14. Florida vs Miami FL in Orlando, FL (August 24)
Oh wow this is two days away. Florida begins the season ranked in the top ten. With that vote of confidence come expectations: the expectation being not to lose to Miami. The Gators are certainly the favorites, but it’s the first game of the year and both teams might not have figured everything out. The Hurricanes’ defense was very good last year and could give UF fits. Obviously the ACC-SEC game matters for conference bragging rights and this was once a fiery rivalry as well.
13. Texas A&M at LSU (November 30)
Both LSU and Texas A&M are going to take their shot at knocking off Alabama. If one or both teams happen to beat the Tide, and I don’t think it’s likely, this game will be of supreme importance. It’s worth watching either way, you all remember what happened last year right? This is becoming a pretty neat rivalry in the West. If nothing else, this should have some bearing on NY6 Bowls because it’s very unlikely that neither of these teams will be in the race for an at-large bid.
12. Auburn at Florida (October 5)
One of the better non-annual crossover games we have in 2019. Auburn and Florida are both going to be in the mix, but with the stakes so high for both teams in both division races this game takes on some real importance.
11. Texas A&M at Clemson (September 7)
One of the best nonconference games of the season. Clemson are more or less penned into the Playoff, but the team that came closest to knocking them off last season was Texas A&M. The Aggies will have their work cut out for them, but it’s not like Jimbo Fisher is unfamiliar with Death Valley.
10. Alabama at Mississippi State (November 16)
Mississippi State was sneaky good last year and as far as anybody knows the Bulldogs are going to stay solid. Alabama has the misfortune of playing MSU directly after LSU so this is one of the few games where the Tide could be banged up or distracted.
9. Texas A&M at Georgia (November 23)
Now here’s a real interesting cross-division matchup that we haven’t seen before. A crunch time contest between a Playoff contender and Playoff contender aspirant. Texas A&M gets to face off against Georgia before taking the road again for their LSU matchup at the end of the year. The Bulldogs have this game sandwiched between their two rivalry dates at Auburn and at Georgia Tech.
8. LSU at Texas (September 7)
It’s the Fiesta Bowl champ against the Sugar Bowl champ. I’d say that’s a big deal in and of itself. LSU and Texas are both positioning themselves Playoff contenders (they just need to beat Alabama and Oklahoma respectively). This serendipitous early season matchup will provide a huge boost for the winner and a crippling defeat for the loser. Should be a great game.
7. Florida at LSU (October 12)
Both teams start the preseason ranked in the top ten, so that’s a pretty big deal. This is an annual rivalry game so there’s usually some bad blood, but it seems to have gotten worse of late. With both programs seemingly rebounding but still not favorites to win their division, this should be a hugely important game with Playoff and NY6 ramifications.
6. Georgia at Auburn (November 16)
Realistically Georgia only has a few games that they stand a chance of losing, this has to be one. Auburn is one big question mark, but a big question mark that relishes in ruining the seasons of their rivals with annoying regularity.
5. Notre Dame at Georgia (September 21)
Say what you want about Notre Dame’s Orange Bowl performance, but the Irish did make the Playoff last year and Georgia didn’t. This insanely high profile game should play right into the Bulldogs’ hands, but the Fighting Irish certainly can’t be discounted here. This is a must win game for Playoff eligibility.
4. Alabama at Texas A&M (October 12)
This is Alabama’s first real test of the season. I expect the Crimson Tide will be well prepared, but everybody gives Bama their best haymaker when they play the Tide. It’s not like Kyle Field is an easy place to win, either. If Texas A&M wants to be in the Playoff conversation the same way Bama and Georgia are they have to win here.
3. LSU at Alabama (November 9)
I’m a little surprised I have this game only 3rd, but it’s not like LSU has been able to make this series that close of late. The Tigers are probably the best team Alabama will face, but the Tide just have a hex over Louisiana State.
2. Alabama at Auburn (November 30)
It’s the Iron Bowl. It’s always gonna be close to the top. Alabama’s last trip to the Plains ended in disaster and they could certainly enter the matchup very banged up after playing 7 SEC games. Both teams come off their obligatory tuneup games against SoCon foes, so they should be at their best.
1. Florida vs Georgia at Jacksonville, FL (November 2)
I have to put the Cocktail Party at #1. The West race is 2 to 4 teams attempting to topple a heavily favored Alabama. The East race IS this game. Nobody else is expected to compete and Missouri is ineligible even if the Tigers end up pretty good. Georgia has won handily the last two seasons so Florida is really going to be pressed to turn out for this one.
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