Every season SEC programs are tasked with playing some of the top programs in the country in nonconference play. It can make or break some programs. In the past, the LSU Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide have each used success in Week 1 against nonconference opponents as a springboard for the rest of the season. Typically, scheduling a tough nonconference opponent translates to success.
That may not always be the case, however. Some SEC programs struggle to fend off nonconference opponents. Last year, the Auburn Tigers lost to the New Mexico State Aggies. Upsets are bound to happen in nonconference play. However, the SEC typically fares well as a whole conference when it comes to facing nonconference foes.
Roll Tide Wire ranks the top 10 nonconference matchups in the SEC for the 2024-2025 season.
In Week 2, the Arkansas Razorbacks will travel three hours to the west to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Last season, Arkansas finished with a 4-8 record. Oklahoma State concluded last season with a Big 12 Championship appearance and a 10-4 record. During the offseason, the Razorbacks coaching staff made a number of changes. They were able to land a number of key transfers including Boise State transfer quarterback Taylen Green, Utah transfer running back Ja’Quinder Jackson, and Marshall transfer linebacker Stephem Dix Jr.
Oklahoma State returns one of the best running backs in college football in Ollie Gordon II. He will pose a lot of challenges for the Razorbacks defense. It will be interesting to see how Arkansas looks on the road in Week 2 against one of the more premier teams in the Big 12.
The Kentucky-Louisville rivalry is one that has had its share of thrillers in the past. The Kentucky Wildcats won last year’s matchup against Louisville by a final score of 38-31. The Wildcats will have to replace several key players from a season ago with quarterback Devin Leary, running back Ray Davis, and linebacker Trevin Wallace heading to the NFL. Rivalries almost always bring out the stars. Several Wildcats that will need to step up in this matchup are quarterback Brock Vandagriff, wide receiver Barion Brown, and defensive tackle Deone Walker.
Louisville has a new head coach this year. They hired former Cardinals quarterback Jeff Brohm. He has assembled a strong roster and will be equipped to carry a good team to Lexington for the rivalry game this season. The Kentucky-Louisville rivalry is one that will live up to expectations yet again in 2024.
8. Miami (FL) at Florida
In Week 1, the Miami Hurricanes will travel to Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators. Both the Hurricanes and Gators had their share of struggles last season. Miami finished with a 7-6 record and Florida finished with a 5-7 record. Both programs have been trending in the wrong direction for several years. Could this be the statement game that either of these programs needs to catapult them in the right direction?
That might be a stretch. Yes, it will be a big game for both programs. However, it will likely not alter either team’s season enough to make a drastic difference. Both teams have enough talent to win some big games. This could be a game that wins or loses some recruits for both programs. Florida versus Miami will attract a lot of high-profile prospects that both schools are recruiting. Therefore, this game will be more intriguing from a recruiting standpoint in my opinion.
7. Tennessee vs. North Carolina State (Charlotte)
Week 2 will be the first challenge of the new season for the Tennessee Volunteers. The Volunteers will make the short trek from Knoxville to Charlotte to take on the North Carolina State Wolfpack. Josh Heupel’s squad will be led by redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava. That could pose some challenges early on. There is an abundant amount of talent surrounding the California native, however. Tennessee has a roster equipped to make some noise in the SEC this season. The Volunteers could make a run at the College Football Playoff national title.
As for the Wolfpack, they are poised to have a promising season as well. Dave Doeren’s squad is seemingly always competitive. A Week 2 matchup against a tough, Tennessee squad will be a difficult obstacle to navigate. North Carolina State will give it everything they got and see how things unfold in the Tar Heel state.
6. Florida at Florida State
One rivalry that typically lives up to the hype is Florida versus Florida State. In 2024, the Florida Gators will travel to Tallahassee to take on the Florida State Seminoles. Last season, the Gators lost 24-15 to the Seminoles. It was a game that had multiple twists and turns. That is how the rivalry usually goes regardless of which team comes in as the favorite to win.
Florida State is equipped with one of the most talented rosters in college football. Florida has enough to talent to make things competitive. Will the Gators be competitive enough to pull off the upset on the road?
5. Notre Dame at Texas A\u0026amp;M
This is one of the more fascinating non-conference matchups to me. The Texas A&M Aggies come into Week 1 with a new coach for the first time in six seasons. Head coach Mike Elko and the Aggies will be put to the test against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Fortunately for Texas A&M, they will have the luxury of playing in front of over 106,000 fans in College Station at…
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