We are playing Va. Tech in the home opener, (2nd game of the season) and am confident that although it may be close, will win the game. But, I was wondering, have we ever played another highly ranked opponent (Top Ten) so early in the season? If we have, who was it, and what was the outcome? :helmet: :geauxtige :helmet: :geauxtige
Can't think of any non-conference team ranked in the top 10 in recent memory. #15 Arizona State (won) a couple of years ago and #16 VT (lost) in '02. We have played highly ranked SEC teams early in the season. #10 Tenn in '05 (lost) was the 2nd game. Auburn was highly ranked in '04 (#14 - lost) and '06 (#3 - lost) and was the 3rd game of the year.
It took me 5 minutes of searching to find their ranking and once I did, you beat me to it. That's a shame.
In 1995 we opened the season at #3 A&m. 1993 @ #5 A&m. 1992 in BR vs #7 A&m. The highest ranked very eary opponent since about the mid 60s was against #1 (at game time) Nebraska in 1976 in BR which ended in a tie.
The Nebraska game came to my mind first, I'd have gotten the 70's right, cause I'm sure it was a McClendon game.
I remember back in '83 we played FSU and Washington early in the season. I don't recall FSU's ranking but it seems like Washington was ranked very high...maybe like #4 at the time. If I recall correctly, we lost to FSU and defeated Washington. We beat Arizona and USC the following year...part of our nine straight wins against the Pac-10.
FSU was the first game and was ranked 12th when we played them. Washington was the 3rd game and was ranked 9th.
I think the most unique feature of the Va. Tech game is that it's an OOC opponent, and WE are ranked #2. That's what makes this a pretty ground-breaking event.
