Greg McElroy identified 3 marquee matchups at the beginning of the college football season as his top early non-conference games to watch.

LSU against Florida State, Texas at Alabama, and Ohio State at Notre Dame are the choices.

McElroy recalled how LSU was one of the most improved teams last season, and it’s a loaded roster this year. The Seminoles also return plenty of talent, as each team has a returning quarterback, improved offensive line and playmakers all around. He expects LSU and FSU to be ranked in the top 12 entering the season.

As for Alabama, McElroy calls the Crimson Tide the consensus No. 2 team in the SEC, and they face a tall task in the Longhorns.

“Texas has everything that you could possibly want,” he said. “Hopefully Quinn Ewers looks like the guy that was on the field at the beginning of the season last year.”

Ewers looked more confident this spring, and the roster overall is improved, McElroy said, as Texas is expected to the favorite for the Big 12 title.

“Alabama on the other side gotta replace the quarterback spot of course,” he said. “… Good solid playmakers. The defense at all 3 levels should be very, very solid. So a few things they need to iron out for sure, but Alabama in Tuscaloosa hosting the Longhorns should be an incredible matchup.”

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