The countdown is now officially on for the start of the new FBS season, which means it's not too early to look at college football's schedule in 2019 for week 1 matchups that will be appointment viewing. From an interesting week 0 opener to a challenging first game for the defending champs, here are the can't-miss games to kickoff the new season.
Note: Expect plenty of scheduling changes between now and the start of the season, including days and times.
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Hawaii vs. Arizona
Date: Saturday, August 24
Last Meeting: 41-24 Hawaii, 2006
Reasons to Watch: This is the fourth straight season the Warriors will participate in what's been dubbed "week 0." The squad routed Colorado State in last season's week 0 opener as 17-point underdogs behind Cole McDonald's 418 yards passing.
On the other sideline, Arizona will look to rebound from blowing a 19-point, fourth-quarter lead at home to rival Arizona State, which kept the Wildcats from bowl eligibility. It's also a first opportunity to see if Heisman candidate Khalil Tate can regain the magic that resulted in 1,411 rushing yards in 2017 compared to only 237 last season.
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BYU vs. Utah
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AP Photo/Rick Bowmer[/credit]
Date: Thursday, August 29
Last Meeting: 35-27, Utah, 2018
Reasons to Watch: Can the Cougars finally break through after losing the last eight Holy War showdowns? Last year's defeat was especially brutal as BYU squandered a 20-0 halftime lead in allowing the Utes to score the games final four TDs.
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Clemson vs. Georgia Tech
Date: Thursday, August 29
Last Meeting: 49-21, Clemson, 2018
Reasons to Watch: Kudos to Clemson for scheduling a pair of Power 5 squads to open the 2019 campaign. One week before hosting Texas A&M, the Tigers welcome Georgia Tech to town in what will be the Yellow Jacket's first game without head coach Paul Johnson on the sidelines since 2007. Geoff Collins comes from Temple to take over the reins and has the "pleasure" of opening the season against Trevor Lawrence and quite possibly the best offense in the FBS.
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Michigan State vs. Tulsa
Date: Friday, August 30
Last Meeting: First ever meeting
Reasons to Watch: Is this the year the Spartans finally lose an opener to a non-Power 5 opponent? It barely escaped Utah State 38-31 last year, Furman 28-13 in 2016, and Boise State 17-13 in 2012.
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Auburn vs. Oregon (in Arlington, TX)
Date: Saturday, August 31
Last Meeting: 22-19, Auburn, 2011
Reasons to Watch: In a rematch of the 2011 BCS title game, Auburn and Oregon look to take the next step after winning eight and nine games respectively last year.
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Boise State vs. Florida State (in Jacksonville, FL)
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AP Photo/Steve Conner[/credit]
Date: Saturday, August 31
Last Meeting: First ever meeting
Reasons to Watch: Boise State looks to make its case as an early Group of 5 candidate to play in a New Year's Six bowl game while FSU tries to return to the postseason after its 36-game bowl streak ended last year.
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Florida vs. Miami (FL) (in Orlando, FL)
Date: Saturday, August 31
Last Meeting: 21-13, Miami, 2013
Reasons to Watch: It's not officially college football season until the Hurricanes open the year ranked way too high before fizzling out. This year they can start their descent before the calendar hits September.
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