That phenomenal schedule of Week 1 college football games is almost here.
It's not quite the blockbuster beginning to the season we had in 2016, but this first weekend is loaded with intriguing storylines, none bigger than the showdown between No. 1 Alabama and No. 3 Florida State in Atlanta.
MORE: SN's preseason college football rankings
There is so much intrigue to sort out for so many reasons. Here are the 15 games on the Week 1 college football schedule that we're looking forward to the most.
15. Navy at Florida Atlantic (Sept. 1)
When: 8 p.m., ESPNU
We can't wait: It's Lane Kiffin's debut with the Owls, and they'll run into a Navy team that will test his patience. Should be fun.
14. Cal vs. North Carolina (Sept. 2)
When: 12:20 p.m., ACC Network
We can't wait: First-year coach Justin Wilcox at Cal and transfer quarterback Brandon Harris at North Carolina. This will be entertaining shootout.
13. Appalachian State at Georgia (Sept. 2)
When: 6:15 p.m., ESPN
We can't wait: The Mountaineers took Tennessee into overtime in the opener last season. What do they have for the favorite to win the SEC East this year?
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12. Temple at Notre Dame (Sept. 2)
When: 3:30 p.m., NBC
We can't wait: Notre Dame has several renovations to its stadium to unveil, not to mention a new quarterback in Brandon Wimbush. This is a big year for Brian Kelly and the Irish.
11. Maryland at Texas (Sept. 2)
When: 12 p.m., FS1
We can't wait: To see Tom Herman walk out of that tunnel and what it means for the Longhorns, who will be up against an improved Maryland team under second-year coach D.J. Durkin.
MORE: 2017-18 bowl projections
10. Louisville vs. Purdue (Sept. 2)
When: 7:30 p.m., FOX
We can't wait: Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson leads the Cardinals against Purdue in Jeff Brohm's debut. Lucas Oil Stadium is a nice backdrop.
9. Wyoming at Iowa (Sept. 2)
When: 12 p.m., BTN
We can't wait: Start the noon slate by watching Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen, who is getting a ton of NFL Draft buzz, take on the Hawkeyes.
8. Ohio State at Indiana (Aug. 31)
When: 8 p.m., ESPN
We can't wait: To see former Indiana coach Kevin Wilson's spin on the Ohio State offense in his first game as coordinator. Expect J.T. Barrett to let it fly for the Buckeyes. It's early, but it's a fun way to start the Big Ten conference schedule.
7. N.C. State vs. South Carolina (Sept. 2)
When: 3 p.m., ESPN
We can't wait: Two teams with sleeper appeal square off in Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, and it's a chance to see All-American candidates Bradley Chubb and Skai Moore on the same field.
MORE: Preseason All-Americans
6. Texas A&M at UCLA (Sept. 3)
When: 7:30 p.m., FOX
We can't wait: These teams played a thriller last year, and we expect the same-type game in the comebacker. The loser — whether it's Kevin Sumlin or Jim Mora Jr. — will feel the heat. Didn't we say that last year, too?
5. BYU vs. LSU (Sept. 2)
When: 9:30 p.m., ESPN
We can't wait: To see Derrius Guice run again, but the Tigers have to be careful here. BYU is an experienced team led by Tanner Mangum. Stay up late. It will be worth it in the second half.
4. Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech (Sept. 4)
When: 8 p.m., ESPN
We can't wait: The second part of that doubleheader in Atlanta. The Labor Day special is an interesting test for both teams, which are trying to get back to championship-level play in their respective conferences. How many Vols fans will cut into the home-field advantage for the Yellow Jackets?
MORE: 11 one-sided rivalries
3. West Virginia vs. Virginia Tech (Sept. 3)
When: 7:30 p.m., ESPN
We can't wait: This is a game that should be played every year. Justin Fuente and the Hokies are looking to build on an impressive debut, and Will Grier will be in the mix for the Mountaineers.
2. Michigan vs. Florida (Sept. 2)
When: 3:30 p.m., ABC
We can't wait: It's a huge tone-setter game for the Wolverines and Gators, and we get to see Jim Harbaugh and Jim McElwain in Jerry World. Big Ten vs. SEC showdowns are always big. This is no exception. It's a hell of an undercard to the main event.
1. Florida State vs. Alabama (Sept. 2)
When: 8 p.m., ESPN
We can't wait: Like we said, it could be a Game of the Century situation between two heavyweights. There are so many storylines here, and it starts with Nick Saban taking on former protégé Jimbo Fisher. NFL talent all over the place, and it's the opening of the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It's the biggest Week 1 game we can remember.
