2013 College Football Preseason Rankings: Top 5 Out-of-Conference Games

2013 College Football Preseason Rankings: Top 5 Out-of-Conference Games: While they may not have the history and bad blood of some of the top conference rivalries in college football, out-of-conference meetings between national powers can be even more pivotal when it comes to actually determining a national champion. For one, there is a short list of teams that even challenge themselves outside of conference play anyway so a statement win can go a long way to moving a team up the pecking order in the polls. Not to mention the fact that in some cases, teams can control their own destiny by defeating another team they are competing with for a spot in the title game rather than having to hope someone else will do the job. In either case, there are always a few out-of-conference clashes that are among the biggest and most important, and here is a closer look at the best of the best for the 2013 college football season.

1.      Georgia at Clemson, August 31

Does it get much better than two teams that will open the year ranked in the top 10 squaring off in the first game of the season? Both sides have national title aspirations so someone is leaving this game very disappointed. Meanwhile, the game could jumpstart Heisman campaigns for Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray or Clemson QB Tajh Boyd. Not to mention the fact that both teams are loaded with playmakers on offense so the action on the field itself should be entertaining on top of the championship implications. Talk about kicking the season off with a bang.

2.      LSU vs. TCU, August 31

This game will take place on a neutral site in Arlington, Texas, and it will go a long way to setting the tone for the season for both teams. LSU is the traditional power in the matchup, but the Tigers could be walking into a trap against a TCU team with plenty of talent on its roster. The Horned Frogs have one of the best defensive lines in the country led by star pass-rusher Devonte Fields, and they have arguably the best cornerback in Jason Verrett. Maybe LSU just runs over TCU with its power ground game, but Tigers quarterback Zach Mettenberger has yet to show he can produce when he gets knocked around in the pocket, and the Horned Frogs will be in his face from start to finish. This game could go down to the wire and could go either way.

3.      Florida State at Florida, November 30

Thanks to Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher’s rebuilding project, this rivalry suddenly has some substance again. The Seminoles had taken back-to-back meetings with the Gators prior to last year’s turnover-induced meltdown that saw FSU cough up a big lead and any chance at playing for a national title. Meanwhile, the Gators used the win to earn an at-large berth in a BCS bowl. With plenty of talent back for both sides, this game could once again mean a lot for both teams. Not to mention the fact that watching the Gators’ loaded defense take on the Seminoles three-headed rushing attack should be fun.

4.      Notre Dame at Stanford, November 30

In one of the more memorable games of 2012, Notre Dame’s defense stopped Stanford running back Stepfan Taylor inches short of the goal line in overtime to seal the victory on a play that is still being debated. The matchup was a hard-hitting slugfest, and with the Fighting Irish and Cardinal both possessing massive offensive lines and stout defenses once again, a war in the trenches is likely on tap. Not to mention the fact that Stanford could be in the thick of the national title hunt by the time this game rolls around. For those that like, old-school, smash-mouth football, it won’t get any better than this.

5.      Alabama vs. Virginia Tech, August 31

Sure, the Crimson Tide could turn this into another laugher as they did when they dismantled Michigan to open the 2012 season, but when the two-time defending champs kickoff the season against an out-of-conference team that has also been a national power in recent years, it is worth paying attention to. Granted, the Hokies haven’t been as tough as usual the past couple of seasons, but Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas can do some damage with his big arm and bulldozing running ability. If Thomas plays one of his best games, the he and the Hokies could catch the Crimson Tide looking ahead to a meeting with another dual-threat quarterback a few weeks later in College Station.

NSAwins.com is America’s premier sports betting website for 2013 College Football Expert Picks and College Football Betting Odds and Lines.