Week 1: Big teams, Not quite so big games?

As we head into Week One of the College Football season, we are reminded of the ol' so age old match-up of the top collegiate program vs cupcake college...but as of late we have witnessed a resurgence of the tune-up non-conference games becoming harder and harder.

Is it because of more parity in the league? Or is it because A.D.'s actually going out there and looking for a middle of the road school to warm up against?

This week while No. 1 Georgia tunes up against Georgia Southern, No. 2 Ohio State receives a visit from Youngstown State and No. 4 Oklahoma takes on Chattanooga, thoughts of Appalachian State vs Michigan cross or minds.

Will any of these match-ups end up like last years surprise? Probably not. But don't say that to Appalachian State as they take on No. 7 LSU this week as well.

So with the easy on paper match-ups out of the way, we look to the key games of week 1, the match-ups everyone is talking about...No. 3 USC vs Virginia, No. 24 Alabama at No. 9 Clemson, and No. 20 Illinois at Missouri.

Although the higher ranked teams are favored, we have all learned that anything can happen and week one is not immune to upsets.

So what about the not so hyped games? The games that are not quite game of the week pick at the onset but are capable of being that by the end of Saturday night.

I now present to you the not so quite big games, tha may end up being as such.

No. 17 Virginia Tech vs East Carolina

This game was quite a surprise for Hokies fans, where then No. 9 Virginia Tech was tested and outlasted East Carolina 17-7. The Pirates come off a Hawaii bowl win and 8-4 season and will now host the Hokies over in Charlotte.

These schools are planning the big game atmosphere and now know each other alot better because of last season. This may not be the most marquee of games but it will be definitely worth paying attention to.

No. 25 Pittsburgh vs Bowling Green

Last years' fifth best defense in the Pitt Panthers will be tested against last years No. 2 passing attack and MAC Eastern Division favorites Bowling Green Falcons. This game make me highlight reels all night if the Falcons air attack can burn a stingy Panther defense. This game will definitely set the tone for the season for both teams.

Michigan vs Utah

This game pits the Coaches poll No. 24 versus MWC favorites Utah Utes. Michigan and Rich Rodriguez are looking to re-introduce themselves to the collegiate football world versus mid-major power Utah.

Ever since the Utes crashed the BCS party in 2005, they have been all but avoided by the big teams in major conferences. In comes Big Blue. They will host the Utes in the Big House and hope this does not turn out like a visit from Appalachian State last year.

Utah will look to make their mark as Michigan will try to re-invent themselves. Tune into ABC!