College Football Rivalry Games That Won't Even Be Close in 2018
Rivalries are landmarks of the college football season. Whether friendly or hate-filled, fans typically look forward to their favorite program taking on its historic nemesis.
But not every year is so fun.
In 2018, some supporters will be circling a specific date on their calendar—and desperately working to avoid the matchup. It seems like a great day to schedule that thing you really need to do!
Based on current projections and health status, these rivalries probably won't be competitive in the coming fall. Hey, there's always next year, right?
Georgia at South Carolina
1 of 7
When: Saturday, Sep. 8
South Carolina should have a respectable team in 2018 and cruise to bowl eligibility. But this is an unfavorable early clash.
While the Gamecocks are trying to settle a rebuilt defense, they'll host Georgia in the second week of September. The reigning national runner-up will boast an experienced offensive line in front of quarterback Jake Fromm and potential star runner D'Andre Swift.
Containing the Dawgs will be one massive challenge, and South Carolina still isn't built to keep up through the air. Jake Bentley has never not thrown an interception opposite a team that ended the season ranked and is 1-5 in those six games.
That may start to change during the upcoming season, but we're not banking on that improvement showing up so soon against an elite defense.
Michigan State at Indiana
2 of 7
When: Saturday, Sep. 22
Michigan State kicks off Big Ten action with a trip to Bloomington, where the Hoosiers will have a new-look defense. In recent history, that wouldn't have been a horrible thing. But Indiana had a strong unit in 2017, finishing 19th in yards per play allowed.
The Spartans sat one spot ahead in those rankings, and they have a clear and obvious advantage in who remains on the roster.
According to Bill Connelly of SB Nation, Michigan State returns the fifth-most defensive production. The Hoosiers have the fifth-lowest percentage of contributions coming back in 2018.
Indiana snatched the Old Brass Spittoon in 2016, but East Lansing should house the trophy for another year.
Clemson at Georgia Tech
3 of 7
When: Saturday, Sep. 22
One week after defending Georgia Southern's rushing attack, Clemson will turn its attention to rival Georgia Tech.
This matchup hasn't gone well for the Yellow Jackets lately, and the outlook isn't getting any more favorable.
Over the last three seasons, Clemson has posted a combined score of 93-41 while surrendering just 2.96 yards per carry. The ACC powerhouse boasts a trio of likely 2019 first-round draft picks (Dexter Lawrence, Clelin Ferrell and Christian Wilkins) and a potential fourth (Austin Bryant) on the defensive line.
Good luck scoring, Tech.
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Boise State at Nevada
4 of 7
When: Saturday, Oct. 13
Although the Mountain West being separated into two divisions ended the annual meeting, Nevada might not want to see Boise State that often anyway.
Last year, the Broncos enjoyed a 41-14 rout. They keep nearly all of their defensive production from 2017, basically only losing Leighton Vander Esch. Though he leaves a big void, every other starter returns.
Plus, Nevada had one of the nation's worst pass defenses in 2017. Quarterback Brett Rypien didn't have the season expected of him as a junior but is a prime bounce-back candidate.
Unless home-field advantage benefits the Pack to an unanticipated degree, Boise State should roll in this Mountain West affair.
Alabama at Tennessee
5 of 7
When: Saturday, Oct. 20
From 1995 to 2006, Tennessee owned the Third Saturday in October. The Vols won 10 of 12 matchups during that span.
Since then, it's been all Alabama—and we mean all Alabama. Head coach Nick Saban has rattled off 11 consecutive victories in the rivalry.
The arrival of new coach Jeremy Pruitt, a Saban disciple, in Knoxville suggests more competitive days are coming, but we also shouldn't get ahead of ourselves. After all, the last two clashes have resulted in final scores of 49-10 and 45-7, and the Vols are in rebuild mode.
Tennessee would need a heroic performance from its quarterback, likely Jarrett Guarantano, to keep the 2018 meeting close.
Oregon at Oregon State
6 of 7
When: Friday, Nov. 23
Quarterback Justin Herbert missed five games due to a broken collarbone in 2017, and the offense was completely unrecognizable. After returning in mid-November, his second outing was against Oregon State and...yikes.
Oregon steamrolled the Beavers 69-10, amassing 577 yards of total offense while limiting the in-state foe to 211 yards and forcing three turnovers. More of the same should be expected from the Ducks, who have a stable of backs ready to replace Royce Freeman.
Even if Oregon State quarterback Jake Luton makes a healthy return from a scary spinal injury, his value to the offense isn't worth 59 points.
Washington at Washington State
7 of 7
When: Friday, Nov. 23
Luke Falk is chasing the NFL, and the tragic suicide of Tyler Hilinski removes all experience from Washington State's quarterback room.
Plus, the offensive line loses a couple of key cogs. The system is built to withstand changes, but the Cougs have consistently struggled with rival Washington anyway. During the last three seasons, they've fallen 45-10, 45-17 and 41-14. Wazzu's most recent series win came in 2012.
To make matters worse, as Washington State retools its roster, Washington has the build of a national championship contender. The defense should be sensational yet again.
Cougars fans may decide to prioritize family over football during Thanksgiving week a little extra this year.
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from NCAA.com, cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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