College football's toughest places to play in 2019

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2. SANFORD STADIUM (GEORGIA)

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Why it'll be tough: The Bulldogs have won 13 straight between the hedges since a 1-point loss to Georgia Tech left a sour mark on Kirby Smart's first season in 2016. Taking care of business at Sanford Stadium has led to a pair of SEC East titles, a College Football Playoff berth and ample momentum heading into Jake Fromm's junior campaign — which could be his best at Georgia. The Bulldogs' average margin of victory in Athens during Fromm's tenure is 28.1 points per game, which ranks among the most impressive point differentials nationally over the past two seasons. One caveat to that number? Only one of those wins came against a Top 25 team (Mississippi State). This year's slate includes bouts with nationally-ranked Notre Dame and Texas A&M, so this unblemished mark will be put to the test.

Game to watch: Notre Dame, Sept. 21

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3. TIGER STADIUM (LSU)

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Why it'll be tough: There's no doubt Death Valley has lost some of its luster in recent years, highlighted by the disastrous loss to Troy during the 2017 season and last year's shutout stinker vs. Alabama, but remember — we're ranking toughness and projecting for the 2019 campaign. And the Tigers will be a legitimate Playoff contender if they can take care of business in front of raucous crowds in Baton Rouge. The seven-game home slate is extremely light early before LSU hosts nationally-ranked Florida, Auburn and Texas A&M over three of the final four home games. Finish unblemished at Tiger Stadium and there's a good chance the Tigers are knocking on the Playoff's door at 11-1 if they can split showdowns vs. Alabama and Texas.

Game to watch: Florida, Oct. 12

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5. KYLE FIELD (TEXAS A&M)

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Why it'll be tough: Going into College Station has always been nightmarish for opposing teams, especially on third down with 100,000-plus bearing on the quarterback hoping to disrupt the snap count or scramble a play-call. And it's even more intimidating now that Jimbo Fisher has Aggies fans believing they will be competing for SEC titles very soon after a nine-win campaign during his first season. There's nothing quite as appetizing as optimism for college football fans and Kyle Field will be an absolute zoo for the Alabama game in October if Texas A&M can first take care of business at home vs. Auburn in the SEC opener three weeks prior.

Game to watch: Alabama, Oct. 12

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8. BRYANT-DENNY STADIUM (ALABAMA)

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Why it'll be tough: No disrespect to college football's premiere program, but when has Alabama's crowd really affected an opposing team over the course of four consecutive trips to the College Football Playoff? One of the more recent Iron Bowl wins maybe? Last season's return of Dixieland Delight was exciting for students, but whether you play the Crimson Tide on the road or in your own venue, you're going to get the same level of effort out of Alabama and that's a testament to Nick Saban's process. By default, Bryant-Denny appears on the list for 2019 considering Alabama is a nation-leading 59-4 at home since 2010. This program hasn't dropped a home game since losing to Ole Miss in 2015.

Game to watch: LSU, Nov. 9

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Just missed the cut:

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Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Florida),

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Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn)

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