In the era of the College Football Playoff, a high-quality win in non-conference play can mean the difference between breaking into the national semifinals and being one of the top teams left on the outside of the top four.
As you move down the conference standings, a tough slate of non-league games can mean the difference between reaching six wins and falling short of bowl eligibility.
When it comes to the Power Five conferences, several teams shunned the path of least resistance to embrace the challenge of facing two or more high-profile opponents outside of conference play.