Ten of the most anticipated games versus Big 6 conference schools

Ten of the most anticipated non-big 6 versus big-6 games.

Boise State v Michigan State Spartans Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI--First game for Boise State in the post Kellen Moore era. Michigan State is projected to be a top 15 team and possibly compete for a Big Ten Championship.

Fresno State v Oregon Ducks Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR--First game after Pat Hill. Pat Hill built the program at Fresno and was let go after a disappointing 2011 season. Oregon lost their starting running back and quarterback but are one of the favorites to win the Pac 12 this fall.

Utah State v Utah Utes Romney Stadium, Logan, UT--This in-state rivalry game pits Pac 12 newcomer Utah versus the strong rushing attack of Utah State. The Aggies had Auburn on the ropes to start the 2011 season but after choking that game, never could get on track. A win versus Utah could be the jump start needed for a great season for USU.

Arkansas State v Oregon Ducks Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR--First game under Gus Malzahn. Malzahn takes over for good friend Hugh Freeze who won the Sun Belt and moved on to Ole Miss after his only season. Both teams have explosive offenses so this should be a great offensive game.

East Carolina v South Carolina Gamecocks Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC--South Carolina looks to win the SEC east and have talented running back Marcus Lattimore returning for coach Spurrier. East Carolina improved on defense in 2011 but their offense struggled more and the Pirates did not go bowling last season.

Houston v UCLA Bruins Rose Bowl, Los Angeles, CA--This is the first game post-Case Keenum. While missing Keemun to injury in 2010, the Cougars struggled mightily. They have the opportunity to prepare for no Keenum this fall.

Louisiana Tech v Texas A&M Aggies Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA-- Louisiana Tech are the defending WAC champions and get a virtual home game versus newly minted SEC team Texas A&M. This game will show alot about both teams for the 2012 season.

Tulsa v Iowa State Cyclones Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA--Tulsa struggled versus the Big 6 conference teams they faced in 2011 but this season includes a weaker schedule that includes a trip to Ames to face Iowa State. This is the barometer for the Golden Hurricane season in 2012.

Northern Illinois v Iowa Hawkeyes Soldier Field, Chicago, IL--In what is becoming a yearly event, NIU this time faces Iowa at Soldier Field. NIU lost Chandler Harnish but have many talented players that could step up and continue the success of the Huskies.

WKU v Kentucky Wildcats Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, KY--After losing their first 4 games in 2011, WKU reeled off 7 of 8 games to finish at 7-5 and barely miss out on a bowl. One of those losses was to UK who won 14-3 despite WKU having a multitude of chances to score. If WKU wins this game, it could send them into a home game versus Southern Miss with a 2-1 record. This is the opportunity for WKU to step into the national spotlight.