The out-of-conference schedules around the state offer plenty of tasty matchups over the next few weeks as college football revs up across Texas. The month of September should be one to remember with a few in-state matchups and Power Five showdowns headline the 10 games we ranked as the best out-of-conference games involving teams from the Lone Star State. 

1. Texas A&M vs. Miami

When: Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. CDT 

Where: Kyle Field, College Station 

Why: The first true test for two teams trending upwards on the recruiting trail. The home game against Miami serves as an important tune-up for a tough SEC West schedule for an Aggies program that possesses high hopes in 2022 and beyond. Kyle Field is always a scene, and the Hurricanes are always an entertaining program on and off the field. Former Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal is back at Miami to lead the Hurricanes and he inherited quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. Texas A&M enters the season ranked sixth in the AP Poll and just named Haynes King the starter at quarterback entering the 2022 season. Both teams brought in elite young talent over the offseason, as well. 

2. Texas vs. Alabama 

When: Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. CDT 

Where: DKR Stadium, Austin 

Why: The Longhorns are gearing up for a move to the SEC and the home game against Alabama gives Texas and head coach Steve Sarkisian a look at how close, or far, the program is to competing at the national level. Alabama is the overwhelming favorite to win the SEC and the College Football Playoff. Even a close loss will give the Texas faithful reason for optimism, but a blowout defeat would flame anxieties that the Longhorns aren’t close to ready to be competing with the best of the best in the SEC. The contest gives us a chance to gauge the early development of new quarterback Quinn Ewers. 

3. TCU at SMU 

When: Sept. 24 at TBD 

Where: Ford Stadium, Dallas 

Why: The Battle for the Iron Skillet intensifies in 2022 with former SMU head coach Sonny Dykes taking the same gig at TCU following the 2021 campaign. His former offensive coordinator, Rhett Lashlee, takes the reigns as a head coach for the first time in his career. The familiarity of the coaching staffs and rosters make this one a must-watch contest early in the season. TCU is on a two-game losing streak against SMU despite the last two games being played in Fort Worth. The Mustangs are a talented bunch thanks to the return of quarterback Tanner Mordecai and the addition of 17 transfers. The Horned Frogs are undergoing a complete makeover after 20-plus years of Gary Patterson. 

4. Houston at UTSA 

When: Sept. 3 at 2:30 p.m. 

Where: Alamodome, San Antonio 

Why: This is arguably the best G5 matchup in September. Houston won 11-straight to close the regular season and reach the AAC championship game in 2021 and the Cougars feel like an undefeated season in 2022 isn’t out the question. UTSA – the reigning C-USA champs – start the season with tough matchups in three consecutive games. Clayton Tune vs. Frank Wilson in a quarterback battle is worth the price of admission. 

5. Baylor at BYU

When: Sept. 10 at 9:15 p.m.

Where: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo 

Why: Baylor won the 2021 “Battle of the Book” in Waco between two teams set to become Big 12 foes next season. Baylor offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes was at BYU prior to taking over the Bears offense ahead of the 2021 campaign. The Bears are the reigning Big 12 champions, but BYU returns a lot of production on both sides of the ball and is at home. Baylor must replace its starting running backs, most of its production at wide receiver, and stars on defense such as Jalen Pitre and Terrell Bernard. 

6. Houston at Texas Tech 

When: Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. 

Where: Jones Stadium, Lubbock 

Why: Texas Tech erased a double-digit first-half deficit to beat Houston in the season opener of 2021. Houston wants revenge and needs a win to build its resume in hopes of running the table and crashing the College Football Playoffs. This will be the first big game for Joey McGuire as a college head coach. Big games at Jones Stadium are always fun. 

7. Texas Tech at N.C. State 

When: Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. 

Where: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh 

Why: A week after hosting Houston, the Red Raiders travel to North Carolina to face a Wolfpack program with high expectations entering the 2022 college football season. Texas Tech needs to pull an upset or two to reach six wins thanks to a tough non-conference schedule. Depending on how the Houston game goes, Texas Tech might be facing a two-game losing streak.

8. UTSA at Army 

When: Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. 

Where: Michie Stadium, West Point 

Why: We respect, and enjoy, watching the troops play her at DCTF. UTSA is a military city with ties to the armed forces. It’s also the sandwich game for UTSA between a home game at Houston and a road game at Texas. The game against Army represents the most winnable of any of the Roadrunners’ first three contests. 

9. SMU at North Texas

When: Sept. 3 at 6:30 p.m. CDT 

Where: Apogee Stadium, Denton 

Why: North Texas beat UTEP 31-13 in Week 0 to start the 2022 season with a bang. The running game looked great, the Phil Bennett defense was outstanding in the second half, and Austin Aune threw three touchdowns en route to C-USA Offensive Player of the Week honors. This marks the first ever game for Lashlee as a head coach. These two teams are conference mates starting next season. 

10. UTEP vs. New Mexico State 

When: Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. 

Where: Sun Bowl, El Paso

Why: UTEP’s momentum came crashing down in front of a sold-out Sun Bowl when North Texas lost by 18 to C-USA rival North Texas. It was the fifth straight loss to the Mean Green by Dana Dimel’s program. A Week 1 game against Oklahoma means UTEP is starting 0-2 on the season. The home game against rival New Mexico State becomes a must-win for the Miners if they hold any hope of reaching a bowl game for the second consecutive year.