ESPN recently announced its Week 1 lineup of college football games, and it's about as exciting a slate as any fan could hope for.
As fantastic as these Power 5 matchups are, there's a dozen sneaky-good showdowns between Group of 5 squads and "big brother" that could have the college world buzzing on Sunday morning.
RELATED: 9 Most Improved Group of 5 Football Helmets
Let's examine 12 opening weekend Group of 5 non-conference matchups you won't want to miss along with one huge reason to watch.
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Colorado State vs. Colorado (Denver, CO)
You need to watch because: Although the Buffalos lead the all-time series 64-22-2, the Rams have won 2 out of the last 5 matchups and nearly made it 3 of 5 before losing this 2015 overtime thriller.
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Utah State at Wisconsin
You need to watch because: ESPN just moved this game to Friday, September 2nd, and the last time these teams met in Madison (2012) the big-time underdog Aggies missed a game-winning 37-yard field goal with seconds remaining.
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Houston at UTSA
You need to watch because: It will be interesting to see how the post-Tom Herman era begins and if the new Major Applewhite regime can make a push for a New Year's Six bowl game.
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Nevada at Northwestern
You need to watch because: The Wildcats opened last season with a home loss to a Group of 5 foe (Western Michigan), and it's your first look at the new Wolfpack uniforms.
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Wyoming at Iowa
You need to watch because: There are more storylines here than you probably realize considering Iowa (ranked #13 at the time) was upset last year at home to a squad from the Mountain Time Zone (North Dakota State), and it's your first look at Wyoming's potential #1 NFL draft pick, QB Josh Allen.
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Western Michigan at USC
You need to watch because: This game looked a whole lot different a few years ago when these schools signed the contract, but is there any way WMU can follow up on last year's 13-0 regular season?
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Georgia Southern at Auburn
You need to watch because: If the Tigers aren't prepared for one of the country's most lethal option attacks, this game could be a lot closer than you might think.
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Appalachian State at Georgia
You need to watch because: ESPN will show this video at least five times during the game to remind you of what Appalachian State is capable of.
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Kentucky at Southern Mississippi
You need to watch because: The Eagles beat KU last year 44-35 and this season's rematch takes place in Hattiesburg.
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Temple at Notre Dame
You need to watch because: The Owls almost upset the Irish on Halloween in 2015, which was the same season it demolished Penn State 27-10 in the season opener.
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Vanderbilt at Middle Tennessee
You need to watch because: Over the past three seasons, Vandy has suffered losses to Conference USA, the AAC, and needed overtime last year to knock off Western Kentucky by one point.
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South Alabama at Ole Miss
You need to watch because: The Jaguars beat SEC opponent Mississippi State and eventual Mountain West champs San Diego State last year.
