2012 College Football Rankings: Top 5 Out-of-Conference Games

2012 College Football Preseason Rankings – Top 5 Out-of-Conference Games: Although many big games are reserved for conference play, there are always a few out-of-conference matchups each season that get plenty of hype. After all, it isn’t too often that two national title contenders from different conferences chose meet during the regular season because nobody wants to ruin their chances of playing for a championship in a game that could have been avoided. That being said, a big out-of-conference win can also solidify a team’s resume and make a statement for their conference. Here is a look at the top out-of-conference games for the 2012 college football season.

2012 College Football Rankings: Top 5 Out-of-Conference Games

1.      Michigan vs. Alabama at Cowboys Stadium, September 1

Talk about a season opener. A loss for the Crimson Tide will end their chances at repeating before they even begin, and loss for the Wolverines will put a damper on the newfound optimism in Ann Arbor and delay any national title talk for at least a year. Michigan’s rebuilt defensive is going to get a serious test from Alabama’s elite offensive line and power running game, but quarterback Denard Robinson can make any game interesting, and his Heisman candidacy is likely on the line. The loser is going to be very disappointed.

2.      Boise State at Michigan State, August 31

Everyone expects Boise State to slip this year with the departure of quarterback Kellen Moore, but this is a chance for the Broncos to prove the critics wrong yet again. The Spartans have Big Ten title hopes and a defense to back it up, and taking out the Broncos to kick off the year could set up Michigan State for even bigger things. However, Boise State has taken out Oregon, Virginia Tech and Georgia in early season matchups in the past three seasons. This is a dangerous game for Michigan State against a Broncos’ team with nothing to lose.

3.      South Carolina at Clemson, November 24

Both programs are coming off impressive seasons, but the in-state rivals will have to go through each other if they want to reach the next level at compete for a national title. The Tigers have a high-powered offense led by quarterback Tajh Boyd, receiver Sammy Watkins and running back Andre Ellington, but the Gamecocks have a physical defense led by two of the best defensive ends in the country. It will be strength on strength, and after getting throttled for the third year in a row by Steve Spurrier’s bunch last year, the Tigers will be looking to get some revenge.

4.      Michigan at Notre Dame, September 22

While the Wolverines and Fighting Irish haven’t exactly been competing for national titles lately, there is no denying that last year’s meeting between the programs produced one of the most-exciting games of the season. Notre Dame grabbed the lead with 30 seconds remaining, only to watch Michigan QB Denard Robinson work his magic and return to the favor. Robinson lofted a pass to the corner of the end zone, connecting on the game-winning touchdown with two seconds left and giving the Wolverines a 35-31 win. If the rematch is even half as exciting, it will be worth watching.

5.      Notre Dame at USC, November 24

This late-season rivalry game could have a lot riding on it for the Trojans. There is a good chance USC will be in the hunt for a national title, and after being on the losing end of this matchup a lot lately, the Fighting Irish would love to wreck the championship dreams of Lane Kiffin and company. Not to mention that USC QB Matt Barkley could be playing for a Heisman Trophy. There is an old saying that the easiest way to win a Heisman is to play for Notre Dame or to beat Notre Dame, and big showing from Barkley against the Fighting Irish could be the cherry on top of a special season.

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