These programs were two of the bigger stories in college football last year. For Boise State, it’s Andy Avalos returning to his alma mater following Bryan Harsin’s departure to, coincidentally, Auburn. For UCF, it’s Gus Malzahn taking over after his time at Auburn. It’s two of the top G5 programs in the country in a primetime environment making their debuts with new head coaches. There are a few fun matchups on the Thursday of Week 1, but this is the best one. This game might not be close, but it will at least be nostalgic to see these two back on the field together. Nebraska, 12-20 in three years under Scott Frost, would just like to play in a bowl game. Before that plays out, though, the Sooners have legitimate national title aspirations under Lincoln Riley. Oklahoma is on its way out of the Big 12 to the SEC. These longtime rivals from their Big Eight and Big 12 days will reunite for the first time since 2010. ULL went into Ames and beat Iowa State to open the 2020 season and it has every intention on doing the same to the Longhorns in Austin. The Steve Sarkisian era will kick off at home against Louisiana, a team that has a 21-4 record over the past two seasons. Texas better not overlook the Ragin’ Cajuns.

While WVU seems to be trending in the right direction under Neal Brown, there are plenty of questions surrounding Justin Fuente’s job status in Blacksburg. This time, the Hokies will travel to Morgantown in an intriguing early-season matchup. However, the two have faced off only once since 2005, and that was a neutral site game at an NFL stadium. This used to be a yearly affair, including when VT and WVU were members of the Big East.

Below are the 15 non-conference games we're most looking forward to, omitting the traditional rivalry games we see every year.

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