.

Nothing beats the season’s kickoff in late August or early September, starting with a football-filled Labor Day weekend. The 2018 season seems like it’s been a long time coming as the 2017 season ended on such a high note. Fans got to experience one of the most exciting national title games, and national semifinals, which resulted in a Hail Mary by a freshman quarterback in overtime to beat the SEC champs.

Alabama will likely open the 2018 season as the No. 1 team in the land after winning the national title over Georgia and reloading on both sides of the ball. The Crimson Tide will get an intriguing non-conference matchup with Louisville, but will that be the best out-of-league battle this year?

The non-conference matchups are always on the minds of fans because they showcase contests you’d never see otherwise. A good example would be Alabama and Florida State a year ago.

While this season doesn’t have a monumental kickoff game like that this season between two presumed top-five teams, there are plenty of non-conference bouts to keep an eye on.

Buckle up, football fans, the 2018 season will be one of the most intriguing in recent memory and it starts with non-conference action.

College football will have plenty of must-watch non-conference games in 2018, but these are the 15 best.