Top 10 Non-Conference Games in ‘05

Well, well, well. Look what time of year it is. School's getting started up again, my birthday's almost here, and the weather is starting to cool off just a little. For me, all that adds up to the best season of the year — college football.

Now, I don't know about you, but when all the preview magazines start coming out, I know it's time to start making some long-range plans. I'm not talking about retirement, or where we want to vacation next summer, or even what to get people for Christmas. No, it's time to plan which Saturdays in September, October, and November I need to be home to watch the "game of the year," of which there's at least one every week.

Many of these games are traditional conference rivalries, especially the ones that get stacked up at the end of the year: Michigan/Ohio State, USC/UCLA, Alabama/Auburn, etc. But some of the most interesting matchups and exciting games to watch are those so-called "intersectional," or non-conference games. Some rivalries have been around a long time, like Florida/Florida State and USC/Notre Dame. Others, though, are either once-in-a-decade or brand new.

So, one of the first things I look at when I get my new magazines is the best non-conference games among the top teams. After checking out who plays whom in these intersectional games, I've narrowed down what I think are the 10 best games to watch this year.

Georgia Tech @ Auburn (Sept. 3)

The two schools meet for just the second time since 1987 as the Yellowjackets try to establish themselves as ACC contenders.

Boise State @ Georgia (Sept. 3)

In the first-ever meeting between the two schools, the Broncos can either prove they belong with the big boys or prove the naysayers right.

Texas @ Ohio State (Sept. 10)

Two of the best programs in college football history clash on the gridiron for the first time. Can the 'Horns handle the Horseshoe?

Arizona State @ LSU (Sept. 10)

Another inaugural matchup as both schools prepare for tough conference schedules.

Southern Miss @ Alabama (Sept. 10)

The Golden Eagles try to break a four-game losing streak to the Crimson Tide, who have won 11 of the last dozen meetings.

Oklahoma @ UCLA (Sept. 17)

It's just the second meeting between Troy Aikman's former schools since 1990 and the fourth overall. The Sooners look to take out their national championship frustrations on their conquerors' arch-rival.

Bowling Green @ Boise State (Sept. 21)

Two of the top five offensive teams from 2004 clash on the Smurf Turf in Boise for the first time ever.

Colorado @ Miami (FL) (Sept. 24)

It's the first meeting between the schools since 1993 and the Buffs' first visit to Miami since 1975.

Notre Dame @ Washington (Sept. 24)

Husky coach Tyrone Willingham has his former team visit Husky Stadium for the first time.

Fresno State @ USC (Nov. 19)

It's the first meeting between these schools since the Bulldogs beat the Trojans in the 1992 Independence Bowl. Could be a good late-season non-conference challenge for USC.

And, just for good measure, the Army/Navy game, although usually dull on the field, is one of the best traditions in all of sports, collegiate or pro. Seeing all those men and women in their uniforms cheering on a bunch of guys who are more likely to see action on a battlefield than on a football field after their academy days are over is truly heartwarming. It should serve as a good reminder as to what is really important in life — besides college football.