Guide to SEC football non-conference road trips -part 2

So to continue our look at the top 10 SEC football games on the road vs. non-conference opponents, we enter the top 5 and these are all great games. In fact, the top 6 could all be strongly debated as potential Road Trip of the Year games, but it is up to us to rank them so you can decide where to park that RV.

5. Auburn at Clemson on September 17 – These teams played an overtime thriller last year and recruit many of the same players. As we all know the Auburn Tigers are coming off a national championship but must replace their QB.  The Clemson Tigers have to step up as their coach, Dabo Swinney, is starting to get heat from the fan base.  The recruiting is ranked highly year in and year out but their in-state rivals, USC Gamecocks are having just as strong recruiting and slightly more on field success. Clemson could take a major step towards changing that by beating the reigning champs from Auburn. The drawbacks on this game are small but enough to bump this game out of the top 3. Auburn’s QB question, a noon start instead of the excitement of a nighttime start.  The allure of Clemson just isn’t as strong during day games. On the plus side, this is a true road game and the 86,000 fans there will be vocal. Clemson is a school that parties like an SEC school on Saturday and might be a more natural fit in the SEC than anywhere else.

from http://clemsontigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/021411aad.html

4. Arkansas vs. Texas A&M on October 1 in Arlington, TX – This game is fun as it has the tradition of old rivals (from their SWC days) while keeping the heat of an inter-conference battle. Like game #5, these schools square off every year in recruiting, so the future of both programs are on the line when they meet as well. A&M has some of the greatest traditions in football, 12^th man, pep rallies, choreographed "yells", the corps of cadets taking the field and the best – kissing your date after each score. This makes it critical to consider whom you are bringing with you to the game! On the field, both teams have been mentioned as sexy picks to surprise this year and both are going to have exciting offenses so Cowboy Stadium should see some offensive excitement.  This game pits two top 20 teams in the biggest football stadium in an area that has a huge amount of backers and alumni for both schools. This weekend will be fun at the stadium and in the bars throughout the Dallas area.

from  http://www.jimmieknows.com/ 

3. Georgia vs. Boise State on September 3 in Atlanta (Georgia Dome) – This game looks to settle the hottest debate that has raged around college football. Can the “small school” like Boise survive versus a bully from the big bad SEC?  Georgia may not be the biggest or toughest in the SEC right now and the Broncos haven’t been “little sisters of the poor” in a decade or so.  In actuality, this game won’t prove if Boise State could play week in and week out in the SEC (In fact, Boise may be favored at game time). What it will prove is which team is still alive for a possible national title after just 1 game. Sure, Georgia could run the table in the SEC (long shot) and get back into title game, but realistically the loser of this game is out of any national title consideration. Both teams bring experienced quarterbacks to the field, but both will also be trying to fill major losses at WR. Georgia will most likely start a true freshman at RB and this national stage is a huge challenge. This game gets its lofty ranking for the national interest and the impact to title chances for both schools. Most of all- people love a David vs. Goliath story line even if it isn’t exactly true.

from  http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2390755/posts

2. Alabama at Penn State on September 10 – Joe Pa vs. Nick Saban – Happy Valley – Do I need to go on?   Ok I will. State’s Beaver Stadium hold 105,000 plus and they know how to support their team. The Penn State fans will be especially angry and vocal, as they have had to hear about the SEC domination over the Big 10 for too many years now. This game is dripping with tradition. Both schools are as old school as the uniforms they wear. In those uniforms, Alabama will be breaking in a new QB while Joe Pa will be settling on one as well. Both teams are known for great defenses. This year is no different as the Tide brings what is expected to be one of their best defenses ever to the game. The other factor in play here is could this be Joe Pa’s last great upset if the Nittany Lions get the win. For pure tradition hunters, this game is a clear #1.

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America

1. LSU vs. Oregon on September 3 in Arlington TX – I know two games in the top 5 at the same stadium. Well, first Cowboy Stadium is big enough and cool enough for two trips. Secondly, both games are so important for their own merits and no teams are repeat attendees that the value of both games outweighed the double dip.  Heck, if you are lucky enough to get to go to 2 or more of these games then what are you complaining about!!  Now to the game and how this game landed at #1 on this list. First, the fans of LSU are crazy and they travel well. Arlington (greater Dallas area) is not far for those coming from LA and also has a large LSU alumni base.  The bars will be climbing with Tigers this weekend.  Second, Oregon is the school of Nike as we see with all those crazy uniforms. Who knows what will happen with Jerry Jones's and Phil Knight's empires involved. Third and most important- the action on the field may represent the best match up all season. This opening weekend game pits two teams that are clear national tile contenders. Oregon with their high flying offense is loaded to put points on the board at a ridiculous pace. They lose little from the team that Auburn defeated in the last seconds in the national title game last year.  They will be looking for revenge vs. LSU for that loss to the SEC.  LSU brings a big fast defense that might be better (even in week 1) than the one Auburn fielded which slowed the Quack Attack to a degree.  LSU also looked strong in their bowl win and are looking to build off that win. The final point of excitement that we will mention is on the sideline.  The two coaches- Chip Kelly and Les Miles are emotional and gamblers. With a whole summer to dream up plays, expect a few surprises from both teams! This game will impact the national title race. Both teams might be able to recover from a loss here but it would be tough and leaves no room for error for the remainder of the season. The winner is on a clear path forward with a huge win under belt.