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By B.J. Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor B.J. Bennett takes a look at the top non-conference games on the SEC schedule in 2010. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin. Become a fan of us on Facebook at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page
Top Non-Conference Games
1. Alabama vs Penn State, September 11th
Conference and regional pride will be on the line when these powers collide. The Crimson Tide and Nittany Lions have had some mammoth clashes over the years, including rhe 1975 and 1979 Sugar Bowls. The last two teams Alabama and Penn State met it was in Tuscaloosa and JoePa shutout the Tide 9-0.
2. LSU vs West Virginia, September 25th
The Tiger defense, led by linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, will have their hands full trying to slow down All-American running back Noel Devine and the Mountaineer offense. This will be the first ever meeting between these two programs.
3. LSU vs North Carolina, September 4th (Atlanta, Georgia)
The Chic-Fil-A Kickoff Classic will be a dandy with the Tigers and Tar Heels meeting in the Georgia Dome. Expect defense to be the theme as LSU and North Carolina allowed 16 and 17 points per game in 2009.
4. Auburn vs Clemson, September 18th
A classic southern showdown, which group of Tigers will win this SEC/ACC clash? The winner here will get a major boost of early season momentum. This rivalry dates back to the 19th century as the first meeting came in 1899.
5. Arkansas vs Texas A&M, October 9th (Arlington, Texas)
This old Southwest Conference rivalry remains a good one. The fact that this series is now being played in Jerry Jones' ridiculously-awesome facility puts it on an even bigger stage. Last season's meeting was the first since 1991.
6. Oregon at Tennessee, September 11th
A win here could do wonders for Derek Dooley and the Volunteer program. Tennessee has never played the Ducks, who have an experienced, talented team and can put up points on offense. Neyland Stadium will be rocking.
7. Florida vs South Florida, September 11th
This will be a tough early season test for the new-look Gators. USF was able to topple Florida State in Tallahassee last season. They may have a tougher time with Florida in Gainesville. Skip Holtz is the new head man for the Bulls.
8. Georgia at Colorado, October 2nd
The first-ever meeting between these two programs came in 2006, with Georgia winning by one point. Now the Bulldogs must make the return trip. This will be a rare out of conference road trip across the Mississippi River for UGA.
9. Alabama at Duke, September 11th
The defending national champions will make one out of conference road trip, a rare big game in Wallace Wade Stadium. The Crimson Tide will go up against former SEC head coach David Cutcillfe.
10. Ole Miss vs Fresno State, September 25th
The Rebel offense will have a few games to find new playmakers by this point. The Bulldogs finished last season winning seven of their last nine games. Ole Miss has never played Fresno State.
Top Annual Rivalries
1. Florida vs Florida State, November 27th
Tim Tebow went undefeated in his career versus the Seminoles. John Brantley will look to continue the trend, starting off in Tallahassee. Urban Meyer will face Jimbo Fisher for the first time.
2. Georgia vs Georgia Tech, November 27th
The Bulldogs were able to top the Yellow Jackets on their home turf a year ago. Mark Richt will look to make it two in a row over Georgia Tech. GT topped UGA two years ago in Athens so revenge will be on the mind of the 'Dawgs.
3. South Carolina vs Clemson, November 27th
The Gamecocks spoiled C.J. Spiller's regular season finale, beating the Tigers last year in Columbia. Steve Spurrier will look to make it two in a row over Dabo Swinney. USC has big expectations this year.
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