SEC Football: 4 must-see non-conference games for 2022 season

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Brock Bowers #19 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

3. LSU vs. Florida State

Brian Kelly is in an interesting new position this year.

He is the winningest coach in Notre Dame history and made headlines by leaving the Fighting Irish this past November.

Kelly is trying to fit into the culture of LSU football and bring his own success to the program. It’s an odd fit but Kelly is sure trying.

He is dancing with recruits, putting on a southern accent, and embracing LSU. But none of that will matter if he doesn’t bring more wins along with him.

LSU will begin the year versus Florida State which is a familiar foe for Coach Kelly.

Last year his Notre Dame squad opened up the year with an overtime victory against the Seminoles, 41-38.

He’ll need another successful season opener so the media doesn’t jump on him immediately.

It’s no secret that both programs have struggled as of late. LSU is coming off their first losing season since 1999 and FSU has had four consecutive losing seasons.

It’s likely neither team begins the year ranked but these big brands are due for a bounce back into national attention.

FSU head coach Mike Norvell is entering his 3rd year with an 8-13 overall record so this win would be huge for the program.

The game is scheduled for week 1 on Sunday night and will have the whole college football world watching to see if one of these programs can turn the corner.

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